like the features, setup was difficult for some of my devices (August Door lock, kzread.infoUgkxhB5YOMNj04GuoAosExygP4cH-dKeb4aB Bose speaker)... but all switches and outlets (5), thermostat, tankless water heater. Unfortunately all I can do is turn on/off Bose. It doesn't support volume or changing channels, but I believe that is due to the particular speaker I have.... Worth getting if you already have other devices to use it with... I don't sit around and ask Alexa questions much so that doesn't really matter to me....

First found you from your smart home tour video and love all your “smart” themed videos. Keep rocking!

@AlexTeo

3 жыл бұрын

thanks lester!

Wow! I was thinking of how to do it & didnt know that it’s this simple. Thank you for the video once again!

@AlexTeo

3 жыл бұрын

thanks! 😀

Hi Alex, just came across ur youtube channel. Great job for creating such videos, it does motivate to watch your video and getting my new flat to be smart in time to come, pls continue to create more videos, always here to learn from you.

@AlexTeo

3 жыл бұрын

thanks for the support! subscribe and click the notification bell so that you will be notified for my uploads :)

Hi Alex, I don't have need for watching this particular video. But I just want to say the reason I watch your videos is because you explain things well, probably your keywords are like mine- simple, consistent, practical. I will be looking forward to watching your other videos, which I just found today. Getting ideas for when I move next. year.

@AlexTeo

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the support

Hi Alex, great videos and i really wanna say a big thank you for all the time and effort put into demystifying smart home solutions for all of us watching! 👍👍 One question - i understand Smart Switches and Smart Bulbs can work together, so that you prevent the dumb switch being off and yet giving you the ability to dim / change colours etc. What brand combinations would you recommend so that there is no "clash" i.e. simple smart switch (no dimming functionality)? Thanks in advance!

@AlexTeo

3 жыл бұрын

aqara smart switches is actually a very good option because they can pair with smart bulbs, not sure which other smart switches that is suitable for sg use can do that as well though, I will do a quick video to show that capability for aqara switches

@ultraman34512

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Alex! Got it, will look through that recommendation! Just want to say awesome stuff again and hope to see more successful videos from you hitting 100k views and more soon!

Great video. Am actually doing planning for making a smart home. Thanks for sharing all the tips & information!

@AlexTeo

3 жыл бұрын

Glad its useful!

price wise, not expensive than normal switches. I think is a good investment for the household. another great content!

@AlexTeo

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! 👍

TQVM Alex for your generousity to share !!!!!

Hi Alex, Thanks for the useful sharing on the light bulb and switches. I am currently on the journey of implementing smart switches for my new home. May I know how many Aqara hub is needed for a 5 room flat typically?

@AlexTeo

3 жыл бұрын

around 2 depending on where you place them, but you can always buy 1 first and buy the 2nd if required

Hi Alex, great vids. There's many reviews and feedback of the aqara switches (non neutral) failing and some even burnt. Could you share your thoughts and experience using it thus far?

@AlexTeo

3 жыл бұрын

been using since aug 2020, no major issue till now. I answered some of the common questions in this video, kzread.info/dash/bejne/Y6WTkq-Qm868m7A.html

Hi Alex thanks for this really easy to understand video on smart switches! Just have a few follow up questions: 1) Read that you managed to hook up a switch to your Fanco - what functions can you control like that? Only on off or can you control speed / light (if equipped) as well? 2) Also, is it easy to link up aqara wireless switches to aqara hardwire switches via the Aqara app? Also, must I use Aqara app or can I use smartthings? 3) For a basic smart home light setup, could I check that these are the items required? a) Smart switches (wired / wireless); b) A hub to talk to the switches (e.g. Aqara / smartthings); and c) Voice asst (e.g. google)? Thanks a lot!

@AlexTeo

2 жыл бұрын

1) a smart switch can only control on/off, nothing else 2) it is straight forward within aqara app. Can use smartThings but there might be limitations depending on the exact device you are going to use as the solution is brand agnostic 3) you choose whether you want smart switch or smart bulbs first, then choose the brand/solution you want. Depending on which solution you go for, there are different items to buy. Then lastly, how you like to trigger them which will lead to what other items to get.

Hey Alex, just wanna ask - im planning to run mostly smart switches on my downlights and tracklights, as well as some smart bulbs on my standing lamps. My question: can all of these be linked to the aqara hub via the zigbee protocol?

