Aqara Hub 101 [updated Dec 18 2019]

225 thoughts on “Aqara Hub 101 [updated Dec 18 2019]”

• Hello , can you use other not Aqara home kit devices to do Automation at Aqara Hub? I can see in my but can’t use them to Automation

  • Hi, you’re able to add other HomeKit devices to the Aqara app, as they have the facility to do that, although I haven’t tried it yet to see if there are any benefits to doing so. I’ll update you once I’ve tested it.

    • Cool , i can see other devices but point is I can’t do any Automation with them only Aqara devices

      • Hi Raf , yes this a limitation of the app (and possibly the hub) in that it’s not a full 3rd party Home app as such, which is really the same as the Philips Hue app, where you can only control Hue products.

        • Ok thanks

  • Hi, I’ve since tried adding the HomeKit compatible Eve Button to the Aqara Hub. Can easily add it, but it still doesn’t appear in the Aqara app, only the Apple Home app. It doesn’t appear as an option in automations in the Aqara app either, so it is just like the Philips Hue app in this respect.

    • Funny thing is I can see all HomeKit devices at Aqara app , I can on/off lights (philips) etc but can’t do any Automation with them

      • Yes, it is odd that you can still see the other devices, which I agree is a difference compared to the Hue app. It could be a case that Aqara haven’t got the other functions working on the Aqara app yet. I think there’s certainly room for improvement and I think Aqara are aware there’s work to do.

• In my home the coverage of one Aquara homekit hub is not suficient, can I pair to hub’s together to make one as a extender to Creat one home?

  • Hi Mati, I’m not sure whether the Aqara Hubs are set to do that, although as they use Zigbee it should be possible. If you plan on using them with HomeKit, then it shouldn’t matter if you have two separate hubs, as they will both appear in Homekit anyway. If you need a definitive answer, it’s best to approach Aqara directly via Twitter. They’re pretty good at answering questions.

  • Hi, I have a non-homekit Aqara hub in HomeKit but working in Homebridge via Homebridge-Domoticz. Everything works great via Homekit and I never have a need to open the Mi Home app unless I’m adding to the system. I have found that my range is a bit off and I miss some devices at the extremes of my house so I purchased a new hub to add to the system.
    Getting to the point of the post, I haven’t been able to successfully merge the new HomeKit compatible hub and the original Aqara hub in the Mi app. Only the original one show in Mi Home app and new HomeKit Hub shows in home app and lets you operate the light ring function and as such I haven’t been able to extend the range of the network.

    Has anyone had any experience with such a set up?

    • Hi Adam
      the HomeKit-compatible Aqara hub will not fully function in the Mi Home app just yet, as their is at least one more update to come from either Aqara or Xiaomi, or possibly both. This is due to drop on Nov. 25th according to Aqara. It’s also important to note that no matter how many Aqara gateways you have, they don’t actually work together to form a larger network as such, so you just have to place a new hub in a location that is closer to the devices that the first hub can’t reach and add these devices to the new hub.

• I’m mostly curious to find out how all the sensors will show up in the Home app. For instance, the way the Hue motion sensor shows up as a motion sensor, ambient light (lux) sensor and temperature sensor is brilliant. Other manufacturers choose certain devices not to show up as every possible accessory: for instance tado radiator valves also measure humidity but aren’t displayed in the Home app as an additional humidity sensor (it’s hidden under the settings screen of the radiator valve and in the tado app).

  In Aqara’s case, I would think the Hub could be listed as a gateway, a light, a motion sensor (which triggers the night light, right?) and an Alarm. But I guess currently the Hub itself is only listed as a Light.

  For the accessories, I’m specifically curious if their motion sensor also shows temperature or ambient light level in the Home app, and whether the temperature sensor actually shows humidity in the Home app as well.

  If it’s not too much to ask, is it possible for you to add to the review: the way (or ways) a device is listed in the Home app for each of the Aqara device listed in the review?

  • HELLO

    The Aqara hub in home app is listem as light. but all the other intems like door Windows sensor arę listem separatory in each tile. What is strange that the temperature & huidty sensor in Home app have aparate tile for temperature and separat for humidity. It could be displayed together on one tile in my opinion it soulu be much better.

    • Thanks Mati, that’s good to know about the temperature & humidity sensor. In my opinion it makes a lot of sense for some devices to be displayed with multiple tiles. Though currently you cannot set-up automations based on temperature or humidity in Homekit, if this would be added by Apple in the future, it would make sense that you can select the tile that corresponds with a specific property of the sensor. For instance to turn on an air dryer when humidity reaches a certain level.

  • Hi Niels, I can add the information you mentioned, to the Aqara Hub 101 article, even though strictly speaking, the article is about the hub, not the individual sensors. I’ll update today and let you know.

  • Hi Niels,
    I’ve now updated the article to include information on the devices that connect to the Aqara hub, and also what is exposed to the HomeKit framework.

    • Nice, thanks Simon! Looking forward to the vibration sensor review 🙂

      • No problem. The vibration sensor review will be posted at 10am (UK time) today.

• Setup: Aqara Homekit Hub. I use Chinese version ie one that came with Chinese plug that is built in and keep waiting for EU version.

  You need Apple based hub (AppleTV, HomePod or iPad) to remotely access your devices and have an automation defined in Apple Home App. So Aqara Homekit device is rather a bridge (between Apple based Homekit hub and Aqara devices that use ZigBee protocol for communications) than a Homekit hub.

  1. Smart Plug ZNCZ12LM
  There are at least two Smart Plugs available ZNCZ12LM and ZNCZ02LM. The first is Aqara the second one has a statement on a package box that it works with Mijia. What I have got is the latter ZNCZ02LM.
  I can’t connect it to Aqara Homekit Hub. During the pairing process I hear audio confirmation that the device was paired, but the Aqara Home app displays failure message. Aqara has not answered my inquiry if it will be fixed. I don’t have ZNCZ12LM and can’t find it anywhere. If you know where I could get it, please let me know.

  2. t, h and p sensor WSDCGQ11LM
  Air pressure is not displayed in Apple Home app
  To see the air pressure in Aqara Home app you have to dig deeper, but again the air pressure is not properly displayed and looks like 100981 Pa. However the same sensor connected to Camera hub (non Homekit based) shows in Mi Home app 100.9 kpa
  The temperature is now 19.5 C when I use Apple Home app and 19.6 C when I use Aqara Home app
  No history log is available through Apple Home app. I can’t see the history log using Aqara Home app either because the app asks me to log in which I can’t do

  3. Aqara Homekit Hub: Firmware upgrade, automation (defined within Aqara Home app) not available without logging in

  4. t, h and p sensor WSDCGQ11LM: I see no way to upgrade the formware (within Aqara Home app). Besides automation (defined within Aqara Home app) and history log are not available without logging in

  5. The same t, h and p sensor WSDCGQ11LM connected to Aqara Camera hub: no signing in is necessary to see history log, to upgrade and to define automation (within Mi Home app)

  6. Signing in. After many trials I finally managed to sign up (you write your mail, click and should get email where you can define your password). Very unusual way for signing up and for most of the time you don’t get a link where you can define your password. However I was not able to sign in (even changing location to Mainland China) to check firmware update, see history log or define automation (to be honest I don’t want to define any automation using Aqara Home app because it won’t be seen by Apple Home app). But my credentials were recognized when I tried to log in to Aqara Community at https://community.aqara.com

  That’s all for today. What is your experience folks?
  BTW: no answer from Aqara despite repeated inquiries

  • Hi Chris, thanks for the information. I have another smart plug that is almost identical to the Aqara smart plug, with the model number ZNCZ03LM, so I guess that makes three variants. This plug also doesn’t work with the Aqara app, only the Mi Home app. I also have the Aqara compatible model – ZNCZ12LM.

• Follow up:
  I have just received answer from Aqara regarding Smart Plug ZNCZ02LM

  Question:
  Is it possible to connect Smart Plug ZNCZ02LM to Aqara homekit hub? If not do you plan an update (when) to fix it?

  Aqara’s answer:
  “At present, Aqara hub can only work with Aqara products,
  In the future we will compatible with more products.”

  end of quote

  What it means in practice? If you want to pair Smart Plug to Aqara Homekit Hub (as a matter a bridge) you should use Aqara Smart Plug Model ZNCZ12LM (it comes with Chinese pins).
  https://www.aqara.com/en/smart_plug-product.html

• Simon, thank you for all the effort you’ve put in to covering the Aqara HomeKit launch. It’s the most comprehensive I’ve been able to find and has been a big help.

  To share my findings, I have the curtain controller (ZNCLDJ11LM) which is working very well. Through HomeKit you can open, close, and specify a percentage for it to open. I have the door, motion and temperature sensors working pretty well too.

  I have what must be the old version of the wireless double rocker switch (WXKG02LM) which doesn’t connect properly.

  Do you, or does anyone here, have a link to where I can purchase a HomeKit compatible wireless double rocker switch, and the smart plug? Chinese version of the smart plug is ideal for me, as we have the same plug in Australia.

