Aqara G3 Review: The Camera that "Knows" You

[@Razorgirl]

Came back to this vid after seeing someone else review this hub, which had a much greater focus on the IR blaster. Being able to say, “hey Sirri, it’s TV time”, and have a shortcut set my lights to “TV mode”, turn on my TV, then my sound bar and AppleTV… that’s *awesome!* The hand gestures feature of this hub is a game breaker for people in the deaf community.

[@seabass22]

Can’t turn off that feature?

[@namelessfrce5842]

I just purchased this camera today and the feature that I like the most is the continuous recording soon as you said it does that I ordered it

[@saisusheelsunkara462]

Can you show and list exactly the automations and operations that can be done from apple home app? I know you just spoke about security system part. What about other things? Like can we enable privacy mode from home app? Can we have an automation from apple home app where upon detecting a motion (through motion sensor somewhere at other part of home) start recording?

[@jonhoolio]

6:07 I get why this hub can't expose IR devices to HomeKit. I have a Aqara M3 Hub that can expose IR devices to HomeKit via aqara scenes. I'm wondering if I can include IR devices in this to send to HomeKit or does it have to be set up with the aqara m3 hub only?

[@daytona1212]

Nice, but again I'm missing important info like in other videos about this camera. What is the receiving range of the WIFI on this camera? How far can you take it away from a router before it's starts to perform badly. No one seems to test that in their reviews.

[@DonnieReno]

I got the Aqara G3 and Aqara Door sensor. I also got the Eve Room. I recently switched from an Amazon Echo Show and set up my HomePod Mini so I’m slowly building up my HomeKit system. I have to say that I’ve been looking for someone to explain things. I’m pretty much a noob as far as HomeKit and automations, etc. So thanks! Ack, just saw that my G3 has that bug where it doesn’t turn off, so thanks also for explaining what to do in case 👍🏼

[@ShaneCreates]

Hey Patricia, thanks for watching. Sounds like you are on a good start with your HomeKit setup!

[@lppro9063]

I don’t know if I’m missing something but is there a way to view the camera through Apple TV? I’ve tried automations and nothing is working. I can only view it through HomeKit app. Now Eve camera and Eufy both allow you to view camera thru Apple TV. Please help

[@elevateyourcreativeness]

Awesome video Shane. I may need to pick up one of these. However, I have to wait 3 weeks for my new iPhone 13 pro max so I can begin switching all of my smart devices over to Homesite! I'm super stoked to get started!

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks Greg! I'm stoked for you!!

[@BurakTurgut07]

Hi, I have some questions about Aqara G3 features such as face detection or gesture detection. I would like to create a homekit automation with gestures to non-aqara devices. I’m using some matter non-aqara devices but as an example, I can’t trigger my kasa matter lights with g3 gesture. Because as an idea, it is possible to create lots of automation with face recognition and gestures. The problem is how to integrate it into the homekit. Please kindly help me, even if it's better if you prepare some kind of tutorial video. Appreciated!

[@pieceoftheocean626]

Love the video and got one for the house. One question … which ceiling mount do you recommend for the G3 Hub

[@NT-or9wh]

The only issue I have with mine is that when I put it to sleep mode, it does not rotate the camera inward revealing the micro sd card slot. It does stop streaming/recording until I wake it, but it’d be nice to have that added sense of not being recorded with the camera turned inward.

[@ShaneCreates]

Yea, they will be fixing that in a firmware update, supposedly in December. I mentioned more detals here 14:46

[@thefingerofgod69]

@@ShaneCreates I am SOOOOO glad you mentioned this. This is what caused me to jump in and purchase one of these. Right now I do this with my Eufy cameras by setting the camera as "off" in the Eufy app while using HomeKit. In HomeKit I have it set to record when I leave the house and stop recording when I am home. Thus, when I leave the house the camera flips down and begins to record. When I come home it turns off and flips up. Hopefully, the Aqara G3 behaves similarly when the firmware update comes. Very excited to receive my new G3!

[@ecoheliguy]

Looking for a couple points of clarification: 1) if we had this in privacy mode while people are home, and utilizing HomeKit Secure video with people detection when the household is away, can the camera also perform the people tracking function? Like if a contractor enters the house will the G3 track them while still utilizing HomeKit secure video (not needing notifications)? Or does it lose this moving function completely. 2) in the part where the camera can record when one of the aqara sensors is triggered. Does the camera turn to a set position for that feature. Like spin to point at a particular window with an assigned sensor. 3) have you tried to see if possible to use people tracking through a window?

