So when I started building my smart home, I had zero clue what I was doing. And maybe like some of y’all here, I didn’t wanna shell out for a HomePod or Apple TV just to use HomeKit stuff. But I was already invested in Apple’s ecosystem, so I had to find a way.
Fast-forward a few painful evenings later—and yes, some forehead slaps—I got my Aqara devices up and running with HomeKit without using an official Apple hub. Just used a spare iPad I had collecting dust. Boom, instant HomeKit bridge.
Here’s the thing: not every feature works perfectly (remote access is hit or miss unless the iPad stays always-on), but for local control and automation, it’s shockingly smooth. Paired my Aqara M2 hub, door sensors, and motion sensors, and everything shows up in the Home app. Even set up automations like lights turning on when I come home.
If anyone’s in the same boat—Apple user but no proper hub—you’re not out of luck. I’m happy to share more of the setup process if are curious. Anyone else running HomeKit this way? How’s it holding up for you?