  • Michael,

    Smart Plug: don’t buy anything different than ZNCZ12LM (it comes with Chinese pins).
    If you find a seller please let me know. I can’t find anybody selling ZNCZ12LM on aliexpress.com

  • Hi Michael, thanks for the kind words, I do try my best and if people like yourself find it useful, then that’s all I need.
    I’m glad to hear the curtain controller works, as I wasn’t sure, even though it’s listed on the Aqara website. This in fact brings me to your point about the problems you’re having with the Wireless double Rocker Switch. I have the same issue, and even though the model number is the same as the newest version (not quite available yet), it doesn’t work for some reason. The possible good news is that Aqara have said that more stuff will be compatible in the future, including Xiaomi devices, so the rocker switch being actually an Aqara product, it should get the same treatment. If you want to use the double rocker switch with another Aqara device (like the curtain controller), then you can still use it via automations in the Aqara app, it just wont appear as a device in either the Aqara app or Home app as such, but it is there in the Automations section. Take a look. Thanks again for the feedback.

  • Are you able to use this hub with Alexa? I am trying to control my aqara light switch

    • Hi, I’m not totally sure you can control the hub itself, but if you’ve got the hub added to the Mi Home app, as opposed to the Aqara app, you should be able to download the skill for Xiaomi Home and control some of the devices that way.

      • I have a Chinese hub but set it up with the Aqara app set to the US server. I live in Australia and this has been no problem. That’s the only way I’ve been able to get Both Apple Home and Alexa working at the same time. All Aqara child devices work fine on both systems (and probably Google which I don’t use). One omission is that Alexa doesn’t seem to recognise the hub light but Apple Home does, including the security feature. I also use Yeelights because they do multi-colours and are now fully compatible with Apple Home without stuffing around entering codes. I use the Yeelight app which is set to the Singapore server and also works nicely with both Alexa and Apple Home after a firmware update.

• I really think right now it is kind of a mess with all the Xiaomi/Mija/Yeelight/Aqara stuff what works together with what. There are many aqara devices that are supported in the Xiaomi Home App, but the Mija/Xiaomi stuff is mostly not available with the Aqara Hub. I was really hoping to switch my Yeelight ledstrips with the Aqara Hub so I can use HomeKit. Hope the will get this to work eventually.

  • Hi Ramon
    From what I’ve been told by Aqara, there are plans to introduce more of the Xiaomi/Mijia products into the Aqara realm, so that they work with the Hub and also HomeKit. It will take time though, as the new Aqara hub really is a different device to the previous Mijia hubs, even though they look similar. Agree that the whole setup is a bit of a mess, but then the Xiaomi app was a mess even before Aqara introduced the new hub.

• Hi Michael, I’ve just received my Aqara Hub and I can’t seem to find anywhere in the Aqara Home App to activate the alarm function, which was one of the reasons for buying this hub. Have you succesfully enabled this function?

  Apart from that, I successfully paired the door/window sensor, the motion sensor and the temperature/humidity sensor and could create some automations in homekit using these. Unfortunately I couldn’t pair the wireless wall switch that I also bought. It says it is connected but doensn’t appear anywhere in the Aqara app or iOS Home app.

  Best regards,
  Pedro

  • Hi Pedro, maybe I can help. Which devices do you want to use in order to set off the alarm?

    • Hi. I would like to use the door sensor to fire the alarm when the door is opened, but only when I set the alarm to ON.

      Thanks!

      • Hi Pedro, I’ve posted a new article explaining how to achieve what you asked about. here’s the ink – https://homekitnews.com/2018/10/10/alarm-automation/

• Have you ever tried the Aqara Smart Curtain with HomeKit?

  • Hi Francis,
    No I haven’t tried the smart curtain controller as we only use blinds in the apartment. I do know some people have got them and say they work great though, with HomeKit too.

• Hello There, I got my Aqara Hub in the Mail yesterday. I’m in Australia so fortunately the Chinese Power connection is essentially the same plugs. Great discussion here, only place I can find thats insightful at the moment. I have three things I’m curious to know you thoughts on.

  Firstly, I’ve noticed a strange behaviour I was wondering if you could shed any light on. IF i sign in to the Aqara app I can add and modify Pretty much all the current Mi accessories I have (Mi motion sensors, Mi Window and door sensors, Mi Wireless switch, Mi Smart Plugs). IF I do not sign in I cannot see these accessories but I DO see all my Homekit accessories in the Aqara app.

  So It seems the Apps talk to each other However perhaps this is an issue with the Mainland China server (or US) preventing Homekit access. My second issue i’m seeing is that although I can add the Mi Smart Plug (Zigbee) to the Aqara app, unlike the sensors it does not show in the Home app. It seems only sensors currently show?

  Thirdly, In the Mi Home app (before Aqara) i setup a simple automation to turn on a light (Mi Smart plug connected) in the kitchen when motion was detected and auto turn off if no motion was detected fro 5 minutes with the condition that it was night time. It seems with the new Aqara app at this time you cannot set this level of conditions for automations.

  Love to hear you thoughts.

  • Hello Ky
    I’m glad you’ve been able to find us and the site is of use to you, as that’s why we’re here!

    Going straight to your first issue about the difference between signing in and out, and the different options, I honestly don’t know, but I can tell you that when I first got the Aqara hub, I was able to sign in and see both my Aqara accessories and all the HomeKit device in the Aqara app. In addition, I could unofficially add the Mi devices, but they only showed in the automations section, and didn’t appear in the main section of the Aqara app as devices, and they didn’t appear at all in the Home app. That seems to have changed with the last app update (maybe also with the firmware update to the hub), so now I only see the Aqara devices and not any HomeKit devices. Since the updates also officially support the Mi devices, they all now appear in the Aqara app and the Home app. This all could be down to Apple, but I can’t be certain. Either way, even when I could see my standard HomeKit devices in the Aqara app, there was no way to use them in automations, so it really wasn’t of any benefit to begin with.

    The issue with the plug is something others have reported as well, even some people in China, so you’re not alone, but I think this will be fixed seeing as they have it listed in the section for adding accessories. I was able to add my US version of the plug (it also appears in the Home app), but this was all before the latest updates, so if I tried adding it again, it may fail, but you’ll have to forgive me for not testing this, as I’m in the sweet spot with my Aqara setup right now.

    Onto the 3rd point, there is a way to trigger automations in the Aqara app, but it actually doesn’t seem to work right now, so there must be a bug, unless I’m looking at it the wrong way. Ultimately, this is why I think it’s better to us the Home app (or other 3rd party HomeKit apps) for time based automations.

• Hi, I have another question.
  Let’s say i have a big house with wifi repeaters. And the some of the sensors are far from the Aqara hub.
  Do i need another hub then?

  • The range on the hub seems better than I thought, and two of the Aqara devices apparently act as repeaters for Zigbee signal – Smart Plug and the wired wall switches – but as Aqara devices use Zigbee, wifi repeaters won’t help, so a second hub may be required depending on the distance the devices are from the main hub. I’ve been told by one user that adding and extra hub works fine though.

    • Thank you very much! very helpful.
      Do you happen to know if the Smart Plug US versions works with 240v?
      Because here in the Philippines. Its US Plug. But 240v. So it’s kinda tricky finding smart plugs.

      • Hi, all the Aqara hubs will work with US and EU voltage standards, so from 100 – 240v AC 50/60Hz. I speak to people in the EU who are using the Chinese Hub at 220-240v and I’m using one at 110-120v, which is the standard for Taiwan. We also use US style plugs.

        • Noted! but I was talking about the US Plug Smart Plugs?

        • Ah sorry! I just checked and the US version of the smart plug is only suitable for 110-120v AC 60Hz.

  • Hi
    I have also a big house around 300sqm. From my experience coverage is really brilliant. I also was afraid of it and bought 3 hubs but two will be enough. In my house only one door window sensor lost connection with hub after paring. But then may be another problem it depends what you use as the steering device for Homekit. Becasue both hubs will need be connected directly with the Homekit device even if they are linked together from my experience. I’ve made some tests already. I am using IPad as Homekit steering device. I will shortly explaim my tests. firstly I use one hub for whole house, (hub located in central of house, on first floor connected with 9 sensors and second floor also 9 sensors totally 19) but after 1 sensor on second floor lost connection I have added another hub on second floor linked it with the first one, and to second floor hub added all the 9 sensors located on this floor, hoping now all will works. But after adding them successfully I’m back on first floor to TV room and all sensor connected to second floor hub lost connection. I thik it is of the reason that second hub lost connection with my IPAD or IPhone. Becasue it has WiFi connection fore sure. There is an router on second floor covering it totally with WiFi signal. Maybe some of you are more experienced with and can advice something. Becasue I am thinking if one Apple TV box will resolve connection problems? Or I will need to buy Two Apple TV boxes becaus I red that Apple TV works like the extender for Homekit coverage and then I will need to have one using with my TV first floor and the other as extender on second floor. But this will be expensive.

    • Thanks for the information, I’m sure it helps others make the right choices. Regarding Apple TV, it is useful for extending the range for Bluetooth devices, but that’s all as far as I am aware.

• Do you have any idea if this will work with the Home App?
  Aqara Wall Switch Double Key
  QBKG04LM

  • Hi Francis, this should work with HomeKit, as it’s listed on the Aqara site as one of the compatible devices. However, due to issues some have already had with the wireless version of these switches – basically two versions of the wireless with the same model number, but the older one not being exposed to HomeKit – then you should probably wait until Aqara release the new versions just in case. I can ask Aqara for you to see if these switches have the same potential problem and get back to you.

    • That would be incredible. Thank you so much!

    • My order came and it works with HomeKit! Double Key model is QBKG04LM

    • My order came and it works with HomeKit! Double Key model is QBKG03LM

      • That’s brilliant news. I did ask them via Twitter twice, and never got a reply, but it doesn’t matter now. Thanks for letting me know. Can you tell me if it came in the new or old style packaging?

        • It came with a new packaging I can send you pics if ever you need it 🙂

        • Yes, if you can send any pics of the box that would be great. You can email me directly – info(at)homekitnews.com – I removed the @ to avoid spam, but you know what to do!

• Sent! by the way. some questions. in the name synchronisation. which one to choose? sometimes the Home App seems to be confused.

  • Hi, got the pics, thanks. The name syncing is a problem they’re trying to fix, so it should be sorted out with the next software update hopefully.

    • I didn’t know that. Is that why that sometimes that the Home app says the accessories are not responding but they are working in the Aqara app?
      For me after a few minutes of saying it’s not responding it will be back again.

      • There may be a connection but I’m not certain. I don’t seem to be having name syncing problems myself, but I know of others that do.

• I can’t find a parameter to change the occupancy threshold of the Aqara Motion Sensor in any HomeKit App (Eve, MyHome…). In old Aqara Home App (v1.0.0) there was a parameter for this, in v1.0.1 it’s gone. I found no way to change the occupancy threshold right now!

  • This has been noted by others and has been reported to Aqara, so hopefully they will fix this in the next update.

• Hey, any news on the EU version. It’s almost November! 🙂

  • Hi, still hearing nothing from Aqara about the release on either the EU or the US, although I did see an article on a German site that said that Aqara has changed the date for the German release to January 2019, so this would probably be the same for all EU countries I imagine, unfortunately. I really don’t know what the issue is.

• Which bulbs are now supported by Aqara app V1.4.3 will they also be available in Homekit?

  • Hi Mati
    Currently no bulbs work with the Aqara app, even though there is a white bulb listed in the devices section. I’ve tried the Xiaomi/Philips bulbs and the latest Yeelight bulbs and neither will work right now. The bulb listed in the Aqara app is a forthcoming Aqara bulb apparently.

    • Thanks for answer.

• Is the current firmware working with Amazon Echo Alexa?

  • Hi Jordi
    As far as I’m aware the Hub only works with HomeKit. It doesn’t work with Google Assistant currently, although there is an Android version of the Aqara Home app.

• Hello, has anybody tried the aqara air conditioner controller? It is in the website but not in the app. Any updates or will it be supported with homekit also?

  • Hi Jasper
    I don’t know if it will be supported by HomeKit in the future, but at present it isn’t. It’s the same with the Cube Controller – it’s on the site, but currently you can’t use it in HomeKit, at least not directly. Hopefully this will change with the alleged updates that are due to drop in the next couple of weeks.

• Hi!
  Which two button wireless switch will appear in apple home app? Ak004 does not.
  Any idea where I can buy ak012?

  • Hi Dimitry, the best place to buy the HomeKit-compatible version of the Double Rocker switch (AK012) is a particular store on AliExpress, but once you order, you do need to contact them via AliExpress to tell them you want the newer version in the new box. I have ordered from them and before I ordered, I asked them to show me the product in the box. They showed the new packaging version, so I placed the order and then reconfirmed that I want the switch with the new packaging after placing the order. This is the store;

    https://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/Original-Xiaomi-Aqara-Smart-Switch-Light-Control-ZiGBee-Wireless-Key-Wall-Switch-By-Smarphone-Mi-Home/329388_32797786150.html?spm=2114.12010615.8148356.13.12d2c0d9xt4D8X

• Zncz02lm plugs are now working with homekit after the new hub firmware update.

  • Hi, yes someone told me this just earlier. It’s good news! Thanks for confirming.

  • How did you do that. I can’t see plugs in homekit. I Can ADD Them to hub, but I don’t see them in apple homekit

    • Hi Morten,
      Since the latest series of updates, Aqara have temporarily pulled HomeKit support for the smart plugs due to them not being certified correctly for HomeKit compatibility, so until they fix that issue, the plug will not appear in HomeKit.

• I’ve got the in wall switches and they work with Homekit and basically act as basic lights with an on and off switch, you can’t program them like the wireless ones. So no single press, double press… That being said it was what I was expecting and the fact that you can get them with or without a neutral wire is great. They’re the only Homekit switches I’ve found that don’t require the neutral wire which is great here in England where houses don’t tend to have a neutral wire.

  Overall I am very impressed with Aqara, they work extremely well and they are so affordable. If the alarm gets exposed to Homekit then that would be the icing on the cake. Smart bulbs are also very interesting, if they make coloured or warm white ones with some different connections then I would get rid of Hue in a heartbeat.

  I have to thank you because without your site or reviews I wouldn’t even know about Aqara.

  • Hi,
    glad you like the site, we’re here to make sure the word gets out on all HomeKit products, including brands like Aqara, which despite a few missteps, are coming up with some really good stuff.
    I’d buy the in-wall switches myself due to the neutral wire not being needed, but unfortunately the size of the back part is the wrong size for me. I suspected it was suitable for the UK as well as China, so you’ve confirmed that for me!
    The new bulb is tuneable white, so you get cool and warm whites. No colour option yet.

• The Aqara Hub being compatible with HomeKit is a great addition to their lineup.
  Do you know if it works with Alexa, seeing as there is the Alexa Skill by “lumi smart home” for the Aqara Smart Home Ecosystem?
  Link: https://www.amazon.com/Lumi-United-Technology-Co-Ltd/dp/B01MZX2H9X
  To my knowledge, Lumi United Technology Co., Ltd is the company for the Aqara lineup. Based off the Alexa skill, it seems to be able to control products from the Aqara lineup just like the “Mi Home” Alexa Skill. With this, does it essentially mean that the Aqara Hub works with both Apple HomeKit and Amazon Alexa?

• To honest, this hub is total waste of time, you are better off with the old hub and use homebridge instead, as every device will work with HomeKit including yeelights.

  I have purchased about 10 devices and none of them except for the cube switch will show up in HomeKit, if I log into the Aqara app I can pair all devices and everything works in the Aqara app, but nothing works with HomeKit, if I log out, all the paired devices vanish, the automations still function though.

  This hub is real mess, Xiaomi make nice hardware but I think they need to employ some real software engineers and sack the morons they have currently.

  So the old gear will work better with Homebridge than the proper hub with HomeKit support.

  Also, how is one supposed to know what too buy as far as devices go? It’s pure guess work, Aqara, Miji? What’s difference? miji is old? Aqara is new but not new enough? So we need Aqara version 2 vapourware devices??

  Total joke!

  • It’s strange you say the Cube shows in HomeKit, as it’s not compatible with HomeKit as far as I’m aware.

• Yes but after the hub updated to newer firmware, it now doesn’t work but the small wireless button does?

  WXKG01LM is working perfectly now but didn’t before
  MFKZQ01LM did before, but doesn’t now
  WXKG03LM did not work before, and still doesn’t now

  I purchased a few of the WXKG03LM, as I wanted these to switch devices on and off

  Also I have discovered, you can not use a Xiaomi switch to toggle a light state in Homekit, you can tap once to turn on a light, and set tap twice to turn off light, if you log into the Aqara app and create an automation, you can set tap once to toggle a state, only issue is the only light one can operate is the silly rgb light built into the hub.

  This product is all but useless, I have sensors on the way, maybe they will operate as expected?

  I will now be ordering the old hub and setting that up in Homebridge instead as I would like to create proper controls in the Mi Home app and have them imported in to Homekit through Homebridge as you are not limited to just a few working options, Yeelights are also fully supported.

• Just had a ZNCZ02CN plug arrive, and of course it doesn’t work either, hopefully it works with the old hub.

  I think Xiaomi should have just built a bridge device the connects the old hub/gateway to Homekit, that way everything that already works can just be imported straight to Homekit, as this is what Homebridge does.

• Does anyone actually got the mini wireless switch (the small one button switch) to expose in Homekit?
  I can rememer it was, when I first got the hub, a few months ago, but after a few days they were gone and they never came back.

  Today I decided to, again, put the hub to factory settings and configure it all over again to see if they would be back after the recent updates, but although I can add them to the Aqara home app. They don’t expose to homekit.

  Maybe this has to do with caching? Because after resetting to factory settings, all is gone and back in chinese, but when I add one of the buttons, they get the same name as I gave them in the early beginning. So there is something saved somewhere. But the aqara app doesn’t have a clear cache button, as the Mi home app has.

  I read here that they are supposed to work, but do they? Atleast I can’t get them to work.

  • Hi Dries
    Are you referring to the Aqara Mini Switch or the Mi Switch? Both should work with the Aqara and HomeKit apps, which they do for me. To guarantee the Hub is totally reset to Factory settings and all data for child devices is cleared from the hub, I have been told you need to press the on/off button 10 times in quick succession. Holding it down for 10 seconds will do a soft reset, which will still remember settings of child devices, and only needs re-pairing with HomeKit.

