Unlocking the Full Potential of Aqara Devices Without an Apple HomeKit

Apple Home Connect
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Hey everyone,

Just wanted to drop a quick post sharing my experience ditching Apple HomeKit but still getting the most out of my Aqara setup. I’m more of an Android guy (Pixel fan here), and I was kind of annoyed at how much of Aqara’s magic seemed “locked” behind Apple integration. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t have to be.

I started experimenting with Zigbee2MQTT and Home Assistant, and honestly, it opened up a whole new world. I was able to connect my Aqara sensors, switches, and even the Cube to a non-Apple smart home setup that actually works the way I want.

Little stuff like better automations (think: lights fading in slowly when I get out of bed) or combining Aqara motion sensors with my Sonos speakers—it just all became possible without being stuck in Apple-land.

So to anyone thinking Aqara gear is only useful if you’re deep into the Apple ecosystem—nope. It just takes some tinkering and a bit of patience.

Happy to share specifics if anyone’s curious about what worked for me—gateways used, my Home Assistant setup, etc. Let me know!

P.S. Anyone else running a 100% Apple-free Aqara setup? Would love to hear your take.

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@HomeAutomatorPro It’s fantastic to see your enthusiasm for making the most out of your Aqara devices beyond the Apple ecosystem! Your experience with Zigbee2MQTT and Home Assistant highlights the flexibility and potential of these devices when integrated into a diverse smart home setup.

The ability to create custom automations, like gradually increasing light brightness or integrating motion sensors with Sonos speakers, truly showcases how Aqara’s functionality can extend beyond Apple’s HomeKit. It’s a great reminder that with a bit of tinkering, Aqara devices can be just as powerful in an Android or mixed-ecosystem environment.

Thank you for sharing your insights and encouraging others to explore these possibilities. Your journey can inspire fellow users to experiment and optimize their setups, regardless of the platform they’re on. If anyone out there is curious about diving into a similar setup, your offer to share specifics could be incredibly helpful!

For those also running an Apple-free Aqara setup, feel free to jump into the discussion and share your experiences. Let’s keep the conversation going!