[@ShaneCreates]

I'm not completely sure, would require some additional testing, but I can try to answer. 1) The camera should still be able to perform human tracking while you are away, if that's how you have the camera configured in the Aqara app. Records should take place in the home app however you have it configured there. So if set to record while you are away, it should do so no problem. 2) Yes, you may just need to setup an automation in the Aqara app. For example, IF door is opened, then turn camera to pre-defined position. 3) I have not tried this

[@ecoheliguy]

@@ShaneCreates thanks as always

[@JohnnyLeuthard]

I'm still on the fence with Aqara because it is a Chinese based company and other Chinese companies like TikTok and Temu have been shot to do some shady stuff with customer data. Have you come across anything that speaks to the policy on this? Not that anything in a foreign countries control is going to follow the rules or not change them without notification. It's even more worrisome when it is a camera.

[@bowenchen4908]

Dude you can’t just assume if it’s from China it’s going to have data privacy issues. We get bad people in just about every country

[@andruskyg.8836]

We are talking about preferences. Selling the data's to US or China..they are both "doing stuff" with your data (without your consent)..life is full of choices..

[@bowenchen4908]

@@andruskyg.8836 I agree bro, don't get on the fence. Facebook sold my data before so I don't know who to trust anymore

[@Polkster13]

I have one on order to replace my 2 Canary cameras. I will be keeping my G2H cameras as well. The G2H cameras are aimed at my entrance doors and the G3 will be in the main living area to cover the rest of the interior of the house when we are gone.

[@ShaneCreates]

Nice. That is a good use case.

[@RUAGoodNurse]

CRISIS URGENT Hi Shane first let me say that you are the best and based upon your great videos I invested over 200 dollars in sensors and M1S hub. HERE comes the crisis: so I got everything home and wow I set everything up like in 30 minutes. All was going great for about 5 days and then today the hub stopped working etc. Today on my day off for over 8 hours no one including Aqara could correct the problem. NO one. My provider said that my network was just as it was the day I set everything up: the router simultaneously broadcasts both bandwidths and so the first time (5 days ago) everything connected. Aqara has been horrible for almost two hours they had me doing things and NOTHING worked. Now I have over 200 dollars worth of equipment and the hub just spins in the waiting to connect mode and then times out. Upon google it looks like lots of people have the problem. I am so upset: all this money and no one can get the hub back up and running. I am sorry if I appear stupid but I am so worried about all the money spent and no working system now. BTW I used to be a system administrator like 15 years ago before I switched to nursing so I have followed everyone's requests today for over 8 hours and nothing works.

[@itfben]

Have you turned everything included wifi router off (for at least 5 minutes) then turn it back on again?

[@dankelley9361]

Shane, love your review of this Aqara camera, bought it on Prime Days, looking forward in using all of associated AI.

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks Dan! Hope you enjoy your new camera!

[@medimarcf2518]

Do you have to pay for the app to watch live?

[@arqjorgel]

Hi. I can not get my Aqara camera to start recording when we are away. HomeKit setup. What I’m I doing wrong?

[@jdb6284]

I'll need a baby camera in about 5 months. This ticks every single box for me, damn Shane this is amazing! Thanks!

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks for watching!

[@Silverwing_99]

Huge thanks for all you advice Shane. Big fan of you channel. Can I clarify ford this camera support or will support thread? And with the new p2 motion and contact sensors coming out, will this allow mesh sensors to operate with the security function. I I can use my eve thread sensors along with aqara sensors for my alarm.

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks for the support! Cameras do not run on thread. They require too much bandwidth to rely solely on thread. I don't think there will be a way for you to use your Eve sensors for your Aqara alarm. At least not through HomeKit and at least not right now. If the Aqara app become a "Matter Controller app" (they've said they plan to), maybe it would let you access other Matter certified products, like Eve sensors, in the Aqara app to configure with the alarm. But right now, not possible.

