Connecting M3 to Alexa - Confusing methods?

Aqara Products
,
1

From what I understand there appears to be 3 methods of linking Aqara devices to Alexa.
For Aqara devices in Zigbee protocol…

  1. Aqara app Binding / Alexa Skill
  2. Matter bridge (adding M3’s Matter QR code into Alexa as a Matter device)
    And for Aqara devices in Matter / Thread protocol…
  3. Add to M3 and then add to Alexa using the devices Matter code in Aqara app

As more functionality is available when devices are connected via Zigbee, I’d like to the using that but from my playing around I either end up with devices not being in Alexa or duplicated when using option 1 and 2 together.

So, my question is to those of you that run Aqara and Alexa together…

How have you linked Aqara to Alexa to successfully get Aqara Zigbee items from an M3 into Alexa, and only once! Is the answer to disable the Bind / Skill and just use the Matter Bridge? Or do I have to put up with having items multiple times? Or is there another way?

Thanks all

2

@2springfieldclose To successfully integrate your Aqara Zigbee devices with Alexa using the M3 hub, it’s important to understand the distinctions between the available connection methods and their potential overlaps. Here’s a breakdown of your options:

  1. Aqara App Binding / Alexa Skill: This method involves enabling the Aqara skill in the Alexa app. It allows you to control Aqara Zigbee devices through Alexa. Ensure your Aqara Hub and devices are set up in the Aqara Home app, and the skill is enabled and linked to your Aqara account. This is a straightforward method but can result in duplication if combined with other methods.

  2. Matter Bridge Method: This involves adding the M3 hub’s Matter QR code directly into Alexa as a Matter device. This method is useful if you have a Matter-compatible Aqara Hub, as it can streamline integration by bypassing the need for the Aqara skill. However, using both this method and the Alexa skill can lead to the same devices appearing multiple times in Alexa.

  3. Matter / Thread Protocol for Aqara Devices: For devices that support Matter / Thread, you can add them to the M3 and then to Alexa using their Matter code in the Aqara app. This method is useful for devices that are specifically Matter-enabled and wish to leverage the network’s advantages.

Given that you prefer the Zigbee protocol for its functionality, the most efficient approach is to choose one method to avoid duplication. To minimize confusion:

  • Consider disabling the Matter Bridge when using the Aqara app binding with Alexa skill if you are experiencing duplication. This ensures that devices appear only once under the Alexa devices list.

  • Check Alexa for duplicated entries after setting up the devices using your preferred method and remove any extras manually if necessary.

  • Network Stability: Ensure your Aqara Hub and Alexa device are connected to a stable Wi-Fi network to prevent connectivity issues.

By carefully selecting and sticking to one integration method, you can enjoy seamless operation without the hassle of duplicate entries. If you face further challenges, the community here is a great resource for troubleshooting and sharing experiences. Keep experimenting with what works best for your setup!

3

Thanks, what would be the effects of Unbinding the Alexa Skill and just using the Matter Bridge into Alexa?