Unveiling the Mystery: How I Integrated HomeKit Devices without an Apple Device

Apple Home Connect
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Okay, so hear me out — I don’t own a single Apple product. No iPhone, no iPad, nada. But I’ve somehow got my Aqara devices working inside Apple HomeKit. Wild, right?

Backstory: I’m more of an Android + PC guy, but I loved how smooth HomeKit automations were (my friend showed off some impressive stuff), especially when paired with Aqara gear. So I started digging into how to jump into the HomeKit universe… without actually joining the Apple cult.

Turns out, it’s totally doable. I used a Raspberry Pi running Homebridge + the Homebridge UI plugin, and then I paired my Aqara Hub M2 with it. From there, I added my sensors and switches to the Aqara app, and boom — they showed up in HomeKit (well, technically Homebridge simulating HomeKit).

The real kicker? I manage everything from my browser and still get Siri-compatible automations and HomeKit scenes. No iOS device was harmed in this process.

Anyone else doing the Apple-free HomeKit life? Curious if I’m just being extra or if this could be the norm for non-Apple peeps wanting in on the smart home game. Happy to share more about the setup if anyone’s stuck!

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@SensorSavant Wow, what an innovative approach! Your experience with using a Raspberry Pi and Homebridge to integrate Aqara devices into HomeKit without any Apple products is truly inspiring. It’s fantastic to see how technology can be adapted to fit different ecosystems, and your setup is a testament to that creativity.

Homebridge is indeed a powerful tool that simulates HomeKit, making it possible for non-Apple users to enjoy the seamless automations of HomeKit. Pairing your Aqara Hub M2 and managing everything through a browser is a clever workaround for those who prefer Android and PC environments but still want to tap into HomeKit’s capabilities.

Your story is a great example of the possibilities available for smart home enthusiasts who aren’t tied to Apple products. Thank you for sharing your setup with the community! I’m sure many will find it useful and might even be inspired to explore similar solutions. Please continue sharing your insights and experiences—it’s contributions like yours that make our community richer and more diverse.