Most Affordable HomeKit Products - AQARA Everything!!

[@ShaneCreates]

Aqara 24-hour Sales Event info: • Takes place on Amazon US September 18 (Saturday). No Prime membership or promo code will be needed. • All Aqara products will be discounted to this year's lowest price. • Customer can add all your favorite products into the shopping cart before the event, and all prices will be adjusted automatically when you check out on Saturday. • Visit Aqara Amazon Store: geni.us/Aqara_Store Follow me online for more smart home stuff every day! ✅ IG - instagram.com/shanecreates​​ ✅ Twitter - twitter.com/shanecreates​​ ✅ WEB: shanewhatley.com

[@jamesbeniston2835]

The water sensor saved my garage 3 times now... Totally worth getting.

[@moniquem783]

Oh I like the letterbox notification! I’m gonna do that!

[@rexhua4833]

Affordable, reliable & tested. Nice!

[@donjalex2262]

Timely video for my new house build, thx!

[@ChrisOram]

LOVE ME SOME AQARA! Sensors, sensors, and more sensors!

[@farny6]

Shane and his Aqara products he recommended has my family house decked out. Motion sensors, cameras etc. great product!! Thanks again Shane 😃👍🏻

[@ShaneCreates]

Nice! Thanks for the comment Ryan! Glad to hear you are also happy with your Aqara stuff!

[@malonecustomdesigns]

This looks promising! Can you run an NFC triggered automation with these devices on the iPhone?

[@aridge14]

I grabbed the new Aqara hub based on your recommendation. I monitor the temp inside 2 refrigerators/freezers and a deep freezer for a total of 5 sensors. The temperature alerts work flawlessly and it all plays nicely with HomeKit. I’ve added 4 leak sensors, the air quality sensor, and vibration sensor with similar results. I’m very satisfied… thank you!

[@ShaneCreates]

That’s awesome! Great use of the Aqara sensors. Thanks for sharing!

[@LMGSvideos]

Thanks for the heads up about the sale. I just saved $49 on my order!!

[@gregghayes6710]

Shane, good video. Please keep letting us know as new good Aqara stuff comes out. I’d love to see when Aqara expands in the US market with some of their other products. As I mentioned in a comment in another video, I love the IR blaster and was able to replace my Logitech Harmony with this and now I actually have Siri shortcut support! The harmony doesn’t and is in the trash. Take that Logitech!

[@ShaneCreates]

Haha thanks Gregg! Glad to hear you’re still happy with the IR blaster on the M2! That’s great! I will do my best to keep bringing new Aqara stuff to the channel. Thanks!

[@JasonPuq]

Thanks for all the videos Shane! Been getting good info! Question: What are your thoughts on the "Homekit Only" mode where you don't have to use the Aqara App? What would you be giving up that is only in the Aqara App and not in the Apple Home app? e.g. If I'm using the Temp/Humidity and Leak sensors?

[@robertbolton9154]

I just picked up my first Aqara products last night. I ordered the M1S hub, light switch, two contact sensors, and a motion sensor. My goal is to slowly add some security to various entrances, automate the master closet lights, and let us know when someone forgets to close the fridge. Man I really wish I had known about the sell! Oh well, maybe I can justify buy more 😆

[@ShaneCreates]

Shoot. Well, sounds like a good excuse to pick up a few more sensors! 😆

[@jackwong64]

I would say all these temp/water sensors make me understand my home better and with this price tag, it’s really worth it.

[@armandodiaz7978]

Great video and explanation. Thanks Shane, regards from Aruba

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks for watching! 😎 ☀️ 🌴

[@princealbertofpa]

Very informative! I'll be picking up the M2 Hub & sensors later in the year. If the electricity goes out & comes back on, what state does outlet return to? (if the outlet was on prior to the electricity going out, does it return to the on state once the electricity comes back on?) Thanks!

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks for watching! There is an option in the plug’s settings (Aqara app) to toggle on/off “Power-Off Memory.” When it powers on again, the device will resume its last state before it powered off.

[@notimportant31]

I am currently using aqara p3 air conditioner partner. Fraction of the cost for tado v3 or ecobee. For just $30 and with the cost of changing my socket to AU 16a, adding that to all my air conditioner with ir controller is the best decision ever.

[@zr00t]

I bought an M2 hub and a bunch of sensors and replaced my monitored home security system based on your previous Aqara video on security. I added some leak sensor as well and the thing has been solid as a rock. My only complaint about the M2 is the IR blaster is no where near as good as I'd like it to be and doesn't seem to perform some functions as expected. I was hoping to replace my Logitech Hub with the M2, but thus far, still stuck with the Logitech for now for theater automation.

