NO FEES! - Aqara HomeKit Security System

[@DavidSanchez-lk9cx]

Shane, just purchased the M1S Hub and two Door/Window sensors to get a very basic home security system going in my new house. I've watched a zillion of your videos and finally bought something! Glad to have joined the club! Thanks for all your great content.

[@ShaneCreates]

Fantastic! Glad the videos have been helpful. And welcome to the club! 😃

[@jeffrey3205]

@@ShaneCreates Are they keyfabs that can be used with these systems?

[@nhomotnguoi5610]

like the features, setup was difficult for some of my devices (August Door lock, kzbin.infoUgkxhB5YOMNj04GuoAosExygP4cH-dKeb4aB Bose speaker)... but all switches and outlets (5), thermostat, tankless water heater. Unfortunately all I can do is turn on/off Bose. It doesn't support volume or changing channels, but I believe that is due to the particular speaker I have.... Worth getting if you already have other devices to use it with... I don't sit around and ask Alexa questions much so that doesn't really matter to me....

[@ShaiLysk]

Hmmm. They changed the app. I just set up my G3 and do not see this screen.

[@213th]

Thank you for sharing this Shane. I didn’t know Aqara had this build-in feature. I tried various solitions with Aqara sensors and the Homebridge Security System through Hoobs, but none of it works as well as the Aqara app Security system. I love how the M1S can indicate Security System State by color and sounds. I use a hidden Aqara button to toggle on/off with delay. So smooth and reliable. Thanks again for sharing this. Finally my Security System is complete!

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks, that’s great Thomas. Thanks for sharing. I’m glad you are also happy with your Aqara setup!

[@myHomeKithome]

I love my Aqara security system! I was actually able to use non-Aqara homekit sensors to trigger the hubs alarm using a clever little workaround. It’s good stuff!

[@elitefourgamer3956]

Can you elaborate your workaround?

[@myHomeKithome]

@@elitefourgamer3956 it’s a little complicated to get into here, but I used an Aqara smart plug to pull it off. There may be a video on my channel 😉

[@faengelm]

@@myHomeKithome please post a link

[@gregghayes6710]

Nice update Shane! I learned how to put the security system together from watching your old videos and being a member of your discord group and getting help there. However this video brings it all up-to-date and will make it much easier for somebody starting out.

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks Gregg! Glad your Aqara system is running well for you.

[@manc123]

Hi Shane, great video and I've heard a lot of good things about Aqara, although I've heard the alarm sound if a door or a window opens isn't that loud.

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks for watching. Depends on which device is playing the sound. Some are louder than others. The M1S is quite loud.

[@Dr_Cole]

I just added four more Aqara motion sensors to the home, mostly for automation. I didn’t even realized that they also had light sensors as a part of the motion sensors. I’ve got two more of their vibration sensors ordered as well. I really feel like I am just scratching the surface on what can be done with Aqara but I also want to be able to have sensors that are fully exposed to HK. Maybe this will be easier with the Thread sensors Aqara will launch later this year.

[@ShaneCreates]

Most of the Aqara sensors are exposed to HomeKit and work great in homekit. Although the light sensor that is built into the motion sensor does not get exposed to homekit.

[@thenilanjanmitra]

Many thanks Shane !! Very useful as always….

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks for watching!

[@markbraun6188]

Hey Shane. Great videos! Having trouble with the Aqara app and setting up the 24/7 monitoring. I cannot find it in the app. Any thoughts?

[@allanrscott1130]

Great video and insight as always. The deal breaker for me was no professional monitoring or ability to call police or emergency personnel which to me is the main point of a security system. So i went with Abode and its solid, easy, and works seamlessly with HomeKit. And annual fee is about 90 percent less than other monitoring non-smart home security systems

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks Allan. I agree, Abode is a great option if professional monitoring is a "must-have." Thanks for sharing.

[@manc123]

very true but if you have the tools(camera, motion sensors and window sensors), then you call them yourself and avoid the middleman(call center in a different state that calls for you), it depends on what you're comfortable with. I would rather save the monthly fee and call myself since I can see and hear everything based on my sensors and cameras.

[@Miguel-USMC]

In my home we don’t dial 911 . Ok ok we do but it’s to pick up the bodies after I shot them . USMC combat veteran

[@GG-kc9cz]

Hey ! Does calling the police function works only for US ?

