Thanks so much, this was very helpful for me to get my AC unit into Apple Home (via an M3 hub). The help I needed was to change Aqara's pairing from 'HomeKit' to 'Matter'.
Good to know it helped. Just be aware that you should remove the HomeKit version of the hub to avoid duplicate Zigbee devices showing up in Apple Home.
Great video as always 👏 I've been using the M3 Chinese version, and it's working great around here. I was also able to connect a couple of Tuya Matter devices and the Yeelight Cube. I wasn't aware that Matter Hub support was being released. This is going to be great to use with Aqara automations!
Thanks very much. I did see that Tuya plugs were compatible, but as there are so many Tuya devices I didn’t want to mention it without knowing which devices worked and which didn’t. Which Tuya Matter devices are you using?
@@homekitnews I was able to pair a Tuya Plug with USB, it shows as 2 controllable devices within the App, a HaveDeer Tuya RGB Lightbulb and all the Zemismart Matter Lightbulbs (RGB 7W, RGB 9W and the LED fillament one). After I saw yout video, I could pair the Zemismart Matter M1 hub as well. I tried to pair the Zemismart Thread Roller Shade but got stuck in the "Registering device" screen and after a couple minutes the app crashed.
Apologies for commenting on an older video but curious about the Hub M3. Throughout my house I have Aqara window sensors, motion, temperature, vibration and three G4 Pro camera hubs. Looking at installing a ceiling fan with is controlled by its own remote (IR assuming) and because ceiling fans aren't popular in the UK there's no available lights smart/homekit switches that would allow access. Would the IR on the M3 hub control/expose the ceiling fan to HomeKit?
@@jonathanbatten-mccrae1965 hi, the controls for the fan will show in the Aqara app, but won’t be directly exposed to Apple Home. However, you can create scenes in the Aqara app for different fan controls, then expose those scenes to Apple Home, which you can then assign to smart buttons in Apple Home.
You might want to wait for the cheaper M100 hub. That also has Matter and Thread functionality, but much smaller and cheaper. homekitnews.com/2025/01/06/aqara-reveals-new-switches-sensors-a-new-doorbell-and-more-at-ces/
I am so happy right now-I am having the exact same issues! I also have Belkin WeMo and Nanoleaf smart plugs and smart bulbs, respectively. After adding the M3 hub to My Home and then updating the firmware of those other smart devices, they all slowed down. I took the time on one of my weekends to delete everything and completely redo my smart home setup from scratch, as in re-adding everything to a completely new home after having deleted the old home and the iCloud backup. Then, everything started working just fine again. I'm talking about the Nanoleaf and smart products, right? However, about a week after I did that, there was another firmware update. After updating the firmware on the M3, those devices from Belkin and Nanoleaf are now slow to respond again. I don't want to take the time to redo it all yet again, but I'm thinking that I will have to at this point. Although, I am waiting for the next firmware update as it has already been a few weeks since the last one. I will do it after that, so I have the most amount of time to see if the devices work correctly for longer than a week after setting them all up again.
Thanks for taking the time to let me know all of this. I may try the same thing. Do you notice that the affected devices sometimes work fine, and not other times? This has been my experience so far. as far as updates go, I have since seen that they’ll be adding support for more Matter devices - after all the criticism they received on this from many reviews. - but i don’t think that involves an update for the hub, only the app itself, when it arrives. Thanks again.
I had the Aqara HUB (1st Generation) worked fine until I had to connect to a new wifi, just wouldn't connect anymore. So I got the M3 and everything works.
Excellent video! I love how you lay these videos out and test some many different functions. We currently have an M2 and are happy with it. Weird question for you but is there any point to matter or thread if a home is 100% HomeKit and has no WiFi connectivity problems even on the edges of the house? Only thing I could think of was the offline functions but I don’t know that I’ve ever needed that.
Hi, the M2 is still a great hub, so I don’t necessarily think you need to get rid of it anytime soon. When it comes to Matter, HomeKit already does much of Matter offers, ie local connectivity, so Matter mostly benefits Google and Amazon users, who have typically relied on cloud connectivity. So the offline feature is something you already have essentially. To coin an old adage; “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”!
