Pros & Cons of the Aqara G4 Video Doorbell: Everything You Need to Know

[@dpm6000]

Horizontal feed would cover more of our front porch and the neighborhood including people walking up from our driveway on the side, but your examples of missing heads and not being able to see packages are very critical! Great video, thanks!

[@georger5558]

hard to say for sure but I think he mounted the G4 a little low, it looks like people are reaching down to press the button, if it were at about chest height this would solve the missing heads. as for packages, well presumably we saw a delivery guy on camera/received a notification so it's not really a problem imo. Great video tho I'm probably gonna get one thanks!

[@mannag2440]

I agree, I prefer landscape viewing. I think the problem is his camera placement.

[@aridge14]

Bought it just after midnight on a leap of faith after waiting months… still feeling good after watching your review. I’m wondering if 16.4 will resolve the HomeKit quirks. I’d also prefer the vertical camera perspective but that’s not a dealbreaker for me. I need to get out of my Ring HELL!!! Thank you as always, Shane! Added: arrived today. Zero issues installing, zero issues in use thus far. I have mine direct wired. Second one ordered. 👍

[@DadBodJesus]

If they made a smaller version only for hardwiring and improved the camera quality dramatically, I would buy this. I’d say they have work to do if they want to compete with other doorbells out there.

[@rahuljain-vu7lc]

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.

[@garyschoolcraft4797]

I don’t get why it’s so big. They have a sweet thin stylish door lock and they pair it with something that looks like it was designed in the 80’s. Looks like the iPod Classic.

[@morells09]

It’s because of the AA batteries that it takes but yeah I agree

[@MikeSchwirian]

If this performed better with HomeKit, had better dynamic range, and was in portrait or could display a square video that was the best of portrait and landscape, I'd argue it was perfect. Honestly, a rechargeable battery inside would be awesome too. It would be great in wired mode if the battery just took care of itself for power outage and dismantled scenarios. I'm glad the AAs can serve as backup to the wired connection. This is so close to perfect, but I think I'll wait until the next version.

[@tdrg_]

Video on a Thursday! Awesome review as always. Thanks for your help.

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks for watching!

[@BenBazan]

This will be my first HomeKit doorbell ( had eufy and currently have ring using scrypted) Looking forward to seeing how this works out and for the price the risk is low. I prefer the horizontal view because of how my home is situated but can see how with your setup vertical would be appreciated. Great review as always!

[@joeking433]

I have Ring and I hate it. The chime keeps going offline and won't easily reconnect.

[@Dr_Cole]

Wonderfully detailed and comprehensive review, Shane. The doorbell seems to have added in a bunch of niceties but failed to polish the necessities. I am not a fan of the wide-angled doorbells for all of the reasons you have noted: missing heads and missing packages. I don’t see why adding in a a doorbell that can switch between the modes by pivoting the camera 90/-90 degrees. I also appreciated the overall fair critiques. One oddity I don’t think Aqara considered was the cumulative effect of asking their reviewers to launch their videos on the same day. Each review hit on many of the same negatives: horizontal video, poor video quality, and some level of HK.

[@dancostache1582]

Who needs tech support when you have a garbage bin? Aqara doorbell back in action after a quick toss. Thanks for the adventure, Aqara!

[@tanookimarketing]

I bought it one Day 1 and I'm loving it. It does everything as promised. My ONLY nitpick, is that I wish it came with a flat plate for installation. We live in an Apartment so that would have really helped since I'm worrying about using the adhesive and ripping the paint off the door.

[@ShaneCreates]

Glad to hear you like it! Couldn't you just screw in the back plate, not using the sticky tape, without using the wedge?

[@justinphy7229]

Literally buying one for my apartment. How was the installation for you? Any suggestions for apartment doors?

[@walshy1009]

My partner and I rent so this doorbell is a winner for us. Set it up yesterday and have no gripes with it thus far :)

[@ShaneCreates]

Great to hear!

[@Cdub1957]

Excellent review! I currently have an Arlo wire free which is about 5 months old and having issues with battery life and a recent update just loops. I receive my Aqara Doorbell tomorrow. I've wanted HomeKit integration forever. Arlo has promised it for a year and a half but so far no avail. As with any doorbell camera there are tradeoffs. Looking forward to getting mine. As always your reviews are EXCELLENT.

