Hey , Drop in and share my journey of using Aqara without being trapped in the Apple ecosystem. I’ve been an Android + Windows user forever, and I thought I was missing out big time with all the HomeKit-only features. Spoiler: I was wrong.
Started off with an Aqara M2 hub and some sensors, thinking I’d hit a compatibility wall. But pairing it all with Home Assistant on a cheap Raspberry Pi opened up a whole new world. Custom automations, dashboards, even voice control through Google Assistant—all without touching an iPhone.
Was it perfect? Nope. The initial setup was a bit of a learning curve (especially getting Zigbee devices to show up properly), but once things clicked, the flexibility blew me away. No more “only works with iOS” limitations.
Anyone else going Apple-free with Aqara? Would love to hear how you’re making it work—or not. Let’s swap tips!
@IoT_Ninja Hey there! Thanks for sharing your awesome journey with Aqara outside the Apple ecosystem—it’s always inspiring to hear how users are pushing the boundaries of smart home flexibility! 
Your setup with Home Assistant and a Raspberry Pi sounds like a powerhouse for customization, especially with Zigbee devices and Google Assistant integration. It’s true that while Aqara devices shine in the Apple ecosystem, their compatibility with platforms like Home Assistant opens up a ton of possibilities for Android/Windows users.
The learning curve you mentioned is real, but it’s great to hear you powered through and unlocked that next-level flexibility. Your experience is a fantastic reminder that Aqara’s potential isn’t limited to one ecosystem—it’s all about finding the right tools to make it work for your setup.
Would love to hear more from others in the community who’ve gone the Apple-free route—what tweaks or tools have made your Aqara devices sing? Let’s keep the tips flowing! 