Ok, so let me start by saying I was a total noob a few months ago — like, “what’s a scene?”-level beginner. But after a few late nights, a bunch of trial-and-error (and way too many Siri fails), I think I’ve hit a sweet spot with my Aqara Motion Sensors and HomeKit. So I figured I’d share how I went from clueless to actually loving it.
First off, placement seriously matters. I had one sensor half-covered by a shelf for weeks wondering why it never triggered my lights. Now I keep them around 6 feet high in the open, angled slightly down — works like a charm.
Second, combine it with time-based automations. Mine triggers lights when I walk into the hallway — but ONLY after sunset. Before that, I don’t need them and it saves battery. Speaking of which: low-motion areas = longer battery life. I swapped one from the kitchen to the garage. Battery is still going strong months later.
Also — and this is underrated — use them as security triggers! I have one facing my front door and set up a HomeKit automation to ping my phone when motion’s detected during work hours. Saved me once when a courier just walked in.
Last thing: don’t expect instant magic. There’s a bit of lag in some automations, and sometimes HomeKit just needs a little kick (aka reboot your hub every now and then if stuff stalls).
Anyone else got clever ways to use motion sensors? Hit me — always looking to level up!