[@augustinesob4476]

Bought the G3 last Thursday and set it up quickly. I must say the image quality is great. It is loud to set up an alarm system with it. Thank you for making me know about this in your last video. After, your last video, i went looking for it and as soon as it appeared on Amazon, I did not hesitate . I replaced my G2H. Thank you again.

[@ShaneCreates]

I'm glad you are happy with it. Thanks for watching!

[@jimmcarlson]

Does the people tracking work within HomeKit? I think I saw a clip in your video where it did. In other words, will HKSV follow people if setup that way within the Aqara app?

[@ShaneCreates]

Yes! That's one of my favorite features.

[@ppi57]

Will this cam ring when a doorbell senses motion (or the button pushed)... specifically the Unifi G4 doorbell

[@vladimircorsair]

Hi there, is it possible to change the privacy mode from the Homekit App via Siri or Automation etc.. ?

[@aaronemptage1448]

Hi all can this be mounted upside down from say a ceiling or from under a shelf or something

[@JimmyPettersson]

Can i use the G3s Human sensor to turn on some Hue light at night? I am tired of having the dogs movin around and trigger the hue sensor.

[@larkpanama]

Hi Shane, love all your videos. I have a question, I want to replace my existing security (alarm) system and secondly the cameras. I feel that the Aqara products is the way to go. What are the items I would need to purchase to begin with the replacement of each setup (alarms then cameras)? Sort of a “starter pack” for each.

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks Leyla. Technically you get a security system and a camera built into the new G3 camera. So you could start with the G3 if you wanted, and pair child accessories (door sensors, motion sensors, water sensors, etc) directly to the G3 since it is also a hub. If you wanted an additional siren for the alarm, you could add the M1S hub, which has a loud speaker. The M1S hub also includes a security system on it's own. You may have seen it already, but this video compares all the Aqara Hubs: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5Dbn3yNib1joNU Decide which is right for you, then you can add sensors and child accessories to whichever hub you go with.

[@razerangelri]

It’s able to link other brand of zigbee products?

[@smartmoneysolutionsllc5459]

Good morning Shane I have been binge watching you’re videos and must say I appreciate the knowledge for my smart home set up. I was hoping you can help me out Regarding what product to purchase. I have a govee strip light and an onvis strip light and trying to figure out the best product to purchase that would turn them both on with motion. Was considering this camera thinking that I can use the motion to automate both with one being Alexa and the other an HomeKit device. Is there any motion or camera that would automate these 2 lights. Any suggestion would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

[@ShaneCreates]

Well I use HomeKit for everything. Since govee doesn't support homekit (I think they support Alexa and Google), you'd need something that supports whichever you use. Aqara motion sensors and cameras support Alexa and Google Assistant.

[@randyrand-renovate2075]

Hey Shane!! Been learning a lot from your videos, thanks for all the great info. Question tho, do you have any recommendations for NVR, PoE cameras that work with HomeKit? I’m doing major renovations so running cables will be easy for my case and I don’t enjoy battery charging. 😝

[@ShaneCreates]

Hey Randy, thanks for the support. Unfortunately I still don't think there are any PoE cameras that support HomeKit natively. If PoE is the way you want to go, I'd consider using Hoobs or Homebridge to integrate your cameras into HomeKit. There are a number of PoE cameras that can work with the ff mpeg plugin. I believe the camera just has to support rtsp in order to work with the plugin.

[@bandito5370]

Does it make noise during vhead rotation? My wyze does so its not very stealthy

[@RichardT123456789]

Hi from SC , I just came across you channel while looking for information on the HomeKit.... great videos & info . Have you tried to use the Eufy door bell or security system or cameras with the HomeKit ? Thanks

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks! I am also from SC 😃. The Eufy Doorbell does not support HomeKit, so I have not used it. Some of their other cameras do support HomeKit, and I have used them. They work well for the most part in my experience.

[@franciscoortegaaznar9539]

hello. I have the aqara g3h set to aqara home at 5ghz and it works perfectly inside and outside the home. my problem is homekit. when I configure it it connects only the first time. later from home you see how the image is refreshed every 10 seconds but if I enter the camera live it stays on hold until it appears offline. I do not get it. instead through the aqara application with a 5ghz network without any problem. Can you think of how I can solve this? it's driving me crazy. a greeting.

