As always. Most concise at the same time deeper reviewer. You have the gift to write. Very thoughtful in every word. Trying to answer every question might come on comments. 👏
I loved this comprehensive review. You always do a great job at efficiently providing as much detail of the product as possible. Keep up the great work.
Thank you so much for this comprehensive guide! Just got my Aqara G4 last week after researching and seeing your video. I live in Asia, and my home has a very similar set up as your place and this video really helped me picture how and where I should place the doorbell, and it's running smoothly and I'm very happy about it! Thanks again!!
@@homekitnews Same situation here, and i think the G4 is perfect for my home. This morning I was away and two technicians came (they got the wrong time). We communicated through the two way audio with the HomeKit app, it was surprisingly smooth and clear. I got the notification "A group of people rang the door bell" instead of the usual "Someone rang the door bell", I find this so funny that I burst out laughing 😂
Hi, I’m not an expert on this kind of wiring, but I assume you shouldn’t need to change anything as long as the wires are providing power. It just won’t trigger the old chime.
Great video! Did you try to move the doorbel and the chime unit further away from each other? I live in a suburb area and would like to place the unit at the front gate, and the indoor chime upstatirs. It is around 13 meters away but unobscured with walls, only a window is ‘in the way’. Thanks!
Hi, I live in an apartment, so I could only move the chime so far from the doorbell, but our door is made of steel too, so it needs to be close for that reason anyway. I have seen some mention of distances that work longer than is recommended, but I can’t comment myself unfortunately.
Thanks for your review. Can the Aqara G4 unlock the Aqara A100 automatically from the scene mode when it sees your face? Also, if someone presses the button, will it call you in the app or just send a notification for you to view the video?
Hi, unfortunately at this time it’s not possible to unlock the Aqara A100 in the way you describe. Only the U100, which isn’t actually available yet, will have this option. In Apple Home, when someone presses the doorbell, you’ll get a push notification which can be expanded to show a window with the live stream. The Aqara app is similar, with a notification which once tapped opens up the app and the live stream.
Thanks for the review! I didn’t realize chime was a repeater 😮 I repositioned is closer to the doorbell and to my wifi router as well. Thought not a whole lot changed in terms of slight lag I’m getting comparing to what I had with Logitech circle view 😓 That said, and I might have missed this setting, but there seems to be no chime on the doorbell itself when the doorbell button is pressed? Meaning there’s no feedback to the person at your door that the doorbell actually worked. I wonder if there’s a setting for that anywhere? This seems like a very standard feature, so just wonder if I’m missing something somewhere 🤔
Hi, yes you can get a sound to play through the doorbell speaker too, although you do have to use custom audio, not the preset ringtones that come with the doorbell. It's done via a quick automation in the Aqara app. Before anything else, you need to upload a ringtone as an mp3. To do this, you need to go into the settings for the doorbell, and select 'More settings' > Ringtone Settings > Custom Ringtone and add and import the audio file. Once that's done, you'll be able to use that audio for the doorbell ringtone, as follows; 1. In the Aqara app, tap on 'Automations', and the + icon. In the IF section, tap 'Add' then select your doorbell from the list of devices. 2. Select 'Doorbell button was pressed'. 3. Next in the THEN section, tap 'Add' then once again select your doorbell. 4. From the list of options, select 'user-defined ringtone of doorbell play' 5. Select the mp3 audio you previously uploaded and save the automation. As this doorbell speaker is not as loud as the chime speaker, I'd suggest having the volume of this ringtone as loud as possible, so your visitors don't miss it.
@@homekitnews WOW! Thanks a lot for the detailed explanation! Appreciate it! I have my Aqara setup in HomeKit mode, so these options aren’t available. I need to check if it’s possible to use both Aqara account and HomeKit at the same time (which it probably is not possible I’m afraid), and if it is, I’ll set it up. My installation is in Japan and doorbells here ALL have the audio feedback. Just wonder what Aqara was thinking by not having it easily available, even if not enabled by default. and I mean it’s not only off by default, but actually is not even preloaded on the device. Blows my mind 😓
You can be signed into the Aqara app and have the doorbell running in HomeKit at the same time, so there’s no problems in that regard. As for the lack of a sound form the doorbell side, I can see what you mean, it does seem like an oversight. Maybe they wanted the LED light on the button to be the indicator that the button is pressed.
I haven’t seen that mentioned anywhere, and I’m pretty sure it’s not possible, but if you’ve seen it, I would be interested to see, if you have a link to an article or video.
@@homekitnews I was mistaken, apologies! Misheard/misread. I am trying to figure out how to make this happen however, either via some sort of relay (solid state perhaps) or a workaround through powering the chime repeater through a 12-24v ac to 5v dc buck converter. Would prefer the former solution - anyone’s input would be much appreciated!
Great review, thanks. Just ordered one from Amazon UK with your 15% discount code! It will replace my unreliable Netatmo doorbell, which promised HSV support, but then they changed their mind and decided not to deliver that...
If the G4 is being viewed in HomeKit, additional users need to be invited to the Apple Home account it’s set up with, then other people on their own phones can access the doorbell. It’s a similar situation with the Aqara app or via Amazon Alexa or Google Home.
Nice video! I was wondering if this camera can be mounted using the same drill holes as the ones the Eufy camera was using. Looking to replace my Eufy doorbell and I am considering the G4.
