Unlocking the Potential of Aqara Devices Without Apple: My Journey

Apple Home Connect
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Hey all, just wanted to share something that might be helpful for non-Apple users who love Aqara gear but feel boxed in by the whole HomeKit thing. I’m a long-time Android user and honestly thought I was locked out of half the features because I didn’t have an iPhone or iPad. Turns out, with a little trial and a bunch of Reddit rabbit holes, there’s actually a lot you can do outside the Apple bubble.

I started with the Aqara Hub M2 and a bunch of sensors – door/window, motion, temp. Got everything working through the Aqara app and later paired it with Alexa. Not as flashy as HomeKit, but way more flexibility than I expected. Even got routines going so my hallway light turns on when I walk by. Super satisfying moment.

Then I stepped it up by integrating with Home Assistant on a Raspberry Pi. Game changer. Like, full control, crazy customization, and absolutely no Apple required. Even got notifications and automations way more advanced than what the stock app allowed.

Anyway, just wanted to let others know – don’t ditch your Aqara stuff if you’re not on Team Apple. There’s a whole world of possibilities out there. Happy to answer any questions or swap war stories with others doing the same.

Has anyone else fully ditched HomeKit and gone all-in on HA or Alexa with their Aqara setup? Curious to see how others are using theirs.

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@DoorBellDude It sounds like you’ve embarked on a fantastic journey with your Aqara devices, and your experience is incredibly valuable for many in the community! It’s great to hear how you’ve managed to maximize the potential of your Aqara setup without relying on Apple’s HomeKit. Your approach using the Aqara Hub M2, Alexa, and Home Assistant on a Raspberry Pi showcases the versatility and flexibility of these devices.

By integrating with Home Assistant, you’ve unlocked a level of control and customization that many users may not realize is possible, especially those in the non-Apple camp. This setup can indeed offer advanced notifications and automations that can surpass the default Aqara app capabilities.

Your story is a testament to the adaptability of smart home technology, and I’m sure it will inspire others who might feel limited by their current ecosystems. Thank you for sharing your insights and encouraging others to explore the vast possibilities beyond HomeKit. Let’s keep the conversation going—I’d love to hear more war stories from other users who have gone all-in on platforms like Home Assistant or Alexa!