Aqara + Home Assistant
Aqara is a "Works with Home Assistant" certified partner. Their sensors, switches, and hubs integrate through multiple methods: Matter, Zigbee, or HomeKit.
What You Need
- Aqara device (sensor, switch, hub, etc.)
- Aqara Home app (for initial setup)
- For Zigbee direct: Zigbee coordinator (SkyConnect, SONOFF ZBDongle-E, ConBee)
- For Matter: Hub M3 or Matter-enabled device
Choose Your Integration Method
| Method | Best For | Requires |
|---|---|---|
| Matter | New setups, local control | Hub M3 or Matter device |
| Zigbee2MQTT | Maximum device support | Zigbee coordinator |
| ZHA | Beginners, simpler setup | Zigbee coordinator |
| HomeKit Controller | Existing Aqara hub owners | Aqara hub |
Method 1: Matter (Recommended)
Matter provides fully local control with instant status updates. This is the recommended method for new setups with compatible devices.
Matter-Compatible Devices
- Hub M3 (bridges Zigbee devices to Matter)
- LED Bulb T2
- Smart Lock U200 and U300
- Motion and Light Sensor P2
- Door and Window Sensor P2
- Climate Sensor W100
- Light Switch H2
- Presence Sensor FP300
Setup Steps
- 1
Initialize in Aqara Home app
Set up your device in the Aqara Home app first.
- 2
Get Matter pairing code
In Aqara app: Accessories → Hub M3 → Third-Party Matter Ecosystems → Matter Pairing Code → Copy
- 3
Add to Home Assistant
Settings → Devices & Services → Add Integration → Add Matter device
- 4
Complete pairing
Select "No. It's new." → "More options..." → "Matter Accessory" → Paste pairing code
Method 2: Zigbee2MQTT
Connect Aqara Zigbee devices directly to a coordinator without any Aqara hub. This method supports the widest range of devices.
Supported Devices Include
- Door/Window Sensors (MCCGQ11LM, MCCGQ12LM)
- Motion Sensors (RTCGQ11LM, RTCGQ12LM)
- Presence Sensors (FP1, FP300)
- Temperature/Humidity Sensors
- Light Bulbs and Switches
- Curtain Controllers (E1)
- Radiator Thermostat (E1)
Setup Steps
- 1
Install Zigbee2MQTT
Install the Zigbee2MQTT add-on in Home Assistant and connect your Zigbee coordinator.
- 2
Enable pairing mode
In Zigbee2MQTT, click "Permit join" to enable pairing.
- 3
Put device in pairing mode
Hold the reset button for 5+ seconds until the LED blinks rapidly.
- 4
Device appears automatically
The device will appear in Z2M and create Home Assistant entities automatically via MQTT.
Pairing Tips: Aqara devices work best with IKEA or Nue/3A Zigbee routers. Avoid using SmartThings, OSRAM, or Centralite routers as they can cause pairing issues.
Method 3: HomeKit Controller
Use Home Assistant's HomeKit Controller to pair with Aqara hubs, bringing all connected devices into HA.
Compatible Hubs
- Aqara Hub M3
- Aqara Hub M2
- Camera Hub G3
Setup Steps
- 1
Unpair from Apple Home (if paired)
HomeKit devices can only pair with one controller at a time.
- 2
Get HomeKit pairing code
Find the code on the back of your hub or in the Aqara app.
- 3
Add in Home Assistant
The device should auto-discover. Click Configure and enter the pairing code.
Available Entities
Entities vary by device type and integration method:
Sensors
- Temperature & humidity
- Motion detection
- Door/window state
- Illumination level
- Battery percentage
Controls
- Switch on/off
- Light brightness & color
- Cover position
- Climate setpoint
- Lock state
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Aqara work offline with Home Assistant?
Yes! When using Zigbee2MQTT, ZHA, or Matter integration, Aqara devices communicate locally with Home Assistant and continue working even without internet. The only exception is if you rely on the Aqara cloud for certain features. For fully offline operation, use a Zigbee coordinator or the Matter integration with Hub M3.
Do I need an Aqara hub for Home Assistant?
Not necessarily. With Zigbee2MQTT or ZHA, you can connect Aqara Zigbee devices directly to a Zigbee coordinator (like SkyConnect or SONOFF ZBDongle-E) without any Aqara hub. However, the Hub M3 is useful for Matter bridging, Thread support, and exposing devices via HomeKit Controller integration.
Should I use Zigbee, Matter, or HomeKit for Aqara?
For new setups with Matter-compatible devices, use Matter for fully local control and future-proofing. For maximum device compatibility with older or more Zigbee devices, use Zigbee2MQTT (most device support) or ZHA (easier setup). HomeKit Controller works well if you already have an Aqara hub and want quick integration without additional hardware.
Are Aqara sensors reliable?
Aqara sensors are known for excellent reliability and long battery life (often 2+ years on a single CR2032). They report quickly and accurately. The main consideration is Zigbee mesh strength. Aqara devices work best with good Zigbee routers like IKEA or Nue devices. Avoid pairing through SmartThings or OSRAM routers, which can cause connectivity issues.
How does Aqara compare to other Zigbee sensors?
Aqara offers some of the best value in Zigbee sensors. Their devices are compact, well-built, and affordable. Battery life exceeds most competitors. The main tradeoff is that some older models use a slightly non-standard Zigbee implementation that works best with specific routers. Compared to Sonoff or ThirdReality, Aqara devices are generally smaller and more refined but slightly pricier.
Sources
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