@@minseblom as long as the holes you still aren’t too close to the existing holes on the bracket for the Aqara then it should be ok, as long as you take your time, I can’t see that being a problem. From my memory, I can’t recall there being a lot of difference between the positions of the eufy screw holes and the ones for the Aqara.
I have a nest hub max but I would like to use the HomeKit secure video as also have an iCloud subscription. Do you need an Apple TV / HomePod for this feature to work?
For HomeKit secure video (HSV) to work, you need at least one Home Hub (Apple TV, HomePod or HomePod mini) and a 50Gb iCloud plan, which would give you support for one camera capable of HSV.
I don’t think they had the black model. Even before it went on sale there was no option for more than one colour on any of the Amazon stores when I checked.
@@homekitnews Ah, I see, I wonder why. I see the black one on eBuyer. Shame really I think the black one will look better on our door, plus over time it won't yellow as much
Good video On 5g using home app the two way audio is almost unusable for same reason. When the person in front of the doorbell speaks i can hear 1-2sec then stop for 2sec then starts again. I don’t know what causing the issue. Do you have the same experience?
Great video, ansered most of my questions, but just a few more. Is it only on the 2ghz wifi band and not the 5ghz? I was thinking of putting my chime up stairs or in the garden where I don't have Homepods, but my router is right next to the front door so would it be better to have the chine instead of the doorbell closer to the router? Finally can I use Homepods, Echos and GoogleHomes to act as chimes ap the same time?
Hi, yes it’s only 2.4GHz, probably in order to reach routers that are usually further from most people’s front doors. I’d definitely have the doorbell and chime as close together as possible, and the chime close to the router if that’s an option. You can use all of the devices as chimes at the same time, although it could get annoying!
How secure is the camera? I noticed that on the Eufy, you just simply unclipped it from the holder. It that the same with the Aqara, if so, seems very simple to be stolen?
It can be unsecured via a standard Philips screwdriver, assuming it’s accessible depending on where it’s placed, but it has a tamper alarm, so as soon as it’s removed, not only is an alarm triggered on both the doorbell and chime, but you’ll also get a push notification, and video will be automatically recorded when it’s removed. Unscrewing it would take around 5-10 seconds on average, but you can set the camera to automatically record and send push notifications if someone loiters in front of the camera for as little as one second. So, I’d say it’s better protected than Eufy doorbells on average.
Hi. Thanks for the review. With regard to using custom ring tones - what format do these have to be in? Can us use any mp3 for instance? I have a vintage mechanical doorbell which I like the sound of. If I recorded the sound this makes could I use that recording for the Aqara? Thanks.
Hi, yes MP3 is actually the preferred format in fact. You could definitely use the sound of your old doorbell as long as you’re able to get a decent recording of it, and save as mp3.
@@homekitnews Ok thank you for confirming that. I thought that might be the case. An alternative method would be that if the Aqura gives out a notification when the bell button as been pressed I could probably use that to trigger the old bell - with something like a Switchbot button presser to a bell push somewhere in the house?
I guess you could do that. I’m not sure if the Switchbot bot is exposed to HomeKit via the Switchbot Hub 2 (I recently reviewed) or not, but if it is, you could trigger it that way, although you’d have to create such an automation in a 3rd party HomeKit app like Eve, as the Home app doesn’t have an option to include the doorbell being pressed as a trigger option.
Great detailed review! I recently started coming across your website more often when searching for the latest news on Aqara and matter products. I couldn't find an RSS feed for your site. Can you consider adding one?
Hi, I don’t know if this is what you’re looking for, but this is the built in rss feed address t the get should work with most rss feed readers - homekitnews.com/feed If that’s not what you need, let me know so I can try and figure it out.
@@homekitnews Thanks, this is what I'm looking for. Unfortunately, there seems to be an issue with the feed. I can't see any of the recent articles in my RSS reader. Any idea if it's working for other users?
@@ziad87 i admit this side of things is not too familiar with me, but I use an RSS feed program called Lucky News for macOS and it always shows my news articles as soon as I publish them. I haven’t tried it with other programs of this type, however.
Hi, there’s a Do Not Disturb option in the Aqara app. You could probably trigger this via a Siri Shortcut, but I’m not sure if there’s a way to do it in HomeKit.
The original saying is “you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink”, but Stan Laurel famously mixed it up, and said “you can lead a horse to water, but a pencil must be lead (led)”. You’re going to say Stan who?? aren’t you…😉
Good overview. One thing I was hoping you'd clarify is does tamper alert notification come from Apple's Home app or does it only come from Aqara app? And is it a "critical" notification (one that goes through all the DND/Focus mode filters etc. like for example water leak sensor alerts) or just a regular notification?
Hi, the tamper alert is only an Aqara feature, but if you add it to the app's '24x7' alert list, it should trigger a critical notification alert via iOS/Apple Home. I'll test it shortly, to confirm and will post a second comment to confirm.
Hi, on further testing, it seems it's not possible. You can add the doorbell features to the 24x7 alert section, but it appears that only devices like leak, gas or smoke sensors have the ability to trigger this alert, and from there do a critical alert notification.
@@homekitnews thank you. Would've been cool to have it in HomeKit. Motion sensor service (which is part of this and other doorbells) can have a "tamper status" characteristic so as long as that's readable from HomeKit apps (will check and report back when mine arrives next week) and reported correctly I can set up my own notifications without using the Aqara app (don't have any of their other stuff so wasn't planning to add another app just for it).