[@BHEagle2024]

To link my phillips hue bulbs to work in conjunction with my aqara/homekit night alarm system I had to make a seperate automation in Homekit when my door sensor is opened from 12am-6am the lights will flash red 10 times. my night alarm system would be armed at the same time widnow as the light automation, making it work together when the door is opened. not sure if theres an easier way to do it.

[@benlemagicien9399]

Hi Shane, Great video as usual. Quick question regarding the arming and disarming delay: Is there a possibility to have a disarming delay only on selected accessories and not on others ? Let me be more clear: if the alarm is armed and I come back home. I enter my home by either Front door or garage door. So I would want to have a disarming delay if I open one of those doors before the alarm triggers (so I have time to reach my button do disarm). If another sensor is triggered while alarm is armed (for instance, the one on the kitchen window), then it would play the sound immediately as it’s probably a burglar (without the disarming delay) In other words: can we set a disarming delay on specific accessories and not on others ? Hopefully my question makes sense.😊 Thanks !

[@ShaneCreates]

Hi Ben. Thanks for watching. I don't think there is any way to do that. You can only specify arming and disarming delays for the different alarm modes, as far as I'm aware.

[@malcdickinson06]

I created a dummy switch in HOOBS and wanted to arm the security and have Siri Shortcuts send a webhook to Turn security cameras on and off but doesn’t seem to work , is there a work around? Thanks for bread videos as always!👍

[@evlnte]

I use a pro-sumer router/gateway to block traffic to/from Chinese servers and it causes Aqara devices to frequently become unresponsive and drop off HomeKit. I tested this theory by removing the block and went for 3 weeks without issues till I re-enabled the geo-location blocking. Users should be warned that even in Homekit only mode, these devices phone home. Even the Aqara US support web site will not load if you block Chinese traffic.

[@oliversamala4215]

Thanks, Shane. My home app is filled with mostly Aqara products and I love it. I recently bought the roller blind motors but have not set it up yet. Wondering if you know a way to connect that to a solar panel. I know soma blind motors have that but I’m trying to limit the apps I use so I chose Aqara instead for the blind motor. I always enjoy your videos so keep them coming please. You are doing a lot of us a huge favor!

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks Oliver, I appreciate the kind words. I don’t know of a way to use a solar panel with the Aqara blind motor. I haven’t tried doing that.

[@MrKyoo]

Great review as always.

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks!

[@Lombardo107]

Can I send an alarm signal to a central station? My local PD requires an alarm tied into their system.

[@adventurepost]

I am trying to follow along but they must have changed the app since this video was made because I don’t have the 24 x 7 alert button on my Home Screen, completely stuck!

[@adventurepost]

Found it. I had to add a new board and then had to add a card.

[@SirFrancescoGalli]

Hey Shane, is it me or when the alarm is triggered, you only get a Critical Alert from the Aqara app? I can't get it to be alerted by the Home app. Normal behavior? Thanks!

[@gerrymoloney8339]

Is it possible to limit the time the alarm sounds just in case you miss the notifications or can’t connect

[@humblethinker8493]

At 3:20, I’m missing the “little alert icon” in my Aqara app. Ugh… what do I do now?

[@sapphyx26]

what about perpetual recording of camera video/sound footage? Looking for something that can store that information indefinitely, or at least give me time to go through and review it within something like 60 days. Open to both cloud and on-premise options. Thanks.

[@IskandarM_]

I have 2 OG hubs and 5 G2H, 3 of which are placed outside. The alarms combined is really loud. I feel really embarrassed whenever I forgot to off the security systems when coming home at night but this only happened twice so far in the past 2 years.

[@ShaneCreates]

Yes, good point. When you have more of these hubs working together, they can get pretty loud.

[@uTPH1]

Hi Iskandar, I'm thinking of putting some G2H Pro cameras outside. Here in the UK thinks can be a bit wet at times, have you found the cameras are OK outside or have you protected them in some way? Thanks

[@IskandarM_]

@@uTPH1 I live in the tropics it’s mostly hot and humid here. My cameras outside are under shaded areas away from rain and direct sunlight. I placed them as is without any extra protection. So far so good.