I am trying to add a gen 3 Neat thermostat to my Apple HomeKit system. I have it connected to google home but don’t know where to go from here. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks
@@Prescott_AZ I’m not so familiar with Nest Thermostats, but as far as I’m aware, only the Nest Learning Thermostat (2020) and later can support Apple Home integration, via Matter.
Hi great video , one simple question : using m3 magic pad s1 can control matter devices and not only native aqara devices ? I want control hue bulb or nest thermostats from magic pad
The M3 and the MagicPad S1 are two separate devices, but the MagicPad S1 is not capable of being Matter Controller. If you want to add third party Matter devices to the Aqara ecosystem, you would need the M3.
Thanks for your reply, yes I know for the M3 , it’s matter controller , the question was if we add a Magic pad or magic switch can we use them to control none native aqara devices ?
@@omarr6712 if you already have an M3, then some third-party Matter devices you add to it can be controlled from the MagicPad S1. However, this would possibly not extend to devices like thermostats, as the user interface for the Thermostat on the MagicPad is designed to specifically work with Aqara AC controllers. Lighting shouldn’t be an issue though.
Hey looking to get the M3 do you find since the last review the updates fixed some of the stability issues you were saying. Also for someone brand new trying to get into automation would you recommend the M3 thanks
Generally I’d always recommend getting something that has a bit of future proofing to it, which is definitely the case with the M3. I was able to solve the issue I mentioned with my Thread network before any of the subsequent updates, so it should work for you now. All I would suggest is that if you’re new to the smart home, is try and get as much info on the different standards and platforms as possible in order to save yourself some money, as it’s very easy to buy something expecting it to work universally - only to find that it doesn’t - if you haven’t done enough basic research. It sounds obvious, I know, but many newcomers fall into these simple traps, and end up frustrated. If you need any help or advice, feel free to ask any time. Using our Facebook page to contact us (via Messenger) is probably the easiest way to directly communicate.
If you are already have a M2 hub and switch over to the M3 hub you mentioned that the M2 hub is automatically reset to factory defaults. Other that using the M2 hub in perhaps a different location (i.e. cottage) can it be reused for something else - like a standalone IR blaster for example ??? Thanks for sharing this video.
I still like the M2 and it definitely would be wise to keep it running. As IR can only trigger devices in its line of sight, having an IR blaster feature in another room (ie the M2) would be very handy. I also personally like to spread my Zigbee devices across a few hubs to segment and limit the possibility of devices going down if a hub fails, so there’s that too.
Thanks. Only the M3 offers this function, and even then only if you add the M3 using the Matter QR code, not the HomeKit QR code. You can control your AC with the G3, but full control is only available in the Aqara app.
@@homekitnews if i connect the m3 hub with matter code, there will be direct temperature control in the homekit app? like a simple + - bar? and the G3 hub won't do this, even by exposing scenes?
@PraneetTulshyan exposing scenes via the G3 limits you to a specific feature. You could create a series of scenes for different features, but it’s not really the equivalent of direct control of the AC in the Home app. For the M3 you get simple mode control plus temperature adjustment. To make sure the AC works with temperatures correctly, you also need to add an Aqara temperature sensor to the M3. It’ll work without one, but then it’ll never give you the correct reading on the AC tile in the Home app.
Hi, to see more details in the Eve app for any Thread Border Routers, you do need at least one powered Eve device, like the Eve Energy Smart plug. Without one of these types of devices, you can only see basic Thread info.
I really want to use the m3 via matter with Apple home(for AC) but when I tried it there was a lot of no response and 3-10 second wait times in the home app. Has there been any improvements or do you have any tips?
Beautiful job is always Simon! I may have missed this part, but is there a limit to the number of devices that can be bridged over Matter like the SwitchBot Hub too?
Hi Dustin, the M3 doesn’t port devices over to HomeKit using Matter, so the only devices that automatically get exposed to HomeKit are the standard Zigbee devices. In this respect it’s different to SwitchBot Hub 2, as it’s a Matter Bridge, whereas the M3 is a Matter Controller. It can act as a Matter enabled Bridge, but it’s much the same as is the case for Zigbee currently.
@@myHomeKithome Currently, only the AC controller is exposed to HomeKit, nothing else unfortunately, so the SwitchBot and the Nature Remo Nano are better in this regard.