Hi, the privacy occlusion area is the same in the Home app, so if you blank out certain parts of the field of view, that’s what you’ll see in HomeKit - ie square blocks. You can only edit these blocks in the Aqara app though.
Cool. Perfect! That's exactly what I need. Thanks. How do you think the ipx3 will work outside with minimal coverage? Living in Sweden and we get some rain, cold etc.
Have you figured out to turn off notifications from the aqara app so you only get them from the home app? I just installed mine today and can’t fig out how to turn off the aqara notifications so they’re not doubling up but can’t fig out how to turn off the aqara notifications
I don’t know if you’ve tried this with any success, but in the settings for the G4 in the Aqara app, there’s an option: Function Settings > Alert Settings. From there you should be able to deactivate specific types of notifications.
Great review . Thank you. Would you recommend swapping out my Google Nest Doorbell ( via Starling Hub) or this? I already have an Aqara A100 door lock!
Hi, it depends - if you’re using the Google Nest with a Nest Hub/Hub Max for viewing the live feed on your Nest doorbell, other doorbells including this one, fall short in that respect, but if HomeKit integration is what you’re looking for, along with thr extras you get with the Aqara ecosystem, I think it’s worth the relatively low cost. It can work with the A100 lock for certain types of automations in the Aqara app, but so far there’s no option to unlock the A100 based on facial recognition. I’m not sure I could trust it to be 100% accurate though, so I probably wouldn’t use it this way anyway.
I currently have a g2h pro at my front door outside under a covered porch and the 2 way talk is almost unusable. The person outside can’t hear me because I cut in and out so much. How would you say this does since it’s actually designed to be outside in regards to the person being able to hear you??
The speaker seems a reasonable improvement in this case, unless you use the voice changing feature, which is a waste of time in my opinion. It does depend on how noisy the outside is though of course. Where I tested it, it’s a bit reverberant but it’s indoors, so no traffic noise to worry about.
Hi, it doesn’t need a hub to work, as it connects to the chime using WiFi, with thr Chime also using WiFi to connect to your network, but if you wanted to use it with other Aqara devices, including hubs, that are connected to the China server, you might be able to add it. If it does work, you’ll lose the ability for it to work with Google and Amazon, if that’s a requirement.
Hi, no a hub is not required, as it connects directly to the Chime using a proprietary WiFi connection, with the chime using standard 2.4GHz WiFi to connect to your home network.
For me g4 was working fine for the past 6 months on the battery. But suddenly it is not turning up. No light ring showing even after replacing battery. Need solution.
@@ismaildawoodjee5662 the only thing I would say is if you use the Nest hubs with display, only Nest doorbells Will automatically launch the live stream on the hubs, so even though you can stream the G4, it won’t be automatic.
@@homekitnews Appreciate the insight. We're moving away from Google/nest products and trying to get native homekit devices only now so this won't impact us. The moment someone develops a really good smoke/CO detector, we'll be a google-free home.
Unfortunately that feature seems to be restricted to Nest doorbells only. It didn’t work with my Eufy doorbell and it doesn’t work with thr G4, which is a shame.
A really good, balanced review Simon. Mine arrived in the UK this evening and after 30min of testing internally - not attached to the doorframe - I wasnt that impressed with the speed of notifications (Homekit mainly) and also the grainy picture. Were you able to force 1080p at all time, rather than switching from smooth?
Hi, regarding 1080p in the Aqara app, I told them of the bug where it constantly switches back to ‘smooth’ and they’re aware of this bug, and told me they’re working to fix it. This also seems to be the case on Android. The recordings in HomeKit and on an SD cars are still recorded at 1080p though.
While I've got you... desperate to replace my Ring doorbell with a solid Homekit option. If the Aqara doesnt work. whats a good Plan B (even if it involves Scrypted or homebridge which I know nothing about!). Thanks
@@everydayjunglist as odd as it sounds, this is actually my first HomeKit doorbell. Prior to that, I was using the Eufy, which I have to admit, worked flawlessly. It was also 2K and had a decent FoV, but without HomeKit, its days were numbered. If you could get that into HomeKit using one of the unofficial methods, I don’t think you’d be unhappy with it.
Hey, I’m not sure if you can help but my HomeKit cameras do not show any recordings. They used to but randomly stopped after an update I think iOS 16.1 or iOS 16.2. Do you have any advice to resolve ?
Hi, it can depend on the brand of camera, but if you're talking about recordings via HomeKit Secure Video, then the first thing to try is rebooting the camera(s). This usually solves this kind of issue for me, until I've noticed a camera has stopped recording. If that doesn't work, try unplugging all of your Home hubs (Apple TV, HomePod, Mini etc) for five minutes, and power them up one after the other after maybe 5 minutes.
Hi, it is supposed to be available in the U.K., but for some reason all EU Amazon stores seem to be having an issue with it showing as available. Hopefully it’ll be fixed within a short while.