[@kurthausmann4150]

Does Aqara have any hubs that have a wired Ethernet connection instead of only WiFi? I checked their website and it doesn't appear they do.

[@ShaneCreates]

Yes, the M2 hub and the soon the be released M3 hub have Ethernet.

[@MrWonderbread1984]

Any idea if you could create a shortcuts automation that will sound the alarm through all your HomePods in the house of the sensors are triggered?

[@ShaneCreates]

You could create an automation that plays a sound (can choose an alarm sound fx from Apple Music) on your HomePods when triggered by a motion sensor or the Aqara security system. Might be a little delay. But you cannot play the aqara sound through the HomePods.

[@fredrikvonhausen2743]

Hi, good videos. My concern is what data the aqara app/hub relays back to china. Do you know if this is restricted to the aqara sensors or if it can also access my Camera feeds, Other personal data etc? /Fredrik

[@ShaneCreates]

Hi Fredrik, thanks for watching. Only clips stored from Aqara app automations should be going through Aqara sensors. Other than that, everything should either be stored locally (SD card) or on iCloud (HomeKit Secure Video). If that is a big concern, you can always use the Aqara app in HomeKit Only mode (doesn’t require a login or account) and use the the Aqara devices exclusively with HomeKit.

[@marciobiaso]

If i setup my lights to RED when the alarm triggers, what happens when I disarm the alarm? Will the lights go back to their original state? Or will they still be RED?

[@ShaneCreates]

They would still be red. You can setup another automation to change the lights when the alarm is disarmed.

[@colindoyle9876]

What they never say - This will run STAND-ALONE from Aqara App

[@sanasolav]

I don’t get the choice between Home, Night and Away on my security system. Only On or Off. Is that because of my hub? I think it’s an original Aqara Homekit hub.

[@ShaneCreates]

Yes, that's correct. The original M1 hub only supports Arm and Disarm in HomeKit.

[@sanasolav]

@@ShaneCreates Thanks for you fast reply.

[@ricardoabh3242]

In HomeKit only, no data is send to Aqara?

[@ShaneCreates]

Correct

[@gregglesmigregglesmi3633]

How can you not mention the ABYSMAL sounds selection, lack of ability to add sounds, and inconsistent sound sets available across devices. Aqara needs to be called out on this!

[@ShaneCreates]

I don't think most security systems have a wide range of sound selections for the alarm. In fact, this probably has more options than most. Personally, this isn't an issue for me. I just need something loud to notify me and/or intruders that the alarm has been triggered. Oh, and with the G2H Pro, you can upload custom ringtones for automations.

[@marko123ds]

why you can't combine Chinese and European servers in one application .. discrimination

[@swedendive]

Child device!? Why child? Why not adult device?

[@kensuperstar]

Great video! :-) Just got the G2H Pro and bound it to Apple Home. Configured Away mode for testing the alarm system. Trigger=Motion Detected. Aqara app not in Homekit Mode. When i arm Away in Apple Home, the alarm system in Aqara app is not being armed. When i arm Away in Aqara, Apple Home also shows Away armed. Cannot figure out why apple home will not arm away mode. Any thoughts?

[@Techninjaspeaks]

Great video. I love Aqara, my whole house is set up on em. Good stuff as always.

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks Kevin! Appreciate you watching.

[@robertbolton9154]

Aqara has become my favorite smart home brand. I just got another Aqara motion sensor in the mail last night. It’s way more responsive than the other one I was using previously.

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks for sharing Robert! I agree, Aqara motion sensors are fantastic. They are my go-to for motion sensors also.

[@tommygraham1990]

My Aqara H1S goes offline every 48 hours. Useless.

[@el_trades]

Hi Shane, so I set up the night alert mode in the Aqara app, and it does arm the security system in the home app when enabled. My issue is, it was also enabling the goodnight scene in HomeKit. But think I’ve messed something up so it no longer triggers the goodnight scene, neither do I see the goodnight scene on my Home Screen anymore. Any ideas on what I should check?

[@Jensen871]

Does this same thing integrate with home assistant?

[@SavageChip810]

Why do all these smart home alarm systems have crappy, super quiet alarms? It’s frustrating!

[@tyroneshoelace4872]

So is this for Apple only? What if I use Google? This thing has poor reviews.

