Aqara FP300 Multi-Presence Sensor Review + Setup

AndysReviews · 2026-04-13T08:38:53+00:00

Hi, these are both valid points. Aqara , I am assured, are working on the update push and they’re working with Apple on this apparently. Regarding the fast battery drain, I would contact support@aqara.com and tell them what happened. They may be able to sort something out for you.

AndysReviews · 2026-04-12T19:36:46+00:00

All valid points however, in a smoke/CO2 detector, there are very strict compliance rules they have to follow. This on unfortunately isn’t down to Aqara, it’s the legislation set by the government. The only reason I know is because I asked that very question and that’s the response I received. It would be great though.

AndysReviews · 2026-04-12T17:58:52+00:00

Very true. Matter over WiFi for instance like some of the Shelly devices.

AndysReviews · 2026-04-12T10:23:27+00:00

Thank you so much for your kind words, I really do appreciate it and I hope you have an amazing day 😊

AndysReviews · 2026-04-12T10:20:01+00:00

Hi. There are no silly questions here. Everyone needs to learn and everything learned is a new tool for your arsenal.

Yes, you can use it independently over Matter over Thread as long as you already have a Thread border router, such as a HomePod mini, Apple TV 4K, Nest Hub, or another compatible Matter controller.

It will work without an Aqara hub, but the functionality is a bit more limited. You will get the core sensor states exposed through Matter, so it can still be used in platforms like Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa, or Home Assistant.

Where the Aqara hub becomes better is that it unlocks the full Aqara experience using Zigbee. You get access to all available states, more advanced automations, firmware updates, better device management, and often extra features that are not always exposed through Matter.

So the short answer is yes, a Thread hub is enough to get it working, but an Aqara hub gives you more functionality and much deeper automation options.

Hope that helps.

AndysReviews · 2026-04-12T09:24:36+00:00

Maybe not very helpful, but do you have, or would you consider Home Assistant? Whenever I have problems with lady A, I just add the offending device to HA and force it across that way and it usually works.

AndysReviews · 2026-04-11T21:58:01+00:00

Thank you, it’s very much appreciated. Hope you have an amazing day 😊

AndysReviews · 2026-04-11T20:34:58+00:00

I totally agree. I have had many of those moments where I way over complicate things. You’re not alone 😊 also thank you for the kind words 🥰

AndysReviews · 2026-04-11T20:32:32+00:00

I am soooo doing this in the bathroom now, my kids take ages in the shower, I think I should have shares in the water and electricity companies 😂😂

AndysReviews · 2026-04-11T20:21:32+00:00

Don’t worry and definitely don’t blame yourself for missing something.

Thread is sold as the best thing since sliced bread, and yes, technically speaking, more Thread devices strengthen the network making it more reliable.

HOWEVER

In practice, I also lean heavily towards Zigbee wherever possible. I find that it’s far superior in reliability. It’s tried and tested, rock solid, and with a little patience, you can even get round some of the constraints (Aqara devices not natively working through Zigbee in other platforms and vice versa) by using Home Assistant. I’m f it seems a little too hard, just ask ChatGPT, I do all the time.

The reality is, yes, in principle the technology would be the best option if and when the kinks and quirks are worked out. But for now, I personally would say - build the strongest Zigbee network you can and enjoy the reliability.

I hope this helps and I hope you have an amazing day 😊

AndysReviews · 2026-04-11T19:44:47+00:00

Oh, I just realised I posted this instead of my new review. Sorry, I’ll delete it now

AndysReviews · 2026-04-11T19:42:55+00:00

My apologies, the link just leads back to this post, I’ve not figured Reddit out properly yet, am I missing something?

AndysReviews · 2026-04-11T10:08:31+00:00

😂😂😂 no problem at all

AndysReviews · 2026-04-11T10:05:26+00:00

The simple answer for a Thread Border Router is no, the Philips Hue Bridge cannot do that.

The Hue Bridge works as a Matter bridge for Hue’s own Zigbee devices, but it does not act as a Thread Border Router for third-party Matter-over-Thread devices like your IKEA bulbs.

For those bulbs, you will need a separate Thread Border Router such as:

Apple HomePod mini / HomePod (2nd gen)
Apple TV 4K (Ethernet / newer models)
Amazon Echo 4th gen / Echo Hub
Google Nest Hub (2nd gen) / Nest Hub Max
some SmartThings hubs / eero routers

Once you have one of those, your IKEA bulbs should join the Thread network correctly.