This too has happened to me after the recent update. I’m using multiple aqara G2H pro. All of them at some points, stopped recording. At first i thought it was the camera, but replacing my camera with a new one doesn’t work, and since it happens across all my cameras, my guess is it’s homekit problem. My solution was to change the recording option to off, and then wait until the notifications is shown, then switch back to stream and recording. This solved the problem for a few days, before it stopped recording. I hope apple will address this issue in the upcoming updates
For sure the lithium battery would be conviniente. But I read this days on HK Reddit a guy who had a Aqara D100 useless because he couldn’t find a replacement. So this could be pro. Also I think this is focusing on USA and they are all in buy bulks o AA’s 😂 Some people’s even don’t bother do buy rechargeable’s In my case I’ll stick with with POE cameras using Scrypted. It’s blazing fast. So longs Apple don’t block HKSV with this hack. This doorbell will sell a lot. Don’t have 24v? Don’t have chime? Price? We got you
I agree it’s a major benefit just being able to use standard batteries, I was thinking more from an ecological standpoint really. I did see the post regarding the D100. I can’t remember if he contacted Aqara regarding this. I’ll check, but I would be surprised if a replacement battery isn’t available, although it may require a purchase from a Chinese seller.
I got one and instantly regret of buying one. The Chinese model has no SD Card, meaning if want to do video recording, you need to pay iCloud+ (the seller sell me without telling me this sad), compared to Google Doorbell, the motion sensitivity is low. Google doorbells can detect a person that comes out straight out from the lift, while G4 sometime cannot pick up motion. Google doorbell notifications to the phone give you the option to see the video without the need to open the app, while for the G4, you need to open the app and wait for the video to load for 5-6 secs. when someone presses the doorbell, Google home straightaway can see the person. Although G4 seems to have lots of features, after using it you will notice the practicality is low, and those features are actually a gimmick.
To be fair, there has been lots of information regarding the missing SD card slot option on the Chinese models, so I think you should complain to the reseller who misled you. I think if you don't use HomeKit, then maybe the Google Nest products are a better option, even if they're more expensive. Regarding notifications, in HomeKit, you can get notifications and view the live feed or the recorded clip straight from your phone without needing to open the Home app. 5-6 seconds until it shows the feed has never been my experience so far. As for Google showing the live feed, this is only for the Nest Hub and Nest Hub max, and is not possible via the Google Home app, as the app doesn't yet support live feeds, even in the beta version. Like I said before, this is really for HomeKit users in my opinion, as it offers HSV, and wireless power, which no other HomeKit doorbell offers yet.
@@homekitnews I like your content, don't get me wrong. I'm android and Aqara user, so I'm comparing the experience after I using it. You see, if I'm into aqara eco system and still need to sign-up icloud+ for recording is a bit not make sense. Google door bell and G4 in my environment.
@@laukhengsoon That's OK, it's all good. I did wonder if you were more in the Google ecosystem, so in your case, a Google Nest camera is a good option, especially if you have a Google Nest Hub/Hub Max. I wish my cameras would load onto the Nest hub as quickly as Google's devices do, but that's their selling point, so why give it to other manufacturers? Unfortunately, it seems the Chime/Repeater and doorbell are permanently paired, so you can't just swap out the chime for one with an SD card slot.
@@homekitnewsactually I'm a hybrid user, Home Assistant + Aqara +Fibaro + Google and Echo. Yes agreed with you if anything happen to the chime the whole set is gone. Next time before I buy into more Aqara products, I will make sure I watch your review first. 😊
Great Vid/Info thanks. Can I steam my G4 doorbell to my computer (PC) 24/7 like I have done on my old Google/Nest Hello and Reolink. I have tried the IP of it 192.168.x.xx into a web browser just in case that would do something...but no! think I need some sort of a App or interface?
I’m not sure you’re able to stream to a PC, but not 100% sure as I don’t have one. It can stream to a Mac Computer if it’s running Apple Home, and to Google and Alexa screen hubs, but that’s it for now.
![Seungmin "그렇게, 천천히, 우리(As we are)" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kAzmhLHePqU/mqdefault.jpg)
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
As always. Most concise at the same time deeper reviewer. You have the gift to write. Very thoughtful in every word. Trying to answer every question might come on comments.
👏
I appreciate that!
I loved this comprehensive review. You always do a great job at efficiently providing as much detail of the product as possible. Keep up the great work.
Thanks for the kind words! I always try and go at least a half mile, if not the full extra mile…😁
@@homekitnews or kilometer 😀
@@Dr_Cole or Mil if you’re from Sweden or Norway (a Scandinavian equivalent to 10km…)
Thank you so much for this comprehensive guide! Just got my Aqara G4 last week after researching and seeing your video. I live in Asia, and my home has a very similar set up as your place and this video really helped me picture how and where I should place the doorbell, and it's running smoothly and I'm very happy about it! Thanks again!!
Glad it was of help. As we don’t have packages delivered to our door, I don’t miss the fact that it can’t see to the floor, and prefer the wider view.
@@homekitnews Same situation here, and i think the G4 is perfect for my home. This morning I was away and two technicians came (they got the wrong time). We communicated through the two way audio with the HomeKit app, it was surprisingly smooth and clear. I got the notification "A group of people rang the door bell" instead of the usual "Someone rang the door bell", I find this so funny that I burst out laughing 😂
Great review , liked how you cover all, Thank you so much
Thanks for watching!
Great video, is there anything I need to do to bypass the old chime if I'm connecting to the old doorbell wires?
Hi, I’m not an expert on this kind of wiring, but I assume you shouldn’t need to change anything as long as the wires are providing power. It just won’t trigger the old chime.
Great video! Did you try to move the doorbel and the chime unit further away from each other? I live in a suburb area and would like to place the unit at the front gate, and the indoor chime upstatirs. It is around 13 meters away but unobscured with walls, only a window is ‘in the way’. Thanks!
