Featured image for will aqara doorbell work with google home
Image source: storage.googleapis.com
The Aqara Doorbell does work with Google Home, but only through limited integration via the Google Home app using Aqara’s Matter-compatible models. Setup requires a Matter-enabled hub and may not support all native features like two-way talk or motion alerts directly in Google Home.
Key Takeaways
- Aqara Doorbell works with Google Home via RTSP and third-party integrations like Home Assistant.
- No native Google Home support—requires workarounds for live view and alerts.
- Use Home Assistant or IFTTT to bridge Aqara Doorbell with Google Home routines.
- Check firmware compatibility before attempting integration to avoid setup issues.
- Audio and notifications work best when paired with a Google Nest Hub or speaker.
- Motion detection syncs with Google Home if routed through a smart hub.
📑 Table of Contents
- Understanding the Aqara Doorbell and Google Home Ecosystem
- Direct Compatibility: Does Aqara Doorbell Work Natively with Google Home?
- How to Connect Aqara Doorbell to Google Home: Step-by-Step Methods
- Limitations and Workarounds: What You Can and Can’t Do
- Comparing Aqara Doorbell with Google-Native Doorbells
- Future Outlook: Will Aqara Add Native Google Home Support?
- Conclusion: Should You Use an Aqara Doorbell with Google Home?
Understanding the Aqara Doorbell and Google Home Ecosystem
What Is the Aqara Doorbell?
The Aqara Doorbell is a smart home device designed to enhance security and convenience at your front door. Known for its sleek design and robust features, the Aqara Doorbell offers motion detection, two-way audio, high-definition video streaming, and integration with various smart home platforms. Depending on the model (such as the Aqara Video Doorbell G2H or G3), it supports Wi-Fi or Zigbee connectivity, local storage via microSD card, and cloud storage options. Many users appreciate its compatibility with Apple HomeKit, Alexa, and its own Aqara Home app, but a common question arises: Will Aqara Doorbell work with Google Home?
As smart home ecosystems continue to evolve, interoperability between brands and platforms becomes crucial. Aqara, a Xiaomi-backed company, has made strides in creating a unified smart home experience, but Google Home—powered by Google Assistant—remains a dominant player in voice control and smart home automation. The integration between Aqara Doorbell and Google Home is not always straightforward, and understanding the technical nuances, setup process, and limitations is essential for users considering this pairing.
What Is Google Home?
Google Home refers to the ecosystem of smart speakers, displays, and apps that run on Google Assistant. This ecosystem allows users to control smart devices using voice commands, create routines, and monitor their home remotely via the Google Home app. Devices that are “Works with Google Assistant” certified can be easily added, managed, and automated. Google Home supports a wide range of smart home brands, including Nest, Philips Hue, Ring, and many more. However, Aqara’s integration with Google Assistant is more nuanced due to differences in communication protocols, cloud dependencies, and regional availability.
For users invested in the Google Home ecosystem, the ability to see who’s at the door, receive doorbell notifications on their Google Nest Hub, or trigger automations when the doorbell rings is a significant advantage. But before investing in an Aqara Doorbell, it’s vital to determine whether these capabilities are fully supported—or if compromises must be made.
Direct Compatibility: Does Aqara Doorbell Work Natively with Google Home?
Official Works with Google Assistant Status
As of the latest updates in 2024, no Aqara Doorbell model is officially certified as “Works with Google Assistant” (WWGA). This means you cannot directly add an Aqara Doorbell to the Google Home app using standard device pairing methods. Unlike devices such as the Ring Doorbell or Nest Hello, which appear as native integrations in the Google Home app, Aqara Doorbells do not show up in the “Add Device” menu under the Google ecosystem.
This lack of official certification does not mean integration is impossible, but it does mean that users must rely on indirect methods such as third-party hubs, IFTTT, or smart home platforms that act as intermediaries. The absence of WWGA status also means limited voice control features—for example, you cannot say, “Hey Google, show me the front door” directly from the Aqara Doorbell feed on a Google Nest Hub without workarounds.
Why Isn’t There Native Support?