[@Egljarmm]

I would like to heare recorded sound of this camera. I have 2 African grey parrots and can not find camera, whitch i could controll remotely and whitch would have a good sound quality.

[@RUAGoodNurse]

Hi Shane based upon all your videos I bought my first Aqara home security system: M1S and three door/window sensors. I chose the M1S because I needed a loud alarm for when I am home. Now that I have been successfully using what I bought I want to buy the G3 Camera BUT: I want to keep the M1s siren: If I buy the G3 can i keep my existing sensors to be connected to the M1S so I can hear a loud sound? Can I add the sensors also to the G3 and have both sirens trigger? I don't want to buy G3; if I have to give up the loud sound. Thank you

[@ShaneCreates]

Hey, thanks for watching. Yes, you can add the G3 to your setup and still have the loud siren from the M1S. You can pair sensors to whichever hub works best for you. The security systems of each tend to work pretty well together. For example, when the alarm is triggered, it will trigger on all hubs.

[@demazy]

Hey Shane! Very nice prod and content! I'm reading all the comments and even after watching many times your video, couple things are still not clear. I'd like to use the G3 with continuous recording mode locally (and being to access the SD card via the app) and also have the stream appearing in Homekit but without using the Homekit security service and iCloud. Is that possible ? That would also mean that I want to use the app to pan if need. Also you mentioned that for now, HomeKit downsize to 1080p but is the 2K quality footage and/or stream still available via Aqara app ? Thank you indeed!

[@RUAGoodNurse]

Oh and Shane one last important thing when I first got the device it was asking me to open the aqara app now after it stopped working with my setup it asks me open something called the Mi Home App: what???/ What happened

[@SimBoy_YHZ]

Hi Shane. I've learned a lot from your videos and look forward to Sunday mornings when you post. I received a G3 a few days ago (I'm in Halifax, Nova Scotia). I got it installed and added to HomeKit without too much bother, however, I do not get a timeline in the Home app. I installed a 128GB SSD into the G3, and it records locally. I'm on Apple's One Premium plan, so the G3 should record to iCloud. Any suggestions? I noticed in your video that your G3 did show a timeline. Thanks and keep up the great work! 😎

[@ShaneCreates]

Hey Carl, thanks for the support. If you are not getting the timeline/recordings in the Home app, you may need to check the settings of the camera. Make sure it is set to "record and stream"

[@SimBoy_YHZ]

@@ShaneCreates Thanks, Shane! Got it working now. 😁

[@Jhovan33]

I cant get mine to work. After 2 or 3 days always says from home....camera not responding.

[@BlazerRox]

If I already have an Aqara hub, what happens if I add this? Does it become the new hub, or does it become a sort of mesh node? Or would I have to basically get rid of my existing hub and use this instead?

[@ShaneCreates]

The different Aqara hubs work pretty well together. However, it does not become a mesh node and does not extend your range. It also doe not become the new hub. Child accessories must be paired to a specific hub. Whichever hub you choose to pair an accessory to will remain the hub for that accessory. You can pair child accessories to either hub, but accessories will not move from one hub to another.

[@h4wk3y308]

Thanks, Shane. A great video, as usual. Btw, this is for indoor use, right? Just like G2H?

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks. Yes, this is for indoor use only.

[@forester09]

Hi Shane, always a pleassure to Watch your Videos. Question regarding Aqara G3: Can you move the Camera view ups and down and in which angle?

[@ShaneCreates]

Hey thanks for watching. Yes you can pan and tilt the camera (up, down, left, and right).

[@ShaiLysk]

IKEA motion sensors are cheaper. How can I get those to work with the Aqara security system in HomeKit?

[@ShaneCreates]

You can't. Only Aqara sensors can be paired to the Aqara Hub.

[@kaddykoh5817]

Able to use voice commands for this?

[@danaringgenberg9508]

Hey Shane, great videos! Wondering if you have tried using motion detection on camera to run lights and shutoff in HomeKit? When lights shut of camera detects motion, so round and round we go. I know I could just buy a motion sensor, but wondering if you have any tricks up you sleeve? Thanks!

[@AlexManMe]

I was told by someone to use dummy switch to fix this issue

[@michaelthompson657]

Is this pixel based motion like the other HomeKit cameras?

