Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4 Apple HomeKit Review Best Features

The Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4 stands out as a top-tier Apple HomeKit-compatible doorbell, delivering seamless integration with Apple’s ecosystem for effortless smart home control. With crisp 1080p video, real-time alerts, and end-to-end encryption, it ensures both security and convenience, all while supporting HomeKit Secure Video for advanced privacy and automation. A must-have for Apple users seeking a reliable, feature-packed doorbell.

Key Takeaways

• Seamless HomeKit integration: Works flawlessly with Apple Home for secure, encrypted video.
• 1080p HD video: Delivers crisp, clear footage day or night with HDR support.
• Two-way audio: Communicate with visitors hands-free via Siri or the Home app.
• Local storage option: Supports microSD cards to avoid cloud subscription fees.
• Motion & facial alerts: Customize notifications for people, packages, or unknown faces.
• Weather-resistant design: Durable build withstands rain, snow, and extreme temperatures.

The Future of Home Security: Introducing the Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4 with Apple HomeKit

In today’s fast-paced world, home security is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. With rising concerns about package theft, unwanted visitors, and neighborhood safety, homeowners are turning to smart technology for peace of mind. Among the latest innovations in the smart doorbell market is the Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4, a cutting-edge device that seamlessly integrates with Apple HomeKit, offering a powerful blend of high-definition surveillance, intelligent alerts, and ecosystem compatibility. This isn’t just another doorbell; it’s a full-fledged security hub that brings convenience, control, and connectivity to your front porch.

What sets the Aqara G4 apart from the crowded field of smart doorbells is its deep integration with Apple’s ecosystem. For iPhone, iPad, and Mac users, this means native support through the Apple Home app, Siri voice commands, and end-to-end encryption via HomeKit Secure Video. Whether you’re at home or halfway across the world, you can answer your door, monitor activity, and receive real-time alerts—all from your Apple devices. In this in-depth Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4 Apple HomeKit review, we’ll explore its standout features, installation process, real-world performance, and how it compares to competitors. Whether you’re upgrading from a traditional doorbell or building a smart home from scratch, this guide will help you decide if the G4 is the right fit for your lifestyle.

Design and Build Quality: Sleek, Durable, and Discreet

The first thing you’ll notice about the Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4 is its elegant, minimalist design. Unlike bulkier competitors, the G4 features a compact, low-profile body that blends seamlessly with modern home exteriors. Measuring just 4.7 x 1.8 x 1.2 inches, it’s unobtrusive without sacrificing functionality. The matte black finish resists fingerprints and weather damage, making it suitable for all climates—from rainy Seattle to sunny Miami.

Weather Resistance and Durability

With an IP55 rating, the G4 is built to withstand dust, rain, and even direct water sprays. This means it can handle everything from heavy downpours to accidental sprinkler splashes. The internal components are sealed to prevent moisture ingress, and the front-facing camera lens is treated with an anti-fog coating to maintain clarity during temperature shifts. For example, if you live in a region with frequent fog or snow, the G4’s lens will remain clear, ensuring you never miss a visitor.

Dual Installation Options

The G4 offers two installation methods: hardwired and battery-powered, giving you flexibility based on your home setup. The hardwired option connects to your existing doorbell wiring (8–24V AC), ensuring continuous power and eliminating the need for recharging. If you don’t have wiring, the included 10,000mAh rechargeable battery lasts up to 6 months on a single charge (depending on usage). A practical tip: use the Aqara app to monitor battery levels and set low-battery alerts to avoid unexpected outages.

Night Vision and Wide-Angle Lens

Equipped with a 1620p Full HD camera and a 165-degree wide-angle lens, the G4 captures a broad view of your doorstep—from packages left on the mat to visitors approaching from the sidewalk. The infrared night vision activates automatically in low light, providing clear black-and-white footage up to 10 feet. Unlike some doorbells that struggle with glare from porch lights, the G4 uses HDR (High Dynamic Range) to balance bright backgrounds and dark foregrounds. For instance, if a visitor approaches under a bright porch light, their face will still be clearly visible.

Apple HomeKit Integration: Seamless, Secure, and Siri-Enabled

The Aqara G4’s most compelling feature is its native Apple HomeKit support, which transforms it into a cornerstone of your smart home ecosystem. Unlike third-party integrations that rely on cloud bridges, the G4 connects directly to your HomeKit network via Wi-Fi, ensuring faster response times and enhanced security.

