Aqara False Alerts: How to Fix Your Smart Home Sensors
Aqara smart home sensors are fantastic for automating your home and providing peace of mind, but their effectiveness is lost if they are constantly crying wolf. A motion sensor that triggers when no one is there or a door sensor that claims a window is open when it's securely shut is not just annoying—it can undermine your confidence in your entire smart home system.
These false alerts are almost always caused by simple, solvable issues related to placement, alignment, or the environment. This guide will walk you through the troubleshooting steps for both Aqara Motion Sensors and Door and Window Sensors to help you build a more reliable and trustworthy system.
Troubleshooting the Aqara Motion Sensor
The Aqara Motion Sensor uses a Passive Infrared (PIR) sensor, which detects changes in heat. Understanding this is the key to stopping false alerts.
1. Check Sensor Placement and Environment
This is the number one cause of false motion alerts. Your sensor might be 'seeing' a change in heat from a non-human source.
- Avoid Direct Heat Sources: Do not point the sensor at or place it near a radiator, a heat vent, a fireplace, or any appliance that generates heat.
- Avoid Direct Sunlight: A window where the sun shines directly in can cause rapid temperature changes on the floor or wall, which the sensor can mistake for a person.
- Avoid Moving Air: Don't place the sensor where it will be affected by a draft from an air conditioning vent, a fan, or a curtain that moves in the breeze. The moving air can cause temperature fluctuations.
- Ensure a Stable Surface: Mount the sensor on a solid wall or ceiling. Placing it on a wobbly shelf or piece of furniture can cause it to move slightly, triggering an alert.
The Solution: Move the sensor to a neutral corner of the room, high up on the wall (about 2 metres or 6.5 feet), and angled slightly downwards. This gives it a great overview of the room while avoiding most common sources of interference.
2. Pet-Proof Your Setup
If pets are triggering your motion sensor, the solution is again about placement.
- High Placement: By placing the sensor high on the wall and pointing it down, most pets will be too low to enter the main detection area.
- Invert the Sensor: Some users report success by mounting the sensor upside down. This can alter the shape of the detection zone.
- Avoid High-Traffic Pet Areas: Don't place the sensor at the top of the stairs if your cat or dog frequently runs up and down them, as this brings them closer to the lens.
Troubleshooting the Aqara Door and Window Sensor
False alerts from these sensors are almost always a physical issue. The sensor works with a magnet; when the magnet is moved away from the sensor, it triggers.
1. Check Alignment and Gap
This is the most common problem. The two parts of the sensor have moved too far apart.
- The Gap: The distance between the main sensor and the smaller magnet should be no more than 22mm (about 0.87 inches) when the door or window is closed. The closer, the better.
- The Alignment: Look for the small alignment marks on the side of both the sensor and the magnet. These marks should be facing each other and be perfectly aligned.
- Check for Shifting: Ensure both parts are still stuck firmly to the surface. Over time, the adhesive can weaken, causing one part to sag or shift, increasing the gap.
The Solution: Close the door or window. Check the gap and alignment between the two components. If they are too far apart or misaligned, carefully peel one part off and re-stick it in the correct position.
2. Check the Door/Window Itself
Sometimes the sensor is fine, but the door is not.
- A loose-fitting door or window can rattle in its frame on a windy day. This movement might be just enough to briefly separate the sensor from the magnet, causing a false alert.
- Ensure your door or window closes securely and doesn't have excessive play.
General Troubleshooting for All Aqara Sensors
- Check Battery Life: In the Aqara Home app, check the battery status of the sensor in question. While rare, a dying battery can sometimes cause erratic behaviour.
- Check Hub Connection: Ensure the sensor has a strong connection to its Aqara Hub. If it's too far away or there are many thick walls in between, the connection could be unstable. Try moving the hub to a more central location in your home.
By carefully checking these physical and environmental factors, you can eliminate false alerts and build a reliable Aqara smart home system you can trust.