Will Aqara Video Doorbell Work With 2 Phones Simultaneously

Yes, the Aqara Video Doorbell supports simultaneous connection to two phones, allowing both users to receive live alerts, view video feeds, and communicate via two-way audio in real time. This dual-device functionality is ideal for shared households or remote monitoring, ensuring no missed visitors or deliveries when multiple people need access.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, it supports dual connections: Aqara Video Doorbell works with two phones simultaneously via the Aqara app.
• Same Aqara account required: Both phones must log in to the same account for shared access.
• Real-time alerts on both devices: Motion and doorbell events notify both phones instantly.
• Live view on two screens: Stream video feed to two phones at the same time.
• Admin controls remain unified: Settings and permissions sync across both devices automatically.
• No extra fees for multi-user: Free app access—no subscription needed for dual-phone use.

Will Aqara Video Doorbell Work With 2 Phones Simultaneously: A Deep Dive

The Aqara Video Doorbell has emerged as one of the most popular smart home devices for homeowners seeking enhanced security and convenience. With its sleek design, high-resolution video, motion detection, and seamless integration into smart home ecosystems, it’s no surprise that more people are investing in this technology. But as families grow, households expand, and multiple users want access to the same smart device, a critical question arises: Will Aqara Video Doorbell work with 2 phones simultaneously? Whether you’re sharing access between a spouse and yourself, managing a household with teens, or coordinating with a property manager, the ability to have multiple users connected to a single doorbell is essential for effective home security and communication.

This blog post explores every angle of this question, from technical capabilities and app integration to real-world usage scenarios and troubleshooting tips. We’ll examine how the Aqara ecosystem supports multi-user access, what limitations exist, and how to configure your system so that two—or even more—users can receive notifications, view live video, and interact with visitors at the door in real time. Whether you’re a tech-savvy homeowner or a first-time smart device user, this guide will help you understand the full potential of the Aqara Video Doorbell when shared across multiple smartphones.

Understanding the Aqara Video Doorbell Ecosystem

Core Features and Connectivity

The Aqara Video Doorbell (models include the G2H, G3, and newer G4) is designed to integrate into the broader Aqara smart home ecosystem. It connects via Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz, with some models supporting 5 GHz) and communicates with the Aqara Home app, available on both iOS and Android. The doorbell captures 1080p or higher resolution video (depending on the model), offers night vision, two-way audio, motion detection with AI-based human recognition, and local or cloud-based video storage options.

One of the standout features is its ability to trigger automations—like turning on indoor lights when someone approaches the door—through integration with other Aqara sensors and smart devices. But the heart of multi-user functionality lies in the app’s user management system, which allows for shared access across multiple devices.

App-Based Control and User Roles

The Aqara Home app supports multiple user accounts with customizable permissions. When you set up the doorbell, you are designated as the primary account holder (or “admin”). From there, you can invite additional users via email or app-generated invite links. Each invited user must have the Aqara Home app installed and create their own account.

Once added, secondary users can receive push notifications, view live feeds, review recorded footage (if cloud or microSD storage is enabled), and respond to visitors using two-way talk. However, the level of access can be tailored. For example, you can allow a family member full access, while restricting a neighbor or babysitter to only receiving motion alerts without access to video playback.

Real-World Example: Family Setup

Consider a household where both parents work full-time. The husband sets up the Aqara G3 doorbell and adds his wife as a secondary user. When someone rings the doorbell at 3:00 PM while both are at work, both phones receive an instant notification. Either parent can open the app, see who’s at the door (e.g., a delivery person), and speak to them remotely. This ensures no missed deliveries or surprise visitors—both users are equally informed and empowered.

How Multi-Device Access Works: Technical and Practical Insights

Simultaneous App Logins and Push Notifications

Yes, the Aqara Video Doorbell can work with two phones simultaneously—and more. The system is built to support multiple app instances connected to the same device. When the doorbell is triggered (by a button press or motion), the Aqara cloud server sends push notifications to all authorized devices logged into the same Aqara Home account or invited as secondary users.

Each phone receives the notification independently. This means both users can open the app at the same time, view the live feed, and even speak to the visitor concurrently. The two-way audio is handled via the app, so both users hear the same audio stream, though only one can speak at a time (the app prevents audio overlap).

Bandwidth and Network Considerations

While the Aqara doorbell supports multiple users, network performance can affect the experience. When two or more devices stream the live feed simultaneously, bandwidth usage increases. The G3 and G4 models support H.265 video compression, which reduces data usage compared to older H.264 formats. Still, here are a few tips to ensure smooth performance:

• Ensure your Wi-Fi network is robust and has a strong signal at the doorbell location (use a Wi-Fi analyzer app to check).
• If multiple users are streaming at once, consider upgrading to a mesh Wi-Fi system to reduce congestion.
• Use local storage (microSD card) to reduce reliance on cloud bandwidth for video retrieval.
• Set lower resolution streaming for secondary users (if needed) to conserve bandwidth.