• I am referring to the Aqara mini switch.
  They don’t for me, maybe I have to log-out the server, but I have very, very, very bad experiences with that, haha 🙂

  I did a hard reset (10 times quick presses) on the hub.

  • Well, that wasn’t my best idea today…
    I tried the US server, and I could login (surprise) but I couln’t bind the hub in the app.
    So I switched back to the chinese server, did a hard reset again and I could add the hub.
    The good thing is, that I appearently got rid of the cache, because when I add the devices, their initial names are in chinese.
    Now the bad thing,…
    Now I can’t add the mini wireless switch at all. Same problem als weeks ago, when they said it was a bug they were fixing. The hub says it’s connected, but the counter keeps running down and at the end the app says it couldnt bind the accessory.
    I suppose the ones that go the buttons working once were lucky.

    Anyway, I give up for now. I hope the 25th update will fix things finally. I bought the thing 14th of september and I hadn’t had a working system so far.

• Driesdk, the system is a total mess, I have both the Mi Button and the Aquara button, both Zigbee versions.

  The round Mi button connects and adds to Homekit but you select the square Aqara button picture to do this, but the square Aquara switch (WXKG11LM) will not connect at all, both logged in and out of the Chinese server.

  Its a total merry-go-round of apps and pressing buttons, just plain silly, still waiting on the old version of the hub to arrive.

  I’m really unsure of what use this hub is to anyone, they have not listed anywhere I can find a compatibility list so one can purchase accessories that will actually work, as you cant go on the list on the website or by the pictures in the Aqara app, as I have nearly all of those items and only the Mi stuff I have connects and none of the Aqara stuff work at all.

• Handy info for anyone looking to make a mistake on purchasing this hub.

  Mi Round Button: WXKG01LM = Works in Homekit

  Aqara Square Button: WXKG11LM = Does not work in Homekit but will work in Aqara app if logged in

  Aqara Large Single Wireless Wall Switch: WXKG03LM = Does not work in Homekit but will work in Aqara app if logged in

  Aqara Large Double Wireless Wall Switch: WXKG02LM = Does not work in Homekit but will work in Aqara app if logged in

  Aqara Temp/Humidtity Sensor: WSDCGQ11LM = Works in Homekit

  Aqara Smart Plug: ZNCZ02CM = Does not work at all

  Aqara Magic Cube Thingy: MFKZQ01LM = Did work in Homekit until the update, now only works in Aqara app if logged in.

  If logged into the Chinese server you can create some limited automations and these automations will stay hard linked even after you logout, none of the automations will show up in Homekit, they are stand alone only, notifications will work even if logged out.

  If logged in to Chinese server, the Aqara app will not see any of the Homekit devices other than the Xiaomi ones that are paired with the Hub itself, all other Homekit information is invisible.

  If logged out, then the Aqara app will see all Homekit devices, but cannot see its own paired devices that are not compatible with Homekit.

  If logged into the US server, your hub will never pair in the Aqara app properly, but will pair in Homekit.

  The Aqara hub if paired via Homekit or via the Aqara app will only be seen in Homekit as an RGB lightbulb, not as a bridge or hub.

  Logging into the Aqara app will allow you to check for firmware updates, logged out will not.

  Logging into the Aqara app will make it incompatible with Homekit, logging out makes it compatible.

  There is no way to make the devices that are paired and functioning while logged into the Chinese server work, communicate or control and of the devices that are in the the Homekit app, this includes its own child devices that are compatible with Homekit.

  There appears to be more devices not compatible than compatible.

  If you would like better compatibility then I would recommend the old hub and setting up Homebridge instead as this will function far better.

  I have more devices on the way and I will test and update this list as go.

  Cheers

  KFK

  • Not all of this info tallies with my findings; My Mi Wireless Switch works in both HomeKit and Aqara. I have an Aqara square Button (Mini Switch) and it works in both HomeKit and Aqara. I’m logged into Aqara server and set to Mainland China. I also have the double rocker switch – one model works with both, and an older model works with Aqara only at present. Both have same model number though. Aqara temp/humidity works in both apps. I have a US version of the Aqara smart Plug and it works with both. This is an unreleased product though. I also have a Mi Smart Plug (US pins, but is for Taiwan market). Works in HomeKit, and Aqara, but you can’t create any automations in the Aqara app.

    • It seems a bit random and based on luck whether someone can actually use a device in homekit 🙂
      I managed to finally add my mini wireless switch back to the Aqara app (no homekit though). This seems to be a server-side issue on Aqara’s cloud. I don’t think their cloud can handle the traffic too.

      I spoke to someone from the company and he said they cannot handle the bugs and service at the moment, because it wasn’t there plan to sell it outside of china yet, but because there were sellers on aliexpress, the stuff got outside China and they’re struggling to keep up with bugs and support now.

      Maybe that’s why there suddenly is this Xiaomi compatibility, and it’s some sort of intervention from Xiaomi to save their name.
      Aqara and Xiaomi are not the same company. Aqara is some sort of partner, but is not owned by Xiaomi. I would understand considering the confusion between the 2 brands people have, that this Aqara buggyness is hurting Xiaomi’s name and they are trying to do something about it.

      • Hi Dries
        yes, all of what you say would make sense. Essentially Aqara, and many of the other companies that come under Xiaomi’s umbrella are essentially separate companies that Xiaomi invests in as well as providing distribution. Xiaomi also end up owning a portion of the company I believe.

        The odd thing about all this is that even if they didn’t sell outside of China, there are still many of the same bugs, so even if the complaints were a lot more than they anticipated due to sales outside China, the amount of bugs would still probably be the same, so they just haven’t seemed to get their act together with fixing these issues. Hopefully the forthcoming intergration with the Mi Home app will fix a lot of issues.

• Hi, I’ve just received the aqara gateway, I’ve tried to configure it through the aqara home app and is now available also in the iOS home app. I’ve added different sensors and are all available in the iOS home app. But now comes the problem:
  I do not manage to add the wireless mini switch and the aqara cube. I’ve tried to login and set china mainland, this allows me to add the switch and cube but these aren’t available in the iOS home app. How can I solve?

  I also own an old bridge by mijia and an aqara cam, how can I add them?

  • Hi Andrea,
    Glad most of your devices are working without any problems. Starting with the Cube, this is one of the devices that currently does not work with HomeKit. If you go on the Aqara website it does not say anything about HomeKit compatibly, although this may change once the Mi Home app integration is complete. I have a Cube and it does not work in HomeKit either.

    Regarding the wireless mini Switch, it seems that some people have managed to get them working and others have not, so I don’t know what the problem is. Most of the time it is because there are older and newer models of the same product, so if your mini switch came in an old white box, it’s possible this is an unsupported one, but even then that isn’t always the case, as I have one that arrived in the older packaging and it worked without any problems.

    If you go into the Aqara app, then ‘accessories’ then select the Mini Switch, check the model number. Mine is AK002. Let me know what yours is.

    Finally, with the Mijia bridge and Aqara camera, what did you want to do with them? You can’t add the Mijia gateway to the Aqara app, and it won’t appear in HomeKit. Currently the Aqara camera is not HomeKit compatible, although Aqara have said they are working to make it compatible – this could also possibly mean a new model for HomeKit.

    • Mine is AK001 and does not work, is recognized only if a set everything to Chinese but then they do not appear in iOS home app.

      I’ve already tried with homebridge and the Mija gateway but I do not manage to add it properly, I use the correct mac and psw but does not find the gateway.

      Hope that aqara will file these troubles soon!

      • It seems you’ve got the older version. This issue also affects older versions of the wireless Rocker Switches too. I have one that works with HomeKit and Aqara and another that only works with Aqara.

        • Do you know if aqara will add support also for these? I’ve just bought them…

        • Hi don’t know for certain, but I think once the update with the Mi Home app is released things will start to improve. I’m sorry I can’t give you any better news than that right now.

• You are best to take the Homekit version of the Aqara Gateway and sell it on ebay, I just received the older version 2 Gateway and set it up in Homebridge, and every product I have purchased works and shows up in Homekit now, I even have the Alarm system setup and running in Homekit.

  Further more, when your switches are added to Homekit, it will add a virtual switch for each feature of the real switch, so you can remotely activate the switch (single, double or long press) from the Homekit app, this feature is not possible with the real Homekit version of the Gateway.

  There is also a whole lot more, I can control my Yeelights now with Homekit directly.

  These three Homebridge Plugins give you way more functionality for the V2 non Homekit Gateway.

  https://www.npmjs.com/package/homebridge-yeelight-wifi

  https://www.npmjs.com/package/homebridge-xiaomi-alarmswitch

  https://www.npmjs.com/package/homebridge-mi-aqara-nightly

  Either get a Rpi, Odroid or just run Dietpi in a VM and setup Homebridge, its totally worth the effort.

  I am retiring the Homekit Aqara Hub to a draw and I will leave it there until Xiaomi employ some real software coders to give there product similar features as the old Hub.

