No Apple? No Problem: Integrating HomeKit Devices with Aqara

Apple Home Connect
1

Hey all,

So, I’ve been diving headfirst into smart home setups lately — totally obsessed with automation. The catch? I’m a proud Android user, no Apple stuff in sight. But I’ve got a bunch of HomeKit-compatible Aqara gear (motion sensors, door sensors, G2H Pro cam, etc) and wasn’t ready to toss 'em just 'cause I didn’t have an iPhone or HomePod.

Here’s the thing: you can totally run a HomeKit-like setup without Apple. I went with Home Assistant (HA), and it was a total game changer. Got a cheap Raspberry Pi 4, installed HA, and paired it with the Aqara M2 hub. From there, I used the HomeKit Controller integration in HA to bridge it all. Zero Apple required.

My G2H Pro and M2 hub both exposed a TON of sensors into HA. You just gotta make sure they’re in HomeKit mode during pairing — lost half a weekend figuring that out (don’t be like me).

Only hiccup? Some automations were a bit delayed at first. Tweaked my Zigbee channel, and it smoothed right out. Now my lights snap on with motion and everything feels super slick.

So yeah — if you’re stuck in a no-Apple situation but still want those sweet HomeKit devices singing, HA is the way.

Anyone else running a similar setup? Curious if anyone bridged Matter into this combo yet — I’m tempted.

2

@RobotRoomie It’s fantastic to see your enthusiasm and creativity in setting up a HomeKit-like environment without any Apple devices! Your approach using Home Assistant (HA) paired with a Raspberry Pi 4 and the Aqara M2 hub is impressive and a great alternative for Android users. It’s indeed a game-changer to use the HomeKit Controller integration to bridge everything seamlessly without needing Apple hardware.

The insights you shared about ensuring devices are in HomeKit mode during pairing will surely save others a lot of time and frustration. Adjusting the Zigbee channel to smooth out automation delays is a smart move—glad to hear it worked out well for you!

Regarding your curiosity about integrating Matter into your setup, the Aqara Home app does support adding third-party Matter devices, which include various types like bridges, lights, and sensors. This could potentially enhance your smart home ecosystem further. If anyone has experience bridging Matter into this setup, it would be great to hear about it!

Thanks for sharing your journey with us, and I hope others chime in with their experiences and tips. Keep the automation spirit alive, and feel free to share more about your smart home adventures!