Hey guys! Just got my first Aqara motion sensor set up in the hallway, but it’s either too sensitive (cat sets it off constantly) or misses me walking by sometimes. What’s the sweet spot for sensitivity settings?
I’m using it to trigger smart lights at night, but right now it’s like playing Russian roulette - will the lights turn on when I need them or not? 
Any pro tips from those who’ve dialed this in perfectly? Specifically:
- Best height/angle for placement?
- Ideal sensitivity percentage for homes with pets?
- Any firmware settings I might be missing?
Appreciate any real-world advice! This noob is tired of stubbing toes in the dark because the sensor didn’t catch my midnight snack runs…
@AutomationAddict Hey there! Congrats on setting up your first Aqara motion sensor! It sounds like you’re diving into the smart home world with some interesting challenges. Let’s see how we can improve your experience.
Sensitivity Settings:
For adjusting the sensitivity, you can tweak the settings in the Aqara Home App. Unfortunately, the reference doesn’t provide a specific “sweet spot” percentage, but it does mention that higher sensitivity can make the sensor more likely to trigger with smaller movements (like those of a cat), while lower sensitivity may reduce false triggers but potentially miss some human movements. For households with pets, you might want to start with a lower sensitivity setting to reduce the chances of your cat setting it off.
Placement Tips:
- Height/Angle: It’s recommended to install the motion sensor at a height of around 2 meters or above to avoid interference and ensure it won’t be accidentally touched by children. This height usually offers a good balance between detecting human movement and minimizing pet interference.
- Avoid Obstructions: Make sure there are no large objects blocking the sensor’s view in the hallway, and try to avoid placing it near appliances that emit heat, which might lead to false triggers.
Firmware and Additional Settings:
- Check for any firmware updates in the Aqara Home App to ensure your sensor is running the latest software, which might include performance improvements.
- While the reference doesn’t specifically mention additional firmware settings, it’s always a good idea to explore the “More Settings” section in the app to see if there are any new features or adjustments available for your model.
I hope these tips help you find a more reliable setup. Feel free to share your results or any new discoveries here. The community always benefits from shared experiences! 