@AlexTeo

3 жыл бұрын

provided you get aqara switches and aqara bulbs

I almost wanted to sign a $2k smart home vendor till i saw your videos. Im planning to change my switches. Hope i can learn from your videos on how to replace the switches😀

@AlexTeo

2 жыл бұрын

if you don't mind to diy or just simply get an electrician to do the wiring for you, much cheaper haha... i don't really recommend engaging a smart home vendor because you still need to learn how to manage and maintain them

@tcdcad7886

2 жыл бұрын

@@AlexTeo ic....ya still need to learn the bridging altho they will do once for u

@tcdcad7886

2 жыл бұрын

I will open up your videos and see the recommended switches and purchase that

Hi Alex, tks for e useful video! Since e smart switches/devices would need to be consistently turned on, would it consume more electricity than usual?

@AlexTeo

3 жыл бұрын

It will a little bit but should be quite insignificant. The wifi ones will consume more than the zigbee ones. Having smart switch paired with motion sensor might be able to help you save more electricity if people are forgetful.

Hi Alex, are you using the aqara light switch without neutral? I was recommended against it as it send a small amount of current to the appliance such as the lightings, which may damage it in the long run or if the bulb is a 5w downlight, it might tend to flicker. Do you have any problem with it so far?

@AlexTeo

3 жыл бұрын

all light switches in sg are without neutral, i don't have any flickering problem so far. Think my electrician done a pretty good job for me haha

Hi Alex, love your videos! Please keep the videos coming! Just got a question for your regarding smart lights, as you need to leave the switches on 24/7 (even tho the light is off) does it uses more electric compare to conventional light blub? I am interested in turning my home into a smart home but am concerned about the electric cost.

@AlexTeo

2 жыл бұрын

you are referring to smart bulbs? Ya they consume a very small amount of electric at off state, not something one should be concerned with. If you pair with some sensors or automation, it will help you to off them if someone in the house is forgetful

Hi Alex, thanks for the great info in this video. However, would it be safer to trip the circuit breaker before replacement of any switch?

@AlexTeo

3 жыл бұрын

Yes of course, I got put a warning to off main switch. Don't be a cowboy like me

@Sanotsuke

2 жыл бұрын

@@AlexTeo probably dead already. 💀

loving this series bro

@AlexTeo

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks man!

hey Alex, Thanks for the videos. I have been reading about Aqara. There have been advices on getting neutral wires so that some lights won’t flicker. i will be renovating my resale flat early next year so thinking about the planning. can i check what is your set up? the demo was non-neutral switch. are all your switches non-neutral and any cons about using non-neutral? Thanks!

@AlexTeo

3 жыл бұрын

I was told by my electrician that the hdb light switches are without neutral, only power sockets will have neutral. There are no flickering on my lights, he also mentioned that the 'neutral' are installed on the lights end not the switch end, i guess he might be referring to a capacitor. You can check out my previous video where I shared my setup, hope it helps!

@EthanYang28

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! It’s good to know and it helps!

Great video thanks for that. I have also a question if I have the yeelight bulbs at my home already can I use the aqara switches to control the yeelight bulbs? It's annoying when kids turn off the standard wall switch and I can't control the bulbs.

@AlexTeo

2 жыл бұрын

easy fix is to get like a switch casing to cover over it, else it's possible to use aqara wall switch and convert it to a wireless switch as well

hey Alex, i may have asked this before (but i cant find my comment lol), but will you recommend the tuya smart rgb bulbs? im looking for one that fits a GU10 head from the ikea tracklight, and im a tech noob. I dont have any hub/gateway or anything only my phones. is there a specific tuya seller that you think may be the most reliable? Also right, do you know how to instal led strips to a bookcase. the strips are flat so i dont quite know how to manoeuvre or bend to strip at the corners such that each shelf can be lit. I didnt like the rechargeable led light cause its motion sensor and cant be turned on whenever i need them. or do u know of any rechargeable kind where it can beturned on manually? thanks in advance!!!!

Hey, thanks for your videos! I was wondering if Aqara smart switches will work with ceiling fans as well

@AlexTeo

3 жыл бұрын

yes it does, that's what i had with my fanco fans

Hi thanks very much for sharing! Can I please check for the aqara switch, can you still manually switch on / off the lights even if the zigbee connection fails?

@AlexTeo

3 жыл бұрын

Yes, still behave like a normal switch

Hi Alex, thanks for the very informative and helpful videos. Would like to ask, for Aqara products purchased on taobao, will there be any issues with compatibity (eg geographic region-based servers etc)? Thanks!

@AlexTeo

Жыл бұрын

you are safe if you are going to use a hub based smart home solution, the issues come in when you are using their server

Hey Alex, I've been following you since your 1st Smart Home video 6 months ago. Would like to ask your opinion on Aqara neutral vs non-neutral switch based on your experience and research online. Let's say its a new home that would require new wiring anyway, which would you choose?

