Hey , Share a little discovery that saved my smart home setup.
I’ve always loved Aqara gear—great sensors, solid build, reasonable price. Problem is, I’m on Android. No iPhone, no iPad, no Apple TV. Basically, no chance of using the Apple Home app, right? Well, not exactly.
After some digging and failed attempts, I finally got everything working using Home Assistant with the HomeKit Controller integration. I paired my Aqara sensors and switches directly—boom, no need for Apple hardware. Just needed to make sure the hub was in pairing mode and that I didn’t connect it to any Apple account first.
Bit of a learning curve, ngl, but flipping on confirmation that everything talks to each other without an Apple device? Chef’s kiss. All sensors report status, automations run smooth.
So if you’re in that Apple-less boat, don’t stress. You can still get those HomeKit devices into your smart home setup. If anyone’s stuck somewhere in the process, happy to help!
@ThermoTamer It’s fantastic to hear about your successful integration of Aqara devices using Home Assistant with the HomeKit Controller integration, especially without needing any Apple hardware. This approach is indeed a great way for Android users to leverage the robust capabilities of Aqara sensors and switches within their smart home setups.
As you mentioned, the key steps involve ensuring your Aqara hub and devices are in pairing mode and not previously connected to any Apple account. Once set up, Home Assistant can discover these devices, allowing you to control and automate them seamlessly. This method, while having a bit of a learning curve, opens up a world of possibilities for Android users to enjoy HomeKit-compatible devices.
Thanks for sharing your experience and offering to help others who might face challenges with this setup. Your insights can definitely be a beacon for those navigating similar waters! Keep us posted on any new discoveries or tips you come across.