[@tombe1412]

Great review, Shane. 👌🏽 I want one. Currently I have 1 G2H running only in HomeKit. So I do miss out on quite a few of its features. I’m gonna start doing more with it/them. Although I’m still a little freaked out about sending my home videos to a server other than Apple’s. Call me paranoid… 😅

[@ShaneCreates]

Haha I understand completely! If it makes you feel any better, the recordings on this camera, and the G2H, should not be going through any of Aqara's servers if you configure it that way. Local recordings configured in the "camera settings" should only be stored on the SD card and not pass through Aqara's servers. Recorded clips from automations will be stored in the cloud on Aqara servers (those accessible in the "albums" section). That's my understanding (hope that makes sense).

[@obikela]

Quite a good camera. Would love to have an outdoor-version!

[@chucksumpter7340]

You rock Shane! Love your videos brother…

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks Chuck! Appreciate the support! 🙏

[@Hans_tH]

Hey, great and informative video as always, thanks! I live in Europe, but do travel to the US quite often. I would like to order the cam there, but then I will get that US 110v adapter I’m afraid. Would you know how I could order it with a 230v EU adapter?

[@ShaneCreates]

It should be available in the EU in the coming weeks, last I heard. I’d probably try to wait if I was you.

[@justinsurpless4137]

Not quite sure why but it seems like there are times when the HKSV detects motion (I get notifications) but no video is actually saved to iCloud. Pretty sure that camera is configured to record any motion. Anyone else experience this?

[@aleksandartrajkovski5241]

Aqara G3 Camera hub is not a hub according to HomeKit app?! In HomeKit App Aqara G3 camera hub is recognised just as a camera not as a hub, so if I am out of range of my home wi-fi network all of my aqara devices are unresponsive! If I like to make some automations or access to my device remotely I need to connect a HUB (apple TV or HomePod) first! Can you help me how to connect as a HUB not just as a Camera in HomeKit?!

[@pineappledoesntgoonpizza8990]

Do we need an account to be able to set this up? I read a review somehwere about this and I would prefer not to use their app/make an account with them.

[@ShaneCreates]

You can use the app in "HomeKit Only" mode. You can also use the camera exclusively in the Home app if you prefer, you just won't have access to all of the features that you can get in the Aqara app. P.S. pineapple certainly does go on pizza 🍕 🍍 😜

[@davidfindley8517]

Shane, I have several Aqara cameras and gradually replace some older Nest cameras. My question is, when I open my HomeKit and see my Aqara camera how can I use the 180 degree viewer? I don't see if there is a control screen.

[@ShaneCreates]

You cannot control pan/tilt cameras in the Apple Home app. It is a homekit limitation currently. You will have to use the Aqara app to control the camera.

[@davidfindley8517]

Thank you . I love your videos.

[@ShaneCreates]

@davidfindley8517 thank you for the support!! 🙏🏻

[@davidfindley8517]

@@ShaneCreates Shane when I went to my Aqara app did not list the added camera. But it was in the HomeKit. I think the error ocurred when I failed to get the Aquara camera to grab the QR code and then I took my iPhone camera and scanned the QR code on the bottom of the Aqara camera. Regardless it is not appearing in the Auara app. Ahhh. I will keep trying unless you have a tip?

[@davidfindley8517]

All set now on both Apps -- whew. Now trying to figure out setting on/off times, if available.

[@simonpowell]

Any info on when the G3 will be available in the UK?

[@ShaneCreates]

Hey Simon. Last I heard was that it should be available in Europe in “the following weeks.”

[@Melisslf]

Hey Shane quick question……. With this exposing motion sensors to HomeKit, you should be able to use that to turn on lights and other accessories with automations??? Also, does the G2H do this as well?

[@ShaneCreates]

Yes, you can use the motion sensor for automations. And yes the G2H also has motion sensor built in.

[@pacegian]

Some unique insights into the device here. Just ordered mine earlier today. Curios to know if the M2’s IR blaster can be accessed directly via HomeKit, unlike the G3’s?

[@ronaldchannel]

Nop! Mine doesn’t work ! You need the Aqara app.

[@Quentame74]

It seems you can use Siri Shortcuts

[@ShaneCreates]

The IR blaster works just the same on the M2 and the G3. They do not expose IR accessories to HomeKit, but you can use Siri Shortcuts.