@AlexTeo

3 жыл бұрын

talked about it in this video, kzread.info/dash/bejne/Y6WTkq-Qm868m7A.html

Hi Alex! Very helpful video!!! One question... Do you know if we can use smart switches to replace the water heater switch? Just so the switches in the house all look the same. Thanks in advance!!!

@AlexTeo

3 жыл бұрын

Yes i think so, but water heater switches are abit more complicated, better play safe and get an electrician! Once done, you can use that as a wireless switch to do anything!

Hello Alex, love your videos! Starting to plan for my smart home as well and wanted to know your thoughts on Aqara vs broadlink smart switches. Understand that they pretty much do the same thing and are similar in price. Would be great to know the pros and cons of each brand! :)

@AlexTeo

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for liking my videos! Unfortunately, I don't have the luxury to try out the different brands of switches, can only based on online research. Broadlink switches are touched screen, remote controlled, hence require their RM hub device to work. I don't think they have window/door, motion sensors, wireless switches like what aqara has.

Cool video. Thanks for the tutorial. is there any light switch that is like the normal switch where the position of the switch (up or down) is stationary when on or off instead of touch operated or the clicking one that you used (Aqara) where the position is the same regardless whether on or off?

@AlexTeo

3 жыл бұрын

not that i know of, since you can control the switch from various ways, the physical state of the switch will not be accurate anymore, that's why its designed that way. Infact, many of the smart switches are touched screen based, which I personally don't like

Hi Alex, thanks for this video. Do you have any issues with the non neutral version of the Aqara switches? read about them and there are mixed reviews.

@AlexTeo

Жыл бұрын

zero issues, been using for more than 2 years

Hello! If I buy a smart switch no neutral from aqara with 3 gangs but I have just one line for light connected to the switch can I use the others 2 buttons to control others things around the house like led strip or smart plug with routines?

Hi alex, I’m looking at getting yeelight Ble mesh system using the yeelight gateway. I want to ask about the light switches. Do I need a smart switch or should I get a switch with buttons that revert to the “off” position after switching on.

@AlexTeo

3 жыл бұрын

if it's a smart bulb, then you don't need a smart switch

Love the detailed video. Can't wait to get my home and build my own smart light system. I prefer to have my smart home be HomeKit enabled so all controls can be found on one place. Would the Aqara system work with Apple HomeKit?

@AlexTeo

3 жыл бұрын

yup it works with apple homekit, all smart home setup should have a centralize solution

Hi Alex, thanks for the videos. They are really informative. I just install smart light switch from MOES in one of my rooms with a LED ceiling light. Installation was smooth and setup was easy. However, the LED ceiling light perpetually gives off a dim glow even when the smart swtich is off. Have you come across this problem with smart switches ? If so, any solution for this ? Thanks .

@AlexTeo

2 жыл бұрын

only tried aqara switches before and no issues with mine. Perhaps a capacitor can resolve that

@tks3831

2 жыл бұрын

@@AlexTeo Hi Alex, thanks for the reply. Perhaps I should try with a capacitor. Thanks.

Hi Alex, love your videos and I am inclined to make my home to have all these smart devices. Would be great if you can make a video on “setting up the door light with motion sensor or door sensor” or How to setup smart switches. Your content will definitely soar ;)

Hi Alex, loves ur video. Do u have problem with smart switch without neutral? Heard that the switch will spoil easily or flickering lights.

@AlexTeo

3 жыл бұрын

nope i don't, probably I'm lucky? or my electrician did an awesome job

Hey. Thanks for the video. Really informative. Just wondering if you have implemented dimmable light in your home? Does an Aqara smart switch allow you to control brightness on the app? Can you use a normal light bulb or must a dimmable bulb be used?

@AlexTeo

2 жыл бұрын

my dimmable lights are achieve used smart bulbs, i don't use any dimmer switch

Hi Alex, love your videos and a starting point for the home automation, which is my current little project. I just purchased the M2 Hub locally in Singapore, which I believe would be a Global Version (not connecting to China Mainland Server). Now it I'm shopping around for the wall switches D1 in Shopee from China Seller. My question is, if the wall switches are from China, will it be connected properly to the my M2 Hub? Hope to hear from you soon. Thanks!

@AlexTeo

2 жыл бұрын

by right china products should only work in china region but aqara didn't enforce this at the moment

Hi Alex , thanks for all the amazing videos . Really super helpful and clear to noob like me . I’m trying to get aqara smart switches for my 21 year old resale flat from Taobao , there’s 零火& 单火，which one should I get ? I’m connecting them to my Philip led lights ( single light ) there’s option for wireless switches , how do I choose which one suits better ? And can I have the link for your motion sensor entryway light ?

