I’m currently running several Aqara devices in my Apple HomeKit setup (including sensors, switches, and cameras), and I’m looking to optimize performance and reliability.
A few things I’m curious about:
• Automation reliability: Any tips for ensuring Aqara automations in HomeKit run quickly and consistently?
• Hub placement & connectivity: Best practices for hub positioning to reduce latency or dropped devices.
• Firmware updates: Do you typically update Aqara devices right away, or wait to see if others report issues?
• Power users’ setups: I’d love to see how you’ve integrated Aqara with other HomeKit accessories (lights, locks, thermostats, etc.) for creative or time-saving automations.
I’m fully in the Apple ecosystem and want to get the most out of my HomeKit + Aqara integration, so any recommendations, tricks, or “lessons learned” would be appreciated.
21 Likes
I have been running Apple Home for about 7 years and Aqara for about 5. I have an M2 and and M3 hub. The M3 is the main and in the basement next to the rack. The M2 is plugged into the entertainment center on the opposite corner, upstairs. both of the them are hardwired for network. The brunt of the accessories are bound to the M3…but whenever a device ends up offline more than twice, I migrate it the the M2 upstairs. I run the hubs in clustered mode…but not sure if its working or set up properly yet.
I have a total of 24 Aqara devices. most of which are the window and door sensors, water leak sensors and temp and humidity sensors.
With all smarthome devices (and I have over 150). I tend to use the third party apps only to add the devices, update firmware and etc. I use Apple Home to create the automations. That is generally where the magic happens. Third party apps might give you more options within their own ecosystem. But most of the time you want your Aqara sensor to kick off your Lutron fan sensor. Or your Ecobee thermostat to trigger your space heater connected to your Meross plug.
Get organized and be consistent with your naming conventions and etc. Having automations triggered from 10 different apps and you’ll find yourself frustrated with competing automations tripping over each other and trying to track down issues.
11 Likes
I love Apple BUT I don’t think u are getting the best out of Aqara using HomeKit exclusively. I run HomeKit for Siri support and Homey Pro for automations.
5 Likes
Thanks for sharing! What are your experiences on reliability for apple automations? Does the Aqara hub ever “disconnect” from HomeKit so you need to re-connect something?
3 Likes
What type of automations are you running in the Homey Pro (that you could not do in HomeKit?). Have both but not yet set a “strategy” for where to do what 
3 Likes
The Aqara hub itself has never disconnected from HomeKit. The individual accessories have gone offline, but its offline with both HomeKit and Aqara when it’s happened
3 Likes
I’ve never had the hub m2 or m3 disconnect from HomeKit. The home app is limited in what types of automations u can make. Also 3rd party apps like the eve app can make more powerful automations.
It problemly would have taken a long time to create this automation in the Home app/Shortcuts app
2 Likes
Are you saying that you use the eve app for HomeKit automations involving Aqara devices and other brands?
1 Like
Yes, the Eve app can control your complete smart home including Aqara or any other smart device manufacturer.
2 Likes