[@JanKowalski-xk8hr]

Hi, i have a problem. I inserted SD card into my Aqara G3 and set in Aqara app 'Record when movement detected'. It doesnt record =/

[@ShaneCreates]

If it's an automation, I think those recordings are stored in the "albums" section of the app.

[@raz7864]

Can you watch it live nonstop as a baby monitor?

[@AhmadNazirAfiq]

Does the camera show up in Hubs and Bridges list in Apple Home app? Cause G2H doesn’t.

[@ShaneCreates]

No it shows up in the Cameras list like the G2H

[@AhmadNazirAfiq]

@@ShaneCreates I see. Since HomeKit limits to 1080p, does it still streams at 2K when streaming via Aqara Home app? I saw in the video that we can bump the resolution.

[@Quentame74]

@@AhmadNazirAfiq same question

[@davidnola5628]

Will it support Matter?

[@ShaneCreates]

Aqara has committed to supporting Matter for both their hubs and child devices. I think the first to gain matter support will be the M1S and M2 hubs.

[@inelonwetrust9169]

Great review Shane, though I am not ready for interior cameras, if I was this would be the one. Facial recognition and hand gesture control? 🤯

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks for watching!

[@inelonwetrust9169]

@@ShaneCreates thanks for answering my question during the live stream today. ✊🏼

[@Lucy_Branding]

This is better then previous hub. To bad it’s not available in UK :( at least not on Amazon

[@omarc71]

Is there an aqara outdoor camera? Or the best alternative?

[@ShaneCreates]

No outdoor Aqara camera. I like the Logitech Circle View and the EufyCam 2 outdoor cameras for HomeKit. And looking forward to trying the recently announced Eve outdoor camera this spring.

[@omarc71]

@@ShaneCreates thanks! 😁

[@CliffR]

Do you use Home Assistant ? Curious how that integrates

[@ShaneCreates]

No I don't currently use Home Assistant.

[@exxplora]

I already have an ethernet-connected M2 hub. How well would this integrate with the existing network? Anything special/different need to be done at setup time to get the two hubs to play well together? How does it decide which devices bind to the G3 and which to the M2?

[@ShaneCreates]

No you don't need to do anything special. Just pair it in the Aqara app like you did your other hub. The hubs work quite well together in my experience. Child devices will pair with whichever hub you set them up with. You have to manually select which hub you want to pair a child device with during setup, and it will stay paired to that hub.

[@justinsurpless4137]

Just picked this up today and noticed that its tracking functionality seems not always work great, particularly if I am close to it OR I move quickly. Anyone else seeing this?

[@adamjensen8513]

Is there any way to control it moving around in the homekit app? If so i can not figure it out.

[@ShaneCreates]

No, unfortunately that is another limitation of HomeKit. You can't pan or tilt any cameras right now in the Home app.

[@AshleyWood3215]

Can you move the camera around in the viz design app?

[@ShaneCreates]

No that function is not accessible via HomeKit unfortunately and Viz Designer uses the HomeKit API

[@RoscoePablo]

Ir 360?

[@watch_your_six]

Hey Shane. Has Aqara updated the app to work better with Homekit?

[@ShaneCreates]

Not sure what you mean. Anything specific? The Aqara products already work great with HomeKit.

[@watch_your_six]

@@ShaneCreates I was referring to some of the features. or lack there of. that Aqara said they would fix with an upcoming update.

[@normanshigeyasu4670]

Does Aqara make an outdoor camera/hub?

[@ShaneCreates]

No, only indoor cameras and hubs currently.

[@faengelm]

Hi Shane. Great review. I wondered if you noticed the lack of a "no motion detection" feature on the G3 automation. The Aqara Motion Sensor P1 offers a "no motion detection" trigger. The interesting part is that HK offers a "no motion detected" feature on the G3 so it appears that the G3 is capable of supporting that. Can you ask Aqara if they plan to add that feature to the Aqara automation?

[@vascopixel]

Is there a risk that the data/images from the camera or the entire ecosystem will be leaked because it is a Chinese brand? Or, by being certified by Apple Secure Video, would we no longer have this risk?

[@nev922]

Hey quick question because I’m really considering getting this: I would like to set 2 “detection regions” right next to each other. I want as soon as I enter my front door, the entrance light comes on. And then as I walk in the second zone foyer light comes on. Is that possible with this? Or should I just use two motion sensors?