Thanks. After double checking, it seems that the Matter devices I have connected can not currently trigger the security system. Strangely, this is even the case with their own P2 Motion and contact sensors.
If you aren’t planning on utilising Thread or Matter, then it might not be worth it, although due to the many improvements over the M2, and Matter/Thread being the standards going forward, I think it’s wise to get it for future proofing your home.
If you want to make use of the M3’s additional features, as well as make use of Aqara’s platform for Matter devices, then it’s definite purchase. If you only use Zigbee devices or don’t fancy Matter, then it’s possibly not so important right now.
Excellent coverage of the device, especially wrt to Matter. I shouldn't be surprised that it's Matter support is so shoddy, but it's a dang shame. I'd been looking for this device for some time to consolidate all my Smart Home devices, but I'll be waiting some more. I learned long ago to never, ever buy a device on promises, and at this point, Aqara's promises to support more matter devices is simply unfulfilled promises with no weight.
I’m sorry…. HOW MUCH!… £130, I was expecting £99 tops since the M2 is £55 (£46 on sale). If it could take Zigbee devices from ANY manufacture, like IKEA (without a Philips Hue Hub), then maybe but as it is, it’s far too expensive in my eyes. I was hoping to ditch my IKEA hub and have everything ran through one hub, the limited third-party Matter support is laughable for the price.
I’m not sure why, but I’ve had confirmation that the EU version does work on the international M3. However, the UK version doesn’t yet apparently, so it could be something they’re adding to regions and servers over time.
I bought the Aqara M3 Hub primarily to pair up the Remote Controls of my TV, Hifi, Streaming TV Box, Blu-ray player and DVD Player! So far the M3 only recognises two of the remotes but has failed to replicated the buttons functionality accurately! All this equipment is made by well known brands world wide. The 'Custom' Remote Control funtion just simply doesn't work at all! The database should be at least equivalent to the 'Logitech Harmony Hub and Smart Remote Control'! Come on Aqara, get the Remote Control database and functionality up to date! Otherwise, I will return the M3 and never purchase any other Aqara products ever again! On a positive note, I managed to add all my Philips Hue lights and accessories to the M3 through Matter. But I can live without that!
or me all Aqara child devices works only with Apple Home Kit. Both Smartthings and Google Home works only with Aqara Door sensor, Temp sensor and Plug EU. Wall Light switches, leak sensor doesn't work. And I used all Aqara HUBs - no progress :(
I’m tired of these clearly sponsored videos with the exact same talking points with no information on whether or not it can integrate with third party zigbee devices.
![[#73] Новый Matter-хаб Aqara M3 - разбираемся с Ark 2.0 и интеграциями в HomeKit и Алису](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/507We0zUJtY/mqdefault.jpg)
![[#73] Новый Matter-хаб Aqara M3 – разбираемся с Ark 2.0 и интеграциями в HomeKit и Алису](/img/tr.png)
Thanks so much, this was very helpful for me to get my AC unit into Apple Home (via an M3 hub). The help I needed was to change Aqara's pairing from 'HomeKit' to 'Matter'.
Good to know it helped. Just be aware that you should remove the HomeKit version of the hub to avoid duplicate Zigbee devices showing up in Apple Home.
Great video as always 👏 I've been using the M3 Chinese version, and it's working great around here. I was also able to connect a couple of Tuya Matter devices and the Yeelight Cube. I wasn't aware that Matter Hub support was being released. This is going to be great to use with Aqara automations!
Thanks very much. I did see that Tuya plugs were compatible, but as there are so many Tuya devices I didn’t want to mention it without knowing which devices worked and which didn’t. Which Tuya Matter devices are you using?
@@homekitnews I was able to pair a Tuya Plug with USB, it shows as 2 controllable devices within the App, a HaveDeer Tuya RGB Lightbulb and all the Zemismart Matter Lightbulbs (RGB 7W, RGB 9W and the LED fillament one). After I saw yout video, I could pair the Zemismart Matter M1 hub as well. I tried to pair the Zemismart Thread Roller Shade but got stuck in the "Registering device" screen and after a couple minutes the app crashed.
