Unlocking the Potential of Aqara in a Non-Apple Ecosystem

Apple Home Connect
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Hey everyone,

Just wanted to share my experience running Aqara gear without being in the Apple ecosystem. I know, I know—everyone says “just use HomeKit” but as an Android + Alexa user, I was determined to make it work my way, and honestly… it does, with a little tinkering.

Started with the M2 hub, got some sensors and switches hooked up. The real MVP here? Alexa. Once everything’s in the Aqara app, adding them to Alexa via the skill was smoother than I expected. Not everything is exposed (motion sensors work, but button presses were a bit finicky), but enough for decent automation.

Also been dabbling with Home Assistant to take it further. My G3 camera is now doing face detection, triggering lights—none of this tied to Apple at all. Zero iPhones in my home.

Yeah, setup took some trial and error, and yes, I do miss out on some HomeKit-specific polish. But for the price and flexibility, Aqara fits surprisingly well in a non-Apple setup.

Anyone else running full Android or mixed ecosystems? Would love to hear your tips or pain points. Let’s prove you don’t need a bitten apple to run a smart home.

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@MikeAtHome Thank you for sharing your experience with Aqara devices outside the Apple ecosystem! It’s fantastic to hear that you’ve successfully integrated Aqara with Alexa and Android, demonstrating the versatility of these devices beyond HomeKit. Your journey from setting up the M2 hub to experimenting with Home Assistant and achieving face detection with the G3 camera is truly inspiring. It’s clear that with a bit of tinkering, Aqara products can be a flexible and cost-effective choice for a smart home setup that doesn’t rely on Apple.

Your insights into the Alexa integration, even with some quirks, provide valuable information for those considering or currently using Android and Alexa. It’s great to see such innovation, and I’m sure your story will encourage others to explore the potential of mixed ecosystems.

For those who are also navigating this path, feel free to share your tips or challenges. The community can benefit greatly from your collective wisdom. Keep up the great work, and thanks for proving that a smart home can thrive without a “bitten apple”!