What device are you using as your primary Thread router? It reads like there is a Thread network connection issue since it does not remain connected.
Do you have an Aqara Hub being used or an Apple device being used?
My primary thread router is a SONOFF USB Dongle Plus MG24 with OpenThread firmware.
I do have a couple of Nest hubs around but I unplug those when connecting matter device in order to prevent the nest hub from hijacking the handshake.
I do not have any Aqara matter hub or Apple device either.
And itās unlikely to be a thread network issues either. I currently have 6 Inovelli white series switch, 4 Eve outlet connected directly to the network without issues.
I also have my Nest thermostats shared from my Google Home working without issues as well.
Thank you for the information.
Okā¦ since I was new to thisā¦ I looked into things a bit more to figure out why the light switch stays connected but the lock donāt and learned that there is a differences between matter devices that has constant power (router end device) and devices that are battery powered (sleepy end device).
So the issue seems to be interference with my MG24 dongleā¦ I connected it to a longer usb extension cable than what came with the dongle and so far itās has stayed connected, finger crossed that, that fixes the issue.
Iāve also brought a MG26 poe dongle to replace my MG24 usb dongle with the hopes that, thatās a more definitive fix for the issue.
I have successfully added my U400 to Apple home and then to home assistant via an Apple homepod mini. But it came as a surprise that I now need an aqara hub to connect to the aqara app (other than bluetooth).
Is there a technical reason why the aqara app requires its own hub and cannot join the existing mesh on the Apple hub? Or is this just a software limitation that will eventually be resolved?
Whatās the correct order to set up Aqara U400 if I have an Apple TV with thread?
Dear Aqara User,
That is an excellent question. Technically, the order in which you add the U400 to different ecosystems does not matter; you can share the U400 as a Matter Accessory from one ecosystem to another at any time.
However, for the most stable connectionāespecially if you encounter pairing issuesāwe recommend prioritizing the ecosystem whose Hub (Thread Border Router) is physically closest to the lock. Here is a breakdown of how to proceed based on your setup:
Scenario 1: Apple TV is far from the lock (>5m)
If your Apple TV is more than 5 meters away and separated by thick walls/signal interference, we recommend:
- First: Pair the U400 with the hub closest to the door (e.g., an Aqara Hub M3 in Aqara Home or Nest Hub 2nd Gen in Google Home).
- Then: Generate a Matter pairing code within that app to share the U400 to Apple Home. This ensures the lock maintains a strong primary connection with the nearest node.
- Important Notes:
- Your Apple TV and the closer hub must be on the same Wi-Fi network to enable remote control via Apple Home.
- If the ācloser hubā goes offline, you will lose remote access, as there is no nearby hub to maintain the connection.
Scenario 2: Apple TV is close to the lock (Within 5m)
If your Apple TV is within 5 meters and has a clear line of sight (or minimal obstruction), we recommend:
- First: Add the U400 directly to Apple Home.
- Then: Share the device with other ecosystems located further away. Since the Apple TV is close enough to act as a stable Thread Border Router, it will provide a solid foundation for the lockās connectivity.
Scenario 3: Multiple hubs are within close range
If both your Apple TV and other ecosystem hubs (like Nest or Aqara hubs) are all within 5 meters of the lock, the order of setup is irrelevant. You can start with whichever ecosystem you prefer and then share the device via Matter to the others.
If you encounter any issues, please feel free to contact us again!
1 Like
Quick question, not sure if itās possible, but is it possible to calibrate the lock to only auto close once the door is fully close? Ex. I want to sometimes leave the door cracked without the lock attempting to close becoming jammed, and only auto close once the door position is fully closed.
That makes sense? Am I just not properly calibrating the lock?
Just add an Aqara Door and Windows Sensor to that door and use an automation. Donāt use the U400 auto lock feature.
IF I understand your question correctly?
1 Like
Yea that would work. Wouldāve been nice to be able to accomplish with the already expensive lock since it does have a gyroscopeā¦ But Iāll check out the p2.
I have been unable to add the lock to HomeKit and Iāve tried every different recommendation on what order to try and set it up in and which devices to use, etc.
I currently have two HomePod minis, and an Apple TV 4K with the Apple TV connected via ethernet. I also have an M3 Hub.
Every time I get to the point where itās being added to HomeKit, it gets to āadding to homeā and then fails after 30ish seconds and says āmissing parametersā.
Iāve double checked all router settings to make sure I had IPv6 enabled and I isolated to the 2.4g network with all devices running that network.
It shows up in the Matter Accessories section of my iPhone, when I try to add it, but never makes it into HomeKit. When I check the connected services in the Aqara app after a failed pairing, it shows connected to Apple Keychain, but not HomeKit.
I have never had this much difficulty trying to setup a smart device before.
A couple thoughts, if you can hardwire the Apple TV 4K and in the Apple Home app navigate to Home Settings-Home Hubs & Bridges. Select your Apple TV and turn off Automatic Selection.
Open the Aqara app and go to the U400 Settings-Matter-Connected Ecosystems. Remove Apple Home.
Go back one menu and select Matter Pairing Code (get a new code) open the Apple Home app and install a new device like normal using that new code.
Hope that helps
Thanks for the suggestion - Unfortunately, I already have the Apple TV set as the hub manually, and hasnāt made a difference
For some reason I was able to add it easily to a test Apple Home I setup with nothing else in it, which means something in my current Home setup is causing an issue
Interestingā¦
Iām not sure what to think about that one.
I suggest resetting everything - the U400 and remove it from Aqara app and homkit - factory default. The add U400 to Apple Homekit ONLY. Do not add the Aqara Hub and control U400 via bluetooth over the Aqara app. For some reason this worked for me. If I add the M100 hub it acts buggy.