Several factors contribute to the lack of native Google Home integration:
- Protocol Differences: Many Aqara devices, including the Doorbell G2H Pro, use Zigbee for communication, which requires a Zigbee hub (like the Aqara Hub M1S or M2). Google Home does not natively support Zigbee, so a bridge is needed.
- Cloud vs. Local Processing: Aqara emphasizes local processing and privacy, often avoiding cloud-to-cloud integrations that Google Assistant relies on for real-time device communication.
- Regional Restrictions: Aqara’s product lineup and app features vary by region. For example, the Aqara Home app in the U.S. may have fewer Google Assistant integration options than in Europe or Asia.
- Business Strategy: Aqara has prioritized integration with Apple HomeKit and Amazon Alexa, where they have established partnerships and WWGA certification.
Despite these challenges, Aqara has made efforts to improve cross-platform compatibility through partnerships and firmware updates. However, Google Home remains a secondary priority in their ecosystem roadmap.
How to Connect Aqara Doorbell to Google Home: Step-by-Step Methods
Method 1: Using Aqara Hub + Google Home via IFTTT
One of the most reliable ways to integrate your Aqara Doorbell with Google Home is through IFTTT (If This Then That), a web-based automation service that connects apps and devices. Here’s how to set it up:
- Set up your Aqara Doorbell and Hub: Install the Aqara Doorbell, pair it with the Aqara Hub (e.g., M1S or M2), and ensure it’s working in the Aqara Home app.
- Connect Aqara to IFTTT: In the Aqara Home app, go to “Profile” > “HomeKit & Other Services” > “IFTTT” and follow the prompts to link your Aqara account to IFTTT.
- Create an IFTTT Applet: Log in to your IFTTT account and create a new applet. Set the trigger as “Aqara Doorbell” > “Doorbell Pressed.” For the action, choose “Google Assistant” > “Say a phrase with text ingredients” or “Send a push notification to Google Home.”
- Configure the Action: For example, you can set the applet to say, “Someone is at the front door!” when the Aqara Doorbell is pressed. You can also send a notification to your phone or Google Nest Hub.
- Test the Integration: Press the doorbell and verify that the voice announcement or notification appears on your Google Home devices.
Tip: Use IFTTT to trigger other actions, such as turning on a smart light or sending a message to a group chat. This method works well for basic notifications but has a slight delay (usually 2-5 seconds) due to cloud processing.
Method 2: Using Home Assistant as a Bridge
For advanced users, Home Assistant (HA) is a powerful open-source platform that can act as a central hub for all your smart devices, including Aqara and Google Home. Here’s how to use it:
- Install Home Assistant: Use a Raspberry Pi, Home Assistant OS, or a virtual machine to run HA.
- Add Aqara Devices: Use the Zigbee2MQTT or ZHA (Zigbee Home Automation) integration to pair your Aqara Doorbell and Hub with HA.
- Enable Google Assistant Integration: In HA, go to “Configuration” > “Integrations” > “Google Assistant” and follow the setup. This will sync your HA devices to the Google Home app.
- Create Automations: Use HA’s automation engine to trigger actions. For example: “When Aqara Doorbell is pressed, send a notification to Google Home and display the camera feed on a Nest Hub.”
- Stream Camera to Google Home: Use the Google Cast integration in HA to cast your Aqara Doorbell live feed to a Google Nest Hub or TV with Chromecast.
Example: A user in California set up their Aqara G3 Doorbell with Home Assistant. When the doorbell is pressed, the system triggers a Google Assistant routine that says, “Delivery at the front door!” and displays a 10-second video clip on their Nest Hub Max. This setup also records the event to a local NAS for privacy.
Pros: Full automation, real-time control, local processing, and no reliance on third-party cloud services.
Cons: Requires technical knowledge, initial setup time, and ongoing maintenance.
Method 3: Using Aqara’s HomeKit + Google Home (via Home Assistant or Starling Hub)
Since Aqara Doorbells support Apple HomeKit, you can use a Starling Home Hub to bridge HomeKit devices to Google Home. The Starling Hub connects to your HomeKit network and exposes compatible devices to Google Assistant.
- Set up Aqara Doorbell in HomeKit: Pair the doorbell with your Apple Home via the Aqara Home app.
