Troubleshooting Aqara and Google Home Integration Issues
Aqara offers a fantastic range of affordable smart home devices that can be integrated with major ecosystems like Google Home. This allows you to control your Aqara sensors, lights, and switches using Google Assistant voice commands and the Google Home app. However, sometimes the link between Aqara and Google Home doesn't work as expected.
This guide will walk you through the common symptoms and causes of integration problems and provide a clear, step-by-step process to get your devices working correctly.
## Common Symptoms of a Failed Integration
If you're having trouble, you're likely experiencing one or more of the following issues:
- Devices Not Appearing: After linking the Aqara service, none of your Aqara devices show up in the Google Home app.
- "Device Not Responding": The devices appear in the app but are greyed out or show a "Not Responding" or "Offline" status.
- Voice Commands Fail: Google Assistant responds with "Sorry, I couldn't reach Aqara" or "It looks like that device hasn't been set up yet."
- Authentication Errors: You receive an error message when trying to link your Aqara Home account to Google.
- Status Not Updating: A light or switch is manually turned on, but its status doesn't update correctly in the Google Home app.
- New Devices Don't Sync: You add a new sensor to your Aqara hub, but it never appears in Google Home.
## Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide
Follow these steps in order. Most issues can be resolved by properly re-establishing the connection between the two services.
### 1. Ensure You Are Using the Correct Aqara App and Server
Aqara has different apps and servers for various regions (e.g., Mainland China, Europe, North America). For the best integration with Google Home, you must:
- Use the "Aqara Home" app (not the "Mi Home" app).
- During your Aqara setup, ensure you selected the correct server/region for your location.
- The account you link to Google must be the same one you use in the Aqara Home app.
### 2. Relink the Aqara Service in Google Home
The most common solution is to refresh the connection between the two platforms.
- Open the Google Home app.
- Tap on your profile picture or initial in the top-right corner and select "Assistant settings."
- Go to the "Home Control" or "Devices" section.
- Find "Aqara" in your list of linked services.
- Select it and tap "Unlink account." Confirm you want to unlink.
- Now, re-add the service. Tap the '+' icon, choose "Set up device," then "Works with Google."
- Search for "Aqara Home" from the list of brands.
- Log in using your Aqara Home account credentials. Authorise Google to access your devices.
After relinking, Google Home will sync your devices. This can take a minute or two.
### 3. Use the "Hey Google, Sync My Devices" Command
Sometimes, Google's device list just needs a manual refresh. After adding a new Aqara device or if things seem out of sync, simply say to your Google Assistant speaker or phone: "Hey Google, sync my devices" or "Sync devices." This forces Google to poll all linked services for an updated device list.
### 4. Check Device Compatibility
Remember that not every Aqara device is compatible with Google Home.
- Hubs: The Aqara hubs themselves (e.g., M2, G3) do not appear as devices in Google Home. They are the bridge that exposes their child devices.
- Child Devices: Generally, controllable devices like smart plugs, switches, and lights will appear. Many sensors (like motion or door sensors) may not appear as distinct entities but can be used to trigger routines within the Google Home app.
- Check Aqara's Website: Refer to Aqara's official documentation for a list of Google Home compatible devices.
### 5. Reboot Your Devices
If the steps above do not work, a simple power cycle can resolve many underlying issues.
- Reboot your Aqara Hub: Unplug it from the wall, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in.
- Reboot your Wi-Fi Router: This can resolve any network communication glitches.
By following this guide, you should be able to resolve the vast majority of issues preventing your Aqara devices from working correctly with Google Home.