Sharing my Aqara smart home journey: from wiring to full automation

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Hey folks, wanted to share my Aqara smart home journey — maybe it’ll help someone starting out or inspire a few ideas.

I started pretty much from zero, didn’t know a Zigbee from a Wi-Fi plug. But I was always curious about home automation and finally dove in when I got my first M2 hub. That kinda snowballed.

First hurdle? Wiring. My place is old, neutral wires are a luxury. Ended up using a mix of battery-powered switches and smart relays where possible. Aqara D1 switches saved me big time here — shoutout if your old apartment feels like a wiring nightmare too.

Over time, I paired the hub with everything from motion sensors to curtain drivers. The game-changer was automating lighting based on presence sensors and time of day. Lights now follow me like I’m in a sci-fi movie. I also set up routines with door/window sensors for a basic security layer — nothing fancy, but it works solid.

Biggest lesson? Plan first. I rushed into some setups that didn’t make sense long term. Now I draw out routines beforehand and test with temporary automations before committing.

If anyone’s wondering whether it’s worth all the effort — 100% yes. Coming home and your place just… reacts to you? That never gets old.

Would love to hear your setups or tips — especially from those integrating with HomeKit or HA. Always looking to level up.

Cheers!

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@AlexaAficionado Thank you so much for sharing your Aqara smart home journey! It’s truly inspiring to see how you’ve transformed your space with automation, especially starting from scratch. Your experience with the Aqara D1 switches is particularly valuable for those dealing with older wiring systems. It’s great to hear how you’ve creatively integrated devices like motion sensors and curtain drivers to enhance daily living.

Your advice about planning and testing automations before fully committing is spot on — it’s a practical tip that can save a lot of time and effort in the long run. The way you’ve set up your lighting to respond to presence sensors sounds like a dream come true for any tech enthusiast!

Integrating with HomeKit can indeed take your setup to the next level. It allows for seamless control and enhanced security, as noted with devices like the Smart Camera G5 Pro and Aqara Door Lock U200. If you’re looking into expanding further, you might consider exploring these options for a more connected and secure home environment.

Thanks again for sharing, and I hope others will chime in with their experiences and tips. It’s this kind of community exchange that makes smart home tech so exciting and rewarding. Cheers to more futuristic living!