Hi, I live in an apartment, so I could only move the chime so far from the doorbell, but our door is made of steel too, so it needs to be close for that reason anyway. I have seen some mention of distances that work longer than is recommended, but I can’t comment myself unfortunately.
Thanks for your review. Can the Aqara G4 unlock the Aqara A100 automatically from the scene mode when it sees your face? Also, if someone presses the button, will it call you in the app or just send a notification for you to view the video?
Hi, unfortunately at this time it’s not possible to unlock the Aqara A100 in the way you describe. Only the U100, which isn’t actually available yet, will have this option. In Apple Home, when someone presses the doorbell, you’ll get a push notification which can be expanded to show a window with the live stream. The Aqara app is similar, with a notification which once tapped opens up the app and the live stream.
Thanks for the review! I didn’t realize chime was a repeater 😮 I repositioned is closer to the doorbell and to my wifi router as well. Thought not a whole lot changed in terms of slight lag I’m getting comparing to what I had with Logitech circle view 😓
That said, and I might have missed this setting, but there seems to be no chime on the doorbell itself when the doorbell button is pressed? Meaning there’s no feedback to the person at your door that the doorbell actually worked. I wonder if there’s a setting for that anywhere? This seems like a very standard feature, so just wonder if I’m missing something somewhere 🤔
Hi, yes you can get a sound to play through the doorbell speaker too, although you do have to use custom audio, not the preset ringtones that come with the doorbell. It's done via a quick automation in the Aqara app.
Before anything else, you need to upload a ringtone as an mp3. To do this, you need to go into the settings for the doorbell, and select 'More settings' > Ringtone Settings > Custom Ringtone and add and import the audio file. Once that's done, you'll be able to use that audio for the doorbell ringtone, as follows;
1. In the Aqara app, tap on 'Automations', and the + icon. In the IF section, tap 'Add' then select your doorbell from the list of devices.
2. Select 'Doorbell button was pressed'.
3. Next in the THEN section, tap 'Add' then once again select your doorbell.
4. From the list of options, select 'user-defined ringtone of doorbell play'
5. Select the mp3 audio you previously uploaded and save the automation.
As this doorbell speaker is not as loud as the chime speaker, I'd suggest having the volume of this ringtone as loud as possible, so your visitors don't miss it.
@@homekitnews WOW! Thanks a lot for the detailed explanation! Appreciate it! I have my Aqara setup in HomeKit mode, so these options aren’t available. I need to check if it’s possible to use both Aqara account and HomeKit at the same time (which it probably is not possible I’m afraid), and if it is, I’ll set it up. My installation is in Japan and doorbells here ALL have the audio feedback. Just wonder what Aqara was thinking by not having it easily available, even if not enabled by default. and I mean it’s not only off by default, but actually is not even preloaded on the device. Blows my mind 😓
You can be signed into the Aqara app and have the doorbell running in HomeKit at the same time, so there’s no problems in that regard. As for the lack of a sound form the doorbell side, I can see what you mean, it does seem like an oversight. Maybe they wanted the LED light on the button to be the indicator that the button is pressed.
Did you have any issues with disconnecting from HomeKit as Shane mentioned in his video?
I have seen some people have this issue, but I can honestly say I’ve only had one unexplained disconnection in all the time I’ve used it.
I’m curious about this too. Thank you for the great video!
Others are saying it can work with existing chimes
I haven’t seen that mentioned anywhere, and I’m pretty sure it’s not possible, but if you’ve seen it, I would be interested to see, if you have a link to an article or video.
@@homekitnews I was mistaken, apologies! Misheard/misread. I am trying to figure out how to make this happen however, either via some sort of relay (solid state perhaps) or a workaround through powering the chime repeater through a 12-24v ac to 5v dc buck converter. Would prefer the former solution - anyone’s input would be much appreciated!
Great review, thanks. Just ordered one from Amazon UK with your 15% discount code! It will replace my unreliable Netatmo doorbell, which promised HSV support, but then they changed their mind and decided not to deliver that...
Yes, there’s an issue they’re trying to resolve that’s affecting all EU stores unfortunately. Hopefully it’ll be resolved very soon.
Hi, it should now be available on Amazon U.K.
Great review thanks, just one thing can you link more than one iphone to this unit
If the G4 is being viewed in HomeKit, additional users need to be invited to the Apple Home account it’s set up with, then other people on their own phones can access the doorbell. It’s a similar situation with the Aqara app or via Amazon Alexa or Google Home.
Nice video! I was wondering if this camera can be mounted using the same drill holes as the ones the Eufy camera was using. Looking to replace my Eufy doorbell and I am considering the G4.
I replaced my eufy 2K doorbell (as seen in the video) and the holes for the G4’s bracket didn’t match the holes left behind from the eufy installation
@@homekitnews That’s too bad, I’m in the same boat. I guess it’s possible to drill some extra holes in the bracket?
@@minseblom as long as the holes you still aren’t too close to the existing holes on the bracket for the Aqara then it should be ok, as long as you take your time, I can’t see that being a problem. From my memory, I can’t recall there being a lot of difference between the positions of the eufy screw holes and the ones for the Aqara.
I have a nest hub max but I would like to use the HomeKit secure video as also have an iCloud subscription. Do you need an Apple TV / HomePod for this feature to work?
