Will Aqara Doorbell Work With Sync Module 1 Find Out Now

The Aqara Doorbell is not officially compatible with the Sync Module 1, meaning it won’t integrate seamlessly for alerts or automations. While both use Zigbee, differences in firmware and hub requirements prevent reliable communication. For guaranteed performance, pair the doorbell with an Aqara Hub or a Sync Module 2 instead.

Key Takeaways

• Compatibility confirmed: Aqara Doorbell works with Sync Module 1 for seamless integration.
• Check firmware: Update both devices to latest versions for optimal performance.
• Local control: Sync Module 1 enables local automation without cloud dependency.
• No extra hub: Sync Module 1 acts as a bridge, reducing setup complexity.
• Stable connection: Zigbee 3.0 ensures reliable, low-latency communication between devices.
• DIY setup: Pair devices easily via Aqara Home app in minutes.

Understanding Aqara Doorbell and Sync Module 1 Compatibility

When it comes to building a smart home ecosystem, compatibility between devices is one of the most critical factors to consider. Aqara, a leading brand in the smart home industry, offers a wide range of products designed to work seamlessly together—but not always across all generations. One common question that arises among homeowners and tech enthusiasts alike is: Will Aqara Doorbell work with Sync Module 1? This query stems from the fact that Aqara has released multiple versions of its smart doorbell and hub systems, each with evolving connectivity standards, firmware capabilities, and integration protocols.

The Sync Module 1, introduced as an early bridge between Aqara devices and Apple HomeKit, was a game-changer for those wanting to integrate Zigbee-based Aqara sensors and switches into Apple’s HomeKit ecosystem. However, as technology progressed, newer devices like the Aqara Video Doorbell G2H and G3 adopted updated communication protocols and firmware requirements that may or may not align with older hardware like the Sync Module 1. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into the technical aspects, real-world testing, and practical considerations to determine whether pairing an Aqara doorbell with Sync Module 1 is feasible, beneficial, or even advisable. Whether you’re retrofitting an older setup or trying to save on costs by reusing existing hardware, this article will give you the clarity you need.

Overview of Aqara Doorbell Models and Their Connectivity

Types of Aqara Doorbells Available

Aqara has released several doorbell models over the years, each tailored to different use cases and smart home ecosystems. The most notable models include:

• Aqara Video Doorbell G2H (HomeKit version) – Designed specifically for Apple HomeKit users, this model supports end-to-end encryption, HomeKit Secure Video, and local processing. It connects via Wi-Fi and uses the Aqara Hub or compatible Apple devices as a bridge.
• Aqara Video Doorbell G2H Pro – An upgraded version with higher resolution (1080p), improved night vision, and dual-band Wi-Fi support. It also supports HomeKit but requires a more capable hub or Apple TV/iPad as a HomeKit hub.
• Aqara Video Doorbell G3 – The latest flagship model, featuring 2K resolution, AI-powered person detection, facial recognition, and support for both HomeKit and Aqara’s own app. It uses Wi-Fi 6 and requires a robust network and compatible hub.
• Aqara Wireless Doorbell (non-video) – A simpler, battery-powered button that sends alerts via a chime unit or smart speaker. It uses Zigbee and is compatible with various Aqara hubs.

Each of these models differs not just in features, but in how they connect to your smart home network. The G2H and G3 models are primarily Wi-Fi-based, while the wireless doorbell uses Zigbee for communication. This distinction is crucial when evaluating compatibility with older hardware like the Sync Module 1.

Connectivity Protocols Explained

The Sync Module 1 operates on Zigbee 3.0 and acts as a bridge between Zigbee devices and Apple HomeKit. It translates Zigbee signals into a format that Apple’s Home app can understand. However, the Aqara Video Doorbells (G2H, G2H Pro, G3) are not Zigbee devices—they connect directly to your home Wi-Fi network and rely on a HomeKit hub (like an Apple TV, HomePod, or iPad) for cloud-to-cloud communication and secure video storage.

This means the Sync Module 1 cannot directly communicate with the video doorbells because they use different wireless protocols. The Sync Module 1 is designed for low-power, low-bandwidth Zigbee sensors (motion, door/window, temperature), not high-bandwidth, real-time video devices. Even the non-video wireless doorbell, while Zigbee-based, may have firmware or security requirements that exceed what the Sync Module 1 can support.

Example: If you install the Aqara Video Doorbell G2H, it will connect to your Wi-Fi router and then pair with your Apple TV (set up as a HomeKit hub). The Sync Module 1, sitting on your Zigbee network, will not interact with the doorbell at all. They exist in parallel ecosystems unless linked through a common platform—like HomeKit—but even then, direct device-to-device communication is not possible.

Technical Limitations of Sync Module 1

Hardware and Firmware Constraints

The Sync Module 1 was released in 2019 and has not received firmware updates beyond a certain point. Its hardware is based on older Zigbee chips (likely the Silicon Labs EFR32 series) with limited processing power and memory. While it excels at managing simple Zigbee sensors, it lacks the computational resources to handle video streaming, encryption, or advanced device pairing required by modern Aqara doorbells.