[@AnthonyCastaneda-h3l]

Will this notify my phone even if I am away from my house?

[@jaymacibe3731]

That sucks that other devices will not work with their security system. Like I got Eve door sensors since they use thread.

[@macy8993]

I’m worried the Chinese will spy on my though with Aqara

[@racer13b]

Great video. Quick question is there a way to automate the alarm status from away to home based on geo-fencing. I.e. I leave the house with my phone in my pocket and as soon as I get outside my wireless net work or geo-fence the alarm switches from home to away and locks all exterior doors, and does the opposite when I return. That is how I have our current system set up through smartthings and the family loves that capability, slowly migrating everything over to HomeKit.

[@ShaneCreates]

You should be able to do this in the Aqara app if you provide location services to the app. If automating in HomeKit, leaving shouldn't be a problem to automate that. Secure everything based on leaving your location. But arriving is where it is different. HomeKit doesn't allow opening, disarming, or unlocking of SECURE accessories through automations (like geo-fencing). It is a safety feature... You can set it up to do so when you arrive, only you'll be promoted with a notification that you must authenticate on your iPhone before accessories unlock and disarm.

[@inelonwetrust9169]

Pretty incredible all of the cool stuff you can do with these. Glad you mentioned they will be releasing thread enabled sensors soon as I plan on getting some. This will be a better set up for me given plugs are not that plentiful in my home so I wouldn’t have to worry about extra hubs.

[@TheNameOfJesus]

Excellent video. But I have two concerns: 1. While Aqara wants to support Thread, it doesn't fully support it yet. I absolutely have to wait because Zigbee is extremely unreliable in my building. I'm sick of the daily (even hourly) problems I have with Zigbee. 2. I consider myself highly paranoid about the security of any apps on my devices. For example, I don't trust any software that comes from any dictatorship, so that's why I'm unlikely to trust any "Aqara app." So Aqara needs to be 100.0% HomeKit compatible (ie, no third party apps required, not even for product installation or configuration) before I will trust it. But if Aqara meets my hardware and security requirements, I will absolutely, definitely buy it.

[@gordonmarshalliii7117]

If you have issues with Zigbee most likely you will have the same issues with Thread as it uses the same frequencies as Zigbee. The one saving grace though is if your issues are distance from Zigbee hub you could use a bunch of thread routers, always powered to see if that solves those issues.

[@TheNameOfJesus]

@@gordonmarshalliii7117 That's an interesting and valid point, so thanks, but I think many Thread devices act as hubs, so the physical distance to the nearest hub is reduced when people use Thread. Only Zigbee hubs act as hubs. Right? And the Thread protocol could potentially have different error-correcting abilities. And people are reporting better results with Thread. I can't explain it, but the real world says Thread should be better. I have used both Zigbee and Thread in this building, and I typically get 20 lights failing to respond per day with Zigbee, for at least an hour, but I have only a couple of failures per day with my Thread bulbs.

[@gordonmarshalliii7117]

@@TheNameOfJesus , Sorta. What thread allows is instead of using multiple hubs or ugly repeaters as in the case with Zigbee. You can choose an always powered thread device, these act as routers and extend the network. Since most Aqara sensors are battery they can only be thread children. I ran into this issue as my thread border router couldn’t reach the front of my house. So I purchased a few Nanoleaf A19 essential bulbs and an Eve Energy to extend my thread network to the front of my house. I currently have WiFi, Zigbee and Thread networks in my HomeKit setup. One additional huge benefit of Thread is unlike Zigbee the paired devices are not bound to a single hub. There is no pairing. So as you stated if a thread router goes down another route will be chosen by the child devices.

[@TheNameOfJesus]

@@gordonmarshalliii7117 I can see you know more about it than I do. But as you've indicated, there are factors other than the frequency used which determine the reliability of a protocol. Thread has approximately 100 times fewer errors than Zigbee in my home.

[@gordonmarshalliii7117]

@@TheNameOfJesus , Every home has a different use case. I just wanted to mention that they use the same frequency. So if you had issues with Zigbee previously. You may have to plan ahead and add in always powered thread devices into your setup as just one border router and battery thread devices potentially would have same issue as Zigbee. The always powered thread devices are the ones that extend and add the redundancy that makes thread so beneficial

[@chrisgordon8486]

Bought an Aqara set up off the back of your videos, gotta say it’s terrible! Worst UX I have ever experienced and never manages to bind when logged in. Thumbs down. I regret buying this stuff.

