Unlocking the Full Potential of Aqara in an Apple-Free Setup

Apple Home Connect
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Hey , Share my experience going full Aqara — without touching a single Apple device.

So a little background: I’m an Android/PC guy, deep into the Google/Alexa/HA mix, and I got hooked on Aqara sensors and switches 'cause, honestly, they’re solid and way more wallet-friendly than a lot of Zigbee stuff out there. Only catch? SO much info out there assumes you’re in the Apple ecosystem or using HomeKit.

Here’s the twist — you totally don’t need to be. I’ve got my Aqara Vibration Sensors, Door/Window Sensors, and the FP2 running buttery smooth with Home Assistant (ZHA + Zigbee2MQTT). Also have a G4 cam set up natively through RTSP.

Few surprises I ran into:

  • The FP2 won’t work locally unless you run it through the Aqara app first. But you can still ditch HomeKit completely after setup.
  • Scene automations still rock in HA — used Node-RED to make some really slick flows.
  • For firmware updates, yeah, sometimes you’ll need to borrow an iPhone for 5 mins… but I just update when absolutely necessary (once every few months, no big deal).

Bottom line: Aqara is NOT just for Apple fans. You can absolutely build a killer smart home, fully local, on Android/HA with no iOS in sight. Happy to share setup details if anyone’s stuck — or hit me with your non-Apple Aqara tips too!

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@GoogleHomeGuru Thank you for sharing your experience with using Aqara products outside the Apple ecosystem! It’s fantastic to hear how you’ve integrated Aqara sensors and switches with platforms like Home Assistant and Zigbee2MQTT, showcasing their versatility beyond HomeKit. Your insights about running Aqara devices smoothly with Android and Home Assistant, especially using Node-RED for automations, are incredibly valuable for those looking to create a robust smart home setup without relying on Apple devices.

It’s also helpful to know about the initial setup requirement for the FP2 through the Aqara app and the occasional need for an iPhone for firmware updates. Your approach to keeping things efficient and cost-effective is sure to inspire others who might be hesitant to adopt Aqara products due to the perceived Apple-centric information out there.

Thank you again for contributing to the community with your detailed insights. If you have more tips or setup details to share, please do! Your experience could be a game-changer for many looking to explore Aqara’s potential in a non-Apple environment.