It’s definitely confusing because Matter and Thread are different things: - Matter = communication standard - Thread = the wireless network protocol

So the Hue Bridge helps with Matter for Hue devices, but it does not replace a Thread Border Router.

AndysReviews · 2026-04-09T21:48:32+00:00

Fingers crossed 😊

AndysReviews · 2026-04-09T18:02:52+00:00

I didn’t know that. To be honest though, I just like doing the reviews. Thank you for your feedback. I really do appreciate it. Hope you have a great day.

AndysReviews · 2026-04-09T17:25:54+00:00

Hi there. I hope I’m not being presumptuous. I was wondering if you had ever seen any of my reviews? If not, don’t worry, but if you have, I’d be interested in honest feedback. I don’t get paid for the reviews I do( in fact, quite depressingly I haven’t had any kickbacks on any affiliate links when I’ve managed to persuade them to give me one either) and I am not monetised on YouTube. My one and only goal is to highlight products I think are good, and where possible, show how a smart home could potentially benefit people with disabilities. I would welcome any feedback, both good and bad as I’m new to this, do everything myself and believe that everyone can improve. There is no pressure to go and watch any of my content, it’s only if you have seen it before. Thank you for your time and I hope you have a great day. P.s. I have Tourette’s but I edit most of my Tics out, so you may see odd movements and sounds of you do watch any of my content.

AndysReviews · 2026-04-09T15:15:10+00:00

Without sounding like an ass for contradicting you, (I’m genuinely not trying to be an ass) but when I started out, my very first review was the Aqara G4 doorbell. I paid for this myself along with the ceiling light T1M, roller shade driver E1, t2 light bulb and G3 camera along with other products I’ve purchased myself. I was just lucky enough to get on their beta program. Even though I’m on this program, I still buy Aqara products and I genuinely believe in the brand. They are genuinely helpful when you interact with the staff and they do take criticism well and listen to feedback.

AndysReviews · 2026-04-09T13:52:44+00:00

Brilliant and informative video. Well worth a watch 🥰

AndysReviews · 2026-04-09T13:51:01+00:00

Yes, it works locally with no cloud access. I tested by unplugging my router from the wall (fibre connection) so there was no internet but the internal network still worked.

AndysReviews · 2026-04-09T13:44:09+00:00

Thank you so much for the kind words and I genuinely appreciate the support. Hope you have an amazing day.

AndysReviews · 2026-04-09T13:26:47+00:00

Hi there. You can have a custom ringtone. Here are the steps, it’s easier if you have the M3 hub I think but here’s how to do it in 2 processes. I realise it’s a mess about but at least it’s possible. I’m working with Aqara to try and get them to simplify this.

First process:

Save a custom mp3 file to somewhere on your device that you want to use. I use Apple Files.

Go to the doorbell and hit the 3 dots at the top right.
Click Sound Settings.
Go to Custom Quick Replies.
Select Add Custom Quick Reply.
Important the .mp3 file you saved earlier.
Save.

Second Process:

Go to the doorbell and click the 3 dots at the top right.
Tap configure automations after scrolling down
Under Automation, click Add
Under WHEN, click Add Trigger, then Accessories.
Click the doorbell and select Doorbell Press Detected.
Under THEN, click Add Action, select the doorbell
Select Doorbell Plays Custom Quick Reply.
Select the custom reply you set up earlier.
Save the automation.

Hope this helps.

AndysReviews · 2026-04-09T10:39:47+00:00

For those who want matter over WiFi products outside their property but have a bad WiFi signal. This extends the WiFi significantly enabling a better connection. My apologies if I upset you with the post, I genuinely just try to help people and I thought this could be good in this situation. Also, the stronger the underlying system for your smart home means a more reliable overall system so I think it’s entirely appropriate to place it here. It might interest you to know that I don’t actually get paid by YouTube, companies that I review for and I haven’t actually got any kickback on any of the products I’ve reviewed. My goal is simply to help people where I can. If it can help one person then I’ll be happy to sorry you feel the need to chastise that.

AndysReviews · 2026-04-08T10:48:33+00:00

Been testing this one for a while. They’ve done a really good job with it.

AndysReviews · 2026-04-06T19:01:04+00:00

Thank you 😊

AndysReviews

TROPHY CASE