[@DawnDupponmi]

Thank you! I know this video is a couple of years old but I couldn’t work out how the alert modes in HomeKit related to my hub. Now I do!

[@ShaneCreates]

Glad the video was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@wdillard01]

Can you tell me? 😂

[@graphicsociety1]

Thanks for the great video! I bought an Aqara G2H Pro camera based on your recommendation and am very happy with it. However, I have a few questions if you don’t mind answering please: 1. Is there a way to automatically arm and disarm the camera when leaving the house? I do have a door Aqara sensor as well. 2. I created a password for live viewing the camera. Does this only work for the device I set it up with or the password will be asked from any device that tries to access the camera? 3. I’m using an SD card inserted in the bottom of the camera. Usually, the live view shows a solid dark blue for the period in which the camera is on. But sometimes the solid blue line changes to a series of vertical bars. What does this mean? Thank you,

[@BumseNumse]

Anyone had issues with HK showing all 4 modes, but only allows you to choose ‘away’ and ‘off’ I’ve heard that only some Aqara bridges support all 4 modes, but I have both of the two white round bridges (the old and the HK model). I find it rather strange… anyone experienced the same and found a solution?

[@coolcat312]

Well I'm doing something wrong. None of my Aqara hubs sync up with each other when I change the armed state, I have to change them each individually. I guess I've got some troubleshooting to do. Maybe it's a setup issue inside the Aqara app?

[@nikosfants4514]

Amazon assistant or Google home is better for Aqara system? Thank u

[@ShaneCreates]

I don't use either. All Apple HomeKit here for me.

[@LodeRose1]

Great video's... Now, I'm changing my old alarm system with aqara stuff, but in the 'Security Night Guard' it won't accept the time settings in the 'Arm automatically ', any idea? Thanks a lot. EDIT apparently it's an iPad problem, works on my iPhone. (Both 16.2)

[@Alex-cs9ty]

Fantastic video as ever, Shane. Much love from the UK 🇬🇧

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks Alex!

[@niquini]

do all devices on m2 hub run local? If I run out of internet will my security system work?

[@shawndavismedia]

When these products are delivered with thread, all I will need is the HomePod Mini which I received after waiting a month, and no other hubs 😄. I’m so excited for the future of smart homes.

[@gordonmarshalliii7117]

You may need thread router devices, always powered or another HomePod depending on distance from single HomePod. As since these sensors are battery they can only be thread children. I ran into this issue as my thread border router couldn’t reach the front of my house. So I purchased a few Nanoleaf A19 essential bulbs and an Eve Energy to extend my thread network to the front of my house.

[@kmdesign355]

Aren’t the Aqara hubs providing the alarm system, not the sensors..? If you have only Aqara Thread sensors, where is the alarm system coming from?

[@kingjamesalex]

If I have a wall mounted iPad and I’ve set the system to give me 30 secs to disarm. And someone breaks in and my iPad is in access guided mode. Does the thief just have to go to my iPad to disarm before alarm goes off?

[@davidbarr9897]

Is there a way to arm/disarm the aqara security system with Siri?

[@ShaneCreates]

Yes, you can use siri to arm or disarm the security system.

[@DmnMrtn]

Nice video. Thx. I want to do the automation only in Homekit. I have a G2H Pro camera. How is it possible to play an alarm on the camera when a motion is detected? It seems that I can only get to de modes of the camera. Any ideas? Thx!

[@hdeis]

Here’s a problem i ran into, using homekit-only mode. A Sensor on a closed door is reported as open, as long as I‘m using hk-only mode. It’s correctly reported as closed as soon as I sign in using the aqara app. Not good.

[@richards3345]

Just setup my Aqara alarm. Is there anyway to stop the individual camera hubs from sending me a notification when I arm or disarm

[@ekgram5109]

Have you found that the motion sensors are too sensitive? Even on low or medium, I'd have them trigger motion when I turn the lights off in my apartment. Same thing in the middle of the night, it'd just randomly trigger it...I ended up getting rid of my G3 cameras and went with Eve, haven't had any issues since. Do you think it'd be worth it to get rid of my current sensors that aren't thread and wait for Aqara to come out with the newer ones?

