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    5 Awesome Methods for Ultimate Integration: AQARA

    5 Awesome Methods for Ultimate Integration: AQARA
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    Aqara has established itself as a significant force in the smart home industry, recognized for its affordable yet high-quality devices. The company presents some of the most economical smart home solutions on the market today, featuring advanced sensors, state-of-the-art controllers, and solid products, particularly given their cost.

    In a similar vein, Samsung SmartThings is known as a pioneer and highly reliable smart home ecosystem. It’s often compared to the beloved combination of peanut butter and jelly! Fortunately, these systems integrate seamlessly.

    In this article, I will delve into various methods for combining Aqara products with SmartThings, to ensure they work harmoniously together.

    The integration of these two brands has traditionally been difficult. Still, today, I will guide you through the different methods to bring Aqara products into SmartThings and ensure that they work well together.

    My YouTube Video About Aqara Pairing Methods for Ultimate Integration

    1. Direct Pairing Method to SmartThings Hubs

    First Method Requirements
    First Method Requirements

    First, we use the “Direct Pairing” method. This method lets you easily integrate your Aqara devices into the SmartThings ecosystem. Most Aqara devices use Zigbee, so ensure your SmartThings Hub can communicate via Zigbee

    There’s just one little twist: if you’ve got a Thread product, you’ll need a Thread radio, but most SmartThings hubs already have that. Aqara WWST (Work With SmartThings) devices that work with this method include door and window sensors, smart wall switches, plugs, motion sensors, and more.

    The beauty of this method is its simplicity. You won’t need an additional Aqara hub; you can manage your devices through the Samsung SmartThings app. It’s like bringing all your Aqara gadgets under one roof. 

    However, it’s important to ensure that your SmartThings Hub is equipped with Zigbee and Thread radios to support various Aqara devices. 

    This method is perfect for devices that communicate via Zigbee, but if you have a Thread device, make sure your SmartThings Hub supports Thread.

    Click here to learn the trick!

    List of Aqara WWST (Work With SmartThings) Devices

    Devices
    Door & Window Sensor P2
    Door & Window Sensor T1
    Temperature & Humidity Sensor T1
    Water Leak Sensor T1
    Presence Sensor FP1
    Smart Wall Switches (US, No Neutral, Single Rocker)
    Smart Wall Switches (US, No Neutral, Double Rocker)
    Smart Plugs (EU)
    Single Switch Module T1 (With Neutral)
    Roller Shade Controller (Zigbee 1.2)
    Pet Feeder C1
    Motion Sensor T1*
    Illuminance Sensor T1*
    High Precision Motion Sensor*
    Smart Wall Switch H1 Pro (With Neutral, Single Rocker)*
    Smart Wall Switch H1 Pro (With Neutral, Double Rocker)*
    Smart Wall Switch H1 Pro (With Neutral, Triple Rocker)*
    Curtain Controller (Zigbee 1.2)*
    Dimmer Controller T1 Pro*
    Supported Devices
    Aqara Device with Matter Bridge
    Aqara Device with Matter Bridge

    2. Aqara Matter Bridge

    Now, let’s explore the “Aqara Matter Bridge” method. This is the new kid on the block and brings exciting possibilities. 

    With this approach, you can use an Aqara hub as a bridge to SmartThings. The magic is that everything happens inside your home’s network without cloud connections. 

    It’s like creating a private bridge for your Aqara and SmartThings devices. This method opens the door to many Aqara Zigbee devices with Matter Compatibility.

    The other benefit of the Aqara Matter Bridge is that you can manage the settings for all of Aqara’s products in their app. This means you’ll have access to the most advanced settings for your Aqara gadgets. 

    Moreover, you’ll still have access to Aqara’s automation engine, which, in many cases, is just as powerful as SmartThings.

    The Aqara Matter Bridge is a fantastic option for those who want to retain control over Aqara’s features and settings. It’s an excellent choice for anyone who appreciates the flexibility of customizing their smart home experience.

    Click here to learn the trick!

