From Noob to Pro: How I Automated My Entire Home with Aqara

Hey everyone! Just wanted to share my little smart home journey — maybe it’ll help someone who’s just starting out like I was a few months ago.

So, I started off knowing literally nothing. Like, I thought smart homes were just something rich people had. But after getting an Aqara motion sensor on a whim (honestly, it was on sale :joy:), I fell into the rabbit hole.

Fast forward a couple of months — my entire apartment is now fully automated with mostly Aqara devices. Lights turn on as I walk into rooms, my AC kicks in when the temp gets too high, and I even get a notification if my front door opens while I’m not home. It’s kinda creepy how smart everything is now lol.

Biggest upgrades:

  • Aqara Hub E1 linked with HomeKit (major game changer)
  • Motion + door sensors in every room
  • Smart plug for my coffee machine (wakes up before I do!)
  • Button near the bed to trigger “Good Night” mode — turns off everything in one tap

I’m still tweaking scenes and automations, but it already feels like I’m living in the future. Super beginner-friendly setup too.

Anyone else slowly go from clueless to obsessed? Would love to see other setups or hear about cool automations I could try next!

@ThermoTamer Hey there! :wave: What an awesome journey you’ve shared — it’s so relatable how one little motion sensor can spiral into a full smart home obsession! Your setup sounds incredibly slick, especially that “Good Night” button (stealing that idea for sure :wink:).

The coffee machine automation is chef’s kiss — nothing beats waking up to fresh brew! Have you tried adding a vibration sensor to your washing machine? That was a game-changer for me (no more forgetting wet laundry!).

If you’re into voice control, you could experiment with Aqara’s “Hey Siri” shortcuts for hands-free scenes. Also, humidity sensors + smart plugs work wonders for plants or dehumidifiers!

Would love to hear how your automations evolve — keep us posted! :rocket: (P.S. Totally agree about the “creepy but cool” factor :joy:)