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks for sharing!

[@camron1053]

Another great video. I should had waited I wouldn’t had brought the bond smart fan hub and the Flic 2 system.

[@ShaneCreates]

I’m not familiar with the Bond hub, but the Flic buttons are also great. I use them too. Although they are more expensive.

[@S.E.C-R]

I’ve never heard of this brand until another video I watched earlier. It sound pretty great, but do you have to use their hubs or can you use your AppleTV hub for them?

[@ShaneCreates]

Yes you have to use their hub. A HomeKit hub is still always required (like Apple TV or HomePod) when using with HomeKit

[@Polkster13]

The contact sensor and motion sensors are much smaller than the competition! Definitely agree about the water leak sensors. I currently have 7 of them and am planning on getting 7 more. I have 3 hubs and 5 G2H camera hubs (these are used to monitor my 4 exterior doors and inside my garage. I currently have 39 total Aqara accessories and counting.

[@ShaneCreates]

Wow, that’s a lot of Aqara stuff! You might have me beat! 👏 👏 P.S. great point about the size.

[@chilson88]

Ok so I just received the G2H and have it up and running. The look and feel of the is amazing. I can see the feed in the Aqara app and HK. But when I switch to 5GHz the feed back is no more? Can I only view it on my 2.5 network?

[@ShaneCreates]

The camera needs to connect via 2.4 GHz I believe, but it shouldn't matter what your phone is connected to.

[@chilson88]

@@ShaneCreates I finally figured it out. I have two separate channels one is 5&2.5 and the other is just 2.5 for setting up new items. I never switched it over to my 5&2.5 channel. Aqara G2H yesterday and setting up Lutron Caseta switches today.

[@Kingsley4K]

You tuning in to the Aqara livestream tonight? New products being revealed I think and they’re talking about Matter support.

[@ShaneCreates]

Hey Ron. I may try to catch it on IG.

[@bbruce65]

Another great video. Is the Aqara M1S worth upgrading to? I have the original M1. Thinking of using Aqara vibration sensors to replace Vocolinc window sensors since it seems Vocolinc is out of business. Would use Eve sensors, but they are way too thick for my window / blinds gap.

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks for watching! The biggest changes in the newer M1S hub are that it supports twice as many child devices (128) as the original hub, it supports zigbee 3.0, and has support for all 4 HomeKit security modes.

[@therealjonwsmith]

I love the Aqara sensors. For the water sensor, you can get a float switch and connect it to the screws on the bottom. I have one on my sump pump to know our pump died before water gets out of the crock. How are you seeing the outlet energy monitoring outside of the Aqara app? I haven’t figured that one out yet.

[@ShaneCreates]

That's a great way to use the water sensor. Very cool! You can see the energy monitoring using 3rd party HomeKit apps. My latest video actually discusses automations with 3rd party apps: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2SrhIt6o7dlhrs

[@therealjonwsmith]

​@@ShaneCreates I checked out the video and checked my 3rd party apps- interesting that at my office I have the M2 hub, but it does not show the power usage in Home+ app. At home I have the M1S hub and I can see the power usage in the Home+ app. I think I read that the M1 hub is the only hub that will pass along energy usage.

[@ShaneCreates]

Wow that is interesting. I did not realize that. My smart plug is connected to the M1S as well.

[@leighrieder3717]

Which lightbulbs can work with the Aqara Hub M1S?.....at the moment I can only find Aqara lights which have the E27 cap fitting and i am looking for a larger variety of lightbulb cap fittings. Thanks for all your videos...ive invested in Aqara since watching your channel :)

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks for watching Leigh. I haven't used any Aqara light bulbs since they don't sell them in the US. So it depends on your location. I have used a number of the smart switches tho for my lights.

[@melvintan5117]

Nice Shane!

[@nickkincanon4582]

Great video, as always, Shane! I thought all hubs required a direct connection to the router. Looks like the Aqaba hubs don’t. Am I wrong on that? That would make incorporation of hubs MUCH more convenient.

[@sebhockey3]

I have the M1S Hub and it works through WiFi. It's been really stable and responsive for me!

[@nickkincanon4582]

@@sebhockey3 Thank you!! 😀

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks Nick! No, there are many hubs on the market that can connect via wifi also. The M1S hub and the G2H Camera Hub connect via wifi, and the M2 Hub can connect via Ethernet. It’s nice to have options. Some people may prefer that direct Ethernet connection for more stability, and others may prefer the flexibility of a wifi connection. Both options from Aqara have been very solid for me.

