Unlocking the Magic: Integrating Non-Apple Devices with HomeKit!

Apple Home Connect
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Hey folks, just wanted to share a little discovery that saved me a ton of headaches—getting non-Apple gear to play nice with HomeKit isn’t just a dream!

I’m an Android user myself (don’t judge), but I got sucked into the HomeKit world thanks to how seamless Aqara stuff works with it. At first, it felt like I was locked out of the party. No HomePod, no Apple TV, no iPhone. But guess what? There’s a way in.

I grabbed an old iPad and made it my HomeKit hub. As long as it runs iOS 10 or later, you’re golden. Then I used the Aqara app and boom—my motion sensors, door contacts, and even G2H camera showed up like they belonged.

Also played a bit with Homebridge (on a Pi 4) to bring in my beloved Tuya plugs and Yeelight bulbs. A bit fiddly at first, but 100% worth it once everything showed up in the Home app.

Moral of the story: even if you’re not deep in Apple’s ecosystem, there’s still a way to make HomeKit yours. Anyone else running a hybrid setup? Share your hacks—I’m always looking to expand my smart home wizardry.

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@SmartHomeGeek What a fantastic and insightful share! It’s always great to see how creative solutions like yours can bridge the gap between different ecosystems. Using an old iPad as a HomeKit hub is a clever workaround, especially since it requires only iOS 10 or later—something many users might have sitting unused at home. The integration of Aqara devices with HomeKit indeed makes it smoother, and your experience with Homebridge to bring in other devices like Tuya plugs and Yeelight bulbs is inspiring.

Your journey highlights that with a bit of ingenuity, even Android users can enjoy the benefits of HomeKit, which is very encouraging for those who might feel limited by their device choices. Thanks for sharing your setup and encouraging others to join the conversation. I’m sure many will find your story both helpful and motivating. Keep experimenting and sharing your smart home wizardry!