For HomeKit secure video (HSV) to work, you need at least one Home Hub (Apple TV, HomePod or HomePod mini) and a 50Gb iCloud plan, which would give you support for one camera capable of HSV.
@@homekitnews thanks for the clarification. Really helpful video
Did Amazon in the UK ever had the black version? I ask Amazon they said the whole doorbell sold out but I can still buy the grey version
I don’t think they had the black model. Even before it went on sale there was no option for more than one colour on any of the Amazon stores when I checked.
@@homekitnews Ah, I see, I wonder why.
I see the black one on eBuyer. Shame really I think the black one will look better on our door, plus over time it won't yellow as much
Good video
On 5g using home app the two way audio is almost unusable for same reason.
When the person in front of the doorbell speaks i can hear 1-2sec then stop for 2sec then starts again.
I don’t know what causing the issue. Do you have the same experience?
Hi, I can't say I've noticed that issue. I only have a 4G phone at present, but that shouldn't matter.
4G ftw
Great video, ansered most of my questions, but just a few more.
Is it only on the 2ghz wifi band and not the 5ghz?
I was thinking of putting my chime up stairs or in the garden where I don't have Homepods, but my router is right next to the front door so would it be better to have the chine instead of the doorbell closer to the router?
Finally can I use Homepods, Echos and GoogleHomes to act as chimes ap the same time?
Hi, yes it’s only 2.4GHz, probably in order to reach routers that are usually further from most people’s front doors. I’d definitely have the doorbell and chime as close together as possible, and the chime close to the router if that’s an option. You can use all of the devices as chimes at the same time, although it could get annoying!
@@homekitnews that’s annoying, I hope that doesn’t affect the speed that it loads
I’ve got the Aqara chime, an Aqara M1 hub, and three HomePods Mini all acting as chimes and the stream still loads very fast.
How secure is the camera? I noticed that on the Eufy, you just simply unclipped it from the holder. It that the same with the Aqara, if so, seems very simple to be stolen?
It can be unsecured via a standard Philips screwdriver, assuming it’s accessible depending on where it’s placed, but it has a tamper alarm, so as soon as it’s removed, not only is an alarm triggered on both the doorbell and chime, but you’ll also get a push notification, and video will be automatically recorded when it’s removed. Unscrewing it would take around 5-10 seconds on average, but you can set the camera to automatically record and send push notifications if someone loiters in front of the camera for as little as one second. So, I’d say it’s better protected than Eufy doorbells on average.
Amazing as always, thank you! 💛
Thanks for the positive feedback!
Hi. Thanks for the review. With regard to using custom ring tones - what format do these have to be in? Can us use any mp3 for instance? I have a vintage mechanical doorbell which I like the sound of. If I recorded the sound this makes could I use that recording for the Aqara? Thanks.
Hi, yes MP3 is actually the preferred format in fact. You could definitely use the sound of your old doorbell as long as you’re able to get a decent recording of it, and save as mp3.
@@homekitnews Ok thank you for confirming that. I thought that might be the case. An alternative method would be that if the Aqura gives out a notification when the bell button as been pressed I could probably use that to trigger the old bell - with something like a Switchbot button presser to a bell push somewhere in the house?
I guess you could do that. I’m not sure if the Switchbot bot is exposed to HomeKit via the Switchbot Hub 2 (I recently reviewed) or not, but if it is, you could trigger it that way, although you’d have to create such an automation in a 3rd party HomeKit app like Eve, as the Home app doesn’t have an option to include the doorbell being pressed as a trigger option.
Great detailed review! I recently started coming across your website more often when searching for the latest news on Aqara and matter products. I couldn't find an RSS feed for your site. Can you consider adding one?
Hi, I don’t know if this is what you’re looking for, but this is the built in rss feed address t the get should work with most rss feed readers - homekitnews.com/feed
If that’s not what you need, let me know so I can try and figure it out.
@@homekitnews Thanks, this is what I'm looking for. Unfortunately, there seems to be an issue with the feed. I can't see any of the recent articles in my RSS reader. Any idea if it's working for other users?
@@ziad87 i admit this side of things is not too familiar with me, but I use an RSS feed program called Lucky News for macOS and it always shows my news articles as soon as I publish them. I haven’t tried it with other programs of this type, however.
Can you turn off sound at certain time not to be distracted?like homekit automatization.
Hi, there’s a Do Not Disturb option in the Aqara app. You could probably trigger this via a Siri Shortcut, but I’m not sure if there’s a way to do it in HomeKit.
I wonder if this will work with rechargeable batteries and a solar charger.
great overview of the product!
i didnt get the sentence at the end:(
The original saying is “you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink”, but Stan Laurel famously mixed it up, and said “you can lead a horse to water, but a pencil must be lead (led)”. You’re going to say Stan who?? aren’t you…😉
Good overview. One thing I was hoping you'd clarify is does tamper alert notification come from Apple's Home app or does it only come from Aqara app? And is it a "critical" notification (one that goes through all the DND/Focus mode filters etc. like for example water leak sensor alerts) or just a regular notification?
Hi, the tamper alert is only an Aqara feature, but if you add it to the app's '24x7' alert list, it should trigger a critical notification alert via iOS/Apple Home. I'll test it shortly, to confirm and will post a second comment to confirm.
Hi, on further testing, it seems it's not possible. You can add the doorbell features to the 24x7 alert section, but it appears that only devices like leak, gas or smoke sensors have the ability to trigger this alert, and from there do a critical alert notification.
