Aqara G4 Smart Doorbell review - The First HomeKit battery powered smart doorbelll

[@joeonejoeone]

We ended up exchanging this model for the slimmer version kzbin.infoUgkx0jZ_lGlDVJhDnmagEU8gn47cmfPNlLQU because it was too wide for the only door trim area that made sense to mount it on. However, we should have just noted the dimensions prior to purchasing. Otherwise, we love the doorbell. It works perfectly, and the video is very clear, even at night.

[@Byte_J]

I have one running on battery power and I haven’t had any issues with the Home app showing a live feed in the tile.

[@MichelBouman]

The screw on the side is such a design flaw. Many homes have brick walls on the side of the door. No way to screw/unscrew the plate. The screw shouldve been on the top or bottom

[@kimberlyjacobsen4148]

Agreed but my cam is on the left side so I have no issue ☺️

[@ReLapse85]

No issue if you put it on the left bud

[@Nardes]

Installed mine yesterday and I have not had ANY HomeKit issues that you or Shane have mentioned. Everything has been rock solid. I did have a firmware update waiting for me after installation and maybe that fixed some issues? For the record I am wired in and not using batteries.

[@HomeKitAuthority]

Interesting that experiences with the doorbell are mixed. But glad it’s working well with you

[@thejayzed]

Excellent review and very impressed to see you remain unbiased and provide your honest experience. I have owned it for a month now and have had the same issues plus also the "blinking blue light of death" which causes the doorbell to lost connection to the chime permanently and require a power reboot on the doorbell almost on a daily basis. Between the extremely frequent connection issues, poor PIR motion detection, buggy software and notifications I have to say this doorbell is currently not fit for purpose which is a real shame as we have all been eagerly awaiting for it. I have engaged with aqara support and I really hope they fix these issues ASAP or most of us will end up returning it,

[@WellFedProductions]

Works fine for me

[@Kirkules44]

+1 works fine for me

[@IamJewz]

Chiming in to say I’m on battery and live preview is working for me. Love the product though my gripes are the aspect ratio and the colors are kinda washed out compared to when I used my Ring doorbell via Scrypted for HKSV.

[@dafyddlee8116]

Had this for two days, jury out, but getting more hopeful each day. It missed people A LOT. So I used the Aqara app the increase the sensitivity to high but then had to limit it to people, packages etc as was alerting none stop. Seems to have done the trick. It did get down to 40% battery in two days 😬. Hoping it’s down to over activation from settings and me being in front of it washing the car for hours. Will hard wire eventually so not a deal breaker.

[@emmasoccer2025]

Installed mine the day it came out and have to say it works flawless. I do like your review but what I’ve experienced isn’t the same. Great product from me in Canada. Cheers

[@HomeKitAuthority]

To be fair, I have had it for 2 months and done some testing. But it’s good to hear it’s working flawless for you

[@vitorppt]

Thanks for the excellent review 😃 I was long waiting for this doorbell and got very disappointed when I saw the specs recommending the installation in a shaded area. You were the first installing it outside at the rain. I was wondering if it would survive if I built a small plastic protection around protruding 15mm, until I saw your review. Did you actually got serious rain in the testing period or only light rain? Any recommendation regarding this topic? Many thanks

[@gmac2.0]

One thing I can not find an answer to is, can you chime your home pods through out the home like you can with the Logitec? Thanks G.

[@siobhanellis]

You obviously had a pre-production unit, as you've been testing for 2 months. I've just got a new one (UK). It ran for 2 days, and then I lost connection to WiFi. I had to completely reset and it to get it back. However, this was with a beta FW and it has now been working issue. So I think the issue is they released too soon. I added to HK without adding to Aqara App. However, you nee dto add to Aqara App to upgrade FW. I completely agree about the camera. I also had a Netatmo door bell and I found that Netatmo saw my doorstep, and Aqara did not. I do think the picture quality is better from Aqara. I found the ring responsiveness to be very good, especially compared to Netatmo.

