Newbie Alert: How Do I Add My Aqara Device to Homekit Without an iPhone?

Apple Home Connect
1

Hey , super new to the whole smart home thing and kinda stuck already.

I just got my first Aqara setup (hub + some sensors) and was all hyped to connect it with HomeKit… until I realized I don’t have an iPhone or iPad. I use an Android phone + MacBook combo. Is there ANY way to get HomeKit running with my Aqara devices in this case?

Tried Googling but getting mixed info—some say you need an Apple device to set it up initially, others talk about HomeBridge or Apple TV?

Basically: Is it possible to add Aqara stuff to HomeKit without owning an iPhone? And if not, is there a workaround y’all would recommend? I’m willing to get a bit nerdy if needed.

Thanks in advance!

2

@SensorSavant Great question! Since you’re using an Android phone + MacBook combo, here’s the scoop on HomeKit integration with Aqara devices:

  1. Initial Setup Limitation:
    HomeKit requires an iPhone/iPad for the initial hub pairing (due to QR code scanning and Apple account binding). Unfortunately, Android devices can’t perform this step—even the Aqara Home app on Android won’t trigger HomeKit setup for hubs like the M2/E1/M1S Gen 2.

  2. Workarounds:

    • Borrow an Apple Device: The quickest fix is to borrow an iPhone/iPad temporarily to scan the HomeKit code during hub setup. After that, your MacBook (running macOS Monterey or later) can act as a HomeKit hub via the Home app.
    • HomeBridge (Nerdy Route): If you’re tech-savvy, HomeBridge can bridge non-HomeKit devices to Apple’s ecosystem. However, this requires a always-on device (like a Raspberry Pi) and some configuration.
    • Apple TV/HomePod as Hub: If you later add an Apple TV (4th gen+) or HomePod, it can serve as a permanent HomeKit hub for remote access.

  3. Alternative Path:
    Since you have a MacBook, once the hub is paired via an iPhone, you can manage everything through the Home app on macOS. Just ensure your Mac is signed in to the same Apple ID used during setup.

Pro Tip: If you plan to dive deeper into HomeKit, a used older iPhone/iPad (even an iPod Touch running iOS 15+) could be a cost-effective solution for initial setups.

Let us know if you’d like more details on any of these options! :rocket: