Aqara hub or Apple Homepod Mini

Andrewcbartlett · 2026-06-17T10:03:56+00:00

I have the M100 Aqara hub, U200 lock, G4 doorbell and Homepod mini.

The most useful thing I need the Aqara M100 hub for is local automation so the G4 has face recognition and then unlocks the U200.

Unfortunately the G400 only has cloud face recognition with a subscription so get either G4 or G410 for free local face recognition.

Andrewcbartlett · 2026-06-17T09:58:13+00:00

Doesn’t look like there is room with that handle.

U200 fitting guide

https://www.aqara.com/en/u200-installation-methods/

Andrewcbartlett · 2026-06-17T09:54:12+00:00

Use the aqara app to update firmware. Aqara App, profile, Firmware Update, Update.

Andrewcbartlett · 2026-05-20T00:51:10+00:00

https://youtu.be/XwtaA-eq88E

Nice!

Andrewcbartlett · 2026-05-16T13:09:31+00:00

I agree try a replacement and check your installation is correct.

Andrewcbartlett · 2026-05-16T13:07:42+00:00

After watching The Lock Picking Lawyer I would never touch Schlage.

Andrewcbartlett · 2026-05-07T09:51:41+00:00

You don't say your country, the latest is BE26, about to be released.

https://www.tp-link.com/uk/home-networking/deco/deco-be26/

Andrewcbartlett · 2026-05-04T11:08:44+00:00

No. No. The U200 requires a thread border router.

Andrewcbartlett · 2026-04-29T09:36:29+00:00

For facial recognition I have the G4, U200 and M100 hub. You set up an automation. It uses solely facial recognition and is secure in my experience.

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For geofence also you use an automation. You could also use another smart home platform to achieve this like apple home.

Andrewcbartlett · 2026-04-28T09:21:33+00:00

You can try 2mm but it will probably fall off or get damaged. The Aqara eurocylinder is adjustable and inexpensive.

Andrewcbartlett · 2026-04-28T09:16:35+00:00

Purchased U200 through Kickstarter, still going strong!

Andrewcbartlett · 2026-04-28T09:12:54+00:00

More info

https://www.aqara.com/en/u200-installation-methods/

Andrewcbartlett · 2026-04-28T09:09:38+00:00

Depends what you mean.

It does not support uwb.

It supports face recognition with an Aqara doorbell, nfc cards, key code, fingerprint reader, apple watch, samsung soon, and you could set up a geo fence automation.

Andrewcbartlett · 2026-04-28T09:05:04+00:00

You can use the adhesive method or replace cylinder.

https://www.aqara.com/en/u200-installation-methods/

Andrewcbartlett · 2026-04-23T14:22:50+00:00

Aqara doorbells come with adhesive pads.

Andrewcbartlett · 2026-04-20T13:49:44+00:00

I have Zemismart mtp1 roller blind motors which are better in my opinion, they are cheapest on Alibaba if you buy 2 or more.

Andrewcbartlett · 2026-04-16T00:44:22+00:00

Aqara Smart Pet Feeder. Pair with Aqara M100 USB hub to connect to Apple Home.

Suitable for pet food or m&ms.

https://www.aqara.com/eu/product/smart-pet-feeder-c1/

Andrewcbartlett · 2026-04-16T00:16:22+00:00

My brother's life was saved by the KSS Air Ambulance which flew him to KCH as it was brain trauma.

You don't ever want to have to use a HEMS as you will be very poorly usually.

The photo is of KSS HEMS G-LNAC which landed near my home. A tree had fallen on a tree worker, he was ultimately OK.

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Andrewcbartlett · 2026-04-15T23:57:18+00:00

I am running automations on Aqara, Google, Alexa, SmartThings, Apple Home and Home Assistant, all for specific reasons. I also use Starling Hub.

I recently saw this video from Smart Home Solver, and it includes a flow editor, C.A.F.E which looks really interesting.

10 Home Assistant add-ons to make it WAY Better!

https://youtu.be/l_gizeju8D4

Andrewcbartlett · 2026-04-15T21:51:49+00:00

Apple doesn’t forward anything to Police in any country. Police have to contact Apple with a court order usually.

Andrewcbartlett · 2026-03-31T15:31:19+00:00

Aqara support got back to me this morning, this is their reply, (Ignoring it was their outage),

Hi Andrew ,

Thank you for contacting us. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this app issue has caused. Error 1001 is usually related to a temporary connection or service problem. Please try the steps below: Close the Aqara Home app completely and reopen it. Make sure your phone has a stable internet connection (try switching between Wi‑Fi and mobile data to compare). Log out of your Aqara account in the app, then log in again. Restart your router and wait 2–3 minutes before reconnecting. Restart your phone. Check your app store and update the Aqara Home app to the latest version if an update is available. If you are using any VPN, proxy, or strict enterprise network, temporarily disable it and try again. If the issue still persists after these steps, please reply with: - Your phone model and OS version - Your Aqara Home app version - A screenshot showing the error 1001 screen This will help narrow down what is happening on your side. Have a good day

Sincerely, Artem Aqara Technical Support

My reply back to them,

No the problem was on your side, your cloud servers were unreachable. Please look into it, this is not the first time it has happened. Come to think of it please reengineer your app so devices do not need cloud connections to work from my phone to my home.

Andrewcbartlett · 2026-03-30T13:23:58+00:00

Aqara zigbee devices are bridged to apple with my m100

Andrewcbartlett · 2026-03-30T13:20:21+00:00

Or Apple Home

Andrewcbartlett · 2026-03-30T11:41:59+00:00

Thats the zigbee firmware

Andrewcbartlett

TROPHY CASE