[@brub5174]

So what do you think of it? I am thinking of buying it

[@TheRubernck21]

soooo, personally Id love a small section at the end of your videos when comparing different items in the same category and even give a top 3 each time. All doorbell cameras, all sensors, etc. Love your videos and treat them as gold!!! What is your top rated doorbell camera? Im kinda leaning towards the Logitech so far.

[@fershoooo]

Were the homekit connection issues ever fixed?

[@Soupy101]

On Reddit most of the issue with connect and disconnecting oddly only happen to those hardwired not batteries

[@erintherapy]

Questions: 1- It will be in the direct rain and wind... to choice about that... will that be a problem? 2- LOVE the 24/7 recording... Is is possible to show 24/7 display on the inside of my house, on an iPad? Thank you for all the detail in your videos!!!!

[@larryg3038]

Thank you for the honest review. You almost seem deflated that this product doesn’t live up to your expectations. How does a video doorbell make it to market that chops off heads and packages from view? That’s a big miss for me. I literally hate my Google Nest Hello (1st gen with dead defective internal battery so every time the button is pressed it goes offline). I have been waiting for a great Apple Home(kit) video doorbell to hit the market. This one checks nearly every box -but the missing heads and missing packages is a dealbreaker. You covered the temperature range but I am wondering if this device suffers from direct sunlight and goes offline as some of the other options on the market? I enjoy your content. Thanks.

[@yousifnajjar]

Hey Shane, watching a lot of your stuff - one of the best HomeKit channels out there. Keep up the good work

[@ShaneCreates]

Thank so much for the support! 🙏🏼

[@bullmoose71]

The connection issue is likely due to the fact that you might need a more powerful transformer; I know for Ring and Eufy, I didn't have an issue, but when I upgraded to a more powerful smart doorbell, I needed a better transformer because I was getting those same disconnect/connect notifications

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks for the comment. I don't think that's the case, because it's working great in the Aqara app. And I've had the same issues on battery only. It's only HomeKit that gives me problems. And my other hardwired HK doorbells have worked fine. Great point tho for others who may be experiencing issues when hardwired.

[@nicodlttr5261]

@@ShaneCreates Ever had something like this with a Netatmo camera. After completely resetting and reinstalling never had a problem again. So maybe give it a try….

[@neverman3398]

@@ShaneCreatesI have the same problem with my G2 pro’s. I went ahead and got an absolute steal on eBay, a brand new G4 for £25. I have dropouts on all 3 cameras but they all show up in the Aqara app.

[@gswhite]

I was excited at the beginning of the Video and then when I saw the pixelation, poor night vision and the decision to use horizontal camera instead of vertical completely put me off! :) Great review.

[@prambisht]

anything fixed from cons mentioned in this video?

[@daniel-dv]

Thank you Shane for very innovative review- the best HomeKit channel.

[@ShaneCreates]

Wow, thanks!

[@draznell9237]

Thank you for the review. While I would love to change out my Ring doorbell, the problems with integration with HomeKit is currently a show stopper. Hopefully that will be corrected in the future. Also horizontal view is much preferred over the wide view.

[@bigjoegp1]

Shane your videos are so informative and helpful regarding the homekit ecosystem

[@pj486]

Great video. I have ordered one of these and hope that the homekit integration is better for my situation.

[@keithschneider1025]

Great review of the G4. Hopefully the bugs get worked out over time for connectivity issues.

[@crimsigler]

Thanks @Shane great video as usual !!!!!!! just a very quick question With a Google nest hub you can watch the live stream of the doorbell right ? But are you able to receive the g4 notifications with the image of who is ringing your doorbell through the Google nest hub as well ? I’m running the G4 Chinese version

[@pat5170]

Great info Shane, lots of great features and I agree I would not like the horizontal view. A deal breaker for me is the width of the G4 as I only have 2” width to install it. I will hang on to my old Ring door bell until something better comes around.

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks for watching Pat!

[@christiannielsen3863]

This may already been asked for but does it come with a notification on apple watch WITH a picture of who is at the door or/and then a tap for direct online communication with who is at the door?

[@dit100]

About to order it to play with it. I would prefer vertical to horizontal. But let’s see how it works. Thanks Shane!!

[@aerobill8554]

Greetings from the Netherlands 🇳🇱 Shane. Love your vids and learning a bunch. One addition: in Europe (Netherlands at least) a lot of doors on older houses are recessed in brick walls. For my dad’s situation this means the screw that fixes the camera to the backplate cannot be secured as the wall is in the way. That’s a big miss. I guess also for others. Also, one request. I loved that episode where you made your grandpa’s house more secure. I’m currently trying to do that for my 88 year old dad. Any follow up videos on this topic would be greatly appreciated. All the best.

[@rick1427]

Living in a typical Dutch house too, installed it flawlessly using a wera mini rachet. You could consider the wera mini rachet set as it is useful in countless situations!

[@howardzhao4685]

Just add this for my back door, so far connectivity has been good and have not seen disconnecting from WiFi as you have described. Will let it go for few days. By the way, I opted for wired option, maybe that has some thing to do with the connectivity since it has the constant handshake with the hub. I have the Logitech in my front entrance, so far, I am fine with either orientation. Being at my back door, the walk way is few steps down, I was able to get the full frontal of anyone ring the doorbell. But I can see your point if this was installed in front entrance, the vertical image is definitely preferred. Thanks again for your review as always.

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks for sharing your experience Howard. Good to hear you haven't had any connection issues. I had the same issues when testing on both battery only and hardwired. And again, no issues in the Aqara app, only HomeKit. Hoping it gets better but again, glad to hear all is good with you!

[@namelessfrce5842]

It’s been almost a year and I just got this device I love it took me 10 minutes to set it up love that updates by now has improved this device and because I have no doorbell at all this was perfect all I did was stick it up lol 😂

[@ShaneCreates]

Great to hear. Thanks for sharing!

[@NaffyD92]

The disconnection issues and horizontal feed unfortunately are deal breakers for me. I was so excited for this and it would have been my first Aqara product if it just had those issues resolved. Hopefully their innovation will inspire even more competition in the doorbell market…but I guess my ring will get replaced with logitechs doorbell for now

[@cvetkovicslobodan]

Logitec Circle View also has disconnection issues, a lot of people is complaining about that...

[@brycewilson7805]

I am very invested into Aqara, I have many of their devises, but the lack of vertical camera kills this one for me. I'm super bummed, I was really hoping this camera had vertical video.

[@Bikepacking]

Anyone know can it be shared between 2 appartments.. ie i building 2 apartments and would like to have door bell at the entrance

[@LeeHerbet]

Very informative video, thanks for that. I'd have to test it along side the Ring doorbell we have now. A big thing I like about the Rind is that it shows us the floor in front of the door, so we can see packages that have been left there. The G4 may still work with where we have our doorbell mounted, but would have to test. Thanks again for the video

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks for watching!

[@mikeward1701]

Can this use rechargeable batteries?

[@rodrigoruiz976]

Would you recommend a better HomeKit doorbell?

[@daledesilva]

Awesome video. Do you know what happens if the Wifi cuts out? I know recordings can't be uploaded or synced with phone because that needs wifi and internet, but are the recordings still recorded to the SD card? - if so, how are they accessed later?

[@rammuniz8860]

Saw the pros and cons… if not this camera which other HomeKit camera is recommended that works with Apple TV.

[@joopmenss]

Just to clarify, when in HKSV mode, the 24/7 local recording is still possible? When hard wired ofc. Thanks Shane! It’s indeed a pity that it’s not a vertical ratio.

[@ShaneCreates]

Yes, that is correct.

[@joopmenss]

@@ShaneCreates Thanks! Orderd Mine today. The Logitech is NA in The Netherlands

[@CraigMullins1]

Does recording fail if no internet, power failed or router powered on?

[@Technology4Seniors]

I see that I can trigger an Apple TV display of the camera with a doorbell button push. Can it do the same on an iPhone or Watch? What about motion detection?

[@mozzer13]

Excellent review! Of the video door bells that work in HomeKit, what would you say is your favorite?

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks! The features on this one is amazing. I wish they all had local SD card storage for example. But I'd probably go with the Logitech Circle View right now because it's been more reliable in HomeKit for me and I like the vertical camera feed.

[@alexanthony7235]

And they’re INCLUDING batteries… look at Aqara just showing off now…👏🏾

[@williamnaughton9796]

Can you update this with how to hook up the repeater? They do not include a plug or other way to connect and it is required. Thanks.

[@steves2710]

Another great video! I would also prefer the vertical view so I can see the person's head and packages. Also, can I borrow your demo unit? lol I'm still on a August Doorbell Cam Gen1

[@DarkEnv2]

I was excited about this option but I think I’ll just stick with my Logitech Circle View. The image quality looks like it will be better than what the Aqara is showing and I prefer the vertical video for the doorbell since it can capture more. I think the price for this option is awesome though and for many this will be a solid choice. It does have some great features.

[@yervandpapazyan4473]

If hard wired how much voltage does it need?

[@chadbonadonna3778]

Thanks Shane, purchased with your link. Although there seem to be some significant cons it’s gotta be better than my old Ring doorbell. Hopefully they can work some of these issues out with a software update.

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks Chad! I hope you enjoy it! HomeKit reliability can certainly be improved via firmware updates 🤞🏻.

[@AlexLepoutre]

Definitely prefer and love the vertical and higher quality video from my Logitech Circle View doorbell. It's not perfect, but seems to be the better buy to this Aqara.

[@kazemi88]

I think people who have an apartment or condo this is a great fit. I had an eufy one but wasn’t available for HomeKit.

[@JuanCruz-ef3cj]

Actually, I like the landscape view. I want it for my patio door

[@bricelettkeman1408]

If it’s hardwired will it still sound the original home doorbell chime or does it only play on the one it comes with?

[@netsiteing]

I had to return mine as it broke down after 6months of use, and I found the battery only held for 3weeks or so, even when using rechargeable NiMh batteries or higher quality Energiser Lithium batteries. I went back to using Ring which seems more effective but would like to get a HomeKit enabled battery enabled wireless doorbell.

[@CraigPettigrewPhotos]

Gday Shane, got mine about 3 weeks ago in Australia. Pro’s definitely out weigh the con’s. Love the pop up on the Apple TV 4K from the doorbell and the event icons on the HK timeline plus the AI detection. Haven’t had any issues with wifi signal in HK app that you mentioned.

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks for sharing Craig. Glad to hear you are happy with it!

[@kimwong2053]

@@ShaneCreates Hi Shane. That code doesn’t seem to be working anymore on Amazon Canada. Anyway to get it extended as I like to try this as an upgrade to our old gen 1 Ring Pro. Thanks!

[@samopo3017]

Is it possible to connect the Ring solar charger directly to the Aqara doorbell for reduced battery dependency?

[@kendrick.e.williams]

Their website says Aqara Doorbell now supports a NAS. Have you tried it with your Synology? Can you save recordings to your NAS? Have you heard if it's going to support Matter?

[@javiertineo3084]

Hey Shane great video man! What doorbell do you think you’ll keep on?

[@Bryanluna1994]

Just ordered mine

[@scotsmanmike]

Nice one fella, been waiting for 🇬🇧 release date so appreciate this with a nice discount 👍 *ordered it before even watching the video * 😳 it’s ok though I’m desperate for a non-wired battery HomeKit enabled doorbell so this will have to do!!

[@ShaneCreates]

I hope you like it! 😃

[@renaes5262]

Still confused. If I hardwire this device will. it trigger my chime doorbell? or do I still use the little speaker. I want to NOT use a little speaker. I want my chimes to activate on press.

[@542chicken]

Do you think in the future you will have a video on how to make your own ringtone for this doorbell?

[@brandonfitzpatrick1797]

Question of the day? Would i be better off getting the newer nest doorbell wired with starling hub. or get aqara with homekit. from what i heard package detetion is trash on aqara. Video quality is great on nest. Thoughts Shane? what am i losing by going to nest vs aqara as they both technically work with homekit.

[@mattbenson6031]

Is the IR bulb up high somehow attached to the door cam unit, shadows too strong for no additional light bulb.

[@dit100]

So is there away to make it work with the house chime?

[@ccorry21]

Would love a comparison on the Aqara G4 vs Nest Doorbell (via Starling) for best HKSV doorbell!

[@ShanerTheGrey]

Does the home app support preview images notifications on Apple Watch??

[@andy4072]

As this needs to be within 5m of the chime I assume it needs the chime to work? If that’s correct how will it work in a power outage? The chime is mains supplied and for most people so is their Wi-Fi so pretty much it’s all dead isn’t it?

[@markboling5404]

In the side-by-side cameras which one was on the left

[@NaderHajHasan]

What about the integration with Home Assistant?

[@RaduIonita]

Thanks for the warning about the 5m distance between doorbell and chime, just canceled my order. It seems I will go with logitech.

[@snot83]

Does it work with your normal hardwired doorbell chimes or do you need to use the speaker?

[@toetie2019]

Hey! Will you ever do an update of this device?

[@MitchTolandJr]

I love my Aqara products (cameras, water sensors, etc) but since the day I bought my G2H’s have had that HomeKit connection issue. We’ve moved during the time we’ve had them to, so it wasn’t Internet related, and as you mentioned they still function in the Aqara app. It’s entirely random but I’ll end up with a ton of notifications from the cameras about connections lost, then connected again. I’ve never had any other HKSV cameras so I’m not sure if it happens with others. Disappointing, but I still love them for their price point and will likely give this a shot.

[@kleberlima4986]

Thanks for the video Shane. Very good review as always. Do you know when we'll have Smart Lock U100 to match the Doorbell G4?

[@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?

[@danoliver7161]

Ordered! Any insight on when we could see the FP2 presence sensor and the E1 roller shade motor in the US market? Think you’ll get a preview on those too. That presence sensor could be a game changer for automations with its detection zones.

[@mattdelarosa6329]

How can I only get notifications on HomeKit an not the Aqara app.?

[@blakeallistair]

Can this g4 do automation that if it detect a selected face. Your Aqara door lock installed on your door would unlock aswell?

[@dorelaure]

I purchased the video doorbell but have been unsuccessful fetting through set up. Do I also need to purchase the hub for it to work? I only have the doorbell video and the chime. Please, advice.

[@AlexManMe]

Not sure if I should buy another Logitech doorbell for my new place or get this

[@DJLsbVapes]

Yeah, landscape recording view is a dealbreaker for me

[@brycewilson7805]

Same here.

[@gregghayes6710]

Thank you Shane. Good review. Just curious, does this G4 end up being a hub/bridge for Aqara?

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks for watching Gregg. No this device does not act as a hub for Aqara child devices.

[@Sebasket]

Hi Shane In your opinion, what is the best exterior doorbell for homekit? does any one allow remote door opening? Thanks

[@Autumnfalls12289]

I currently have Ring doorbell & want something to use with homekit. I have reviewed both Aqara & Logitech. What would you recommend?

[@inelonwetrust9169]

Thanks for the video Shane. I’m happy with my Logitech but this is a good option as far as cost and the fun voice changing options.

[@RickyKennedy01]

Has the HomeKit integration improved after a year?

[@vviinniiee3]

I know this is an old video but I just got the doorbell. Hoping you can help! I hardwired it and it’s working fine and when I went into the doorbell settings it has me choose between 50hz and 60hz. It defaulted to 50hz and is working fine. Is there anything I should be changing? I live in US.

[@Bikepacking]

Only 5 meters distance .. any solution for range i need 7 meters

[@CraigMullins1]

have you checked how relaible notifications are? most of my other battery powered cameras miss 40% of motions..

[@namelessfrce5842]

This one caught every motion by my front door today didn't miss a thing and if you change the delayed recording to 0 secs instead of 3 secs you will catch the full video clip and not just the person walking away

[@PhanoftheShow]

batteries last a couple weeks for this camera, small motion zone, ended up hardwiring it

[@apuz13]

Do you have any updates on this video doorbell?

[@zakhariazeid5004]

Curious to know if the hub is actually interchangeable with other hubs of the same company so that less hubs/speakers are managed

[@wozzle68]

When I try to make a scene with the Aqara SMDB it does dot show up in my list of accessories :|

[@jaimejuarez2141]

Hi Shane! As always great video, I’m about to buy my first HomeKit doorbell, and out of the 3 available, this is the most affordable. Do you have any follow up comment about the HomeKit integration issues?

[@TheGwareger]

I have the same question 🙋🏼‍♂️ 😅

[@jaimejuarez2141]

Hi Shane, I just moved to a new house, last year I was about to buy my first doorbell but I wanted to move to the new house before getting it. Just want to follow up, is this still the best doorbell option? Or do you recommend another?

[@ShaneCreates]

I think this is a great option if the horizontal video feed works for your property. That’s really the only thing that did not work for me personally. I have installed these at multiple family members’ homes where the horizontal feed worked well.

[@jaimejuarez2141]

@@ShaneCreates thank you!

[@jaimejuarez2141]

Hi Shane, I got my doorbell, completed the installation like an hour ago. I’m loving it so far. I was wondering, if you know, a way to use the Aqara m1s hub as an extra chime or you are only limited to the included chime plus your HomePod mini. As always thank you for your help.

[@MintyM]

Do you offer consultation for a new home build project?

[@EricHardies]

I cannot ad my Aqara Doorbell G4 to my Aqara home app ! The app does not recognise my doorbell ! The app always wants me to ad my doorbell to Apples Homekit but i do not want to do this for the moment !