[@nickkincanon4582]

@@ShaneCreates Thanks Shane. Loving your channel, BTW. Thanks for all of the effort you’re putting into it. Wishing you continued success!

[@ShaneCreates]

@@nickkincanon4582 thanks for the support! 🙏🏻

[@tiggerlove12]

Thanks for a great video. I learned about Aqara products from your other video and love using them. The prices are well worth it. I added the door/window sensor but for some reason not seeing them in HomeKit. Any suggestions

[@ShaneCreates]

Have you paired the hub to homekit? Once the hub is paired, all child devices should show up in HomeKit. Check the room... they will probably show up in the room where the hub is located in the Home app.

[@tiggerlove12]

@@ShaneCreates 👋🏾.. Thanks for the response. I turned of the camera hub then turned it back on and it’s working fine now maybe just need a refresh. Thanks again.

[@icemanbrfc]

Hey man, great video. Quick question, i have the Xiaomi Hub and sensors. Would teh Aqara line of child devices work with the Xiaomi Hub and vice versa?

[@ShaneCreates]

I think a lot of them do, but I don’t think there is any guarantee that they’ll work together.

[@LCopJunior]

Hey Shane, which hub do you prefer? Thanks.

[@ShaneCreates]

Honestly I like them all. Choosing the best is going to depend on what's most important to you. Do you need an IR blaster and prefer a hard-wired ethernet connection (M2 hub)? Do you prefer the louder speaker for security and the night light (M1S)? Do you have a need for an additional indoor camera (G2H)? Personally I really like having the louder speaker of the M1S hub and the LED night light. I use that light for homekit automations a lot. But there is a place for each, depending on your setup and what you need.

[@jaymacibe3731]

Great product line, but how would you compare with their equivalent Eve Thread ones? Like the door sensor and power monitor? If money wasn’t part of the equation?

[@ShaneCreates]

Honestly they perform very similarly. Both are very fast and reliable, since thread and zigbee are actually very close in performance and reliability. The big difference is Aqara needs the Aqara Hub and the Eve sensors don't need any extra hub.

[@jankristensen1513]

Hey. Cool channel you have. I'm looking for HomeKit smoke alarms. I don't really see that you have any?

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks Jan. There aren't many good options for native HomeKit smoke detectors in the US. First Alert make a couple but I was not a huge fan of those.

[@vmrivera1]

I'm sorry if this has been asked before. I'm new to this home automation thing. I recently got the Eero 6, and I see that it can function as a Zigbee hub eliminating the need for an extra Aqara hub. Does this feature cross over into Homekit? Or do I still need the Aqara hubs to make their devices work?

[@ShaneCreates]

I’m almost certain you’ll need the Aqara hub to get the devices working in Homekit. The hub is what’s paired to HomeKit (with a code) and all child devices automatically get exposed to HomeKit.

[@vmrivera1]

@@ShaneCreates thanks for the reply!!

[@tubeman25]

i have new apple tv with thread. do i still need the aqara hub to work with there products

[@ShaneCreates]

Currently yes. Aqara products connect via zigbee, not thread, so they need the hub to connect. Aqara is planning to release thread products starting early 2023, in which case you would not need an Aqara Hub.

[@mitchellcoleman4343]

Can you add the smart button to the hub and then have it control a light bulb via google home? Thanks

[@dit100]

Wow thanks another solid video. I definitely feel you on the water sensors. I cringe whenever I buy one. How good is zigbe range?

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks Donnell! The Zigbee Alliance website lists the range as: Up to 300+ meters (line of sight), Up to 75-100 meters indoor.

[@brodiefarquhar9867]

Hi Shane, first month subscriber and my first comment. Really enjoying your content so thank you. I was just talking to my locksmith today about the aqara d100 door lock and caught your video. I’m currently running an eve camera and philips smart button as my front doorbell due to having limited availability of products here in Australia 🇦🇺. I would like to utilise the locks built in doorbell with sound sent to homepods and was wondering if I need an aqara hub to work and sound the locks bell with homekit? If a hub is required I will look at aqara products for my security system as I’d planned to use eve for this. Would appreciate your opinion on best way forward and brands to use/combine based on performance. Thanks again, Great helpful videos!

[@ShaneCreates]

Hey Brodie, thanks for watching and subscribing! I’m not too sure about the lock and the features it includes, since Aqara doesn’t have any locks available in the US. So I’m not sure what exactly is exposed to HomeKit and/or what exactly could be automated through Aqara or HomeKit regarding the lock. The only way to get the “native” HomeKit doorbell chime through your homepods currently is to be using a HomeKit doorbell. Then you’ll have an option in each HomePod’s settings to allow the doorbell chime on that HomePod. Sorry I’m not more help on this one.