  I also recommend you guys, once you have any of the Xiaomi gear functioning how you want it, log into your router, assign a permanent ip to each of your Xiaomi wifi connected devices via their MAC address and then block those addresses from dialling out to the internet, as it is not needed, your Homekit hub does this instead (Apple TV, Homepod, Ipad), I have done this with every single IOT device I have as Homebridge will convert all of your IOT gear to local only, and Homekit will then convert everything back to IOT, but only through Apples Homekit, whom I trust far more than some unkown Chinese server.

  On a side note, Im not saying Xiaomi or Aqara or Miji whatever company has ill intentions, but one cant be sure these days and all of this gear like Wemo, Broadlink and countless other crap all want to dial home, and when the internet goes down, they stop functioning, the Ring doorbell comes to mind, when this happens, your wife looks at you like you are some sort of retard for bringing this so called smart (stupid) device home and replacing something that has worked fine for 20 years, like a light switch 🙂

  Hopefully all my ramblings will help someone 🙂

  • Appreciate the input. I think that the HomeBridge route is a great alternative for some, but not everyone. I have it running, but ultimately I’d prefer everything to be ‘in house’.

    Having said all that, if you wanted to put forward a tutorial on how this is all done, you’d be welcome to write a post on it, although it would be a bit of effort.

• Hi, I am trying to understand. I bought the devices in China (hub and light switches). My house is in Costa Rica.

  The devices (hub and light switches) say 220V but costa rica is 110v.

  Would they work?

  I don’t want to waste money sending the goods and paying delivery fee with DHL if it is not going to work.

  Thanks,

  • Hi, the hub is suitable for 100-240v at 50/60Hz, so it will work in all places. I have a Chinese hub, bought my Hub from China (where it is 220-240v) but it works fine here in Taiwan, where the voltage is the same as Costa Rica – 110-120v.

• Any news about firmware upgrade, 25/11 has passed…?

  • There has been an update to the Aqara app, so we’re still waiting on a firmware update for the Aqara Hub. When that will happen I don’t know, but i’m hoping it will this week.

    • As far as I see app update did not bring any noticeable changes.

      • Just bug fixes, which have been confirmed as fixed by two people I know.

• One bought ca. 60 aqara big wall switches, wireless and wired. Unfortunately the seller send me those version which do not have double click and long press feature …. :/ ak013 – wired single wall switch, ak003 – wireless single wall switch… is there any option to activate double click or long press ?

  • It sounds like you have the older versions, which only have single click or the option to click both at the same time. I do not know if Aqara plan to update these switches for HomeKit, or for adding the double or long click functions. Even if you try these in the Xiaomi Mi Home app, you will have the same problem unfortunately. Have you contacted Aqara? If you go to their website and then community forums, you can ask them questions, and they will always reply.

    https://community.aqara.com

    • Yes. Today aqara replied. The seller send me old version :/ its impossible to enable those features because its hardware functionality not software:/ I was just be cheated:/

• I have a Aqara hub with several temperature sensors. I monitor them from the Android app. Is there a way to check the historical data of the temperature somehow? Maybe on a graph or something like that?

  • If I can remember correctly, this was possible with the older Xiaomi hub and mi home app. As soon as they come with their update to make it compatible with the mi home app I suppose you can view historical data.

    • In the previous version of Aquara Home app in Android, which was version 1.4.0 or 1.3.9 if I’m correct, when I touched a temperature value on the main screen then a grap opened, but it said “no data”. Since the new version of the app this graph is missing.
      The developer of the app is company called “Lumi”

• Careful purchasing anything at the moment as most online sellers are just selling old stock, they will advertise things like “Xiaomi Mi Smart Wifi Plug, Zigbee version” so which is it? Zigbee or Wifi? as there is both versions, but neither run both protocols, you are best to ask for the model number, then go and check to confirm it is Zigbee, and that it is the latest model.

  Wifi devices are not supported with the Aqara app (Wifi Mi Plugs, Air Filters, Yeelights….)

  I have a bench here with a pile of Xiaomi products that don’t work with the Aqara Homekit Gateway, but they all work with the V2 Mi Gateway.

  Also, most of the Aqara stuff being sold wont work with this Homekit version, but some of the Mi stuff does.

  Also, there doesn’t appear to be anyway to set up an alarm system in the Aqara app like you can in the Mi Home app, again, the Homekit hub is fairly useless in its current state.

  I have found the best solution is to use the old gateway with Domoticz -> Homebridge -> Homekit this works great, you can create fake contact switches in Domoticz that will trigger alert notifications in Homekit, so I have the Doorbell setup in Mi Home, and when the doorbell wireless button is pressed, it sends a notification to Homekit, which will pop up on my iphone/ipad.

• I spoke with aqara assistance and they gave my some useful information.

  1) the pressure of the air sensor will be never a displayed in HomeKit because Apple directly did not allowed this.
  2)today there is an update that will fix the wireless switch problem. You have to choose China mainland, log in and add the accessory and will be displayed in HomeKit. I have an ak0001 mini switch and now it works!

  • That’s good news. Thanks for sharing.

• Hello, now that the hub is compatible with Mihome, is it possible to have it configured in the 2 app? if I connect it to one, it disconnects from the other. any solution?

  • You can only have it one app or the other I’m afraid. The only way around this is to have two hubs, with one connected to each app – but it’s not really a solution.

• Hi, I have also a new Aqara hub and try to read out the developer key for integrating to my Smarthome.
  I succesfully have added it to the Mi Home App but I can‘t find the s3ction for read out the developer key. Does anyone solved this already or isn‘t it working with v3 of the hub?

• Hello,

  I got my Aqara Hub yesterday. I have a bunch of Aqara Sensors. They all work great in HomeKit. I´m wondering how the Security System work in the Homekit App? Any Ideas. You can turn it on and off but now way to trigger anything.

  Thanks so much!

  btw: I have the newest update!

  • Hi
    Glad to hear everything is working. The HomeKit side of the security system is only for turning it on and off. Have you installed the hub in the Mi Home app or Aqara app? You actually have to set up the alarm system in the Mi Home app, using Mijia or Aqara sensors as the trigger devices.

    • Hey, thanks for the fast answer! The thing is, I have a Mi Vacuum and I can´t switch the region for the Mi Vacuum.

      I guess I have to trigger a SmartPlug with a dedicated siren with the Aqara sensors.

      greetings from Germany!

      • I understand. You can have more than one region in the Mi Home app, but you would have to switch each time you want to access something in the other region, which can be annoying, but ultimately if you do use the Mi Home app with the Hub and sensors, it’s quite easy to set up an automation. I’ll be doing a quick tutorial on it soon, although I will still look at ways to do it with the Aqara app too since the latest update. I’ve already posted two methods, but they didn’t work quite as planned with some users.

• Hi, i have the aquara hub and some temperature sensors. When I make a automation wich is:

  when the temperature is higher than 20 switch the heater of.

  It works vor a day and then the automations dosent response. Any Idee?
  Many resets and new binding later still the same problem

• Hi. I had a xiaomi smart plug zigbee working with the Aqara Hub and showing in the home app. Since the latest hub update. I can no longer see the smart plug in the home app. Deleting and resetting up the hub or the plug has no effect in resolving the issue.

  Has anyone else had the same?

  • Click The Hub 10 times fast to reset, only Update once. Don’t Update to the 147 version but use the version before. You can’t use mio app but aqara app Will work in this version.

• My homekit enabled hub can’t connect anymore with the aqara home app.
  Do I really need to install it again or is there another way to restore the connection between the app en the gateway?

  I really dont like the idea that I should add the gateway again, because I am afraid I have to install all the sensors again also. And if this is going to happen another time, its a no-go…

  • Same issue here! All sensors were accessible in Homekit but Aqara App shows all sensors offline.

• This hub is the shittest thing i ever bought from china usless piece of crap i have over 40 xiaomi device only few worked it screwd up everything !! I cant even sell it im from india nobody will buy this crap hub!! I have a bunch of yeelights bulb strips table lambs n philips xiaomi bulbs im so
  Many old generation new genration wifi plug , strip plug nothing works , i should have bought an alexa with 30$ my 30$ went for a toss now theaqar hub is some where with junk !! I feel sad n cheated by the fake aqara add on youtube i bought aqara from gear best the customer support told me that they will support yeelight after 25th November update !! Even the aqara app is so crap !! I have iphone ipad n apple watches iwas so excited to use this this crap wouldnt work its piece of junk !! Xiaomify was not so clear in his YouTube videos as he got this aqara junk for free so he was so neutral with the review!! Iregret not buying alexa over this the new versionisjust 30$ i choose aqara piece if crap , i was about buy their door lock somewher in the youtube they said the finger print stopped workin n most of the devices so instead of a fix aqara crap company released an updated version of finger print lock s2 , s2 was their second version they realeased an updated version, so whover bought the orgibal s2 n first generation lost money , so never buy anything aqara they realease substandard shit spoiling xaiomis name i have the ketttle of xiaomi like i bought it 2016 i still get updates n works flawless with the gateway mijia !! Im so frustrated that i wasted my money on this shit crap aqara !! Am sure they will relaese version aqara hub!!i will skip anything writting aqara!! I hope many people save their money in gearbest they are selling it between 40 -50!! This aqara is waste of money not even woth 1$
  First xiaom product which i bought was junk !! Aqara is gonna spoil xiaomis reputation !! Dont buy aqara hub save ur money ! Gearbest wouldnt let me post my negative review on their websit so im posting it here! Am just a frustrated xiaomi fan who lost my money i could have invested in some other xiaomi product or an alexa !! I didnt read any review online i buy xiomi products blindly !! My bad wont hapen agin!! Middle finger to aqara company n xiaomiy youtube channel!! I hope u dont delete my comment !! Save your dont buy aqara its a piece of junk!!

