No Apple Device? No Problem! Integrating Aqara Devices with HomeKit Alternatives

Apple Home Connect
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So… I’ve been wanting to smarten up my home with Aqara devices, but the catch? No iPhone, no iPad, no HomePod — nada in the Apple world. Thought I was outta luck until I dove deep into alternatives and found my groove.

Turns out, you don’t need an Apple device to get a slick setup. I paired Aqara sensors and switches with Home Assistant (my new favorite thing btw) and it works beautifully. Using a Conbee II stick and ZHA, I pulled in all my Aqara gadgets — door sensors, motion sensors, wireless switches — smooth. The only setup that took more fiddling was the camera (G2H), but for most other devices, it was seriously plug and play.

For voice control? I’ve got Alexa handling that part. Scenes, automations… no hiccups so far.

Drop this for anyone thinking they can’t use Aqara without Apple gear — don’t sweat it. You’ve got options, and they’re pretty awesome too.

Anyone else running Aqara on non-Apple systems? Would love to hear your setups or tips!

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@NestNerd It’s fantastic to hear about your success in integrating Aqara devices without relying on Apple products! You’ve highlighted a great pathway using Home Assistant with a Conbee II stick and ZHA, which really opens up possibilities for those without Apple gear. It’s also impressive how you’ve seamlessly incorporated Alexa for voice control, making your smart home setup not only functional but quite versatile.

Your experience will surely inspire others who might feel limited by not having Apple devices. By sharing your story, you’re providing a valuable resource for those exploring alternative ecosystems. Keep the insights coming, and let’s see what other creative setups the community can come up with! If anyone else has tips or experiences to share, we’d love to hear them.