[@ronaldchannel]

My basement flooded twice this year, a sensor of those I would have liked to have!

[@ShaneCreates]

Oh no sorry to hear that! I have also learned the hard way in the past. Smart water sensors has definitely saved the day once or twice since I started using them.

[@kuharious]

Shane, great video as always. Question, can you use the vibration sensor to trigger a recording using a camera assigned in HomeKit? My front camera get triggered too often and I’d like to put a vibration sensor on my fence. This way the camera only gets triggered when the fence gate is opened.

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks Todd. Unfortunately HomeKit doesn't give us the ability to trigger recordings through automations, so that isn't something you can do through HomeKit. You can however setup an automation like that via the Aqara app, if you are using an Aqara camera. It would just record to your local storage though and probably not to your iCloud (if using HomeKit Secure Video).

[@xtremebk]

Hey Shane. Could I use the Aqara sensor to trigger another brand in homekit without using the Aqara hub or do I still need it for it to work?

[@ShaneCreates]

Yes and Yes. You can use the sensors to trigger other homekit accessories. For example, the Aqara motion sensor can turn on your Nanoleaf lights. But you also need the Aqara Hub to use any of the sensors with HomeKit. Aqara has plans to release some thread enabled sensors later this year, that will not need a hub. But right now, all of their sensors use zigbee, therefore require a hub to connect to homekit.

[@xtremebk]

@@ShaneCreates Thanks so much, Shane!! Love all your videos!!!

[@caddyzig]

Interesting review. I’ll definitely watch for their sale. Could you detail your washing machine notification? And do you have any creative ideas for detecting the dryer cycle end, too?

[@ShaneCreates]

Yes, they are both detailed more in my automations video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKuZkpx4gJ2ibpY Chapters are available to skip to the relevant parts.

[@caddyzig]

@@ShaneCreates Thanks! I hadn’t seen that one.

[@jackwong64]

I am also a big fans of Mi(China version) and Aqara fans, I have purchased the M2 hub from US Amazon recently and you know what, all the sensors that I bought from China also work with this US hub, its much cheaper when you buy those sensors from China even with the shipping to US, its like 30-40% cheaper! I have 9 temp sensors, 5 water sensors, 3 door contact sensors, and few vibration but I donno what I can do with that yet. I am gonna install 1 for the mailbox but I wonder if I would keep getting message if there is heavy rain knocking on it, I will try it. I also have a light sensor, I also donno what I can do with this yet, it was so cheap from the Hk website, like few bucks only as I remember.

[@ShaneCreates]

Yep, all the sensors should still work. Great point. And you’re right, they can often be found even cheaper through those international sellers, but shipping often takes forever through those.

[@jackwong64]

@@ShaneCreates yea but all these are just toys, I usually buy 1-2 spares. I ran into a problem with the China Mi hub, and also the US M2 version, I have both package loss issue when I use it with Wifi since 2 months ago, this is why I bought the US m2 version. Is any of people here having the same issue?

[@BlaqViper]

Any plans for Aqara to add light bulbs to their product line? Luckily I was already Lutron products that allowed me to have a couple of downstairs light come on if the Aqara M1S alarm is triggered. LIFX makes a 50W dimmable HomeKit white light bulb for $10 or $30 for a $60, but no price in between. I can see Aqara offering a 60W or 75W bulb cheaper than $30.

[@ShaneCreates]

I’m not sure. Aqara does actually offer lights, but they aren’t available to the US market. They may only be available in China. They have a number of other products available in the Chinese market that isn’t available internationally yet. Not sure if they have plans to sell the light bulbs worldwide or not.

[@farooquncc]

Hey Shane, from Charlotte, NC! I have the door/window sensor and I want to use it to light up a coat closet when I slide the door open. There’s no outlets in there so I need a HomeKit light that doesn’t require electricity, any recommendations?

[@ShaneCreates]

Hey Farooq. Is there a light in the closet already? If so, you can just use a smart wall switch or a smart bulb.

[@farooquncc]

@@ShaneCreates Sorry I should have specified, no light at all in there. I’m hoping something wireless exists

[@theshazzy]

How do the Aqara light switches compare to the Lutron Caseta? Starting my HomeKit journey and would like to replace all the light switches in my new home, but unsure of which to sink my money into. Don’t want to get half way through doing the house then want to switch.