[@ShaneCreates]

I don't think that's possible. The motion zones are for processing recording clips and I don't think apply to motion automations. Two motion sensors would probably be the answer.

[@nev922]

@@ShaneCreates thanks for your response. That would be a cool smart home innovation though! 🤔

[@jhardy0786]

Does Aqara make a light switch with dimmer

[@ShaneCreates]

No I don't think they have a dimmer. Just on/off light switches.

[@platinumlucifer694]

@@ShaneCreates they do have, look at those device appeared on "add accessory" menu in Aqara app.

[@ShaneCreates]

@@platinumlucifer694 In the US there is no dimmer switches. Maybe they have one available in other regions.

[@shannonbreaux8442]

Works with home assistant?

[@mousqy]

not yet but you can add it with the homekit addon

[@garanceadrosehn9691]

I just bought an Aquara G3 camera, and the video quality is very nice. It has a lot of features, but I was disappointed to see that (apparently) I must set up an account on Aquara's servers to access those features. I had intended to hook this up to nothing but Apple Secure video. I did download Aquara's app on my iPad, and added the G3 Camera accessory using that app in "HomeKit Mode". And that part seems to have worked fine. I do not mind that I cannot do pan-and-tilt via the HomeKit app, but it seems I can't do much of anything with the camera using Aquara's own app. About all it does is list that it knows about my G3 camera, and there are some settings I can change, and I can upgrade the firmware on the camera (which I did do successfully). But unless I'm missing something obvious _(which is certainly possible!)_ I can't do anything *with* the camera while using their app in "HomeKit Mode". I added a microSD card, but I can't even see if the camera knows it's there, and I cannot display any video from the camera in the Aquara app. I cannot do automations or scenes unless I am logged into an account on Aquara's servers. The app explicitly tells me that requirement, so that part at least is not a matter of something I might be overlooking. My guess is that you already had an account setup with Aquara, so when you got to that question in the setup process you went ahead and logged in without really noticing that the account is *required* for so many of the features is this camera. But I'll say again: The video quality from this (especially in night mode) is very very nice.

[@garanceadrosehn9691]

It might be that the configuration of my Home (in HomeKit) isn't connected quite right to my iCloud accounts. It seems to be, and when I added cameras I was asked if I wanted to "add this to apple secure video?", but right now I can't find any proof that my HomeKit cameras are actually hooked up to Apple Secure Video.

[@garanceadrosehn9691]

I read Aquara's in-app comments about "HomeKit Mode", and they don't sound very enthusiastic about it. "In response to recent feedback, we've decided to continue to support HomeKit mode, which allows customers to enjoy basic device features and manage firmware updates". Not exactly a ringing endorsement.

[@ShaneCreates]

Yes at one point they were going to get rid of "HomeKit Mode." Then they decided to keep it after they got some backlash from users. You certainly won't be able to access many of the features if you are not signed into the Aqara app. If you use it only in HomeKit mode, you'll basically only be able to access the features of HomeKit Secure Video within the Home app.

[@kanzai12]

I understand why your family said creepy with Human detection. Imagine in middle of night, suddenly its pickup movement yet no one there.

[@Cocker_Spaniel]

Which camera is newer the g2h pro or g3?

[@ShaneCreates]

I think the G2H Pro was released after the G3. The original G2H (not pro) was first.

[@Cocker_Spaniel]

@@ShaneCreates was really hoping forward to see a review from you on the g2h pro since they are stating it's "fullest" compatible camera they have. Since you have very good, extensive and detailed reviews of every HomeKit related product. Thanks for the reply tho! Love watching your vids

[@TimDeWaele]

If you put for example this cam in a child bedroom and a aqara hub in the living room. If you set the alarm on night. If the alarm good off, the camera give a alarm sound too and will chock the child. That is something I want to see changed by Aqara.

[@dankirchner4460]

Kinda creepy but has cute little cat ears 😂. Yeah I'm sold

[@jsf777golf]

Just got my G3 hub and got surprised that my password to my wifi could not contain special characters. So if I understand it correctly I have to eliminate the special character and then reset up all my devices to the new password. I only have about 30 items to change but wished Aqara could have handle the password like all the devices I have on homekit.