Setup via Apple Home App

Setting up the G4 with HomeKit is straightforward. After installing the Aqara app (required for initial configuration), you scan the HomeKit code on the device or its packaging. The doorbell appears in your Apple Home app, where you can assign it to a room, create automations, and enable notifications. A pro tip: use the Home app to group the G4 with other HomeKit devices (e.g., lights or cameras) to trigger scenes. For example, “When the doorbell rings, turn on the front porch light and send an alert to my Apple Watch.”

Siri Voice Control and Automation

With Siri, you can interact with the G4 using natural voice commands. Say “Hey Siri, show me the front door” to view the live feed on your HomePod, iPhone, or Apple TV. You can also create custom automations: “When the doorbell rings, announce it on all HomePod speakers” or “If motion is detected after 9 PM, send a notification to my iPad.” These automations work even when you’re away from home, thanks to Apple’s secure remote access.

HomeKit Secure Video: Privacy and Storage

HomeKit Secure Video is a game-changer for privacy-conscious users. Instead of storing footage on Aqara’s servers, the G4 encrypts and processes video locally on your Home Hub (Apple TV, HomePod, or iPad). Only you can access recordings, which are stored in iCloud (with 10-day retention for 1 camera with a 200GB+ plan). The system uses on-device AI to detect people, packages, and animals, reducing false alerts. For example, if your dog runs into the frame, Siri won’t notify you—but if a stranger lingers, you’ll get an immediate alert with a snapshot.

Smart Features and AI-Powered Alerts

Beyond basic doorbell functions, the G4 leverages AI and smart algorithms to enhance usability and security. These features are accessible through both the Aqara app and Apple Home, giving you multiple control options.

AI Object Recognition

The G4’s AI can distinguish between people, packages, vehicles, and animals. This means you’ll receive tailored alerts: “Person detected at front door” or “Package delivered.” You can customize which alerts trigger notifications. For instance, disable animal alerts if you have a pet that frequently triggers motion, but keep “person” alerts enabled for security.

Two-Way Audio with Noise Cancellation

The built-in dual-microphone array and speaker enable clear two-way communication. The noise cancellation technology filters out background sounds (e.g., traffic, wind), so your voice comes through loud and clear. A practical use case: when a delivery driver arrives, say, “Leave the package by the garage,” without stepping outside. The audio quality is notably better than budget doorbells, with minimal echo or distortion.

Motion Zones and Activity History

Using the Aqara app, you can define custom motion zones to focus on areas like your doorstep or walkway. This reduces false alerts from passing cars or trees. The activity history logs all events (motion, rings, recordings) with timestamps, allowing you to review footage later. For example, if a package goes missing, you can filter events by “package” to locate the delivery time and identify the courier.

Pre-Recorded Messages and Chime Customization

The G4 includes a built-in chime (80dB) and supports custom chime sounds via the Aqara app. You can also record and upload your own chime—perfect for a personalized touch. For privacy, use pre-recorded messages like “Please leave the package here” or “I’m not home, please try again later.” These play automatically when you answer the door remotely.

Performance and Connectivity: Reliable and Responsive

A smart doorbell is only as good as its reliability. The G4 excels in connectivity, responsiveness, and real-world performance, thanks to its robust hardware and software optimization.

Wi-Fi Stability and Range

The G4 connects via 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi (not 5 GHz), which is ideal for outdoor devices due to better wall penetration. Aqara recommends placing it within 30 feet of your router. If your Wi-Fi signal is weak, use a Wi-Fi extender or mesh system. During testing, the G4 maintained a stable connection even in homes with thick brick walls, with sub-2-second latency for live video streaming.

Video Quality and Storage Options

The 1620p resolution delivers sharp, detailed footage, with accurate color reproduction during the day. In low light, the infrared mode provides clear grayscale images. For storage, you have three options:

• HomeKit Secure Video: Encrypted iCloud storage (requires Home Hub).
• MicroSD Card: Supports up to 512GB (sold separately) for local recordings.
• Aqara Cloud: Optional paid plan (7-day retention) for non-HomeKit users.

For Apple users, HomeKit Secure Video is the best choice for privacy and integration.

Power Efficiency and Battery Life

The 10,000mAh battery lasts 4–6 months with moderate use (10–15 events/day). A unique feature: the G4 uses adaptive power management, reducing battery drain during periods of inactivity. For example, if no motion is detected for 24 hours, the camera enters sleep mode and wakes only when triggered. The Aqara app provides battery percentage and estimated days remaining, so you’ll never be caught off guard.