[@justinphy7229]

Just got it today. And mine does give me the live updates in the home app on the main screen

[@JMC2727]

The “updating” thing is a HomeKit issue. It’s every single device in my house. It’s also something people are complaining about on Reddit.

[@HomeKitAuthority]

None of my other devices have this issue. This was on one occasion for over 1 min

[@ericlung5086]

Hi, does the “updating” indication for the motion sensor stioll there? I have the exact same problem but after I upgraded to 4.0.1 firmware for the G4. The “upgating” idencation for the door bell motion sensor now only appeaes when I open the homekit app for the frist time, as long as the homekit app stay opened, everytime I check, the ”updating“ is gone. When I close and re-open homekit, the “upading” reappears. I then pressed back and press accessories again, the ”updating“ will always disappear Everytime…..

[@victorli4316]

I have similar HK integration issue with the D100 door lock that it drops off from HK and with a status of not responding. After speaking with Aqara support and without making any changes, it started to reconnect and has been working fine since. My G3 hub has been rock solid since day one. Without much understanding on how integration with HK works, I am guessing there could be an integration server on Aqara side somewhere to perform the HK registration before Zigbee comes into play.

[@trauatsgg3809]

Thanks for the video. Great information. I have the aqara doorbell. When the doorbell is pressed the video pops up on my Home kit apple TV. My question is...How do I make the video popup on Home kit when 'motion' is detected?

[@Shaneb1990]

Will the home kit live view work when it has wired power supply? As it can be set to Constant streaming and recording? Also what’s the notification response time on devices when motion or doorbell is triggered?

[@mavirek]

Can an automation be created that triggers when the Aqara doorbell is run? Or is the only option to trigger an automation when the Aqara doorbell detects motion? If only the latter is possible, then can the field be limited so only someone directly in front of the doorbell camera is detected?

[@ljieyao0210]

hi, are you putting it at the outdoor? how does it perform when there is raining or high temperature?

[@alfredoferrentino389]

Is it possible to improve the signal between the receiver and the doorbell in case of weak signal, in your opinion, maybe with an extender or similar device?

[@RoyHanks]

Thank you for this!!! Going to be very helpful in my next decision.

[@Cogan1]

Just an FYI as you mentioned you will need "at least 200GB" of iCloud storage. Homekit Video recording does not use your iCloud storage. Apple has included this feature as part of Homekit.

[@sarpeeletronica]

its possible to use without Apple Hubs as Apple TV or home pod?

[@mikedavis6299]

Is there an ideal height to mount doorbell camera so that heads aren’t cut off as person approaches door? My present doorbell is mounted just a little above the door knob height. I know that would be too low.

[@andrewdavidson665]

Bought one of these a while ago but literally only installed it today and even though it's setup to Steam&Record it is not doing any recording. The screen in Home only shows the LIVE icon but no timeline. I set it up directly in Home (not Aqara) and apart from the non-recorded video it's working. Any suggestions anyone?

[@MrJordanwain]

I’m guessing you would recommend the Logitech Circle View doorbell over this one then? I am still unsure of why it is not available in the UK!! 🙄

[@hosemarian]

If it only had a normal screen(even for extra purchase) to preview whos at the door it would be a perfect option for me

[@hopalong3916]

Your videos are great but please don’t have background music. It’s really off putting

[@kevinm1887]

Great review, gonna hold off for a while. I have the Netatmo doorbell and have been having power issues since day one but the aspect ratio of the Aqara is baffling to me especially for package detection. Have you any insight or word on why the Logitech circle view doorbell isn’t available in UK to buy yet? It’s been out in US for some time and from reviews that’s the one I want to get

[@Pat123-d7g]

is the light on your bell continuously on or does this also go out on your bell I have been figuring out all day with me it is off and when I ring the bell it only starts to burn is this normal or can you change this to the app

[@Kendo_88]

Great review. Now that you’ve had some time rubbing it wired, has the motion accuracy got any better? With wired mode, is it recording 24/7 in HomeKit?

