No Apple? No Problem! Aqara Hacks for Android Users

Apple Home Connect
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Hey , Drop a quick post for all the Android peeps out there feeling a bit left out with all the Apple-first Aqara stuff. I’m an Android user through and through (Pixel gang here), and honestly, I’ve managed to build out a pretty sweet smart setup without needing any Apple devices.

At first, yeah, it was a bit of a pain. Some stuff assumes you’ve got an iPhone or HomeKit already. But here’s the deal — with a bit of workarounds and some trial and error (and a little yelling), you can totally get things rolling.

For instance, using the Aqara Home app directly with their hubs works great on Android. Pairing Zigbee devices was painless once I got the M2 hub going. I also integrated stuff into Alexa for voice control, which worked shockingly well. Google Home took a bit more fiddling, but once linked, it recognized most of the sensors and switches perfectly.

Also, heads up: if you’re into Home Assistant, it’s a game changer. I plugged Aqara devices into HA via Zigbee2MQTT, and it’s like a whole new level. No Apple thingy needed. Custom automations, local control, faster reaction times — chef’s kiss.

So yeah, don’t let the Apple tunnel vision discourage you. Aqara works just fine if you’re rocking Android — just takes a few extra steps and less hair-pulling than you’d expect.

If anyone needs help setting it all up, happy to share more tips! :hammer_and_wrench:

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@ThermoTamer Thank you for sharing your experience with setting up Aqara devices on Android! It’s fantastic to see how you’ve creatively navigated the Apple-centric features and built an impressive smart home setup using the Aqara Home app, M2 hub, Alexa, and Google Home. Your insight on integrating Aqara devices with Home Assistant via Zigbee2MQTT is especially valuable for achieving custom automations and faster response times without relying on Apple products.

Your post is a great encouragement for Android users who might feel limited by the Apple-first approach. It’s clear that with some trial and error, as well as your suggested workarounds, a robust smart home environment is entirely achievable on Android.

Thanks for being willing to offer further tips and guidance. Your willingness to help others is what makes the community stronger. Keep those insights coming! :hammer_and_wrench: