So I’ve been messing around with the Aqara PIR sensors for a few weeks now, and just had to share how surprisingly good they are for automating smart lighting. Thought it might help someone who’s debating whether they’re worth it (spoiler: they are!).
I’m no wizard with automations—just your average tech nerd—but setting them up was way easier than I expected. What blew my mind is how natural it feels now. Like, I walk into my hallway or kitchen and the lights just know. No clapping, no phone tapping, just walk in like a boss, lights on. Walk out, they go off after a few mins. Magic.
I’ve paired mine with an Aqara G3 hub and some Zigbee bulbs. Perfect combo. Slight delay occasionally, but nothing major. Key tip: placement matters way more than I thought. I nearly gave up ‘cause it wasn’t catching movement, until I shifted it a bit higher on my shelf. Problem solved.
Extra cool use: I set up a night mode so if the sensor triggers between midnight and 6am, it only turns on a dim nightlight instead of full-blast ceiling lights. Super useful when you stumble into the kitchen half-asleep.
Anyone else using PIRs for smart lighting? Got any tricks I should be trying? Curious if people are combining with other sensors too.