[@ShaneCreates]

Lutron Caseta is rock solid and probably feel a bit more “premium.” You really can’t go wrong with them. The only downside is that they get very expensive, especially if you are outfitting your whole house. The Aqara switches are a great budget option and they are my favorite choice behind Lutron. They use zigbee so they are very reliable. And if you use the Neutral versions, the switches can act as zigbee repeaters, expanding your Aqara zigbee network. I think the biggest hold up might be the 3-way switches, if you have those in your house. You can program a wireless mini switch or other button as the additional switch, but they currently don’t have any wireless switches that fit inside a standard switch plate for those 3-way switch locations (in the US).

[@frodelundsten]

@Shane Whatley: increasing the number of different hubs, would it be possible to reduce the number by acquiring either a Hoobs or Homey Pro hub?

[@ShaneCreates]

I don’t think so in this case. Zigbee devices still need to connect to a zigbee hub of some sort, which would still be needed even if using hoobs.

[@AlessandroPetrocino]

Nice video as usual! I love Aqara, I think it’s the best cost/benefit of all brands to have a reliable and nice Homekit sensor env. I just ordered Aqara G3 from China. Will be my 3rd Aqara camera (already have 2 G2H) and will be fixed on my living room. The only 2 problems with Aqara is to not have Temp exposed as a trigger and also the LUX levels on the motion sensor. But this is due the HK API, which not allow automations on it (I bypass the temp problem with EVE App, but not the LUX meter.) Any chance that we see a Homekit announcement next week on the Apple event and the release date of the next iOS version? I’ll love to have these 2 exposed directly to Homekit automation…

[@ShaneCreates]

Well this is in part due to the product and in part due to HomeKit. The temperature sensor does expose the temperature to HomeKit. The Home APP just doesn't give us access to that as an automation trigger. It's important to differentiate between the HomeKit framework and the Home app. That's why when using a 3rd party HomeKit app, like Eve, Home+, etc. we have the ability to use the temperature as an automation trigger. These apps are still only accessing your HomeKit data, it's just that the UI of these apps gives you EVERYTHING exposed to HomeKit, as opposed to the Home app that doesn't. Hope that makes sense. Regarding the light sensor on the motion sensor, that is simply because Aqara does not expose that to HomeKit for some reason, therefore it's just not accessible in HomeKit at all.

[@AlessandroPetrocino]

@@ShaneCreates yes, you’re right. The data is truly exposed, but can’t be user as a trigger from HK directly. And the LUX data I couldn’t find how to use it. It would be great to automate based on current brightness into a specific room. Today, this is accessible only from Aqara app, and the data is not exposed to HK (I couldn’t find it as an entity into EVE app). But, for these 2, would be great to have it implemented directly into HK Home App, without recurring to an external app :)

[@HeyTechi]

Really good video Shane, I really need to get into the Aqara ecosystem. I'm curious as to why the G2H can only support 64 devices, but the M1S/M2 hubs can support but up to 128 devices? Any idea that is?

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks! I’m not sure why the G2H has that limit. The original M1 hub also only supports 64 child devices. I’ve heard of people being able to add more to the G2H, but they “officially” only support a limit of 64 devices.

[@Soupy101]

Does the camera hub work with all accessories , door sensors etc?

[@VipinAbraham]

Hi bro I’m looking for a control panel display for all my divices, I just saw that in this video. What brand is that, and how much is it?

[@ShaneCreates]

Are you talking about the wall-mounted ipad? - kzbin.info/www/bejne/hH69epp5fJuhjKc

[@VipinAbraham]

@@ShaneCreates yes,

[@VipinAbraham]

@@ShaneCreates and I also want to know, how to setup shortcut with nfc tag for a light to turn on and off. I setup my living room light with the nfc. I can turn on with tap, but need to turn off manually. I don’t know how to create single shortcut for on and Off.

[@abrindeyev]

Hi Shane! Do you know by the chance how to export sensors history out of Aqara?

[@turkial-shalawi8400]

Should i have the aqara hub ? I have tp-link deco m9 plus witch have zig-bee

[@ShaneCreates]

To use the Aqara zigbee sensors, you will need an Aqara Hub.

[@turkial-shalawi8400]

@@ShaneCreates perfect thanks for answering I love your work I wish aqara sell their products here in Saudi Arabia or Middle East

[@Lacrocious]

For the smart plug with energy monitoring, are there Homekit triggers for energy usage? I don’t care much about recording energy usage for efficiency reporting, I’m looking to automate turning on bias lighting behind my TV when the TV is turned on/off. What do you automate when the washer is finished?

[@ShaneCreates]

Yes, it just triggers a light to change when the energy usage drops under a certain level. This is one of those strange things because this is all accessible and exposed to homekit, only the Home app doesn’t give us the ability to automate based on energy usage. But you can use a 3rd party HomeKit app, like the Home+ app or Controller for HomeKit to access the energy usage for automations.

