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No, you don’t strictly need a dedicated Aqara chime for your Aqara Doorbell, as its core functionality is delivered via app notifications and integrations. While a physical chime unit offers an audible alert, the doorbell seamlessly connects with Aqara hubs, Apple HomeKit, Google Home, and Amazon Alexa, allowing smart speakers or other compatible devices to serve as effective chimes. This provides flexible audible alerts and robust smart home integration, ensuring you never miss a visitor.
Do You Need a Chime for Aqara Doorbell? Find Out Now!
When investing in a smart home device like the Aqara Doorbell, a common question that arises is whether a separate chime is a necessary component. The short answer is: no, not strictly, but it is highly recommended for a comprehensive and traditional doorbell experience. While the Aqara Doorbell G4, like many modern smart doorbells, leverages your smartphone for instant notifications, relying solely on your phone can lead to missed alerts and a less convenient experience for others in your household.
The Aqara Doorbell G4 cleverly integrates its own solutions for audible alerts, primarily through its included indoor chime/hub unit. This means you don’t necessarily need to purchase an additional, separate chime device. However, understanding how these integrated solutions work and what alternatives exist is key to deciding the best setup for your home and ensuring you never miss a visitor.
Do you need an Aqara doorbell chime, and what are my options if I don’t get one?
While the Aqara Doorbell G4 is designed to function and send notifications even without a traditional standalone chime, having an audible alert within your home significantly enhances its utility. Let’s break down your options and what you need to know about the Aqara doorbell chime:
Firstly, the Aqara Doorbell G4 comes with an indoor chime repeater unit included in the box. This unit is essentially a mini-hub that also acts as your primary indoor chime. It plugs into a standard wall outlet and connects wirelessly to your Aqara doorbell. When someone presses the doorbell button, this unit emits an audible chime sound, just like a traditional doorbell. This integrated solution means you already have a dedicated Aqara doorbell chime without needing to buy anything extra. It also serves as a Wi-Fi repeater, extending your network’s range for better connectivity to the doorbell.
However, what if you don’t want to use the included chime unit, or its placement isn’t ideal? Here are your alternatives and considerations:
- Smartphone Notifications: The most basic function of the Aqara doorbell is to send instant push notifications to your smartphone via the Aqara Home app, Apple Home app (if using HomeKit), or integrated third-party apps like Google Home or Amazon Alexa. This means you’ll receive an alert on your phone, even if you’re away from home.
- Smart Displays and Speakers: If you have smart displays (e.g., Google Nest Hub, Amazon Echo Show) or smart speakers (e.g., Google Home, Amazon Echo, Apple HomePod mini) integrated with your Aqara ecosystem, these devices can also announce when someone is at the door. For example, your Nest Hub could show the live feed, or your Echo could announce “Someone is at the front door.” This is a convenient, hands-free option.
- Aqara Hubs as Chimes: Beyond the included repeater, if you already own other Aqara hubs like the Aqara Hub M2, Aqara Hub M1S Gen 2, or even the Aqara Camera Hub G3, these devices can also act as an audible chime. Most Aqara hubs have a built-in speaker, and through the Aqara Home app, you can configure them to sound a chime when the doorbell is pressed. This is particularly useful if you want a chime in a different room or a more powerful sound than the repeater provides.
- HomeKit Automations for External Chimes: For Apple HomeKit users, you can create automations that trigger other smart speakers (like HomePod mini, Sonos speakers integrated with HomeKit) to play a specific sound or announce “Doorbell rang!” when the Aqara doorbell is pressed. This offers significant flexibility in utilizing existing audio equipment as your chime.
Practical Examples & Tips:
- For a large house: You might use the included Aqara doorbell chime repeater near the living area, and an Aqara Hub M2 in the upstairs hallway configured as a second chime, ensuring alerts are heard throughout your home.
- Silent households or napping babies: Rely primarily on smartphone notifications and smart display visuals, while having the physical chime turned down or off.
- Guests and children: A traditional, audible chime is invaluable for those who don’t have access to your phone or smart home system, ensuring everyone is aware of visitors.
- Power Source: Remember the Aqara Doorbell G4 can be battery-powered or hardwired. If hardwired, it benefits from continuous power, reducing battery concerns. The included indoor chime repeater requires a wall outlet.
In essence, while you don’t absolutely *need* to buy an additional physical chime for your Aqara doorbell thanks to the included repeater and smart home integrations, having an audible chime inside your home significantly enhances the user experience. It provides reliability, ensures guests and family members are aware of visitors, and offers a more traditional and complete doorbell function beyond just smartphone alerts.
Conclusion
Ultimately, deciding whether you “need” an additional chime for your Aqara Doorbell G4 depends on your specific needs and smart home setup. The good news is that the Aqara Doorbell G4 comes prepared, offering its own indoor chime repeater, which acts as a primary chime and Wi-Fi extender. Coupled with the flexibility of using other Aqara hubs, smart speakers, or displays as additional notification points, you have a wealth of options to ensure you hear every visitor. While smartphone notifications are convenient, a dedicated, audible chime within your home remains the most reliable and user-friendly way to be alerted to someone at your door, especially for those not always glued to their phone.