[@ShaneCreates]

Oh wow didn't realize that. Sorry to hear about the frustration. Good to know though, thanks for sharing.

[@swirlysoph]

I can get cruse & human detection both on via automation. “If motion detected then enable human tracking”. Then put it on cruse. Voila both on :-)

[@swirlysoph]

Then if you don’t want all the bars showing motion, just add “if motion detected then turn off motion”.

[@TechHeadB]

Aqara really need to add pictures in their native app camera notifications. I can't believe they still don't offer this

[@RUAGoodNurse]

Actually make this the last comment: finally I got the hub to stop asking for Mi Home App and asking for the aqara app but now I am back to the same initial problem which is it says wifi connecting: blue light flashing and when I first set up the system 5 days ago it connected quickly now it just times out: it will NOT connect to my wifi and account binding fails: please know that I have 3 other 2.4 ghz devices successfully connected to my router so I have no idea what happened since it was working 5 days ago: now I have over 200 dollars worth of equipment and no working hub: this is terrible if this is how aqara works as they could not correct the problem over hours of emailing them :(

[@ShaneCreates]

Sorry to hear about your issues. I have used Aqara products for years so there must be something in your setup causing the issue, unless you just received a faulty hub. I do find it odd that it asked to pair to the Mi Home app. Where did you get your hub from? Amazon? You want to make sure you have the correct hub for the region of the world you live in and that you have the correct region set in the Aqara app profile settings. I'm not sure I can offer any tips that you haven't already tried, as it seems you've done a bit of troubleshooting already. If you haven't already, I'd recommend doing a factory reset of the hub. Make sure it is removed from the Aqara app and Home app (if using it with homekit) and then try to set it up again after the factory reset. There could always be some settings on your router that could cause issues. I usually recommend turning OFF features like Device Prioritization/QOS on your router if enabled. You may also try to disable your 5GHz wifi band in order to connect the hub to the 2.4 band. I use a combined SSID with no issues, but maybe your router is different and having trouble connecting the hub to the correct band. Just a few suggestions. I hope it helps. Good luck!

[@RUAGoodNurse]

@@ShaneCreates Hey Shane: first I will repat that you are wonderful. So about 20 years ago I used to be a system administrator before I became a nurse. So though I did not want to do more research originally than listening to you I was lax and then put my nose to the grindstone when this problem happened. I trouble shot with my IP provider; the IP high level tech was surprised by how much I knew: aqara assistance was terrible I mean horrible: it's ridiculous how they tried to handle this and no phone support after 5 hours of them forcing me to trouble shoot. Each time I asked look maybe the hub has failed: no they were not hearing it instead kept sending me trouble shooting suggestions that I actually told them I had already done taking my own initiative. So finally I paid the money ordered a new hub (after hours of suffering with them and forcing my IP to deal with me: put in the new hub and immediately everything was up and running again: this hub failed in 5 days of use. I am scared as the new hub has the same manufacturing date so who knows. Sadly looking today for the amazon reviews of the product for purchases made by others in 2022 show some serious horror stories. I still LOVE listening to you because of the knowledge you impart!! Your lessons gave me the courage to foray into setting up a system: sadly its all paid for and I am stuck with it all I can do is hope: BTW they told me to buy a window/door sensor for my electric outer garage door (goes up and down right) and of course there was no way to use it: so guess what I created my own little tilt by attaching the window door sensor to a door hinge that I attached to my garage door and when the door goes up one side of the hinge drops down and breaks the connection but its telling that Aqara did not think of creating/selling a title sensor themselves: You are the best:! Aqara at least for now for me (and amazon others) not so much.

[@tommygraham1990]

Too bad Aqara hubs suck and continuously go offline rendering all their child devices useless. Edit: half my own user error, half Aqara’s not so straight forward firmware updates. When I clicked on the settings for the app and check for firmware updates, it said the firmware was up to date. Not sure if it’s just looking for the firmware of the hub but when I clicked on the settings of my air quality monitor, it did show a firmware update available. After I updated the firmware, I have had no issues with the hub going offline.

[@negOshEAte]

Same features as the Eufy even down to the packing, cable and brick same only difference Cramer shape

[@ShaneCreates]

I don't about that... this can do some things the Eufy can't do.