[@Lacrocious]

​@@ShaneCreates Perfect! I haven't been able to find HomeKit products that expose power level triggers. For that matter, companies don't seem to include what triggers they support on their website or documentation. I appreciate the information you provide as well as the specifics about the the Aqara Smart Plug. Thank you.

[@Lacrocious]

@@ShaneCreates Hi again. Saved some money last weekend - thanks for the heads up on the Aqara sale on Amazon. The only problem is I don’t see the energy usage exposed to Homekit or the Aqara app. The only properties I see are on/off or In-use/not in-use. In-use doesn’t change based on the device in the outlet being on or off. I’ve checked in Apple Home, Aqara, Home+, Controller, Eve, iDevices, Or Apple Shortcuts. I think I looked everywhere, but being relatively new to Homekit, can you give me an additional hint on how you control other items/automations based on energy usage through the aqara plug? Thanks much!

[@corywithaynoe]

Alright, you convinced me. I’m getting a few Aqara items! 😁 I wish you had an affiliate link, so you could get the credit tho. 😕 I’ll just wait until Saturday, I guess. 😊

[@ShaneCreates]

Using the link in the video description will give me credit. Thanks! 😀

[@corywithaynoe]

@@ShaneCreates Oh, perfect! 😊

[@cottagekeeper]

Do you have an exterior led motion light that works with HomeKit secure you recommend? Might like to have a camera with it too.

[@ShaneCreates]

I think Netatmo’s Outdoor Camera is the only one that supports HomeKit with a floodlight, that I can think of.

[@amoenus_dev]

Are the sensors compatible only with Aqara hub or can you re-use existing ZigBee hub?

[@ShaneCreates]

I've heard of people getting them to work with other zigbee hubs through Homebridge, but I've never tried it.

[@javiertineo3084]

SHANE SAVE ME! How did you make your hub make the door bell sound? I’ve been trying to figure this out for the longest!

[@ShaneCreates]

Hey Javier. That automation needs to be configured in the Aqara app. Create a new automation: IF Button Single Press, THEN choose your hub and select “plays ringtone” and find the doorbell sound.

[@corywithaynoe]

Hey Shane, question: For the M2 hub, does the IR blaster work with Siri Shortcuts, as well as HomeKit? Currently, I have a SwitchBot IR Blaster controlling my A/C, but I had to teach the blaster the IR commands because my A/C was incompatible. Since I had to teach the commands, the A/C does not work with HomeKit, but I have the ability to control it from Siri Shortcuts through the SwitchBot app. It was quite tedious to create about 60 commands for each temperature setting, and I hope the Aqara hub is compatible with my A/C (Keystone KSTAT 14-2C).

[@gregghayes6710]

Hey there, unfortunately the IR blaster is not really compatible with HomeKit. However, it is very compatible with Siri shortcuts. It works very nicely with shortcuts.

[@corywithaynoe]

@@gregghayes6710 Thank you, Gregg. I appreciate your input. 😊

[@bernabemateo8156]

Hi! Zigbee vs Thread. Which one should I go for?

[@ShaneCreates]

They both perform about the same. Both are fast and both can create a mesh network. Of course, zigbee requires that additional hub, which is the big difference. Thread devices will probably cost more and there are not near as many available options right now.

[@GoFastGator]

Until all zigbee devices work with any zigbee hub with full functionality….. I feel it’s worth waiting for Thread devices to fill those roles.

[@GerardoBuenrostro]

So this means that If I already have a Pillips Hue Hub I need to buy an aquara hub to be able to use Aquara sensors?

[@KennynSkipper]

Yes that is correct

[@michaelesquivel9810]

Aqara switch or lutron switch which one is better

[@geek2330]

I'm still braking my head of what affordable strip light I should get for 2 rooms. Living room 65 feet and the 2nd is 44 feet. Thought about buying direct from China but they don't support HK. Lastly, what if you had an Amazon Echo 4th gen that supports ZigBee, can you connect an Aqara to it without the Aqara Hub??

[@ShaneCreates]

You may be able to connect certain sensors without the hub (I think I've read that it may work), but you won't get a lot of the functionality that you'd normally get when using with the Aqara hub.

[@AgWhatsUp]

How do you personally compare the reliability and responsiveness of zigbee compared to thread?

[@ShaneCreates]

They are very comparible. Both are very fast and reliable in my experience. Thread performs more like zigbee than wifi or bluetooth.

[@RAPTORJESUS_24]

Hey I have one question to ask as u mentioned that that the aquara sensors works with any HomeKit supported device given that its of any brand ,will it work the same with other smart devices such as tuya smart ?