Great video, going to get this as soon as Amazon DE has it back in stock
It sold out already? Amazing. Thanks for the feedback.
Apologies for commenting on an older video but curious about the Hub M3.
Throughout my house I have Aqara window sensors, motion, temperature, vibration and three G4 Pro camera hubs.
Looking at installing a ceiling fan with is controlled by its own remote (IR assuming) and because ceiling fans aren't popular in the UK there's no available lights smart/homekit switches that would allow access.
Would the IR on the M3 hub control/expose the ceiling fan to HomeKit?
@@jonathanbatten-mccrae1965 hi, the controls for the fan will show in the Aqara app, but won’t be directly exposed to Apple Home. However, you can create scenes in the Aqara app for different fan controls, then expose those scenes to Apple Home, which you can then assign to smart buttons in Apple Home.
A fair review for sure. I am assessing on whether or not to purchase this hub for use with a Home Assistant network.
You might want to wait for the cheaper M100 hub. That also has Matter and Thread functionality, but much smaller and cheaper. homekitnews.com/2025/01/06/aqara-reveals-new-switches-sensors-a-new-doorbell-and-more-at-ces/
Great video, this gave me hope that I don't have to replace my Leviton smart switch. I was having problems connecting to HKSR.
Excellent editing. Very sharp!
Thanks sir!
I am so happy right now-I am having the exact same issues! I also have Belkin WeMo and Nanoleaf smart plugs and smart bulbs, respectively. After adding the M3 hub to My Home and then updating the firmware of those other smart devices, they all slowed down. I took the time on one of my weekends to delete everything and completely redo my smart home setup from scratch, as in re-adding everything to a completely new home after having deleted the old home and the iCloud backup. Then, everything started working just fine again. I'm talking about the Nanoleaf and smart products, right? However, about a week after I did that, there was another firmware update. After updating the firmware on the M3, those devices from Belkin and Nanoleaf are now slow to respond again. I don't want to take the time to redo it all yet again, but I'm thinking that I will have to at this point. Although, I am waiting for the next firmware update as it has already been a few weeks since the last one. I will do it after that, so I have the most amount of time to see if the devices work correctly for longer than a week after setting them all up again.
Thanks for taking the time to let me know all of this. I may try the same thing. Do you notice that the affected devices sometimes work fine, and not other times? This has been my experience so far. as far as updates go, I have since seen that they’ll be adding support for more Matter devices - after all the criticism they received on this from many reviews. - but i don’t think that involves an update for the hub, only the app itself, when it arrives. Thanks again.
I had the Aqara HUB (1st Generation) worked fine until I had to connect to a new wifi, just wouldn't connect anymore. So I got the M3 and everything works.
If you’re connecting it with a cable to your router can you change what sub net it’s on?
@@MrGordy6040 as far as I can recall (I currently am not using the M3), there is no option to do that in the Aqara app.
@ thanks for the reply, pity, I’ve a main network, guest etc. this is a real miss.
Excellent video! I love how you lay these videos out and test some many different functions. We currently have an M2 and are happy with it.
Weird question for you but is there any point to matter or thread if a home is 100% HomeKit and has no WiFi connectivity problems even on the edges of the house? Only thing I could think of was the offline functions but I don’t know that I’ve ever needed that.
Hi, the M2 is still a great hub, so I don’t necessarily think you need to get rid of it anytime soon. When it comes to Matter, HomeKit already does much of Matter offers, ie local connectivity, so Matter mostly benefits Google and Amazon users, who have typically relied on cloud connectivity. So the offline feature is something you already have essentially. To coin an old adage; “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”!
Good video 😊 can I use ac controller with Apple HomeKit ?
Yes, the AC control is exposed to Apple Home as long as you add the M3 using the Matter QR code, not the HomeKit QR code.
@@homekitnews thanks. I have got aqara hub m2. If I watch a video about this ac controller, I want to buy aqara m3
I am trying to add a gen 3 Neat thermostat to my Apple HomeKit system. I have it connected to google home but don’t know where to go from here.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
@@Prescott_AZ I’m not so familiar with Nest Thermostats, but as far as I’m aware, only the Nest Learning Thermostat (2020) and later can support Apple Home integration, via Matter.