[@takayamaguchi]

When answering with this doorbell, it records visiter’s voice but doesn’t record mine through iPhone or iPad. Aqara support says it’s not normal, but I experienced this with two identical units. Logitech’s doorbell also had the same issue. I wonder if you were able to record your voice.

[@ericlung5086]

Hi, does the “updating” indication for the motion sensor stioll there? I have the exact same problem but after I upgraded to 4.0.1 firmware for the G4. The “upgating” idencation for the door bell motion sensor now only appeaes when I open the homekit app for the frist time, as long as the homekit app stay opened, everytime I check, the ”updating“ is gone. When I close and re-open homekit, the “upading” reappears. I then pressed back and press accessories again, the ”updating“ will always disappear Everytime…..

[@JerryMartendeBoer]

After updating to 4.0.1 lost connection between chime and doorbell. Tried to do a factory reset of both doorbell and chime but no success in the factory reset. The chime actually mentioned it did the reset but trying to reset the doorbell with a 10sec press seems to be going nowhere. After the 10sec you see the led turning blue for a couple of seconds and then (I assume) the doorbell is doing the factory reset but no connection what so ever. Any idea?

[@dazzybee3]

Looking to get a HomeKit video doorbell. Tempted by this? Do you think this is the best video doorbell? Not bothered about price, just want the best one

[@danielupclose]

Have these bugs been resolved by now ? Planning to get one

[@Bikepacking]

Did they ever fix with a update

[@boxertrix2540]

Hi John, I have a G4 sitting on my desk waiting for the rain to stop so I can install it. Is there any reason why you chose to run just on battery rather than using the power you seemed to have in place for your Netatmo? Could the lack of responsiveness in the home app be down to running in battery mode rather than being hard wired to power? I'm also replacing my Netatmo, which I bought when they claimed they would eventually support HSV - a commitment they subsequently withdrew... I have found the Netatmo very unreliable in terms of disconnecting itself from the HomeKit network for no obvious reason every few of days, so hopefully the HSV support and network connection will be better with the G4. Fingers crossed.

[@HomeKitAuthority]

I used batteries so I could test the claim of 4 months performance. It’s gone mostly the lack of response with wired, but still some issues

[@vitorppt]

Are you planning to install it in a spot with direct rain? I was considering that, with a custom umbrella and fingers crossed 🤞 😅 Still not available to order in my area, though

[@boxertrix2540]

@@vitorppt Not in direct rain, there is a canopy over my door which will protect it from rain, but I'm not sure it would have protected me whilst fitting it. All up and running now, so far much more reliably than the piece of cr*p Netatmo it has just replaced.

[@terrym8824]

Thanks for the excellent review. The streaming/recording to iCloud, and continuous live preview only works when the device is hard wired. I understand that this is to prolong battery life. As well as HomePod, it will also pair with an Amazon account, so any doorbell ring is repeated on Dot devices and displayed on Show devices together with a "somebody is at the door" announcement.

[@funglam7395]

Damnit. I just bought the eufy thinking a decent HomeKit doorbell was long way off!

[@earn635daily]

"Knowledge is being aware of what you can do. Wisdom is knowing when not to do it." -

[@wzk921109]

The one you got on the chime says prototype sample.

[@HomeKitAuthority]

No it does not

[@leequidto]

@@HomeKitAuthority It really does. Why are you lying?

[@kwongchu5397]

Does this or any other HK doorbell show automatic previews on the Apple TV when someone presses the button?

[@AminVlogs1]

Yes

[@leudoloiola9844]

YES

[@jasonkelsey3441]

I have 5 cameras. HomeKit only supports up to 4 cameras. If I set up this video door bell will HomeKit allow me to see video or will it fall under the max 4 camera limit?

[@AminVlogs1]

HKSV is what limits the number of cameras, you can have as many as you like but only a number of them will record footage. If someone rings the doorbell it will switch over and record.