  • I agree that some people have had less than a great experience with the Aqara Hub, including myself, and Aqara can be squarely blamed for a lack of communication in regards to supporting customers who’ve had problems or haven’t had adequate explanations on how to tackle potential problems. However, a lot of their products are actually very good, especially the sensors, and now with the Mi Home integration, things are even better. I’ve got two hubs, and after a bit of an effort I did manage to get both working although it shouldn’t require any real effort. Having said all this, what I’ve found in some cases is the fault lies with the persons network. This is also usually the case with HomeKit issues, but a lot of people refuse to believe that’s the issue. Ranting on this site isn’t the answer, but I’m more than happy for you to Air your opinion, regardless.

• Hello there!

  I’m new in Aqara world, so can someone explain me how to update to 1.4.7?
  My application still in 1.4.3 and when I check for updates a message appears “Updated to the lastest”.

  Thanks!
  Link

  • Just wanted to ask, have you set up an Aqara account and have the app and account set to Mainland China server? If you have make sure that the last update didn’t actually sign you Out of your account.

    • Thanks for responding Simon.
      I don’t find where I change to Mainland China server in Aqara App or website.
      In Mi Home app it is easy to change but Aqara I don’t know.

      • If you go into the Aqara app, click on the ‘Profile’ tab, then ‘settings’ and from there you can change the region. If you’re signed out, the China region should already be set anyway, but to make sure your app is updated you should sign in.

        • In ‘Settings’ it has just ‘Temperature Unit’ and ‘About’. Nothing more.
          My app is updated.

        • That is very odd. Just one other thing – there are two Aqara apps, but only one you should be using, which is called Aqara Home. The Aqara logo is in blue. The other app has the Aqara logo in yellow I believe.

• It’s the blue one.
  I’ve downloaded this app by QRCode in Aqara Hub manual.

  • I think I found the problem.
    I’m using Android, I checked on Apple Store and there is 1.4.5.

    • Ah I see, yes that will make a difference.

• Reading and re reading posts here and there hope someone can help me decide. Would the Mijia gateway be obsolete and Aqara take over? I’m in Australia and wondering which one is best in regards to features, software, futureproof? I’m an Android user so the Homekit on the Aqara doesn’t really help. Thoughts?

  • If you’re only going to use android for the foreseeable future, there probably isn’t much point in getting an Aqara Hub except for the fact it’s a newer product over all, which may or may not mean it’s more powerful. I think anything that can be tied to the Mijia gateways can also be tied to the Aqara gateway, although there may be issues with what products work with which servers. I’d suggest sticking with the Mijia.

• When I tried bind the Aqara Hub in Mainland China, I received this message: “Error code 601, the accessory was not found in the backend server”.
  How can I resolve this problem?

  • Hi Gustavo
    I can’t remember if I’ve seen this error message before, but can I ask, are you trying to add this to the Aqara app, the Mi Home app or the Apple Home app? Or is it already added to one of these?

    • I added this to the Aquara app. The problem happened when I trying bind to Aqara back server. The hub and children devices are working if I didn’t login on aqara server.
      When trying to add to the Mi Home, the Aqara Hub concluded but didn’t appear on list of devices.
      I’m using a iPhone 6s updated.

      • Did you read my page about Troubleshooting? https://homekitnews.com/2018/12/05/aqara-hub-and-mi-home-troubleshooting-tips/

• Does the latest firmware “share” Mi Home devices with HomeKit? Specifically I’m interested in Air Purifiers as I’ve got Xiaomi Purifier 2S. It feels like a far better alternative to homebridge if it actually works.

  • Hi
    It will only share certain devices, and only then will it share the ones that can/need to go through the Aqara hub. The Air Purifier is wifi, so it doesn’t need the hub. However, with the latest update to the Mi Home app, you now have access to Siri Shortcuts. I have my Mi Air Purifier 2 working with Siri Shortcuts now, and while its not actually HomeKit, it’s closer than before.

• So I can use Mi Home app with Aqara Hub, and use all of my YI and MIJIA cameras, Aqara water leak sensor +also benefit from Homekit, right?

• Hey.
  I bought this hub and devices to it. There are issues:
  1. Aqara Wireless Remote Switch Double Rocker. How to understand what my model is 004 or 012? I do not have a double and long press. How not to make a mistake when buying a new one?
  2. Temperature sensor installed on the balcony. When the temperature is below 0 in Apple Home I get an error – the temperature sensor is not available. In this case, the humidity sensor has data. In app Mi Home all date present.

  • Hi
    Unfortunately the only way you can know which version is the newer model is from the packaging. The older model is plain white with the Aqara logo, whereas the newer model will come in a colour box with the product printed on the front and a colour image on the back. Depending on the store you choose to buy from on AliExpress, some stores are happy to send you a picture of the packaging before you buy, So you can see which model they have first. As regards temperature, I believe currently there is a bug that doesn’t allow the sensor to recognise anything below 0, but I have only heard this from some other users.

    • No problem with the sensor. Sensor and app Mi Home recognise temperature below 0. But when temperature below 0 in Home app “sensor not respond”

• Hello,

  Is it possible to control yeelight bulbs using the aqara hub? Currenty i have a xiaomi gateway, a yeelight ledstrip and an aqara motion sensor which turns on the lights every time someone passes. Im thinking to replace the xiaomi gateway but im not sure that i will be able to use the yeelights. In theory i should since everythings connects properly in the Mi Home app. Right?

  • The Yeelights are (I believe) wifi-based, so they’re independent of any hub, whether it’s the Aqara or Mijia hub. If you were hoping to control the Yeelights in HomeKit using the Aqara Hub, then that won’t work.

• Just ordered an Aqara Hub. I bought it from banggood.com and it stated ‘International Version’ and ‘US Plug (Will send a power adapter according to your country)’ so hopefully it will work OK in the UK?!?!

  So, question – is it best use the “Aqara Home” app or the ‘MI Home’ app for setup and management?

  I’ll mostly be using Home app or the Eve app for generally day to day usage.

• Would it be possible to add to Aqara Hub a Mi Home 360 Security camera?

  • The different mijia/Aqara cameras that are available don’t need a hub to operate, so they don’t use either the Aqara or Mijia hub.

• I have successfully added Aqara hub and 3 lights to the Aqara Home app and I am able to control them through the App and also through the iphone Siri. I want to know can the aqara hub be controlled by two Iphones.

  • If you want to control the devices with the Aqara app, then any phone signed into the same account you Set up in the app will be able to control them. If you’re using Apple HomeKit to control them, then you would need to invite people to your HomeKit ‘home’ to allow others to access them.

• Hey all,

  I received my hub and a load of devices and now have it all setup. Working great so far!

  I couldn’t get the Hub setup using the Aqara app at first. I have it set to mainland china but it was always throwing an error saying the device couldn’t be found on the server.

  I switched to the MI Home app though and everything worked straight away.

  I have found that I can use both the Aqara app and the MI Home app at the same time if the region of the Aqara app is set to ‘Other’.

  I wish there was a way to switch off the Store within the MI Home app though as being in the UK it is redundant and bugs me being there! The app has the ability to do it because if you choose another region the store is removed…but if I do that then half the devices are missing!

  Guy

• Does anyone receive push notifications through the MI Home app? It doesn’t work for me at all. It’s not disastrous as I get notifications via the Home app but wondered if anyone else had the problem. A quick google revealed others having the same issue but that was March 2018!

  • I get notifications via the Mi Home app for the water leak sensors, but these are the only ones I’ve set to do so in the app, so I’d have to try some other sensors to make sure they all work.

• Hello, for some reason I can’t update my Aqara hub. Actually I have 2 issues:
  1. I can’t add aqara hub if I choosed “Mainland China” region. It could connect to the hub, add it successfully to the Homekit, but after that it shows me “Binding” screen and Error 601 (I tried many times in different days). If I choose “Other” region – all goes fine
  2. I can’t update my gateway firmware. I added it with “Other” region, and after that I go to the Accesories -> Aqara Hub -> … -> Firmware version. It show me “Updating” and constantly show 0% progress, without any movement. Current firmware version on my hub is 1.4.2, so I can’t add it to the Mi Home app without an update

  Do you have any ideas how to fix it?

• Hey,

  I had exactly the same problem using the Aqara app! I always got past the add to Homekit screen only to get the Error 601 during the final setup in the Aqara app.

  I fixed this by resetting the hub and starting from scratch via the MI Home app set to Mainland China. Before I did the setup I created a MI account first in the MI Home app, again set to Mainland China (i.e. setting up an account on the server in China). After setup was successful it updated the firmware via the MI Home app to version 1.4.5 which was reported as the latest firmware.