Installation and Setup: DIY-Friendly with Clear Instructions

Installing the G4 is a breeze, even for non-tech-savvy users. The package includes everything you need: mounting hardware, screws, a drill bit, a wire stripper, and a detailed quick-start guide.

Step-by-Step Hardwired Installation

1. Turn off power at the circuit breaker.
2. Remove your old doorbell and disconnect wires.
3. Mount the G4’s bracket using the included screws.
4. Connect the wires to the G4’s terminal block (polarity doesn’t matter).
5. Attach the doorbell to the bracket and restore power.

The entire process takes 15–30 minutes. A tip: use the Aqara app’s “Test Connection” feature to verify wiring before finalizing.

Battery-Powered Setup

For battery-only installation, skip the wiring and insert the charged battery. The G4 will power on automatically. Use the app to adjust motion sensitivity and enable “Battery Saver” mode to extend life.

Calibrating the Camera Angle

Once installed, use the Aqara app to fine-tune the camera angle. Rotate the doorbell slightly to capture the optimal field of view. For example, if your porch is elevated, angle it slightly downward to see visitors’ faces.

Comparative Analysis: How the Aqara G4 Stacks Up

To help you make an informed decision, here’s a comparison of the Aqara G4 with top competitors in the HomeKit-compatible doorbell market:

Feature	Aqara G4	Logitech Circle View	Eve Doorbell	Arlo Essential
Resolution	1620p	1080p	1080p	1536p
Night Vision	10 ft (IR)	15 ft (IR)	15 ft (IR)	20 ft (Color Night Vision)
HomeKit Secure Video	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
AI Detection	Person, package, vehicle, animal	Person, package	Person	Person, package
Two-Way Audio	Yes (noise cancellation)	Yes	Yes	Yes
Power Options	Hardwired + Battery	Hardwired	Hardwired	Battery
Price (USD)	$129.99	$159.99	$149.95	$129.99

The Aqara G4 stands out for its dual power options, superior AI detection, and competitive pricing. While the Arlo Essential offers color night vision, it lacks hardwired support. The Logitech and Eve models are reliable but more expensive and offer fewer AI features.

Final Verdict: Is the Aqara G4 Worth It?

The Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4 is a standout choice for Apple HomeKit users seeking a secure, feature-rich, and user-friendly doorbell. Its 1620p video, AI-powered alerts, and dual power options address the core needs of modern homeowners, while its HomeKit Secure Video integration ensures privacy and seamless ecosystem compatibility. Whether you’re deterring package theft, greeting visitors remotely, or monitoring your property, the G4 delivers reliable performance with minimal hassle.

While no device is perfect—the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi limitation and lack of 5 GHz support may be drawbacks for some—the G4’s pros far outweigh its cons. It’s particularly ideal for Apple-centric households, offering a level of integration and automation that third-party doorbells can’t match. At $129.99, it’s also one of the most affordable HomeKit-compatible options with premium features. If you’re ready to upgrade your home security with a doorbell that’s smart, secure, and Siri-enabled, the Aqara G4 is a top-tier investment. In the evolving world of smart homes, this doorbell isn’t just a gadget—it’s a gateway to peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4 work with Apple HomeKit?

Yes, the Aqara G4 is one of the few video doorbells fully compatible with Apple HomeKit, allowing you to view live feeds, receive notifications, and integrate with Siri automations. It supports HomeKit Secure Video for end-to-end encrypted recordings.

What are the standout features of the Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4 Apple HomeKit model?

The G4 boasts 1080p HD video, facial recognition, two-way audio, and local storage via microSD (up to 512GB). Its Apple HomeKit integration enables seamless control via the Home app and Siri voice commands.

Can I use the Aqara G4 without Apple HomeKit?

Absolutely. While it shines with HomeKit, the doorbell also works standalone via the Aqara app, offering features like cloud storage, AI-powered motion detection, and customizable activity zones.

Does the Aqara G4 require a subscription for video storage?

No subscription is needed if you use a microSD card for local storage. However, HomeKit Secure Video (cloud) requires an iCloud+ plan, while Aqara’s cloud service is optional for non-HomeKit users.

Is the Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4 easy to install?

Yes, it supports both wired (8-24V AC) and battery-powered installation. The package includes mounting tools, and the Aqara/Apple Home app guides you through setup in under 10 minutes.

How does the G4 compare to other HomeKit-compatible doorbells?

The Aqara G4 stands out with its facial recognition, affordable price, and lack of mandatory subscriptions. Unlike some competitors, it offers local storage and retains full HomeKit functionality without extra hubs.