@@homekitnewsThank you. I’ve seen what appears to be conflicting information on this.
Hi great video , one simple question : using m3 magic pad s1 can control matter devices and not only native aqara devices ? I want control hue bulb or nest thermostats from magic pad
The M3 and the MagicPad S1 are two separate devices, but the MagicPad S1 is not capable of being Matter Controller. If you want to add third party Matter devices to the Aqara ecosystem, you would need the M3.
Thanks for your reply, yes I know for the M3 , it’s matter controller , the question was if we add a Magic pad or magic switch can we use them to control none native aqara devices ?
@@omarr6712 if you already have an M3, then some third-party Matter devices you add to it can be controlled from the MagicPad S1. However, this would possibly not extend to devices like thermostats, as the user interface for the Thermostat on the MagicPad is designed to specifically work with Aqara AC controllers. Lighting shouldn’t be an issue though.
@@homekitnews great informations thanks a lot
Can I add third party Thread devices directly on M3 Hub?
@@CoisasSmart yes, as long as they are Matter over Thread. If they are HomeKit over Thread, then you can’t add them.
@@homekitnews I see... thanks for the info 👌
Hey looking to get the M3 do you find since the last review the updates fixed some of the stability issues you were saying. Also for someone brand new trying to get into automation would you recommend the M3 thanks
Generally I’d always recommend getting something that has a bit of future proofing to it, which is definitely the case with the M3. I was able to solve the issue I mentioned with my Thread network before any of the subsequent updates, so it should work for you now.
All I would suggest is that if you’re new to the smart home, is try and get as much info on the different standards and platforms as possible in order to save yourself some money, as it’s very easy to buy something expecting it to work universally - only to find that it doesn’t - if you haven’t done enough basic research. It sounds obvious, I know, but many newcomers fall into these simple traps, and end up frustrated. If you need any help or advice, feel free to ask any time. Using our Facebook page to contact us (via Messenger) is probably the easiest way to directly communicate.
If you are already have a M2 hub and switch over to the M3 hub you mentioned that the M2 hub is automatically reset to factory defaults. Other that using the M2 hub in perhaps a different location (i.e. cottage) can it be reused for something else - like a standalone IR blaster for example ???
Thanks for sharing this video.
I still like the M2 and it definitely would be wise to keep it running. As IR can only trigger devices in its line of sight, having an IR blaster feature in another room (ie the M2) would be very handy. I also personally like to spread my Zigbee devices across a few hubs to segment and limit the possibility of devices going down if a hub fails, so there’s that too.
great video! just out of curiosity, would the G3 and M3 hubs allow controlling the AC temperature through HomeKit?
Thanks. Only the M3 offers this function, and even then only if you add the M3 using the Matter QR code, not the HomeKit QR code. You can control your AC with the G3, but full control is only available in the Aqara app.
@@homekitnews if i connect the m3 hub with matter code, there will be direct temperature control in the homekit app? like a simple + - bar? and the G3 hub won't do this, even by exposing scenes?
@PraneetTulshyan exposing scenes via the G3 limits you to a specific feature. You could create a series of scenes for different features, but it’s not really the equivalent of direct control of the AC in the Home app. For the M3 you get simple mode control plus temperature adjustment. To make sure the AC works with temperatures correctly, you also need to add an Aqara temperature sensor to the M3. It’ll work without one, but then it’ll never give you the correct reading on the AC tile in the Home app.
How do I get the M3 to show as a thread border router in the Eve app?
Hi, to see more details in the Eve app for any Thread Border Routers, you do need at least one powered Eve device, like the Eve Energy Smart plug. Without one of these types of devices, you can only see basic Thread info.
I really want to use the m3 via matter with Apple home(for AC) but when I tried it there was a lot of no response and 3-10 second wait times in the home app. Has there been any improvements or do you have any tips?
@@JamesMeyerMusic hi, the ‘no response’ and delays are for the AC control only?
Beautiful job is always Simon! I may have missed this part, but is there a limit to the number of devices that can be bridged over Matter like the SwitchBot Hub too?