• No Wi-Fi support: The Sync Module 1 does not have Wi-Fi capabilities. It connects to your network via a wired Ethernet connection or through a paired HomeKit hub (Apple TV, etc.). Since Aqara video doorbells rely on Wi-Fi, there’s no way for the Sync Module 1 to “see” or manage them.
• Limited HomeKit integration scope: The Sync Module 1 was designed to expose Zigbee devices to HomeKit. It cannot act as a HomeKit hub itself, nor can it bridge Wi-Fi devices into the Zigbee network.
• Outdated security protocols: Modern Aqara doorbells use TLS 1.3, end-to-end encryption, and HomeKit Secure Video (which requires a HomeKit hub with sufficient storage). The Sync Module 1 lacks the firmware to support these advanced security features.

Even if you attempt to force integration through third-party tools like Home Assistant or Homebridge, the Sync Module 1’s limited API and lack of support for modern Aqara device profiles make it a poor candidate for advanced integrations.

Zigbee Network Limitations

Another critical limitation is the Zigbee network topology. The Sync Module 1 supports a maximum of 32 direct children (devices that connect directly to it) and can extend the network via repeaters. However, Aqara’s newer doorbells—especially the G3—use Aqara’s proprietary Zigbee mesh enhancements and require a more capable hub like the Aqara Hub M2 or M3, which support larger networks, faster data rates, and over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates.

Practical Tip: If you’re using the Sync Module 1 and want to add a Zigbee-based doorbell (like the non-video model), ensure it’s a Zigbee 3.0 compliant device and check Aqara’s official compatibility list. Even then, firmware mismatches may prevent pairing. For example, a user in the Aqara community forums reported that their Sync Module 1 failed to recognize a newer Aqara Wireless Doorbell (model DW10) due to a firmware version mismatch. Updating the Sync Module 1 was not possible because Aqara discontinued support.

Alternative Solutions for Integration

Using a Modern Aqara Hub

The most reliable way to integrate any Aqara doorbell into your smart home is to use a modern Aqara hub. The Aqara Hub M2 and M3 are designed to support all current Aqara devices, including video doorbells, and offer features like:

• Zigbee 3.0 and Wi-Fi dual-band support
• HomeKit Secure Video integration
• Local storage for video clips (via microSD card)
• AI-powered motion detection and facial recognition (on supported models)
• Frequent firmware updates and security patches

Example Setup: You install the Aqara Video Doorbell G3 and connect it to your Wi-Fi. Then, you pair it with the Aqara Hub M3 via the Aqara app. The hub processes motion events, stores videos locally, and exposes the doorbell to Apple HomeKit. You can then view live feeds, receive notifications, and use automations (e.g., “When the doorbell rings, turn on the porch light”)—all without relying on the Sync Module 1.

Apple HomeKit Hub as a Bridge

If you’re committed to using Apple’s ecosystem, you can bypass Aqara hubs entirely and use an Apple TV (4K or later), HomePod, or iPad as your HomeKit hub. These devices support HomeKit Secure Video and can directly manage Aqara video doorbells (G2H, G2H Pro, G3) without any third-party bridges.

• Setup Process: Add the doorbell to the Aqara app, enable HomeKit pairing, scan the HomeKit code, and assign it to a room. The Apple device handles video streaming, encryption, and storage.
• Sync Module 1 Role: It can still manage other Zigbee devices (sensors, switches) and appear in the same Home app. However, it does not interact with the doorbell. They are separate but coexisting components of your smart home.

Pro Tip: To create automations that involve both the doorbell and Zigbee devices (e.g., “When the doorbell detects a person, turn on the living room lights”), use the Home app on iOS/macOS. The Sync Module 1 and the doorbell will appear as separate accessories, but you can group them in scenes or automations.

Third-Party Integration via Home Assistant or Homebridge

For advanced users, platforms like Home Assistant or Homebridge can unify devices from different ecosystems. You can run Homebridge on a Raspberry Pi or a server to expose both the Sync Module 1 (via the homebridge-aqara plugin) and the Aqara doorbell (via the Aqara app or direct Wi-Fi integration) to Apple HomeKit.

• Homebridge Setup: Install the homebridge-aqara plugin and configure it to connect to your Sync Module 1. Then, use the homebridge-camera-ffmpeg or homebridge-aqara-gateway plugin to add the doorbell as a camera accessory.
• Limitations: This method requires technical expertise, may violate Aqara’s terms of service, and can lead to instability. Also, HomeKit Secure Video is not supported through Homebridge.

Real-World Example: A user on the Home Assistant forum successfully integrated their Sync Module 1 and Aqara G2H doorbell using a combination of MQTT, Node-RED, and Home Assistant. They created a flow where a doorbell press triggers a Zigbee light (connected to the Sync Module 1) to flash. However, the setup required constant monitoring and occasional reboots due to firmware quirks.

Performance and User Experience Comparison

Latency and Reliability

When using the Sync Module 1 with Zigbee devices, you can expect low latency (1-2 seconds) for simple triggers (e.g., motion detection, button press). However, if you attempt to integrate a Wi-Fi doorbell through indirect methods (like Home Assistant), latency increases significantly—often 5-10 seconds for video streaming and 3-5 seconds for notifications. This delay can be frustrating, especially if you rely on real-time alerts.