Cloud vs. Local Storage and Multi-User Access

A critical factor in multi-user functionality is how video is stored. Aqara offers both options:

• Cloud Storage: Requires a subscription (Aqara Cloud Service). All authorized users can access recorded clips, but only users with active subscriptions can view cloud-stored videos. If the primary account has a subscription, secondary users can access it—but only if they are granted permission and the primary account is active.
• Local Storage (microSD): Up to 128GB microSD card (sold separately). All users can access recordings stored locally without a subscription. This is ideal for households wanting to avoid recurring fees while still sharing access.

Tip: For best multi-user performance, combine local storage with cloud backup. This ensures redundancy and uninterrupted access, even if one storage method fails.

Setting Up Multiple Phones: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Add the Doorbell to the Primary Account

Begin by setting up the Aqara Video Doorbell using the Aqara Home app on the primary user’s phone. Follow the in-app instructions to connect to Wi-Fi, mount the doorbell, and test the video and audio. Ensure firmware is up to date for optimal performance.

Step 2: Invite a Secondary User

1. Open the Aqara Home app.
2. Navigate to Me > Home Management > Invite Members.
3. Enter the email address of the secondary user.
4. Choose a role: Owner (full access), Admin (most permissions), or Member (limited access).
5. Send the invite. The secondary user receives an email with a link to join the home.

Step 3: Accept the Invite and Set Up the Second Phone

The secondary user must:

• Download the Aqara Home app.
• Create an account or log in if they already have one.
• Tap the invite link or accept the invite within the app.
• Once accepted, the Aqara Video Doorbell will appear in their device list.

Step 4: Customize Notification Settings

Both users can personalize their experience:

• Go to Device > Aqara Video Doorbell > Notification Settings.
• Enable or disable motion alerts, doorbell press alerts, and AI detection (e.g., human, package, pet).
• Set notification sounds, vibration, and priority levels.
• Enable or disable two-way talk access.

Step 5: Test the Setup

Conduct a real-world test:

• Have one user ring the doorbell while the other stands outside (or use a second device to simulate a visitor).
• Check that both phones receive the notification within seconds.
• Verify that both can open the live feed and speak to the visitor.
• Test video playback from local or cloud storage.

Pro Tip: Use the “Share Device” feature if you want to grant temporary access (e.g., to a house cleaner). This allows time-limited access without full home permissions.

Common Challenges and How to Fix Them

Delayed or Missed Notifications

One of the most reported issues is delayed or missed alerts on secondary phones. This can happen due to:

• Phone battery optimization: Some Android phones (e.g., Xiaomi, Samsung) aggressively kill background apps to save power. Disable battery optimization for the Aqara Home app in Settings > Apps > Aqara Home > Battery > Unrestricted.
• Do Not Disturb or Focus modes: Ensure notifications are allowed during these modes.
• App cache issues: Clear the app cache or reinstall the app if notifications are consistently missed.

Live Feed Lag or Buffering

If the live video stutters or buffers on one or both phones:

• Check Wi-Fi signal strength near the doorbell (aim for -60 dBm or better).
• Reduce the number of simultaneous streams (e.g., one user views live feed while the other checks recorded clips).
• Lower the video quality in the app settings for secondary users.
• Restart the router and doorbell to refresh the connection.

Access Denied or Permission Errors

Sometimes, secondary users report “Access Denied” when trying to view video or speak. This is usually due to:

• Incorrect role assignment: Ensure the user is added as “Admin” or “Owner” if they need full access.
• Cloud subscription expired: If using cloud storage, only users under the primary account with an active subscription can access recordings.
• App version mismatch: Ensure both users have the latest version of the Aqara Home app.

Syncing Across Devices Takes Time

After adding a new user or changing permissions, it may take 1–2 minutes for the changes to sync across all devices. This is normal due to server propagation. If issues persist, try logging out and back in, or restart the app.

Advanced Use Cases: More Than Two Phones and Automation

Supporting Three or More Users

The Aqara system supports up to 10 secondary users per home. This makes it ideal for larger families, shared housing, or rental properties. Each user can have customized alerts and access levels. For example:

• Parents: Full access (live feed, recordings, automations).
• Teenagers: Notifications and live feed, but no access to video history.
• Grandparents: Only doorbell press alerts (no motion detection).
• Property manager: Access during specific hours (using automation rules).

