Alright, so after a weird incident where someone jiggled my door handle at 2AM (yeah, terrifying), I finally decided to go full DIY with my home security using Aqara gear. Thought I’d share what I did, in case anyone else wants a reliable but not crazy expensive alert system.
Here’s my basic setup:
Motion sensors by the front/back doors, and one in the hallway just for good measure. I linked these with a M2 Hub and a super loud siren (not Aqara, but I connected it via HomeKit as an automation). Also threw in a couple of Door & Window sensors on all entry points — those things are tiny but surprisingly effective.
Everything is tied into my phone through notifications — but I also set it so if certain sensors are triggered while I’m not home, the siren goes off AND my hallway lights flash red. Dramatic, yes. Effective? Absolutely.
Oh — pro tip — I used the Home and Away modes to keep things quiet when I’m milling around the house, so I don’t set it off every five seconds grabbing snacks.
Anyone else gone full DIY with their setup? Would love to hear if you’ve got cool automations layered in, or managed to scare the hell out of a would-be intruder like I did.
Let’s build the ultimate Aqara-based fortress!