Hey everyone! Just wanted to share my first experience setting up a DIY home security system using Aqara gear — I’m totally new to this smart home stuff, so if I can do it, anyone can.
I started with the basics: the Aqara M2 Hub, door/window sensors, a motion sensor, and the G2H camera. All of this paired with Apple HomeKit since I’m already deep in the Apple ecosystem. Was honestly surprised at how smooth the setup was — the Aqara app walks you through everything and once I got the hub added to HomeKit, the rest sort of fell into place.
One big tip: place the motion sensor at chest level and tilt it downward a bit to avoid it going off every time your cat walks by. Learned that the hard way…
Also, for the G2H camera, if you want it to double as a HomeKit Secure Video camera and security alarm trigger, don’t forget to set Automation rules in the Home app. I made a simple one that notifies me and starts recording when the front door opens and no one’s home.
Still learning the ropes here, but it honestly feels awesome to get all this set up myself. Anyone else jumped into Aqara security setups recently? Curious what sensors or setups you’re using—especially outdoor stuff.
Happy to troubleshoot too if any other newbies are getting stuck where I did!