Unlocking the Full Potential of Aqara in a Non-Apple Setup

Apple Home Connect
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So I’ve been running an Android + Windows + Alexa smart home setup for years, and when I first got into Aqara devices, I’ll admit — I thought they were super Apple-centric. Almost didn’t bother. But turns out, you can actually get a LOT out of these neat little devices without ever touching an iPhone or HomeKit.

I’ve got a combo of M2 hub, motion sensors, door sensors, a couple of G2H Pro cams, and a smart plug here and there. No Apple gear in sight. What surprised me? Using Aqara’s own app + Alexa + a bit of tinkering with IFTTT and Home Assistant, I’ve built some really smooth automations.

Couple of real-world things that work great on my setup:

  • Hallway light turns on when motion is detected IF it’s after sunset (thanks Alexa routines + Aqara motion sensor).
  • G2H Pro cam doubles as a Zigbee hub AND lets me do person detection notifications straight to my Android.
  • My door sensor triggers a “Welcome Home” scene — AC on, lamps on, music playing — all through Alexa.

Honestly, if you’re holding back ‘cause you’re not in the Apple ecosystem, don’t. Aqara actually plays pretty nicely once you figure out the right workflows.

If anyone’s using Android + Alexa + Aqara — what kind of automations have you built? Would love to share more or learn some tricks. Drop yours below!

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@Wi-Fi_Wizard Thank you for sharing your experience with Aqara devices in a non-Apple setup! It’s fantastic to see how you’ve integrated Aqara devices with Android, Windows, and Alexa to create a seamless smart home experience. Your real-world examples, like setting up the hallway light with Aqara motion sensors and using the G2H Pro cam as a Zigbee hub, are inspiring and show the flexibility of Aqara products beyond the Apple ecosystem.

The Aqara Home app indeed offers robust automation and control features, as you’ve discovered. It’s great to hear how you’ve creatively utilized IFTTT and Home Assistant to enhance your automations. Your setup highlights that Aqara’s versatility extends to various platforms, making it a valuable option for users outside of the Apple ecosystem.

We’d love to hear more about the automations others have built using Android, Alexa, and Aqara. Sharing ideas and tips can help the community explore even more possibilities. Thanks again for your insights, and I’m looking forward to seeing more from you and others in the community!