- Install Starling Home Hub: Connect the hub to your network and log in with your Apple ID.
- Add Devices to Google Home: In the Google Home app, look for devices under “HomeKit” or “Starling Home Hub.” Your Aqara Doorbell should appear.
- Create Routines: Use Google Assistant to trigger announcements or notifications when the doorbell rings.
Note: This method works best with Wi-Fi-enabled Aqara Doorbells (like the G3). Zigbee models may not be fully supported due to HomeKit limitations.
Limitations and Workarounds: What You Can and Can’t Do
Supported Features with Google Home Integration
Even without native support, you can achieve several useful integrations:
- Voice Announcements: Use IFTTT or Home Assistant to make Google Assistant speak when the doorbell is pressed.
- Notifications: Receive push notifications on your phone or Google devices.
- Camera Feed on Google Displays: With Home Assistant, cast the live feed to a Nest Hub or Chromecast.
- Automation Triggers: Turn on lights, lock doors, or send alerts to other family members when the doorbell rings.
- Two-Way Audio (Indirect): While you can’t use Google Assistant for two-way talk, you can open the Aqara Home app on a tablet or phone to respond.
Unsupported or Limited Features
Despite workarounds, some features remain unavailable or suboptimal:
- Direct Camera View in Google Home App: You cannot view the Aqara Doorbell feed directly in the Google Home app like a Nest Hello.
- Voice-Activated Doorbell Press: You cannot say, “Hey Google, ring the doorbell” to simulate a press.
- Real-Time Two-Way Audio via Google Assistant: No native support for speaking through the doorbell using voice commands.
- Motion Detection Alerts on Google Devices: IFTTT only supports doorbell press events, not motion triggers, unless using Home Assistant.
- Google Routine Integration for Advanced Scenarios: Complex automations (e.g., “If motion detected after 10 PM, turn on lights and notify”) require HA or IFTTT, not native Google routines.
Performance and Reliability Considerations
When using indirect methods, consider these factors:
- Latency: IFTTT delays can range from 2–10 seconds, which may affect real-time responsiveness.
- Reliability: Cloud-based services (IFTTT, Aqara Cloud) may experience outages or rate limits.
- Privacy: Using IFTTT or cloud bridges means your doorbell data may pass through third-party servers. Home Assistant offers local processing for better privacy.
- Power and Internet Dependency: Ensure your Aqara Hub and Google devices have stable power and Wi-Fi.
Comparing Aqara Doorbell with Google-Native Doorbells
Feature Comparison Table
| Feature | Aqara Doorbell (G3) | Google Nest Doorbell (Battery) | Ring Video Doorbell 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Native Google Home Integration | ❌ (Requires workarounds) | ✅ (Full integration) | ✅ (Full integration) |
| Voice Control via Google Assistant | ⚠️ (Limited via IFTTT/HA) | ✅ (Full support) | ✅ (Full support) |
| Camera Feed on Nest Hub | ⚠️ (Only via HA or Starling) | ✅ (Native support) | ✅ (Native support) |
| Two-Way Audio via Google Assistant | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Motion Detection Alerts on Google Devices | ⚠️ (Requires HA) | ✅ | ✅ |
| Local Storage | ✅ (microSD card) | ⚠️ (Limited to 3 hours with Nest Aware) | ❌ (Cloud only) |
| Subscription Required | ❌ (Optional cloud) | ✅ (Nest Aware for advanced features) | ✅ (Ring Protect) |
| Price (USD) | $99–$149 | $179 | $199 |
When to Choose Aqara Over Google-Native Doorbells
Despite integration challenges, the Aqara Doorbell has advantages:
- Cost-Effective: Lower price point with similar features.
- Local Storage: No mandatory subscription; recordings stay on your microSD card.
- Multi-Platform Support: Works with Apple HomeKit, Alexa, and Aqara Home.
- Privacy-Focused: Less reliance on cloud services compared to Ring or Nest.
- Zigbee Support: Reduces Wi-Fi congestion and improves battery life (for battery models).
Best For: Users who value privacy, local control, and are willing to set up workarounds for Google Home integration. Also ideal for those already using Aqara sensors, lights, or cameras.
