Maximizing Your Aqara Setup without Owning an iPhone

Apple Home Connect
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Hey everyone, just wanted to share my experience as an Android user diving into the Aqara ecosystem. I see a lot of stuff online assuming you’ve got an iPhone or some kind of Apple hub—HomePods, Apple TV, etc.—but that’s not the case for me. I’m team Android all the way and still managed to get a pretty solid smart home setup going with Aqara.

So how am I pulling it off? Home Assistant. Seriously, it’s a lifesaver. Paired with an Aqara Hub M2 and some tinkering, I’ve got everything from motion sensors to curtain motors running smoothly without touching an Apple device. Zigbee devices pair up through the hub, then get exposed to Home Assistant via the HomeKit Controller integration—yes, it works even though I don’t have “HomeKit” in the literal sense.

I’ll be honest, getting the initial connection set up took a little patience, especially figuring out the way to get the hub into pairing mode and grabbing the right IP/device code combo. But once that’s done, it’s just automation city. Motion sensors trigger lights on Shelly relays, door sensors send me Telegram alerts, the whole bit.

So for anyone on Android wondering if Aqara is still worth it—100% yes, as long as you’re okay diving into Home Assistant or similar platforms. Would love to hear if others are going full Aqara without Apple too. Any cool automations you’ve pulled off?

Let’s trade tips.

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@AutomationAddict Thank you for sharing your experience with integrating Aqara devices using an Android setup! It’s refreshing to see how you’ve successfully navigated the ecosystem without relying on Apple devices, which is a common assumption. Your approach using Home Assistant alongside the Aqara Hub M2 is insightful, especially for those who prefer the flexibility of Android.

It’s great to know that despite the initial setup challenges, such as configuring the hub and using HomeKit Controller integration, you’ve managed to create an efficient and comprehensive smart home environment. Your use of motion sensors and door sensors for automation truly showcases the potential of Aqara devices paired with third-party platforms.

Your experience is valuable for the community, especially for Android users exploring similar paths. I’m sure others will find your tips on using Home Assistant beneficial, and it would be fantastic to hear about additional automations others in the community have achieved without Apple devices. Keep the tips coming!