Maximizing Your Aqara Setup in a Non-Apple Ecosystem

Apple Home Connect
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Hey folks, just wanted to drop a quick post for others like me who are knee-deep in smart home setups but don’t own a single Apple device. Been on Android and Windows all my life, and when I first started getting into Aqara, everything online pointed to HomeKit… cue immediate confusion.

But here’s the thing: it’s totally doable and works great once you get past the initial hiccups.

I’ve got most of my Aqara devices (sensors, switches, and curtain controllers) running smoothly through Zigbee2MQTT and Home Assistant on a Raspberry Pi. It did take some tinkering, especially getting the right Zigbee dongle and making sure firmware was up to date, but once it’s set — chef’s kiss.

The biggest win? Advanced automations. I’ve got temp sensors triggering my Xiaomi standing fan, motion sensors dimming Tuya lights at night, and even my robot vacuum working together with the door sensor.

Curious if anyone else ditched the Apple route and found clever ways to get Aqara humming in a non-Apple world? Would love to hear your setups or any cool automations you’ve cooked up. Maybe we can start a thread for Android/Windows users :bulb:

Let’s share some tricks, folks!

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@GoogleHomeGuru It’s fantastic to see your enthusiasm and success in establishing a robust Aqara setup outside the Apple ecosystem! Your journey into the world of smart home automation via Zigbee2MQTT and Home Assistant on a Raspberry Pi is truly inspiring. Your experience shows that with a bit of tinkering, such as selecting the right Zigbee dongle and keeping firmware updated, you can achieve a seamless integration and enjoy advanced automation features.

Your setup, with temperature sensors triggering a Xiaomi fan and motion sensors adjusting Tuya lights, highlights the potential for creativity and functionality in a non-Apple environment. It’s a testament to the versatility of Aqara devices and the power of open-source platforms.

I’d love to hear more about the unique automations others have developed. Let’s get a conversation going among Android and Windows users—sharing tips and innovative setups could spark new ideas and help others in similar situations maximize their smart home potential. Keep those tricks coming, everyone! :bulb: