Aqara Smart Home Starter Kit – Available now on Amazon US!
Aqara Smart Home Starter Kit – Available now on Amazon US!
Aqara has officially launched the US version of their hub on Amazon, along with a number of sensors for the US market. Also available is the new Aqara Smart Home Starter Kit available, which we will be taking a look at today. This kit has all the basics you need to get started including: Aqara Hub, Smart Plug, Mini Switch, Contact Sensor, and Motion Sensor. We will discuss the availability of the Aqara products, unbox and setup the starter kit, and I’ll give my overall thoughts.
Aqara Amazon Links:
Aqara Smart Starter Kit: https://amzn.to/38PDzpJ
Aqara Hub: https://amzn.to/2S2wegW
Aqara Smart Plug: https://amzn.to/2PuxKXh
Aqara Door & Window Sensor: https://amzn.to/35HySfG
Aqara Wireless Mini Switch: https://amzn.to/2Entwui
Aqara Temperature & Humidity Sensor: https://amzn.to/2rLOosz
Aqara Vibration Sensor: https://amzn.to/34ympJT
Aqara Motion Sensor: https://amzn.to/38OmVHl
Check out my past Aqara videos:
My Aqara HomeKit Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSyPtAY5VFr0mZeb49Kpj7utOt6v4VHzX
Aqara Hub Setup & Review: https://youtu.be/05Dxl638WS8
Security Alarm System Automations w/ the Aqara Hub: https://youtu.be/k8fvkOsnF3Y
Aqara Motion Sensor: https://youtu.be/C015dczJIWM
Aqara Water Leak Sensor: https://youtu.be/s04hrXdFGls
Aqara Wireless Mini Switch: https://youtu.be/dZkqvg9tKUg
Aqara Vibration Sensor: Make ANY Device Smart: https://youtu.be/U1BINVp4eHo
Aqara Temperature Sensor (Temperature Based Automations): https://youtu.be/hLRI2d4kREo
Visit http://shanewhatley.com for all things HomeKit.
Aqara Hub 101 -a great, detailed article covering the Aqara hub and products:
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Other Smart Home Products I use:
Netgear Orbi Mesh Wifi System: https://amzn.to/2ObTAPh
NFC Tags: https://amzn.to/30Plnr3:
Phillips Hue Lightstrip (requires bridge): https://amzn.to/2ZZwnH8
Philips Hue White Light Bulb Starter Kit: https://amzn.to/345xbb3
VOCOlinc lightstrip (LS1 IP67 Waterproof Rating): https://amzn.to/2LNCIfX
VOCOlinc Lightstrip (LS2): https://amzn.to/2M8Zeik
Apple TV 4K: https://amzn.to/2LtMFyS
Insignia Garage Door Opener: https://amzn.to/2LSWGoi
VOCOlink T-Guard Smart Lock: https://amzn.to/2O0WeXO
VidaMount Black On-Wall Tablet Mount https://amzn.to/30gNdkQ
VOCOlinc Flowerbud: https://amzn.to/2ndJrG2
VOCOlinc Wi-Fi Power Strip Surge Protector: https://amzn.to/30F9unK
VOCOlinc Smart Light Bulb L3: https://amzn.to/2IJHhpE
iDevices Outdoor Smart Plug: https://amzn.to/2PgiXje
VOCOlinc Smart Plug: https://amzn.to/2PgkyFH
iDevices Smart Plug: https://amzn.to/367dem2
Lutron Caseta Dimmer Switch Starter Kit: https://amzn.to/2RuWrlL
Lutron Caseta Dimmer Switch and Remote Kit: https://amzn.to/2FteGDh
ONVIS Smart Home Security Burglar Alarm: https://amzn.to/2OQL32Q
HOOBS in a Box starter kit: https://hoobs.org/product/hoobs-in-a-box/?ref=2003
NOTE: This description contains affiliate links that allow you to find the items mentioned in this video at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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I’m a big fan of Apple’s Homekit technology and am always looking for AFFORDABLE smart home options that work well with Homekit.
Subscribe to my channel for more Apple Homekit videos like this: https://www.youtube.com/shanecreates?sub_confirmation=1
Visit http://shanewhatley.com for all things HomeKit.
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#HomeKit #Aqara #Smart Home
For Germany, I wouldn’t recommend using a China import of the Aqara Hub (accessories are fine). Due to GDPR, the China version can’t really be used over here anymore. You can only use it in HomeKit mode and won’t get any updates. For Germany, there are resellers available to buy the European version (Cyberport, Proshop, MediaMarkt,…).
Hey dude, great channel! You mentioned you can armed and disarm in Homekit which I had no issue doing either. The issue I had was that it wasn’t really arming the system even though it made the sound. When I went and triggered a sensor, it never went off. (Unless I armed it in Aqara) Are you having the same issue with arming with Homekit? I moved everything over to the Mi Home app also and it works as it should there though. Just wondering if it was just me other people have the same issue.
Hi Shane, why do we need aqara app if it works with home? Why do we need to setup via aqara app?
If I buy this us version, can I use it in asia region?
I have an Alarm security system separate from my smart home accessories . I. use hue and Wemo for HomeKit items.
you can use xiaomi mijia sensors to trigger alarm…
If this is a Zigbee hub, does that mean the Aqara hub can expose Hue Zigbee Bulbs to Homekit without needing a Hue Bridge?
Been watching your videos for months waiting for Aqara in Amazon. Used the code devices arrived Friday and all installed. Some questions though, your earlier video using Aqara as a security system I believe was with the config set to Mainland China or an older version of the Aqara app (or both) – app looks very different.
I am not understanding the alert mode and how to determine which devices are tied to the alert, etc. also if I toggle alarm in HomeKit it doesn’t update back in Aqara but if I toggle in Aqara its reflected in Homekit ???
Can you do a new video on the US version of the kit and how to setup an alarm system. I did see your HomePod solution but I really want to use the alarm in Aqara Hub and not spend money on a HomePod!
Bro I’m Ukrainian,I have smart apple home but Siri in homepod don’t understand me:((
Really solid Videos @Shane Whatley! New Subscriber here now! I’m having a hard time choosing between the Nest Secure sensor mostly due to the more added features built into the sensor. However the native Homekit integration with Aqara seems much more reliable than trying to use Homebridge with Nest. Wondering if you have any thoughts on either setup. Cheers!
I just received my Aqara starter kit today and so far I can’t even register through their app….the starting point… and it appears their customer service is not live. I’m disappointed but I’ll wait for them to reply. I had high hopes.
The email I received from support says it could take 24 hours.
Any chance you’ll be getting to test the new Aqara Roller Shade Drivers? https://youtu.be/s9B8crStaME
Can i get a SMS/e-mail/phone Call if the alarm system is triggered ?
What kind of range are we looking at with these zig bee sensors?
Aqara have been available in Sweden (EU) since this spring via official channels.
I use Hub + Door sensors + Motion sensors together with HomeKit and it works really good. The only thing I have problem with is the motion sensor, but I think it’s broken.
I have the Aqara Hub and multiple accessories by Aqara. About every one to two days I get the No Response from Homekit. I am still able to control it via the MI Home app. The only way I can get rid of the No Response on Homekit is to reset the Aqara Hub and start all over. Is there any other way to fix this? Thanks.
Hi!
Just found your channel. Love the automation videos.
One question if you can help:
can I use the Aqara Cube to control any device from any brand?
Thanks!
Hi fantastic video again I am new to Aqara about 2 weeks From the UK I was wondering can you use your Alexa speaker or google when the alarm goes off it goes though the speaker instead off the hub ? Thanks
Hi Shane, your videos have been a big help with my home setup. A quick question though, I was thinking of purchasing the temperature sensor to add into my fridge to monitor the temperature. Is that something that you’ve covered in any of your other videos?
Hi Shane, I was wondering that if the Aqara temperature & humidity sensor also has motion sensor in homekit?
Will the accessories and hub work if I completely cut them off from the internet, in and out… having it only communicating with the hub?
Essentially, what level of segmentation can I have on these devices?
Can’t wait for the Australian version to come out. They said on Twitter that it was coming. Fingers crossed before July
Hey I just got the aqara hub m1 with a aqara wireless mini switch to start of with I got the switch set up in the aqara app and it shows up in HomeKit but it saws “this accessory required a home hub to be used with the home app” I’m using a 4th Gen iPad as my home hub help please
Thanks Shane on your review with the hub and sensors can you have sensors chime or say the front door or back door is open?
Aqara is owned/backed by Xiaomi, a chinese company with strong ties to the Chinese government. You can easily find articles about the security issues surrounding Xiaomi devices. I recommend including, at the very least, a brief rundown of the security issues involving such low cost devices coming out of China. Remember people, you get what you pay for. R & D does not come cheap, so be advised they might be gaining more than just your money out of the gate. You should also touch on the necessity of segmenting these devices onto their own network/vlan and establishing firewall rules ensuring a closed network for these devices. Smart home/IOT devices should NEVER be on the same network as your personal laptop, desktop, or mobile devices.
Fan of the channel, but I think there’s a large piece of the puzzle you’re neglecting to inform your viewers about.
Is there any aqara starter kit for Eu?
Thanks man. Appreciate your channel. I finally bit the bullet and ordered a starter kit. Trying to get my Smartthings setup working reliably with HK via HOOBS is just not worth the hassle I’ve had to go through and Smartthings has been less reliable lately anyway so I’m going to take a deep breath and start migrating my setup sloooowly to Homekit. It’s all about reliability and privacy. Sometimes I’d like my smart home to be more like a Mac and less like Windows XP, you know?
Shane, I have an aqara smart temp Humidity sensor and can’t find anyway to set up an automation in HomeKit for either temp or Humidity. I can see the sensor in HomeKit, but automations only see Motion sensors. Any ideas, is it even possible. Thanks
Is it coming to Canada Amazon
Hi Shane, Thanks for the great videos! I just started watching your videos and building my Smart Home on HomeKit. I have a HomePod and Phillips Hue with 3 light bulbs so far. I am planning to add Hoobs and then wall switches. With Hoobs and Phillips Hue do I need to buy the Aqara Hub to add their switches? Also, I would like to see an overview of all the smart items in your home and how they are connected. Thanks!
Can you do a video on the new xiaomi gateway 3 ?
Great video Shane!
Great review. Curious how I can swap/upgrade from the original Aqara hub connected to China servers, to the US version to US servers, and how easy/hard that will be. I suspect very hard because I have all these sensors in HomeKit in a bunch of automation routines that will all have to be redone. I think it is a do-over, but curious if you swap yours out how it goes.
Hi Shane.
What happened to all your Aqara gear?
I saw you replaced alot of it.
Was it malfunctioning?
Another great video… Loved the break down on how everything was so easy to set up! They really hit the nail on the head there! Way to go!
Aqara Amazon Links:
Aqara Smart Starter Kit: https://amzn.to/38PDzpJ
Aqara Hub: https://amzn.to/2S2wegW
Aqara Smart Plug: https://amzn.to/2PuxKXh
Aqara Door & Window Sensor: https://amzn.to/35HySfG
Aqara Wireless Mini Switch: https://amzn.to/2Entwui
Aqara Temperature & Humidity Sensor: https://amzn.to/2rLOosz
Aqara Vibration Sensor: https://amzn.to/34ympJT
Aqara Motion Sensor: https://amzn.to/38OmVHl
NOTE: These are affiliate links that allow you to find the items mentioned in this video at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Hi, awesome videos. Does the aqara g2 camera work with homekit? Can it be paired as a child with the Aqara hub?
Hi Again Aqara never did a UK version kit only thing I have not got is the plug socket everything else I have just checked your videos you have never did the gas alarm ever the smoke alarm I hope you do a video on them thanks