@@homekitnews thank you. Would've been cool to have it in HomeKit. Motion sensor service (which is part of this and other doorbells) can have a "tamper status" characteristic so as long as that's readable from HomeKit apps (will check and report back when mine arrives next week) and reported correctly I can set up my own notifications without using the Aqara app (don't have any of their other stuff so wasn't planning to add another app just for it).
If setting up a privacy occlusion area in the aqara app will that also work insde apple home and hksv feed?
Hi, the privacy occlusion area is the same in the Home app, so if you blank out certain parts of the field of view, that’s what you’ll see in HomeKit - ie square blocks. You can only edit these blocks in the Aqara app though.
Cool. Perfect! That's exactly what I need. Thanks.
How do you think the ipx3 will work outside with minimal coverage? Living in Sweden and we get some rain, cold etc.
Have you figured out to turn off notifications from the aqara app so you only get them from the home app? I just installed mine today and can’t fig out how to turn off the aqara notifications so they’re not doubling up but can’t fig out how to turn off the aqara notifications
I don’t know if you’ve tried this with any success, but in the settings for the G4 in the Aqara app, there’s an option: Function Settings > Alert Settings. From there you should be able to deactivate specific types of notifications.
@@homekitnews yep, thanks, I found it :D
Great review . Thank you. Would you recommend swapping out my Google Nest Doorbell ( via Starling Hub) or this? I already have an Aqara A100 door lock!
Hi, it depends - if you’re using the Google Nest with a Nest Hub/Hub Max for viewing the live feed on your Nest doorbell, other doorbells including this one, fall short in that respect, but if HomeKit integration is what you’re looking for, along with thr extras you get with the Aqara ecosystem, I think it’s worth the relatively low cost. It can work with the A100 lock for certain types of automations in the Aqara app, but so far there’s no option to unlock the A100 based on facial recognition. I’m not sure I could trust it to be 100% accurate though, so I probably wouldn’t use it this way anyway.
@@homekitnews Thanks. Yup, I think I agree re the face door unlock idea!
I currently have a g2h pro at my front door outside under a covered porch and the 2 way talk is almost unusable. The person outside can’t hear me because I cut in and out so much. How would you say this does since it’s actually designed to be outside in regards to the person being able to hear you??
The speaker seems a reasonable improvement in this case, unless you use the voice changing feature, which is a waste of time in my opinion. It does depend on how noisy the outside is though of course. Where I tested it, it’s a bit reverberant but it’s indoors, so no traffic noise to worry about.
Can the intl version connect to my china M2 aqara hub? 🤔
Hi, it doesn’t need a hub to work, as it connects to the chime using WiFi, with thr Chime also using WiFi to connect to your network, but if you wanted to use it with other Aqara devices, including hubs, that are connected to the China server, you might be able to add it. If it does work, you’ll lose the ability for it to work with Google and Amazon, if that’s a requirement.
Apologies if already covered. Is a Aqara hub required?
Hi, no a hub is not required, as it connects directly to the Chime using a proprietary WiFi connection, with the chime using standard 2.4GHz WiFi to connect to your home network.
@@homekitnews cool thank you.
For me g4 was working fine for the past 6 months on the battery. But suddenly it is not turning up. No light ring showing even after replacing battery. Need solution.
You should contact Aqara directly, either via their website, or use their email - support@aqara.com
@@homekitnews thanks
Any integration with Home Assistant?
I don’t use HA, so I’m not sure, sorry.
Can the homepod announce names or just the chime?
It can announce who is at the front door (when they press the doorbell) if you have facial recognition enabled in the Home app.
@@homekitnews thanks for the speedy reply. this will be a great replacement for my nest hello
@@ismaildawoodjee5662 the only thing I would say is if you use the Nest hubs with display, only Nest doorbells Will automatically launch the live stream on the hubs, so even though you can stream the G4, it won’t be automatic.
@@homekitnews Appreciate the insight. We're moving away from Google/nest products and trying to get native homekit devices only now so this won't impact us. The moment someone develops a really good smoke/CO detector, we'll be a google-free home.
On the nest hub does it show a live stream of the doorbell when pressed like nest doorbells
Unfortunately that feature seems to be restricted to Nest doorbells only. It didn’t work with my Eufy doorbell and it doesn’t work with thr G4, which is a shame.
Wonder if the international version can connect to the China server?
In theory it should be able to, although I’ve only tried that with an international G2H camera. That works fine on the China server.
Yes
I have that set up
@@DobriAndor Great, does it have complete features in the Aqara app?
The only thing you will miss are Google and Amazon integration options. Beyond that, everything else should be the same.
A really good, balanced review Simon. Mine arrived in the UK this evening and after 30min of testing internally - not attached to the doorframe - I wasnt that impressed with the speed of notifications (Homekit mainly) and also the grainy picture. Were you able to force 1080p at all time, rather than switching from smooth?
Hi, regarding 1080p in the Aqara app, I told them of the bug where it constantly switches back to ‘smooth’ and they’re aware of this bug, and told me they’re working to fix it. This also seems to be the case on Android. The recordings in HomeKit and on an SD cars are still recorded at 1080p though.
Ps, love the Bob Mortimer profile pic! 😁
@@homekitnews Thanks for the update. And yes, love Bob!
