I’ve been testing the Aqara FP300 Presence Sensor in daily use, and I wanted to share some real-world observations—especially around scenarios where traditional motion sensors fall short.
Why FP300 Is Different
Most motion sensors work well for “pass-by” detection, but they struggle in situations where people stay still—working at a desk, reading, or sleeping.
FP300 uses mmWave presence detection, which allows it to detect continuous human presence, even with minimal movement.
In practice, this unlocks a different class of automations.
Practical Scenarios I’ve Been Using
1. Home Office / Desk Setup
Lights stay on while I’m working, even if I’m sitting still for a long time.
When I leave the room completely, the lights turn off automatically—no false triggers, no sudden darkness.
2. Bedroom at Night
FP300 can detect presence without relying on movement, which is ideal for sleep scenarios.
It prevents lights or HVAC from turning off unexpectedly while someone is still in bed.
3. Living Room Zoning
With proper placement, FP300 can help differentiate between “someone is in the room” vs. “the room is empty,” making automations feel more intentional rather than reactive.
Things Worth Noting
- Placement matters. Small adjustments in angle and height can significantly affect detection accuracy.
- It’s best combined with time conditions or device states for more refined automations.
- FP300 shines most in low-movement, long-stay scenarios.
Who FP300 Is Best For
- Users building advanced, context-aware automations
- Anyone frustrated with motion sensors turning things off too early
- Smart home enthusiasts who care about presence, not just movement
Let’s Share Use Cases
I’m curious how others in the community are using FP300:
- Desk setups?
- Bedroom automations?
- Energy-saving scenarios?
If you’ve found an interesting setup—or are still experimenting—feel free to share.
Presence-based automation feels like one of those small changes that quietly makes a smart home feel much smarter.