[@mreddiekid]

Hi Shane I can’t see Aqara security system in HomeKit any more any ideas. M2 hub,

[@ShaneCreates]

Did you upgrade it to Matter? If so, that's probably why.

[@mreddiekid]

100 percent correct Shane, I uninstalled it and reinstalled and it’s back. Thanks for the quick reply 👍

[@Tedsall2]

Thank you so much for these videos. I have been looking for a way to secure my little RV while its in storage. The main issue is power. I have a small solar panel with 12v but no AC when storing the RV. Im now using the E1 hub with door sensors and P1 motion sensor, none of which need AC power. To get it connected to Home kit I have a Mission Battery Base for HomePod Mini and a mifi device plugged into a USB outlet powered by the solar panel. So far It works great. I plan to add a temp sensor and while Im camping i want to connect the vibration sensor to the awning to sense when its windy and I need to roll the awing up.

[@InconuAuBataillon]

That look nice, but I’ll not but that for some reasons : we need a hub shame on them, if we want to put distance between device we need to have more hub, and the reason you mention that you need the aqara app to configure the alarm…

[@oodles86]

do you know how to have a garage door sensor siren automatically disarm when an opener is pressed, and rearm when the door shuts? I just want it to sound if the door gets pried open. and can you recommend a door sensor siren that doesn't need a hub, but can send notifications?

[@Delyn]

Aqara got their moneys worth from this one - officially set up an Aqara home system. One question - anyone know if I can disable the speaker on the G2H camera if an alarm goes off? I have one in my sons room and would hate to accidentally set it off at midnight and wake him up 😅

[@ShaneCreates]

That's a very good question, and as far as I can tell, there doesn't appear to be an option to disable that on specific hubs. That's a use-case that would really benefit from adding that feature. Maybe submit it to Aqara support as a feature request. It might be possible to create a work-around... not sure how well it would work. You could try using a smart plug with the G2H camera and set an automation to turn if OFF if the security system is ever triggered. It might still sound for a second tho. Could be worth a try if you have an extra smart plug laying around.

[@TheHardRunner]

So my Aqara G2H Pro seems to be jacking up my network. I have a hompod mini and running 16.1.1 on my 14Pro. All my none-Philips Hue devices went non-responsive, including Kasa plugs, Meross plugs, Meross garage door opener, and Onvis light strip. I removed the Aqara camera reset the network and everything started working again. I'm going to order another one and see if this is isolated or if there's a larger issue. Anyone having similar issues? Any thoughts?

[@ShaneCreates]

It seems pretty unlikely that any single device could cause all others to have issues. It seems like a network/wifi issue. You said all "non-phillis hue" devices... which looks like all your wifi devices. Which would explain why Phillips Hue continued to work (hard-wired hub) and why things started working again after reseting your network.

[@moniquem783]

I just took the plunge and ordered an Aqara hub. I only started my smart home 3 days ago, but I can see that I’m going to utilise quite a few Aqara products.

[@MorbidGod391]

9:24 can you arm/disarm alarm in HomeKit without internet?

[@leejaspersamson]

Will this seamlessly work with my HomePod2?

[@mihaellinc2481]

And how to make alarm when motion is detected to record video?

[@scotttuttle4705]

Can the Schlage Encode Plus turn on and off the alarm?

[@faengelm]

Great video. Is it correct that only Aqara sensors can trigger the alarm? Can I use other sensors in HomeKit to trigger the alarm such as a smoke detector or a Siri "help" request?

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks Frank. That is correct. Only the Aqara sensors can trigger the Aqara alarm. There are some "hacky" work-arounds if you wanted to get creative that could work.

[@NanoTLG]

You can use all kinds different sensors if you use homebridge

[@TCamp72a]

Hey Shane, another great video! I love watching the things you come up with. Wondering if you have any ideas here... I set an automation for a VocoLinc L3 light to turn on if an Aqara contact sensor is opened (Pantry). The sensor shows as open, but the light doesn't turn on. When I "test this automation", it works. But it doesn't work live. Just wondering if you have any ideas. TIA.