While I've got you... desperate to replace my Ring doorbell with a solid Homekit option. If the Aqara doesnt work. whats a good Plan B (even if it involves Scrypted or homebridge which I know nothing about!). Thanks
@@everydayjunglist as odd as it sounds, this is actually my first HomeKit doorbell. Prior to that, I was using the Eufy, which I have to admit, worked flawlessly. It was also 2K and had a decent FoV, but without HomeKit, its days were numbered. If you could get that into HomeKit using one of the unofficial methods, I don’t think you’d be unhappy with it.
Hey, I’m not sure if you can help but my HomeKit cameras do not show any recordings. They used to but randomly stopped after an update I think iOS 16.1 or iOS 16.2. Do you have any advice to resolve ?
Hi, it can depend on the brand of camera, but if you're talking about recordings via HomeKit Secure Video, then the first thing to try is rebooting the camera(s). This usually solves this kind of issue for me, until I've noticed a camera has stopped recording. If that doesn't work, try unplugging all of your Home hubs (Apple TV, HomePod, Mini etc) for five minutes, and power them up one after the other after maybe 5 minutes.
When will it be released for uk market?
Hi, it is supposed to be available in the U.K., but for some reason all EU Amazon stores seem to be having an issue with it showing as available. Hopefully it’ll be fixed within a short while.
This too has happened to me after the recent update. I’m using multiple aqara G2H pro. All of them at some points, stopped recording.
At first i thought it was the camera, but replacing my camera with a new one doesn’t work, and since it happens across all my cameras, my guess is it’s homekit problem.
My solution was to change the recording option to off, and then wait until the notifications is shown, then switch back to stream and recording. This solved the problem for a few days, before it stopped recording.
I hope apple will address this issue in the upcoming updates
@@Rusty_2.4 it’s now available on Amazon U.K.
For sure the lithium battery would be conviniente. But I read this days on HK Reddit a guy who had a Aqara D100 useless because he couldn’t find a replacement. So this could be pro. Also I think this is focusing on USA and they are all in buy bulks o AA’s 😂
Some people’s even don’t bother do buy rechargeable’s
In my case I’ll stick with with POE cameras using Scrypted.
It’s blazing fast. So longs Apple don’t block HKSV with this hack.
This doorbell will sell a lot.
Don’t have 24v?
Don’t have chime?
Price?
We got you
I agree it’s a major benefit just being able to use standard batteries, I was thinking more from an ecological standpoint really. I did see the post regarding the D100. I can’t remember if he contacted Aqara regarding this. I’ll check, but I would be surprised if a replacement battery isn’t available, although it may require a purchase from a Chinese seller.
I got one and instantly regret of buying one. The Chinese model has no SD Card, meaning if want to do video recording, you need to pay iCloud+ (the seller sell me without telling me this sad), compared to Google Doorbell, the motion sensitivity is low. Google doorbells can detect a person that comes out straight out from the lift, while G4 sometime cannot pick up motion. Google doorbell notifications to the phone give you the option to see the video without the need to open the app, while for the G4, you need to open the app and wait for the video to load for 5-6 secs. when someone presses the doorbell, Google home straightaway can see the person.
Although G4 seems to have lots of features, after using it you will notice the practicality is low, and those features are actually a gimmick.
To be fair, there has been lots of information regarding the missing SD card slot option on the Chinese models, so I think you should complain to the reseller who misled you.
I think if you don't use HomeKit, then maybe the Google Nest products are a better option, even if they're more expensive.
Regarding notifications, in HomeKit, you can get notifications and view the live feed or the recorded clip straight from your phone without needing to open the Home app. 5-6 seconds until it shows the feed has never been my experience so far.
As for Google showing the live feed, this is only for the Nest Hub and Nest Hub max, and is not possible via the Google Home app, as the app doesn't yet support live feeds, even in the beta version.
Like I said before, this is really for HomeKit users in my opinion, as it offers HSV, and wireless power, which no other HomeKit doorbell offers yet.
@@homekitnews I like your content, don't get me wrong. I'm android and Aqara user, so I'm comparing the experience after I using it. You see, if I'm into aqara eco system and still need to sign-up icloud+ for recording is a bit not make sense.
Google door bell and G4 in my environment.
@@laukhengsoon That's OK, it's all good. I did wonder if you were more in the Google ecosystem, so in your case, a Google Nest camera is a good option, especially if you have a Google Nest Hub/Hub Max. I wish my cameras would load onto the Nest hub as quickly as Google's devices do, but that's their selling point, so why give it to other manufacturers?
Unfortunately, it seems the Chime/Repeater and doorbell are permanently paired, so you can't just swap out the chime for one with an SD card slot.
@@homekitnewsactually I'm a hybrid user, Home Assistant + Aqara +Fibaro + Google and Echo. Yes agreed with you if anything happen to the chime the whole set is gone.
Next time before I buy into more Aqara products, I will make sure I watch your review first. 😊
Great Vid/Info thanks. Can I steam my G4 doorbell to my computer (PC) 24/7 like I have done on my old Google/Nest Hello and Reolink. I have tried the IP of it 192.168.x.xx into a web browser just in case that would do something...but no! think I need some sort of a App or interface?
I’m not sure you’re able to stream to a PC, but not 100% sure as I don’t have one. It can stream to a Mac Computer if it’s running Apple Home, and to Google and Alexa screen hubs, but that’s it for now.
@@homekitnews thanks for the reply