How to Make Aqara Devices Work 100% Locally (No Cloud Access Required)

Aqara Products
, , , ,
1

To limit your Aqara devices to local-only operation (so they work without sending data to Aqara’s or Xiaomi’s cloud), follow the approach that matches your setup.

⸻

If you’re using Home Assistant

This is the best way to achieve full local control.
1. Use the Aqara integration that connects directly to the hub’s local API, or better:
• Use Zigbee2MQTT or ZHA with a USB Zigbee dongle instead of the Aqara Hub.
→ Your Aqara sensors, switches, and other devices will pair directly to Home Assistant via Zigbee and never touch the cloud.
2. Do not sign in to the Aqara app with your Aqara/Xiaomi account.
3. Block the hub’s cloud access at your router:
• Create a rule to block all outbound internet traffic from the Aqara Hub’s IP address.
• Keep local LAN access open so Home Assistant can still reach it.

This setup gives you 100% local control and automations.

⸻

If you’re using the Aqara Hub with Apple Home (HomeKit)

Aqara Hubs that support HomeKit (such as M1S, M2, E1, and G3) can work fully locally within Apple Home.
1. Add the hub directly to Apple Home, not just in the Aqara app.
2. Once it’s added to Home:
• Delete the hub from your Aqara account or log out of the Aqara app.
• Optionally, disable Aqara cloud connection in your router.
3. Automations and control via HomeKit remain fully local, even if the internet is down.

Note: You’ll lose Aqara app-only features (for example, firmware updates, cloud backup, and remote access), but HomeKit automations remain fully local.

⸻

Optional Router Step (for extra privacy)

To block all Aqara cloud traffic:
• Use your router’s firewall or access control feature.
• Block the hub from reaching:
*.aqara.com
*.lumiunited.com
*.mi.com

Here’s the corresponding link on Reddit which prompted this post:
https://www.reddit.com/r/Aqara/s/BhZ3QhtFjV

19 Likes
3

Great sharing!

1 Like
4

What is Aqara Integration?

5

The Aqara Integration is a feature in Home Assistant (the local smart home platform) that lets Home Assistant communicate directly with an Aqara Hub or Aqara devices, without needing the Aqara cloud or mobile app.

There are actually two main ways this integration works, depending on your setup:

⸻

  1. Native Aqara Integration (Local API Method)

This method connects Home Assistant directly to an Aqara Hub over your home network.
• Some newer hubs, such as the Aqara M2, M1S, and E1, have a local LAN API (Application Programming Interface) that Home Assistant can use.
• Once connected, Home Assistant can see and control devices (sensors, switches, plugs, etc.) paired to that hub entirely over your local network, without the Aqara cloud.

Pros:
• Local communication (no cloud delay or dependency).
• Works with devices already paired to the Aqara Hub.
• Home Assistant can include these devices in automations, dashboards, and scenes.

Cons:
• Not all Aqara hubs support the LAN API.
• Initial setup may require enabling developer mode or LAN access in the Aqara app.

⸻

  1. Zigbee Integrations (ZHA or Zigbee2MQTT)

Instead of using an Aqara Hub, this method connects your Aqara devices directly to Home Assistant through a USB Zigbee coordinator (like a Sonoff ZBDongle or ConBee II).

Here, you skip the Aqara Hub completely:
• Aqara devices pair directly with Home Assistant.
• Zigbee2MQTT or ZHA handles all communication locally.

Pros:
• 100% local control and privacy.
• Works with hundreds of brands, not just Aqara.
• No Aqara app, cloud, or hub required.

Cons:
• Requires a Zigbee dongle.
• Some devices need special pairing steps.

7 Likes
6

Where i get this aqara integration? It’s not built in HA.

If i go Add integration > Aqara there is only two option Add Matter device and Add Zigbee device. So no Aqara integration (at least not in latest HA)

7

You should select Zigbee, not Matter, when setting up the Aqara Integration in Home Assistant.

Here’s why:
• Aqara devices primarily use Zigbee to communicate with their hub.
• The Aqara Integration (whether direct or through ZHA/Zigbee2MQTT) connects to devices via Zigbee, not Matter.
• Matter is a newer protocol that only applies if your Aqara hub specifically supports it and you plan to connect through Apple Home, Google Home, or another Matter controller — not through Home Assistant.

So:
• If you’re pairing Aqara sensors, switches, or plugs → choose Zigbee.
• Only choose Matter if you are connecting your Aqara Hub to a Matter-enabled ecosystem, not for Home Assistant’s local Aqara integration.

1 Like
8

Just a heads-up for the privacy-focused folks out there: I’ve been testing the Aqara M3 in a “HomeKit Only” / No-Internet VLAN environment, and it’s a champ.

I never signed into the app or gave the hub internet access. I simply:

  1. Added the M3 to HomeKit using the Matter code.
  2. Paired my Zigbee sensors (door, water, motion) by triple-pressing the hub button.
  3. Once the hub was in pairing mode, I hit the accessory buttons, and they bridged straight through to HomeKit.

It functions as a perfect Zigbee-to-Matter bridge right out of the box. If you don’t mind missing the Aqara-specific alarm features in exchange for a 100% local setup, this is a great way to go!

5 Likes
9

Interesting! Dunno if I necessarily need this functionality but thanks for letting us know.

10

Sure. I actually discovered this by accident as I try to keep my setup clean and with the least amount of apps and accounts. I like everything offline, and wasn’t sure this hub would work but it does. Of course you don’t get any of the extra features, but as a Zigbee-to-Matter bridge it’s ideal.

11

For my U200 lock, I tried to do a similar approach, but since I did not have the full Matter functionality out of the box, I had to at least during calibration run the aqara app, meaning I had to create an account and follow the calibration process throughout the app.

Well, there are not so many devices in my network requiring an external app as Home Assistant, to run the devices. Right now, I need the app as my emergency mode for the lock if something happens (which has happened, and the only savior has been the recalibration procedure).

Nice guide, btw.

2 Likes