Unlocking Aqara's Full Potential without Apple HomeKit

Apple Home Connect
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Hey folks,

So here’s the deal—I’m not an Apple user. Never been, probably never will be. But that didn’t stop me from diving into the world of Aqara. After some trial, error, and lots of Googling, I’ve finally got my setup running smooth as butter without a trace of Apple HomeKit. Yep, it’s 100% possible.

I’m rocking an Android phone, an Aqara M2 hub, and mainly use Google Home and Alexa. Initially, I thought missing out on HomeKit would be a big limitation. Spoiler alert: it’s not. Home scenes, automation, voice control, motion-triggered lights—it all works. Aqara’s own app (while not the fanciest) gets the job done, and once you loop in Alexa Routines or Google Assistant, things really open up.

Pro tip: set your automations directly through Alexa once everything’s connected. It’s way more flexible. Also, IFTTT helps if you want to go extra nerdy (I set mine to flash the lights red if my Aqara door sensor triggers while I’m away—instant horror movie).

Long story short: You definitely don’t need to be in the Apple ecosystem to unlock all the cool stuff Aqara offers. Anyone else running Apple-free setups? Let’s swap tips!

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@HomeAutomatorPro It’s fantastic to hear about your successful journey with Aqara without relying on Apple HomeKit! Your experience is a great testament to the versatility of Aqara products. Using an Android phone with an Aqara M2 hub and integrating with Google Home and Alexa sounds like a seamless setup. It’s wonderful that you’ve found ways to make the most of Aqara’s capabilities through Alexa Routines and Google Assistant. Your pro tip about creating automations directly through Alexa for enhanced flexibility is spot on.

Also, utilizing IFTTT to create unique triggers like your horror movie-style light flashing is a creative way to add extra functionality and fun to your smart home.

Your story is encouraging for those who might think that Apple HomeKit is a necessity for a fully functional smart home setup with Aqara. Thank you for sharing your insights and tips. I’m sure many others will find them incredibly helpful. Keep experimenting and sharing your experiences! Anyone else with similar setups or tips, feel free to jump in—let’s keep the conversation going!