[@ShaneCreates]

Probably not. They can all work together through HomeKit, so if there is no HomeKit support, it probably won't work.

[@RAPTORJESUS_24]

@@ShaneCreates how about google or Alexa compatible?

[@sunshineprogamer]

I might get in to this eventually, I already have an Abode security system with s and windows sensors all over my main floor, and it works like a charm, but the leak and vibration sensors make me want one of these hubs.

[@ShaneCreates]

Yea, the ability to add low-cost sensors so easily is tempting. I like using the Aqara M1S hub as a status light for automations and such also. Red light means my alarm is armed, green could mean clothes are done, etc.

[@sunshineprogamer]

@@ShaneCreates question, have you heard about Thinka? if you have, a video covering that would be interesting

[@iamsid9850]

Yo Shane. So I used your shortcut for a morning routine from the HomePod video you posted a while back and I’ve had an issue where when siri asks “would you like to listen to some music I have ready” she then says “what text” before the window for me to respond is available to say yes or no to playing music. Uncertain how to fix this cus I followed and recreated the shortcut twice and still have the same problem. Plse help? 🙏🏽

[@ShaneCreates]

I've noticed over time some of the actions may begin to perform differently, especially when being used on a HomePod. How is that shortcut asking for the input from you? Dictated Text? You can probably change that part to use the "choose from menu" action, and put "would you like to listen to some music?" as the prompt and a simple Yes or No as the two choices. I'm pretty sure that still works reliably on the HomePod as it's one I use often. Hope that helps.

[@viratknj]

If i use eve outdoor cam and aqara smart switch as a door bell can a scene be created that is someone hit the door bell and evecam send the picture

[@cst516]

Is there a three light switch and a dimmer switch?

[@norman-king]

How do you make a temperature sensor automation? I have an Aquara temperature sensor and need an automation to turn on/off a smart switch at a given temperature but couldn’t find an automation option that done that?

[@ShaneCreates]

Currently, you can do this using a 3rd party HomeKit app, such as the Eve app, Home+, or Controller for HomeKit. I’ve used all three and are great for creating more advanced automations. It appears that the native Home app is finally going to give us access to our temperature sensors for automations in iOS 15.1. Currently, it is possible to create a temperature automation, with the home app, in the 15.1 beta.

[@norman-king]

@@ShaneCreates thanks for the reply and information. I’m pleased I hadn’t missed doing something obvious and will wait patiently for iOS 15.1.

[@sportzspaz6303]

Oh my!

[@GYATEZ]

Great review, as usual, Shane. I've been using Aqara since the early clunky days with their original hub (with the China to US converter plug) and I now have 20+ sensors. I'm using the Mi app vs the Aqara app connected to the China servers. I have so many automation's in HK it would take a long time to document them all and start over. Some day, I'll start with a new hub, using the Aqara app connected to US servers. I've been putting it off for years.

[@ShaneCreates]

I hear ya! Same here… I started back with the original Chinese hub and US plug converter also. I also used the Mi home app for a while. The Aqara app has improved a great deal and once the US hub became available, I decided to go ahead and move everything over to the US hub and use the Aqara app with US servers. It is quite the process tho with that many sensors and automations. But it’s been rock solid since doing it. Good luck my friend. And thanks for watching!

[@hectork-d327]

Is the wireless mini switch one of the controllers that is also zigbee repeater?

[@ShaneCreates]

No it's not. Usually the zigbee repeaters will be those products that are constantly connected to power, such as the smart plug or wall switches with neutral wire.

[@hectork-d327]

@@ShaneCreates thanks for clarifying

[@chadstackhouse490]

I have a question, I have a M2 hub Chinese running on the china server, is there any reason for me to buy the American hub on Amazon? I live in the United States.

[@ShaneCreates]

If everything is working as you like, I suppose not. But you might eventually have an issue where you try to add certain devices that are not available. For example, I'm not sure if you can add US smart plug or wall switches when using the Chinese server it's been a long time since I've used a Chinese version. These days I prefer to wait for the US versions to become available. Also, if I recall correctly, using a Chinese hub on the Chinese server alongside a US hub on the US servers gave me some issues and didn't work too well together. Again, that was a while ago. So if you ever plan on expanding and adding more hubs, it might be a good idea to switch before you get too far along adding accessories. Just my thoughts.

[@cmstrauss514]

Do the temperature sensors integrate with ecobee thermostat?

[@ShaneCreates]

Yes and no. You can automate your thermostat based on the temp sensor via homekit, and stuff like that. But sensor can't be used in the Ecobee app for native features like comfort settings, etc.

