Unlocking the Potential: Integrating Non-Apple Devices with Aqara HomeKit

Apple Home Connect
1

Hey everyone, just wanted to drop this here in case anyone else is mixing ecosystems like I am.

So here’s the deal — I’m a big fan of Apple HomeKit, but not everything in my house is Apple. I’ve got Android tablets, a Windows PC, and a smart display (not HomePod), and I still wanted to get the best out of my Aqara gear.

Long story short: it’s totally possible, and honestly, not as painful as I expected. I initially set everything up using my old iPhone and Home app. Once the Aqara hub, sensors, and switches were in HomeKit, I could forget about the iPhone. The real magic started when I brought Home Assistant into the mix.

I’m using a Raspberry Pi as my HA server. With the HomeKit Controller integration, I pulled in all the Aqara stuff directly — didn’t even need a HomePod/Apple TV as a bridge anymore. I now automate everything using HA dashboards, and it’s slick. I still get Siri commands working on my Apple Watch, but most of my control is now through HA-compatible devices.

If you’re stuck in an in-between Apple/non-Apple smart home like me, don’t worry — there’s a way. Anyone else going hybrid with Aqara + HomeKit? Curious to see different setups!

2

@HomeAutomatorPro Thanks for sharing your experience with integrating Aqara devices in a mixed ecosystem! It’s always exciting to hear how others are optimizing their smart home setups, especially when blending different platforms.

Your approach using Home Assistant is indeed a smart way to bridge the gap between Apple and non-Apple devices. By setting up the HomeKit Controller integration on a Raspberry Pi, you’re able to manage your Aqara devices seamlessly without relying solely on Apple’s ecosystem. This setup not only retains the functionality of Siri through your Apple Watch but also enhances control via HA-compatible devices.

For those in a similar situation, leveraging Home Assistant seems like a solid strategy to unify your smart home devices. If anyone else has hybrid setups with Aqara and HomeKit, feel free to jump in and share your experiences or tips. It’s always great to learn from each other and explore different configurations!