[@ShaneCreates]

Assuming the light and the sensor are working in HomeKit, my first step is usually to restart my homekit hubs when automations are working as they should. Often that will do the trick.

[@reggaeriderr]

Can you do a beginners vid. What is home kit what ..... I'm lost. Just watched the home kit video 😳👀. What if you don't use apple products like phone or tablet.. can it work with Android?

[@ShaneCreates]

Yes, I have a "HomeKit 101: Getting Started" Playlist. Hopefully this helps: geni.us/GettingStarted

[@bugjuicer]

Just been smashing a lot of the vids today (so late to the channel! Good stuff tho!) Did you know that Philips Hue sensors can also be used to let you know when there's movement when no one is home? I've got them all over my house turning lights on, but click on the sensor in the Home app, then scroll down to Status & Notifications, then turn on Activity Notifications, then People, and done! Personally found this more awesome, cos I don't have to go out and buy more stuff. So just the window/door sensors to add, and that's that. Would be good to get a smart fire alarm to trigger under certain conditions, like a normal house alarm..

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks for watching!

[@vintec84]

Thank you @ShaneCreates! Moving to a new home soon and only discovered your video on home automation and security! Quick question to you or anyone who knows this. I’m planning to use 3 or 4 g2h camera around the house, whilst I like the fact that the pro version expose HomeKit to security mode, do I only need one pro version to do so or do I need all cameras to be pro version? The other upgrade of the pro version isn’t a deal breaker and I manage to source non-pro version for cheap

[@ShaneCreates]

Each G2H Pro camera will expose a separate "security system" accessory in the Home App. So it may be less confusing to only have one. All accessories with a speaker (cameras, etc.) should sound off when the alarm is triggered, even the original G2H.

[@marko123ds]

Aqara why so few accessories in europe ??

[@deonh9303]

Great Video, thx Shane! Can you perhaps indicate what features you loose if you don't sign into the Aqara account? I like to set up everything in Homekit without relying on a 3rd party App for any of the features.

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks Deon. You have to sign into the Aqara app to configure the Alarm modes. You can sign out later if you want and they will still work in homekit. If you use the Aqara app and products in HomeKit only mode, you won't be able to configure automations in the Aqara app. You also won't be able to utilize features exclusive to the Aqara app, such as the timeline and continuous local recording on the cameras.

[@Joscinemimi]

Can you do a Eufy vs Aqara video?

[@AlexManMe]

I don’t want such a nuclear alarm when the night alarms get triggered, just for the away alarm, which third-party app will be the best to set custom triggers for different alarms? HomeKit plus or controller for HomeKit?

[@ShaneCreates]

You need to use the Aqara app for configuring the alarm modes.

[@AlexManMe]

@@ShaneCreates but within HomeKit I play a custom sound and flash red lights when it gets trip, you mentioned that a third-party app will allow me to customise which alarm gets tripped

[@AlexManMe]

Thank you for this, very useful.

[@deansullivan9481]

Good video….was hoping you would show how to configure HomeKit notifications on alarm state. Aqara I think can send out notifications but it would be nice if it could all be done easily in HomeKit! Would really like to know when these go off when I’m not home.

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks Dean. If I understand you correctly, you don’t have to configure anything else once your alarm is configured through the Aqara app. As long as you turn on notifications in the settings for the security system (in the Home app), you will get ‘critical’ HomeKit notifications anytime the security system is triggered.

[@selfhealer1]

Is there anyway to stop the camera hub being an alarm system or stop it setting automatically when I set the M2 hub? My camera hub is in my daughters room and don’t want it to be an alarm system.

[@ShaneCreates]

Good question, and as far as I know, there is not a way to do that. Definitely something Aqara should consider for this type of use-case.

[@RJ55]

Hello Shane, I started my home automation about 100 years ago with X10 and upgraded over the years through Nexia to Smartthings but finally settled on HomeKit. Going forward I am working with only HomeKit comparable devices. I decided to replace my antique wired alarm system and today I dropped a few hundred dollars on Aqara devices. I understand I can activate and deactivate the system with arriving or leaving home or on the HomeKit app but I see no option for a key pad so how can I allow friends or workers access with no keypad? I hope I am missing something simple, thank for any help!