    Aqara Zigbee Devices with Matter Compatibility via Aqara Matter Bridge

    CategoryDevices
    Door & Window SensorsDoor & Window Sensor, Door & Window Sensor T1
    Temperature & Humidity SensorsTemperature & Humidity Sensor, Temperature & Humidity Sensor T1
    Motion SensorsMotion Sensor, Motion Sensor P1
    Vibration SensorsVibration Sensor
    Smart Wall Switches (US)Smart Wall Switches (US, No Neutral, Single Rocker), Smart Wall Switches (US, No Neutral, Double Rocker), Smart Wall Switches (US, With Neutral, Single Rocker), Smart Wall Switches (US, With Neutral, Double Rocker)
    Smart Wall Switches (EU)Smart Wall Switch H1 EU (No Neutral, Single Rocker), Smart Wall Switch H1 EU (No Neutral, Double Rocker), Smart Wall Switch H1 EU (With Neutral, Single Rocker), Smart Wall Switch H1 EU (With Neutral, Double Rocker)
    Smart PlugsSmart Plugs (US), Smart Plugs (EU)
    Switch ModulesSingle Switch Module T1 (No Neutral), Single Switch Module T1 (With Neutral), Dual Relay Module T2
    Wireless SwitchesWireless Mini Switch, Wireless Mini Switch T1, Wireless Remote Switch H1 (Double Rocker), Wireless Remote Switch (Single Rocker), Wireless Remote Switch (Double Rocker)
    CubesCube T1 Pro, Cube T1*
    Thermostats and ControllersRadiator Thermostat E1, Roller Shade Driver E1, Curtain Driver E1, Roller Shade Controller (Zigbee 1.2)
    BulbsLED Bulb (Tunable White), LED Bulb T1, LED Strip T1
    Smart LocksSmart Lock U100
    Specialized SensorsMotion Sensor T1*, Illuminance Sensor T1*, High Precision Motion Sensor*
    Advanced Wall SwitchesSmart Wall Switch H1 Pro (With Neutral, Single Rocker), Smart Wall Switch H1 Pro (With Neutral, Double Rocker), Smart Wall Switch H1 Pro (With Neutral, Triple Rocker)*
    Wireless Knobs and ControllersWireless Smart Knob H1*
    Curtain ControllersCurtain Controller (Zigbee 1.2)*
    Dimmer ControllersDimmer Controller T1 Pro*, LED Strip Driver T1*
    Compatible Devices

    You’ll notice that the list of options is quite extensive, and it’s continually expanding and improving. This is because Aqara is focusing on enhancing compatibility with other smart home systems, which has benefited them greatly.

    You will notice that there are many more options on the list, and this list will continue to expand and improve because this is a place that Aqara is focused on since it brings them such good compatibility with other smart home systems.

    Remember! You’ll need the Aqara hub and its Matter Bridge feature turned on to use any of those products.

    Before moving on to the next method, I must tell you that both the previous methods offer quick and internet-independent control. To make this work, you need compatible Edge drivers, like guides for your devices, stored on your SmartThings Hub.

    The Edge driver helps your hub understand and control the device Driver. What’s crucial here is that you can switch these Edge drivers. The official ones are good but not always the best. You can search for different drivers that might work better for your Aqara or similar devices.

    To manage these drivers, go to your device’s Details page, click the top three buttons, and select “driver.” You can easily install a new one. Remember, it’ll only show as an option if it’s compatible with your device. It won’t work with your product if you download one that doesn’t show up.

    3. Matter, Direct Method

    Method 3
    Matter, Direct Method

    Now, for the “Matter, Direct” method, it’s a cinch, especially if you have the new Door Sensor P2 with Thread. 

    Just ensure your phone has Bluetooth and Wi-Fi turned on to get this going. It’s as easy for Android users as pie; you’ll see a pop-up when you pull the battery tab to bring your device online. Just follow the steps, scan a QR code, and you’re in SmartThings.

    Matter is the latest communication standard to make smart devices work together seamlessly. This method brings your Matter-compatible Aqara devices directly into the SmartThings ecosystem. 

    By ensuring your devices are Matter-compatible and following the simple pairing process, you can easily expand your smart home.

    Click here to learn the trick!

    4. Amazon and Google as a Bridge

    Before Matter, we used these integration methods to connect accounts between platforms. 

    In the past, you would go to the Amazon skill store and find Aqara there, and then you would enable the skill and enter your Aqara app credentials. 

