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.