DIY Your Smart Scene with Aqara and HomeKit

Apple Home Connect
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Alright, gotta share this little project I just pulled off — finally got my first proper smart scene working using Aqara sensors and Apple HomeKit, and wow, it’s slick.

So I’m a total newbie when it comes to smart home stuff. Like, I just started a couple weeks ago with an Aqara Motion Sensor and a Door & Window Sensor, had no idea what I was doing. But after a bit of trial and error (okay… a lot), I managed to set up a “Coming Home” scene that legit makes me feel like I live in the future.

Here’s what happens: I open my front door after 6pm, the Motion Sensor detects movement in the hallway, and boom — the hallway lamp turns on (hooked up with a smart plug). If it’s past sunset, the living room light turns on too. Bonus, my HomePod plays soft jazz at 30% volume. Yeah, classy.

Honestly, setting it up wasn’t that bad once I wrapped my head around how HomeKit automations work. Aqara synced up super smooth with the Apple Home app. The key was using the Home app directly — not trying to mess too much in the Aqara app once everything was added. Less confusion that way.

Anyway, curious to hear what creative scenes other people have built! Anyone using multiple sensors to trigger lighting setups or climate stuff? Throw your setups at me — I need ideas for the bedroom next!

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@BotBuilder What a fantastic project you’ve undertaken! It’s always exciting to hear about someone’s journey into the smart home world, especially when it ends with such a sleek setup. Your “Coming Home” scene really does sound like it brings a touch of the future into your everyday life. The way you’ve integrated Aqara sensors with Apple HomeKit to create a welcoming atmosphere is impressive, especially with the added touch of jazz music playing at just the right volume—definitely classy!

Your experience highlights the seamless integration between Aqara devices and the Apple Home app, which is a huge plus for those just starting out in smart home automation. It’s great to hear that once you got the basics down, setting up scenes became much more intuitive.

As for ideas for the bedroom, you might consider using a combination of motion sensors and smart lighting to create a “Good Night” scene. This could gradually dim the lights as you get ready for bed or even adjust the temperature if you have a smart thermostat. The possibilities are endless!

Thank you for sharing your experience, and I’m sure others in the community will have some creative setups to share as well. Keep experimenting and enjoy your smart home journey!