    It was a similar process for Google, and you’re essentially adding a device that communicates through Amazon or Google to your Aqara collection.

    So, how does this work? It’s like having Amazon and Google as intermediaries to bridge the gap between your Aqara and SmartThings devices. 

    Connect your Samsung SmartThings to Amazon or Google and then link Aqara to the same platform. 

    In essence, you’re creating a centralized hub of sorts, allowing you to create routines and automation involving devices from both Aqara and SmartThings.

    Click here to learn the trick!

    Pairing method using app
    Pairing method using the app

    5. Direct Pairing with Non-Supported Older Devices

    This is the final method I will tell you, and it is by far the most difficult to use and the one that is fraught with the most issues.

    Many Aqara smart home products are available today that are a little bit older and work slightly differently than some of their new gear. 

    And I think initially, Aqara had wanted to produce products that only worked within their system and then maybe worked with Amazon, Apple, and Google. Still, over time, they’ve become more compatible, and I think that’s the right path. It’s one of the reasons I’m covering this topic… some of their older products can be used with smart things….but there’s a huge caveat here.

    Most of Aqara’s older products are Zigbee, and I saw this explained perfectly just the other day, so I will credit this person and explain it in his own words.

    See, Zigbee devices can connect to Zigbee Hubs generally, but there are custom things that can be done without going too deep. Aqara did this with their devices for a while, which messed up integration with SmartThings.

    As I said in the Video, Michael, who explained this so well, stated that SmartThings Hubs have this fix now, and that’s why we can now connect many of the older devices to SmartThings.

    Michael has pointed out that repeaters usually do not have this fix. Therefore, if you’re connecting an older Aqara device to SmartThings, ensure that it’s near the hub and do not use a repeater.

    Even worse is you can’t control the path that a device takes, and if it ever decides to use the repeater, you will end up with a device that says it’s offline, and you will no longer be able to connect to it. You’d end up having to reset the device.

    Connecting older devices to SmartThings
    Connecting older devices to SmartThings

    Now, Michael also mentions a couple of repeaters that he thinks will work within this, and one of the things he mentions is an Ikea Outlet. That’s not something I’ve tested specifically so that I won’t recommend it.

    But essentially, if you prepare the Aqara product for pairing, which on almost every product they have is just holding a button for a few seconds, then you can scan for devices using your Hub, and your Hub should find it. 

    I will tell you that sometimes it takes a few tries for you to get the device recognized and connected, but there are very few devices that will not pair.

    When you are doing that, take your repeaters offline. That will ensure the initial connection is being done directly with the Hub.

    However, it does not guarantee that your device won’t move over to that once you reconnect those repeaters. So that’s where you will want to place these types of Aqara products very close to your SmartThings Hub.

    To connect your new Aqara device to Samsung SmartThings, you only need to pick the right Edge driver for it.

    I’ve already identified a bunch of Aqara gadgets and created a guide to help you hook them up to your Samsung SmartThings. The tutorial also suggests the best Edge drivers to use with your SmartThings.

    Click here to learn the trick!

    Upcoming Matter device types
    Upcoming Matter device types

    Aqara Insights

    • Security Focus: Aqara stands out for its robust security solutions, offering a comprehensive range of sensors and alarms to create a secure smart home environment.
    • Extensive Compatibility: Aqara boasts exceptional compatibility with various smart home platforms like Zigbee, Apple HomeKit, and Amazon Alexa, ensuring seamless integration with existing systems.
    • DIY Friendly: Aqara products are known for their user-friendly design and often require no complex wiring or professional installation, making them ideal for DIY smart home enthusiasts.
    aqara integration?
    byu/Savings_Variation201 inhomeassistant

    Conclusion

    • Integrating Aqara with SmartThings can truly elevate your smart home experience. 
    • Whether you opt for direct pairing, Aqara Matter Bridges, Matter integration, or use Amazon and Google as intermediaries, there’s a method that fits your style. 
    • Following these steps and picking the right drivers, you can seamlessly connect a wide array of Aqara devices to your SmartThings ecosystem. 
    • This opens up endless possibilities for automation and smart living, all with a friendly handshake between Aqara and SmartThings. 
    • Get ready for the ultimate smart home adventure.

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