[@Filipe_2004]

Amazing content. It was what i did :)

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks Filipe!

[@GoFastGator]

Imagine if these Aquara devices were Thread devices and there was no dedicated hub required, and each device could talk directly to any other device on the Thread network…. A video illustrating just that would probably do well. Too bad there aren’t enough Thread devices yet to build a comparative setup. Would be nice if Apple would pay more attention to automations within HomeKit as opposed to relying on 3rd party apps. Then we wouldn’t need a separate hardware device for every OEMs features and automations. “Analog” inputs like temperature and volume could be great for automations. Right now, everything seems to be on or off on the input side. But Eve has this figured out…. How does that work? Can a 3rd party get a HomeKit Hub to process its non-native automations?

[@ShaneCreates]

So the temperature automations that you are able to configure through the Eve app are actually native HomeKit automations that are being processed in the HomeKit hub. That is not using any 3rd party services or servers. I think in this case it’s important to differentiate between the “HomeKit framework” and the “Home app.” The HomeKit framework actually has much more capability than the Home app gives us access too, such as temperature as triggers for automations. I can only assume that is because Apple tries to keep the Home app simple and “user friendly” as not to intimidate beginners. The third party HomeKit apps, such as the Eve app, the Home+ app, or Controller for HomeKit are simply getting access to the HomeKit framework and the UI of those apps gives you EVERYTHING that is exposed to HomeKit for each HomeKit device, as opposed to the Home app. Hope all that makes sense.

[@GoFastGator]

@@ShaneCreates perfect sense. Thank you!

[@papapech]

Hey Shane or anyone here. Can somebody recomend a smart thermostat for homekit that actualy works with electric underfloor heating? Also I will have 2 sensors in each room (underfloor sensor and a classic room sensor). I want to connect all of them to this smart thermostat. I can’t find an answer anywhere. Thanks for any help!

[@ShaneCreates]

I’m a fan of the Ecobee thermostats. I believe they support floor heating as well

[@michaelcarraghan512]

Can I control my tv with homepod ? turn off and on tv change chennel by voice

[@ShaneCreates]

You can do some things like that, only if you have an Apple TV connected. You can turn on and off the TV, open certain apps, play certain shows. Don't think you can change channels via the HomePod.

[@howardyermish]

I love the Aqara sensors so much, and I have them all over my house. I also have many of the mini switch buttons, notably under my desk which turns on the webcam lighting for conference calls. Looking forward to the sale to get my hands on the TVOC Air Quality monitor next.

[@ShaneCreates]

Nice! Once you have an Aqara hub… it’s so easy to get carried away and add sensors everywhere! They are great for automations!

[@GregVT]

Alrighty then. Sale is on, I just spent $200...and it's all your fault Shane 🤣

[@ShaneCreates]

😂 but think about how much you SAVED! 😉

[@GregVT]

@@ShaneCreates Saved an average of 28.6% 😃 Camera/hub, motion sensor and door sensors arrive today, and light switches arrive tomorrow. Yay weekend project! edit: Oops, just ordered two more light switches haha.

[@jackwong64]

I think the camera is the most expensive Aqara smart device and its overpriced as a not 2k camera.

[@hungsiu2859]

It’s Xiaomi. Of course they’re “affordable”…. You get what you paid for ;)

[@ShaneCreates]

They are different companies

[@hungsiu2859]

@@ShaneCreates Beats and Apple are different companies then 😅

[@sportzspaz6303]

Videos like this should be banned. Sponsored by the same brand he’s talking about. Now I cant believe anything he says about Aqara even on other video. Sell out!

[@frodelundsten]

Your choice and judgement. At least it was communicated at the start of the video.

[@sportzspaz6303]

​@@frodelundsten If you don't think it affects his opinion, you are totally wrong. Money always does, no matter what! Of course Shane will not specifically lie about a product but it's not what he says, it what he doesn't say. BTW: Yes, he disclosed it, but I bet you he won't disclose the sponsorship moving forward when he gets new products from Aqara. Per the FTC, he can no longer just disclosure free products, but he needs to disclosure the channel sponsorship every time he mentions any Aqara product moving forward and written disclosure must be updated on all previous videos, post and websites.

[@macdaddy9344]

Hub. Nope!

[@ShaneCreates]

😂 every time!

[@macdaddy9344]

@@ShaneCreates hub fatigue

[@GoFastGator]

And the only reason you “need” the hub is to process and execute Aquara specific automations/functions. (Same with Hu… ack, H… urrrp, I mean, Hue.) Otherwise any zigbee hub would do.

[@martindinicolino8227]

can you connect aqara devices to the hue bridge?