Integration with Smart Home Platforms

Aqara devices integrate with Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and IFTTT. This enhances multi-user functionality:

• With Apple HomeKit, both users with Apple devices can use Siri to view the doorbell feed (“Hey Siri, show me the front door”).
• Using IFTTT, you can trigger custom actions—like sending an SMS to a third person when the doorbell rings—even if they don’t have the Aqara app.
• Google Assistant allows voice control from smart speakers, so both users can say, “Hey Google, show me the front door,” on their respective devices.

Automation Scenarios for Multi-User Homes

Automations can make multi-user setups more efficient:

• When motion is detected after 10 PM, send a notification to both phones and turn on the porch light.
• If the doorbell is pressed and no one answers within 30 seconds, send a follow-up alert to a third family member.
• On weekends, disable motion alerts for the kids’ room (to avoid false alarms from pets).

Example: A family uses an Aqara motion sensor near the front door. When motion is detected between 8 PM and 6 AM, both parents’ phones receive a notification, and the indoor Aqara smart bulb flashes red—alerting them even if the app is closed.

Performance Comparison: Aqara vs. Competitors

Feature	Aqara Video Doorbell (G3/G4)	Ring Video Doorbell (4)	Google Nest Doorbell (Battery)
Multi-User Support	Yes (up to 10 users)	Yes (via Ring app, up to 4 users)	Yes (via Google Home app)
Simultaneous Live Streaming	Yes (limited by bandwidth)	Yes (up to 3 streams)	Yes (Google Home app)
Local Storage Option	Yes (microSD up to 128GB)	Yes (with Ring Protect subscription)	No (cloud-only)
Cloud Subscription Required	Optional (local storage available)	Required for video history	Required for video history
Smart Home Integration	Apple HomeKit, Google, Alexa, IFTTT	Alexa, IFTTT	Google Assistant, Alexa
Two-Way Talk on Multiple Devices	Yes (one speaker at a time)	Yes	Yes
Notification Customization per User	Yes (via roles and settings)	Limited (same alerts for all)	Yes (via Google Home)

This comparison highlights Aqara’s advantage in flexible multi-user access, especially with local storage and broader smart home integration. While competitors like Ring and Nest offer strong features, Aqara’s ecosystem provides more granular control and lower long-term costs when shared across multiple users.

Final Thoughts: Yes, It Works—And It Works Well

To answer the original question directly: Yes, the Aqara Video Doorbell will work with two phones simultaneously—and it does so reliably, efficiently, and with a high degree of customization. Whether you’re a couple sharing home security duties, a family with multiple adults, or managing a rental property, the Aqara system is designed to support shared access without compromising performance or privacy.

The key to success lies in proper setup: inviting users correctly, configuring notification settings, ensuring strong Wi-Fi, and choosing the right storage method (local vs. cloud). With these elements in place, both users can receive real-time alerts, view live video, speak to visitors, and access recorded footage—all from their respective smartphones.

Moreover, the Aqara ecosystem goes beyond basic functionality. With support for automation, voice assistants, and third-party platforms, it transforms the doorbell from a simple security device into a central hub for household communication and smart living. The ability to scale to 10 users, customize access levels, and integrate with existing smart home devices makes Aqara a standout choice in the competitive video doorbell market.

As smart homes continue to evolve, multi-user functionality will only grow in importance. The Aqara Video Doorbell is not just ready for that future—it’s helping to shape it. So if you’re considering adding a second phone to your Aqara setup, go ahead. With the right configuration, you’ll enjoy seamless, simultaneous access that keeps everyone in the loop—literally at the front door.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Aqara Video Doorbell be connected to two phones at the same time?

Yes, the Aqara Video Doorbell supports simultaneous connection to multiple devices, including two phones. Both users can receive live alerts and view footage through the Aqara app.

How do I set up my Aqara Video Doorbell for two users?

To share access, add the second phone via the “Device Sharing” feature in the Aqara app. Both users must have the app installed and accept the invitation to view the feed simultaneously.

Will Aqara Video Doorbell work with 2 phones if they’re on different accounts?

Yes, as long as the second account is granted permission via the primary account’s sharing settings. Each phone will then operate independently within the app.

Can two people watch the Aqara Video Doorbell feed at once?

Yes, multiple users can view the live stream simultaneously. However, performance may depend on your Wi-Fi network and the doorbell’s connection strength.

Does the Aqara Video Doorbell support multi-user notifications on two phones?

Yes, both phones will receive instant motion or doorbell press alerts. Each user can customize their notification preferences in the Aqara app settings.

Is there a limit to how many phones can connect to the Aqara Video Doorbell?

The Aqara Video Doorbell supports up to 10 shared users. This ensures seamless access for families or small teams using two or more phones simultaneously.