When to Choose Google-Native Doorbells
Opt for a Google Nest or Ring Doorbell if:
- You want seamless Google Home integration out of the box.
- You frequently use Google Assistant for two-way talk.
- You rely on Google Nest Hubs for live camera viewing.
- You prefer plug-and-play setup without technical hurdles.
Future Outlook: Will Aqara Add Native Google Home Support?
Aqara’s Ecosystem Strategy
Aqara has been gradually expanding its smart home ecosystem. In 2023, they announced new partnerships and firmware updates aimed at improving cross-platform compatibility. While Google Home integration was not a focus, the company has expressed interest in broader interoperability, especially as Matter protocol adoption grows.
The Role of Matter and Google
The Matter protocol, backed by Google, Apple, Amazon, and others, aims to unify smart home device communication. Aqara has joined the Connectivity Standards Alliance and is rolling out Matter support for some devices (e.g., Aqara Hub M2). If Aqara extends Matter support to its doorbells, native Google Home integration could become a reality without requiring workarounds.
What Users Can Do Now
To encourage Aqara to prioritize Google Home:
- Submit feature requests via the Aqara Home app or official forums.
- Engage with Aqara on social media to voice demand.
- Monitor firmware updates for new integrations.
- Consider using Matter-certified Aqara devices as they become available.
Until then, the methods described above remain the best options for integrating Aqara Doorbells with Google Home.
Conclusion: Should You Use an Aqara Doorbell with Google Home?
The answer to “Will Aqara Doorbell work with Google Home?” is nuanced: Yes, but not natively. While there’s no official “Works with Google Assistant” certification, determined users can achieve functional integration using IFTTT, Home Assistant, or the Starling Home Hub. These methods allow for voice announcements, notifications, and even live camera feeds on Google devices—though with some limitations in real-time performance and feature depth.
For casual users who want simple doorbell alerts and don’t mind a slight delay, IFTTT offers a quick and easy solution. For tech-savvy homeowners who value automation, privacy, and full control, Home Assistant provides the most robust integration. And for Apple ecosystem users who also use Google devices, the Starling Hub is a reliable bridge.
Ultimately, the Aqara Doorbell is a high-quality, feature-rich device that can complement your Google Home setup—especially if you’re already invested in the Aqara ecosystem. While it requires extra effort to integrate, the payoff in privacy, local storage, and multi-platform flexibility can be worth it.
Final Tip: Before purchasing, consider your technical comfort level and long-term smart home goals. If seamless Google Assistant control is your top priority, a Nest or Ring Doorbell may be a better fit. But if you’re open to creative solutions and value Aqara’s unique features, the integration is definitely achievable—and well worth the effort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Aqara Doorbell work with Google Home?
The Aqara Doorbell can work with Google Home, but compatibility depends on the model and integration via the Google Home app or Aqara’s ecosystem. Some models require a hub (like the Aqara Hub) for full functionality, such as live video streaming.
How do I connect my Aqara Doorbell to Google Home?
To connect your Aqara Doorbell to Google Home, ensure your doorbell is linked to the Aqara app first, then enable the Aqara service in the Google Home app under “Works with Google.” Note that certain features may require a compatible hub.
Does the Aqara Doorbell support Google Home voice commands?
Yes, once integrated with Google Home, you can use voice commands like “Hey Google, show me the front door” to view the Aqara Doorbell feed on compatible devices (e.g., Nest Hub). However, real-time alerts depend on your setup.
Can I use Aqara Doorbell with Google Home without a hub?
Some Aqara Doorbell models (like the Wireless version) can connect directly to Google Home via Wi-Fi, but advanced features like local storage or multi-device sync may require an Aqara Hub for seamless operation.
Why isn’t my Aqara Doorbell showing up in Google Home?
This could be due to outdated firmware, incorrect Aqara-Google account linking, or lack of hub support. Double-check compatibility, update all apps, and re-sync the devices to troubleshoot.
What Google Home devices support Aqara Doorbell?
The Aqara Doorbell works with most Google Home devices, including Nest Hub (1st/2nd gen), Nest Hub Max, and Android TVs. Live video streaming is supported, but audio feedback may vary by device.