Hi Dustin, the M3 doesn’t port devices over to HomeKit using Matter, so the only devices that automatically get exposed to HomeKit are the standard Zigbee devices. In this respect it’s different to SwitchBot Hub 2, as it’s a Matter Bridge, whereas the M3 is a Matter Controller. It can act as a Matter enabled Bridge, but it’s much the same as is the case for Zigbee currently.
That makes sense. Are there any limits to the number of IR devices that can be bridged?
@@myHomeKithome Currently, only the AC controller is exposed to HomeKit, nothing else unfortunately, so the SwitchBot and the Nature Remo Nano are better in this regard.
Nice video, can matter-paired devices trigger the aqara security system?
Thanks. After double checking, it seems that the Matter devices I have connected can not currently trigger the security system. Strangely, this is even the case with their own P2 Motion and contact sensors.
For an upcoming system in a home, I’m planning a 95%+ all Apple and Aqara setup from scratch . Do you recommend going with the M3 straight away?
If you aren’t planning on utilising Thread or Matter, then it might not be worth it, although due to the many improvements over the M2, and Matter/Thread being the standards going forward, I think it’s wise to get it for future proofing your home.
Im currently using aqara hub m2 with all aqara products to expose them to homekit do you recommend to replace the m2 hub with m3 ?
If you want to make use of the M3’s additional features, as well as make use of Aqara’s platform for Matter devices, then it’s definite purchase. If you only use Zigbee devices or don’t fancy Matter, then it’s possibly not so important right now.
Excellent coverage of the device, especially wrt to Matter. I shouldn't be surprised that it's Matter support is so shoddy, but it's a dang shame. I'd been looking for this device for some time to consolidate all my Smart Home devices, but I'll be waiting some more. I learned long ago to never, ever buy a device on promises, and at this point, Aqara's promises to support more matter devices is simply unfulfilled promises with no weight.
It is a shame Matter support is severely districted right now. I’m not sure why, but I think it’s the ecosystem that’s not ready rather than the hub.
I’m sorry…. HOW MUCH!… £130, I was expecting £99 tops since the M2 is £55 (£46 on sale). If it could take Zigbee devices from ANY manufacture, like IKEA (without a Philips Hue Hub), then maybe but as it is, it’s far too expensive in my eyes. I was hoping to ditch my IKEA hub and have everything ran through one hub, the limited third-party Matter support is laughable for the price.
Eve energy EU didn't connect to M3 Chinese version
I’m not sure why, but I’ve had confirmation that the EU version does work on the international M3. However, the UK version doesn’t yet apparently, so it could be something they’re adding to regions and servers over time.
@@homekitnews I was able to add the socket after the last firmware update of M3 hub and Aqara app
@@AlexeiTiosa that great. Glad it works finally.
great video
I bought the Aqara M3 Hub primarily to pair up the Remote Controls of my TV, Hifi, Streaming TV Box, Blu-ray player and DVD Player! So far the M3 only recognises two of the remotes but has failed to replicated the buttons functionality accurately! All this equipment is made by well known brands world wide.
The 'Custom' Remote Control funtion just simply doesn't work at all! The database should be at least equivalent to the 'Logitech Harmony Hub and Smart Remote Control'!
Come on Aqara, get the Remote Control database and functionality up to date! Otherwise, I will return the M3 and never purchase any other Aqara products ever again!
On a positive note, I managed to add all my Philips Hue lights and accessories to the M3 through Matter. But I can live without that!
or me all Aqara child devices works only with Apple Home Kit. Both Smartthings and Google Home works only with Aqara Door sensor, Temp sensor and Plug EU. Wall Light switches, leak sensor doesn't work. And I used all Aqara HUBs - no progress :(
This device would not pair with my IR fans even though the brand is supported. Support was no help and went quiet.
Hi, when you say they won’t pair with your fans, do you mean the IR signals that are supposed to be compatible don’t work?
I’m tired of these clearly sponsored videos with the exact same talking points with no information on whether or not it can integrate with third party zigbee devices.
This video was not sponsored. In fact I never do sponsored videos. No aqara hubs can integrate third party Zigbee devices.
It is strange that I can’t expose IR device via Matter M3 to Apple Home. Switch/fan/light.
Yes, I’m not sure why they haven’t implemented this when other devices, like the SwitchBot hub 2 and Nature Remo Nano can do this.