[@jhardy0786]

Do you have to install the battery’s if your going to hard wire it ? Thanks

[@James-616]

No

[@kimberlyjacobsen4148]

Camera is streaming live in home kit. On my system ☺️

[@MrLindsaydr]

PIR (passive infrared) not PRI

[@hjunquera]

5 meters distance between chime and doorbell? That seems very little maximum distance.

[@porttastic]

Why I can’t find it anywhere?

[@the-bu3lb]

Will it send video to your tv with apple 4K hooked up ?

[@jsac3939]

Yes

[@650rcr6]

Mine can’t connect to the WiFi during setup. Any ideas why and how to fix? I have Eero Pro as my network.

[@AminVlogs1]

It only connects to the 2.4 band. You might have to switch your router over to 2.4, connect your phone to it and then proceed with the paring

[@theoblongbox4909]

This install section of the review is a bit lacking. One of the big markets for a doorbell like this among apple home users is people who live in apartments. Those who cannot drill into the wall. It goes completely unmentioned in the video that you do not have to do any screwing or drilling at all to install the doorbell as the back is adhesive and will stick without screwing. If I had only watched your video, I would not have bought it because I would assume that the only way to install it is with screwing.

[@SavageChip810]

Why didn’t they use a rechargeable battery?

[@christianhotter]

Does the chime double as an Aqara hub for other devices?

[@AminVlogs1]

Unfortunately, no.

[@gmac2.0]

Ohh. and its IP rating for water resistance.

[@tackleviewchannel3620]

How come no one shows the white version, it looks better!

[@HornshawWoodWorks]

Dumb question; do you get notifications from this when you are away from the house?

[@HomeKitAuthority]

Yes for HomeKit if you have an home hub like an Apple TV or HomePod. You also get them via the Aqara app

[@MrChileung]

Cannot view while your phone is on cellular Did anyone experience this?

[@pamalot9428]

I would say not being waterproof is much further than close to perfect

[@maximilianolynch8619]

Hi! What happened when the electricity go off? Continue working or just die?

[@maximilianolynch8619]

(with batteries)

[@chestercopperpot9294]

Pity there is no reason to switch from my Logitech doorbell. Maybe the next version will be worth it.

[@dancostache1582]

While I initially had high hopes for the Aqara Doorbell G4, I've unfortunately experienced significant connectivity issues. Despite troubleshooting and support assistance, the problem persisted, leading me to switch to a more reliable alternative. Regrettably, I cannot recommend this product based on my experience.

[@khalidabulfath7418]

I can’t find the transformer in my country :(( .. AC or DC

[@ctlspl]

Does looking at the chime grid make anyone else dizzy?

[@enriquelinares9218]

what happened to this channel? really enjoid your content. :(

[@JohnnyLeuthard]

Could they make it any uglier!? It looks like a fisher price toy and a lot of batteries! Every few months having to replace them seams like a pain vs other battery capable doorbells that have a rechargeable battery that lasts 6+ months. I'd prefer to have a rechargeable myself and have a spare on a charger and then just swap them out. Sure I can have rechargeable dbl A's but really, 6 batteries? I like that it will work with homekit and secure video in the cloud. Not a fan of having to have an ugly chime for it to work rather than us my chime already wired in the house.

[@GregoriusAM]

I can’t watch your videos with the loud music in the background. I watch on a calibrated home theatre. Thanks for reading this.

[@IrakliBibila]

What’s the point of it being on batteries when you have to have chime plugged in, and without chime, it doesn’t work, no sound, no notification, no cloud upload. All the brains are in the chime, and chime has to have power. So basically having batteries inside the camera is pointless.

[@Zomfoo]

Low res and HUGE. Pass.

[@giovanniturco6428]

Glad your back to be honest I like the Aqara products like I have in my home when it comes to the doorbell design don’t like it looks like a brick I hope Aqara do only the wired vision with out the battery then it’s doesn’t look big I am still happy with my first generation nest doorbell video