  I was also able to use the Aqara Home app at the same time as the MI Home app if I set the region in the Aqara app to the ‘Other’ region. In the Aqara app I was then able to update the firmware to 1.4.7!

  The MI Home app is much better than the Aqara app by the way!

  Guy

  • Thanks for the help. Now I was able to add hub to the MI Home app, and updated it to the 1.4.5 (but still can’t update 1.4.5 -> 1.4.7 in the aqara app). Are you used iOS or Android application to update to the 1.4.7 ?

    Mi Home is much better, agree. But I’m trying to register hub in Aqara app, to be able to control devices from Amazon Echo. Looks like I’m not able to control mainland china devices from Mi home through Alexa (really annoying regional differentiation…)

    • Hi, I am facing the same issue with not being able to use Alexa when switching to mainland china. Did you find any solutions to this?

      • I’m pretty sure you won’t be able to use Alexa, as both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa are blocked in mainland China. The only exception to this is with Yeelight products, but you’d have to use the Yeelight app, and that still only supports Google Assistant as far as I know.

• Hey…
  I have this hub to connect to the aqara switch but I can’t see either of them on my `Mi Home` app.
  What it’s the best solution to add and config with all the other devices?
  Thanks

• Hello
  I have Aqara hube Chinese verion, just got update in Mi Home app to 1.6.2_003 can I now move from Chinese server in to European without loosing all automatitions and Mi Home and Homekit?
  I usinga
  Aqara Door & Window Sensor
  Aqara Motion Sensor
  Aqara Wireless mini Switch
  Aqara Temperature & Humidity Sensor
  Aqara Vibration Sensor
  Aqara Water Leak Sensor
  Aqara Wireless Relay Controller
  Mi Temperature and Humidity Sensor
  Mi Smart Smoke Detector
  Mi Smart Natural Gas Detector
  And eventually how to move to the EU server without setting al the automations and child devicess for begninng

  • If you want to move over to the EU server you would have to uninstall the hub from Mi Home and then reinstall to the EU server. This would most likely lose all automations in the Mi Home app, and most definitely the Apple Home app, although there are ways to reduce the losses to some extent. You would also have to reinstall the devices. Finally, if you install the Chinese hub to the EU server, it may not work, but even if it does, you will lose the ability to access the hub settings via the Mi Home app. It will still work as normal via the Apple Home app, but you won’t have the quick access to the Alarm switch in the Home app either. The smoke and gas sensors may not work at all, as they’re only designed for the China server, even though you have a Chinese hub.

• Mi Temperature and Humidity Sensor:
  I can’t seem find this sensor in EU server…

  Some questions:
  1) Does the HomeKit hub support LAN mode (developer mode) so that the data from the sensors can be read by OpenHAB/HA etc.?
  2) When alarm is triggered, do you get notification from HomeKit (Home App) or from Mi Home?
  Thanks

  • Hi
    The Mi Temperature and Humidity sensor should work fine, just add it as though it were an Aqara sensor and it should work, although it may only work fully in the HomeKit side of things, I can’t be 100% certain.

    1. I don’t believe the Aqara hub has a LAN mode option.
    2. For the alarm, you can get notifications on both, or just one or the other. Its all down to how you set the automation/trigger in the Mi Home and Home apps.

    • Hi Simon, thanks for you reply!
      In Home app I can only enable/disable notification for a sensor, I can’t configure which sensors should trigger the alarm in arming mode. In Mi Home I can configure which sensors trigger the alarm, but when the alarm is triggered, will both Mi Home and Apple Home send me notification? Would be nice to make a video of the scenario.

      • Let me do a few tests and get back to you on this.

        • Thank you in advance!

        • Hi Simon,

          Have you had time to do the alarm test? Will you share here what your finding?
          Thanks!

        • Hi, I’ve tried to find a way of getting notifications via the Home app for when the alarm is triggered, but there seems to be no way to do so, at least from my tests. Home only allows notifications when certain types of sensors are triggered – motion and contact sensors, for example. So, as the alarm isn’t actually a sensor, there’s no option for a notification.

        • Ok, thanks a lot for trying out!
          I ask because I have V2 gateway with HomeBridge plugins, looks like the native HK version doesn’t add any new functionality, plus it doesn’t allow LAN protocol (for time series data from sensors), I guess I will stay with V2 for now.

        • No problem. I thought there might be a way to get notifications if you set the light on the hub to a different colour, but the problem is the same. Even 3rd party HomeKit apps can’t do it.

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• Thanks for updating this page Simon!

  How is the stability of the 1.6.2 update? Have you been running this yet?

  For my Aqara Mini Switches in the Apple Home app, I only get to configure single press and double press. I don’t see an option for Long Press. (My Aqara Hub is still on 1.5.9, in Mi Home app on Chinese server). Was that added after a 1.6.x update?

  • Hi Niels. I did see the update when it first became available, but I only installed it initially on a spare hub, but I noticed no issues. Then they pulled the update which was a bit strange, but now that they’ve issued it again, I feel fully confident it’s ok to update. I’ve updated my two working hubs and all good so far. From what I’m told, the 1.6.2 update was to active ZigBee 3.0 for the forthcoming updated sensors. As regards your Mini Switch, I’ve since learned there are three versions of iterations of the switch, one with only single press, one with single and double press, and a third, with single, double, long press and shake, so it sounds like you have the 2nd iteration and it’s unlikely to be updated.

• Hi Simon,
  Thanks for the very useful summary! I’m still struggling to set up the hub using the Mi Home app, with every attempt ending with a “Couldn’t add accessory” message and the hub blinking blue. I’ve already split wifi into 2.4 and 5 GHz channels and am using the former, have tried restarting the phone and reinstalling the app several times, and have renamed the server without any special characters. I’m signed in as mainland china, though located in Europe and using a Chinese plug unit with a power adapter. I managed to connect once and using the Aqara app, and added a few peripherals which I could then access with the Mi Home app, but couldn’t connect to the hub to update firmware with either, so I reset and removed special characters from my network name thinking that might be the problem. Now I can’t even get that to happen again. I’ve got 2 hubs and have tried about a dozen times with each, going through various permutations of the steps you outlined in your December post.
  Very frustrating…
  Any tips?
  Thanks,
  David

• I have a Roborock T6 that I run through the China server. I have a Roborock S5 that I run through the server in Europe. I have to change region and time on my Iphone every time I use them. Anyway, now I bought an Aqara Hub Homekit compatible from China, will I be able to run the vacuums via the Homekit app or is it still Siri Shortcuts that’s counts? Can I use any automations with them now?

  • Hi, you won’t be able to control the vacuum via HomeKit, for two reasons; first, the vacuum doesn’t require the hub for connection as it’s not a Zigbee device, and so doesn’t have the ability to get exposed to HomeKit. Secondly, vacuums aren’t a supported device type in HomeKit at present. You can still create automations and then run them through Siri Shortcuts, BUT these shortcuts only work for a device if you’re signed into the relevant server. So, if you’ve created some automations and added them to Siri Shortcuts for a device on the China server, as soon as you switch over to the EU server, those Shortcuts won’t work, until you sign back into the right server.

    • Simon, thank you for your quick reply.

• Hello Simon,
  you‘ve mentioned in another comment that the existing Aqara Hub has gotten or is going to get an update that adds support for Zigbee 3.0. Can you maybe go into some more details?

  – Has that update rolled out yet?
  -Does this apply to the new EU release as well?
  – What‘s the benefit of having 3.0 certification anyway? Does this mean we‘lol be able to add any Zigbee compatible device to the Hub? Like lamps, switches, power plugs from Ikea, Philips or any other company?

  Best

  • The 1.6.2_003 firmware, available via the Mi Home app has updated the Aqara hub to be compatible with the forthcoming Zigbee 3.0 sensors and switches from Aqara. The update came out a few weeks back, was then pulled for some reason, and has since been reinstated, although I don’t know why. At present I believe the EU and US hubs are still on 1.5.9, at least the last time I checked.

    Regarding Zigbee 3.0, the only thing I know for sure is that the signal range is greatly increased. I’ve heard mention of increased compatibility with other manufacturers using the same protocol, but that’s been speculation, and nothing has been said by Aqara in regards to this.

• What’s happening with voice control by Alexa of Aqara devices using the Mi Home app which has had a skill in place for ages but no functionality for Aqara devices. Phillips Hue has no problem living in both worlds (HomeKit and Alexa) but Aqara in the Mi Home app seems stuck. I never bothered with the Aqara app because I read the Alexa skill was limited and unreliable.

• Quick question. And apologies if its has already been asked. has any one tried to pair Sylvania Smart+ bulbs to the Aquara Hub? Do they show in Home kit? I dont want to go and buy a bunch of bulbs and then get stock with a “Sylvania app”

  Thank you.

  • The Sylvania smart+ bulbs are Bluetooth aren’t they? The Aqara hub only supports Zigbee based devices, and only those from either Aqara or Mijia, so you can’t add any Bluetooth devices to the hub.