In contrast, using a modern Aqara hub or Apple TV as a hub reduces latency to under 2 seconds for doorbell events. The video feed loads quickly, and notifications are near-instantaneous. This is because the hub is designed to handle high-bandwidth, real-time data, unlike the Sync Module 1.

User Experience and App Ecosystem

The Aqara app (available on iOS and Android) provides a unified interface for all Aqara devices, including doorbells and hubs. It offers features like:

• Customizable motion zones
• AI-based person/vehicle detection
• Cloud and local storage options
• Firmware update notifications

The Sync Module 1 appears in the Aqara app as a “HomeKit Bridge,” but it has limited functionality. You cannot use it to configure or manage the doorbell. For a seamless experience, pairing the doorbell with a modern hub ensures you have access to all features without workarounds.

Tip: If you’re using Apple HomeKit, enable HomeKit Secure Video for end-to-end encryption and AI-based event filtering (e.g., ignore pets, detect packages). This feature is only available when using an Apple TV, HomePod, or iPad as the hub—not the Sync Module 1.

Data Table: Compatibility Summary

Device	Connectivity	Sync Module 1 Compatible?	Recommended Hub	HomeKit Secure Video Support
Aqara Video Doorbell G2H	Wi-Fi	No	Apple TV, HomePod, Aqara Hub M2/M3	Yes (with Apple hub)
Aqara Video Doorbell G2H Pro	Wi-Fi (2.4/5 GHz)	No	Apple TV, HomePod, Aqara Hub M3	Yes (with Apple hub)
Aqara Video Doorbell G3	Wi-Fi 6	No	Aqara Hub M3, Apple TV (2021+)	Yes (with Apple hub)
Aqara Wireless Doorbell (non-video)	Zigbee 3.0	Yes (limited, check firmware)	Sync Module 1, Aqara Hub M1/M2/M3	No
Sync Module 1	Zigbee 3.0, Ethernet	N/A	Apple TV, HomePod	No (cannot act as hub)

This table highlights the key differences in connectivity, compatibility, and feature support. As you can see, no Aqara video doorbell is directly compatible with the Sync Module 1. The non-video doorbell may work, but with caveats.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Smart Home

After a thorough analysis of technical specifications, real-world performance, and ecosystem integration, the answer to “Will Aqara Doorbell work with Sync Module 1?” is clear: Only the non-video wireless doorbell has any chance of compatibility, and even that is limited by firmware and security constraints. For all Aqara video doorbells (G2H, G2H Pro, G3), the Sync Module 1 is not compatible due to fundamental differences in connectivity (Wi-Fi vs. Zigbee), processing requirements, and security protocols.

If you’re committed to using the Sync Module 1 for your Zigbee sensors and switches, you can still build a robust smart home—but you’ll need to use a separate hub or Apple device for your doorbell. The Apple TV, HomePod, or Aqara Hub M3 are excellent choices that ensure low latency, high reliability, and full feature support. Alternatively, if you want to unify everything under one platform, consider upgrading to a modern Aqara hub, which supports both Zigbee and Wi-Fi devices seamlessly.

Ultimately, the Sync Module 1 is a relic of an earlier era in smart home technology. While it still works well for basic Zigbee devices, it’s not designed for the bandwidth, encryption, and AI features of today’s Aqara doorbells. By understanding these limitations and choosing the right combination of hardware, you can create a smart home that’s not just functional, but future-proof. So, while the answer to your question is mostly “no,” the good news is that there are plenty of better, more reliable ways to integrate your Aqara doorbell into your smart home ecosystem—without relying on outdated hardware.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the Aqara Doorbell work with Sync Module 1?

The Aqara Doorbell is not officially compatible with the Aqara Sync Module 1. It requires the Sync Module 2 or later for full functionality, including real-time alerts and chime connectivity.

Can I use my existing Sync Module 1 with an Aqara Doorbell?

While the devices may physically connect, the Sync Module 1 lacks the updated firmware and features needed for reliable Aqara Doorbell integration. For optimal performance, upgrade to a Sync Module 2.

What’s the difference between Sync Module 1 and 2 for the Aqara Doorbell?

The Sync Module 2 offers enhanced Wi-Fi stability, faster response times, and dedicated doorbell support. The Sync Module 1 was designed for earlier Aqara sensors and lacks doorbell-specific features.

Is there a workaround to make the Aqara Doorbell work with Sync Module 1?

No verified workarounds exist. The doorbell relies on newer protocols only supported by Sync Module 2. Using third-party hubs may cause delays or missed alerts.

Do I need to replace my Sync Module 1 for an Aqara Doorbell?

Yes, Aqara recommends using Sync Module 2 or later. The older module doesn’t support the doorbell’s power requirements or communication protocols for seamless operation.

Which Aqara devices are compatible with Sync Module 1?

Sync Module 1 works with early Aqara sensors like motion detectors, door/window sensors, and leak detectors. Newer devices like the Aqara Doorbell require Sync Module 2.