[@JazJonFL]

I would just get one of the small little Aqua buttons and tell them where it is so they can press it to turn it off. Maybe double press for activated. Single press for deactivated.

[@kristinotto102]

A little bit related, but please review the Aqara roller shade motor! I’m really hoping they bring it to the US soon cuz it looks like it’s exactly what I’ve been hoping for!

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks for the suggestion Kristin. Last I heard they don’t have plans to bring it to the US. Not sure why. If that changes and they do, I’d be happy to make a review on it.

[@larryg3038]

Do any of the HomeKit security setups call or notify the police if the alarm is triggered?

[@ShaneCreates]

That would require a 3rd party professional monitoring service and subscription. Abode offers professional monitoring options with their HomeKit security systems. That is not an option with Aqara.

[@alexpc2772]

Aqara still the best for me.

[@huixue4290]

So looks like the security system is exposed in Homekit for G2H Pro?

[@ShaneCreates]

Yes! 😃

[@omarmontes90]

Shane with the real recommendations! Thanks again makes shopping so much easier

[@ShaneCreates]

haha thanks for watching Omar!

[@MrExCat]

I've watched a lot of your videos in the last few weeks and you've given me a lot of good ideas. Thanks! I am still a beginner in this field of homkeit/smarthome. Therefore, I would like to ask if there are any smart plugs with which I can manage the power consumption of the device with the homekit? Specifically, I would like to reacts that if the consumption falls below 5W permanently (cc 5 minutes), then something should happen, but I cannot solve this with the current Aquara plug, because there is no option to react to changes in consumption. Thank you for your answer.

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks for watching! I believe you can do that sort of thing with the Eve Energy smart plug.

[@MrExCat]

@@ShaneCreates Thank you the answer! But it turned out that this is unfortunately not possible within Homekit. (Eve energy's answer: ) Do you think it can be solved in another way (Homebridge/Home Assistant/Node red)? Can consumption data be extracted there?

[@mornezainlinks8822]

Great Video Shane is the a way to play the sound through airplay speakers just for a louder effect

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks for watching. No, unfortunately you can’t Airplay the sound to other speakers. You could probably create an automation to play another alarm sound, from apple music, on your your homepods when the security system is triggered tho.

[@ahmedghamdi1668]

How to make the alarm system sound from homepods instead of aqara speakers ?

[@ShaneCreates]

You can't. You can configure an automation in homekit to play an alarm sound (Apple Music required) on the HomePod when the alarm is triggered.

[@scoobydude606]

Is there a way to require some sort of authentication to disarm? For example if I have an iPad in the living room that displays the Home app (let's say that device stays unlocked so guests can control lights etc.) - couldn't someone just walk over to it and disarm from there, if they knew what they were doing? I realize it's not likely but as more people start using DIY methods for security it seems of concern.

[@ShaneCreates]

Technically, yes someone could do that. I think that is a HomeKit thing and not necessarily an Aqara thing. If you keep the iPad on display with the home app open, consider hiding the alarm (remove it from favorites tab, etc). Alternatively, you could use another app or create your own interface for your iPad like I did here with Viz Designer: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fGbbdICtfLacnZo and require a password for certain accessories.

[@scoobydude606]

​@@ShaneCreates thanks! Viz Designer seems like a great way to do it. I have a Centralite/Iris keypad that I had paired with my SmartThings (v2) hub and thought maybe I could get that to arm/disarm the Aqara alarm through HomeBridge but I can't figure out how to set up ST to HB ever since they moved away from the Classic app.

[@njo9966]

Does Aqara make any cameras that aren’t hubs? I only need one hub, but I’d like 2-3 cameras in my home. Also, are the vibration sensors too sensitive to stick on a window? I worry a strong wind would trigger them.

[@ShaneCreates]

All the cameras can act as hubs but you don’t have to use them as hubs necessarily. I don’t think they are sensitive enough to be triggered by a strong wind. You can also adjust the sensitivity in the Aqara app if you need to.

[@njo9966]

@@ShaneCreates Thanks for replying! I really appreciate your videos. We had someone break into our garage recently, and I’m now building out our security system. Your videos have helped a ton.

[@farny6]

Shane got me into Aqara products for my family. And we love them. Great products. 😃👍🏻

[@ShaneCreates]

Great to hear! Thanks for sharing Ryan.