• Do you know if Aqara EU hub version will work on Mi Home App EU server, since I have my Roborock S50 which is EU version and works only with Mi Home App EU server? I would love to see all my sensors who are currently working only on China server, as of today, so not able to use in the same time sensors and RoborockVacuum cleaner

• A few days ago, my Aqara hub seemed to go offline along with its associated child devices in the Xiaomi Home app. I feared this was the hub getting bricked like a couple units I had before that just died after the firmware update. I didn’t recall any updates, so I went ahead to reset the unit.
  I tried resetting several times but it didn’t seem to connect to the Xiaomi home app.
  On a hunch I just tried connecting it in the Aqara app and it connected. All the associated child devices now even show up in Homekit and assignments and automations in Homekit work. However, the Xiaomi app still shows it as offline.
  Anyone had this happen to them?

  • I think some people mentioned something similar on the r/Aqara subreddit – https://www.reddit.com/r/Aqara/

    • Hi Simon,
      Please help me, I bought a Aqara Hub (model ZHWG11LM), can I add sensor Xiaomi Honeywell smoke detector?

      • Hi
        which version of the hub did you buy – Chinese, EU or US model? Additionally, which app are you using with the hub and which server are you using – Mi Home or Aqara Home app?

        • 1. My aqara hub is china version
          2. I use Mi Home to manage (I have intended creating automation on this app, ex: when open door (I use door sensor aqara) -> turn on yeelight LED bulb,…
          3. On Mi Home app, I set region China Mainland
          Please help me to advice
          Thank so much

        • You have everything set correctly to be able to add the Smoke alarm or the gas alarm, so you should have no problems.

    • I did a few more rounds of resetting and adding it back.
      On the last round, I added it to the Aqara app. Then in the Xiaomi Home app, the hub showed up and the app asked me if I wanted to add it to homekit.
      After that it shows up in the Xiaomi Home app again.
      Using the hub is still an adventure. I ordered another hub as a spare because if the Aqara Hub goes down, I lose a lot of my homekit functions. I am able to use Xiaomi/Aqara sensors and switches to trigger Homekit actions and control my Hue lights.

• Hello Simon, first thank you for all your work.
  I have an issue when I trie to add the aqara hub to mi home app.
  I have the chinese version on 1.4.2, I can’t do the software update because aqara app doesn’t want…
  When I add the hub to the mi app:
  1) I reset the HUB pressing 10 secund the button
  2) I open Mi app and press add buton
  3) Everithing is OK for HOMEKIT
  4) For the last step, mi home try to add the hub to mi app, it says “connected to the wifi” then percentage progress slowly to 99%
  then it says “impossible to add the hub to mi app”
  Do you have a solution?

  Thank you

  • Hi,
    the issue here is that you can’t add the hub to the Mi Home app unless the hub is running at least 1.4.5 firmware, so you need to add the hub to the Aqara app first, update the firmware, the proceed from there. You say the Aqara app doesn’t want to update – what exactly is happening here? If you’re in Europe then it’s not possible to access the Aqara app although there may still be a way to update the hub, but I will need to ask some people.

    • Hello, did you have some news? Thanks

• Hello, do you have some news? Thanks

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• Hi,

  I have a similar problem with cbarioz. My Aqara Hub is at 1.6.9 SW level and working fine via Apple Home and Aqara Home (other region) but cannot be added to Xiaomi Home app (connecting screen reaches 99% and then drops error message “Unable to add, try again”). I have also tried to install it after selecting Chinese region in either Aqara or Xiaomi Home apps but the Hub has never worked with Xiaomi Home app.

  Thanks.

  • Be aware that you can only have the aqara hub binded to one app at a time. If it’s in the Aqara app and you want to add it to Mi Home, you either have to remove it from Aqara Home first, or transfer it over to Mi Home in the settings for the hub in the Aqara app. There’s an option that say ‘supports Mi Home app’ and a ‘yes’ next to that. Once you click on this option, you should follow any instructions given to complete the transfer.

    • Hi,

      I forgot to mention that I hear voice message “WiFi failed to connect” after the “connecting” screen reaches 99%.

      Thanks for the quick response! I have followed your instructions, clicked on “yes” and the Aqara Home app transferred me to the Xiaomi Home app. However, afterwards I get the same issue with the “connecting” screen.
      What I have also just tried is 1) totally delete Aqara Home app, 2) reset Aqara Hub (click the button 10 times quickly), switch Xiaomi Home to Chinese Mainland and then tried to install the Hub. Aqara Hub was discovered but I then got a screen advising me to open Aqara anime app in order to add any accessories. When I click on Aqara Hub in the Xiaomi Home app I again see the “connecting” screen with the “Unable to add, try again” message in the end. Interesting enough the Aqara Hub did not appear in Apple Home this time.

      • I have this same problem. I have reset my Aqara hub with 10 quick presses, (Aqara hub flashing yellow), am able to connect/configure upgrade to 1.6.9 and use the hub in Aqara App and Homekit with no issues. I am unable to transfer control over to the Mi app. (Model AG005 and version 1.6_9* as presented by the Aqara app.)

        For background this was configured and working about Feb 2019 amd I was using the Mii app with Window and door sensors and Vibration sensor.

        Question, any idea why I cant get the Mi app working now?

    • Hi Simon, any ideas about Donald’s and my issue?

      • It’s difficult to know for certain what the issue is, but unless you’ve already tried it, it may be better to reset the hub and add it directly to Mi Home, rather than try to move it over from the Aqara app. The key things to ensure are that the hub is getting the network details for a 2.4GHz signal only, and that you’re adding the right hub to the right server, so if your hub is Chinese, you should be using the Chinese Mainland Server, and a US hub with a US server etc.

        • Hmm I have reseted it (10 short button press) and then added it to the Chinese Mainland server on Xiaomi Home. The Hub was still not visible on the Xiaomi Home app. Could it be that Chinese Hub versions may only work in China? I am in EU.

• I wish to buy some xiaomi sensors for temperature and humidity and use them with home assistant. What should I choose Xiaomi Aqara or Xiaomi Gateway ? I`m from Europe by the way.

  • Hi Codrin, I’m not very familiar with
    Home Assistant when it comes to Xiaomi products, but I don’t think either the Aqara hub or the new Mi Smart Gateway have a ‘developer mode’. I do know that the older Mi Gateways have the developer mode, and there are EU versions of those, but they’re not compatible with HomeKit out of the box like the Aqara or new Mi Gateways are.

• Thank you for reply. I`ll keep looking or waiting maybe for a firmware update or something.

• Simon can you look please here? I see that they can connect to ha using aqara.

  • Hmmm can`t post links.

• Any more ideas?

  • Problem solved after changing my WiFi password and omitting special character “. Xiaomi Home works fine with Aqara Hub in the Chinese Mainland region.

    • Great. I had the same issue when I first got my Aqara hub, and changing the password was the answer.

• If I have a Chinese Aqara hub, can I set any of these region in the Aqara app? – Mainland China, United States, Europe, Russia, Korea, Other Region?

  • If you have the Chinese hub and want to use it in the Aqara app with a different region, you must sign out and select HomeKit Mode first, then add the hub. After that you should be able to use your Chinese hub with any of the regions offered in the Aqara app.

    • Good morning Simon and thank you for your quick replies. So is it correct to say that the Aqara hub is not really region lock like the Mijia hub?

      • It is region locked if you use the Mi Home app, and if you try to add it to the Aqara app when signed in, you won’t be able to add it, but the signed out/HomeKit mode in the Aqara app allows you to add any Aqara hub and any device from any region, as long as it’s supported in the Aqara app.

• Hi,
  sorry for the nonsense I’m about to say, but I’m at the first experience of these systems to make a minimum of home automation. I ask you, kindly a minimum of understanding.
  After a long research, I bought an Aqara ZHWG11LM WiFi Zigbee Smart Gateway with related temperature/humidity/pressure sensors. Through the Aqara Home App I can detect data from all sensors without any problem.
  The problem arises when I have to interface the Aqara ZHWG11LM WiFi Zigbee Smart Gateway to domoticz, which I can’t do. I followed your guide in the post and I found that probably this model purchased by me is not good for the purpose as it is not possible in any way to activate the developer mode that would allow me, via password, to be able to access the HUB. It’s correct? Did I get it right?
  If it is as I think, which equivalent Gateway Hub do you recommend to buy/use in order to interface it in a simple/intuitive way to Domoticz?
  I thank you in advance.

  • Hi. The only hub that still has a developer mode is the 2nd gen Xiaomi hub, which is quite old but still available to buy. Here’s a link to one of them on AliExpress.

    ￡19.07 26％ Off | Xiaomi Gateway 2 Original Mijia Smart Home Kits Gateway Hub Alarm System Control Radio Yi Camers Mi Door Sensor Bell Temperature
    https://a.aliexpress.com/_rJGiuP

    All other models, like the Aqara hub, the EU Mi hub and the new Mi Smart Gateway dint have a developer mode.

    • Hi,
      thanks for answer.. as you recommended, I have already made the order on aliexpress for Xiaomi Gateway 2 Original Mijia Smart Home Kits Gateway
      Again many thanks as soon as it arrives and I can configure it, I’ll keep you updated …
      Regards,
      Claudio

      • No problem, you’re welcome. Hope it all works out.

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