@AlexTeo

2 жыл бұрын

a wireless switch is just a trigger device for what is existingly smart. Suggest you to consult your electrician of what you currently have and whether it is able to fit if you are unfamiliar. My entryway is using an aqara motion sensor

Subscribed just based on this video alone! Thank you alex!

@AlexTeo

Жыл бұрын

thanks for the sub!

Hi Alex, not sure if you have covered this, I'm planning to install LED light strip for my master bed. But I'm puzzled how do you sense motion from both sides of the bed if you are using those simple LED strip with PIR motion sensor? There is only one sensor, thus have to decide which partner to detect motion? The other alternative I can think of is to use a Smart LED strip instead with a separate motion sensor placed at a more central location. Any advice please? Thank you!

@AlexTeo

2 жыл бұрын

i will test with 1 motion sensor under the bed first see how well it works, else then 2

Very useful content here. Looking forward to your next videos

@AlexTeo

3 жыл бұрын

thanks mate

Hi Alex, great video again! Was wondering with the aqara setup are the lights dimmable or is it just on or off?

@AlexTeo

2 жыл бұрын

a smart switch can only control on/off

Hi Alex, your video is really helpful and easy to understand. I have a few questions and hope you will be able to advise. If I'm using aqara switch on normal GU10 led light bulb can it be dimmable using Google home?

@AlexTeo

2 жыл бұрын

no you can't, you can only control brightness with a smart dimmer or a smart bulb, recommend the latter

Hi Alex, great content and a very big help to my smart home journey. I am planning to the Aqara D1 switches from taobao and would like to find out if I can get the M2 hub(china version) to pair with google home or must I get the M2 hub(global version)?

@AlexTeo

2 жыл бұрын

Must get global version

Hey Alex, can I ask you if I were to install Aqara wall switches in my house, is it compulsory to have Aqara M2 hub for it to work? My concern is there are too many hubs in the house -- for example Broadlink RM4 Pro for IR/RF remote control to work. And for another instance, switchbot curtain (and hence the need for switchbot hub). Is there a 'universal' hub so that there wouldn't be too many hubs lying in the house?

@AlexTeo

3 жыл бұрын

yeah that's why I go with the smartThings solution now, I have a video on the different type of smart home solution choices. But still, there is no solution that can fit and integrate everything today as different companies are doing their own things. At least for switchbot hub, it can still double as an IR blaster which you will need since IR requires line of sight.

Hi Alex learning from your video. Would you recommend a wifi switch or zigbee switch for a new home?

@AlexTeo

Жыл бұрын

always zigbee

Hi Alex , great video. Have you tried to make two-way smart switches ? For non neutral switches, one aqara hub is sufficient to cover the whole 5-room HDB flat?

@AlexTeo

8 ай бұрын

hard to say whether 1 is sufficient, have to test it

Hi Alex, thanks for your video. Can you advise whether should I go for with or w/o neutral wire smart switch? According to my electrician, it is better to have neutral wire for smart switch. Is that true?

@AlexTeo

2 жыл бұрын

generally with neutral support more choices of smart switches

Hi Alex, i read through some of your replies regarding the 2 way configuration. You recommended not using hardwire and setting it as a "wireless button" through the app. does that mean it is actually controlling the button which was hardwire and therefore i can switch on the light at 2 different locations? pardon for the many qns at different videos 😅 but your videos have really been a great help for trying out smart device for my new place and also thank you for always replying so promptly! 😀

@AlexTeo

3 жыл бұрын

yeah for the wireless switch you can set single/double/long press to control the devices that are hardwired smart switches, eg. long press to off everything

Hi Alex, I love many of your videos, they are very helpful for planning and shopping for renovating my new HDB home. I wonder if we want a solution for mainly manual and voice control, what would be your recommendations? Our lights are mainly down light and ceiling lights, and I'm not sure we have neutral wiring

@AlexTeo

Жыл бұрын

since these are mainly accent lighting, I will suggest to go with smart switches. If you are doing renovation then it doesn't matter whether there are existing neutral, you could ask your electrician. As for what brand of smart switches, it's mostly what smart home platforms you want to go with

@fionahylee1

Жыл бұрын

@@AlexTeo is that any platform that you recommend? Ii heard it won't be so stable without neutral wiring

Hi Alex, thanks for sharing & now am so tempted to change 🤩 could you advise besides the smart switch & an iPhone, do I need anything else (I saw “hub” somewhere) or those 2 items would be good to go? Also, at 2:48, I saw the back of switch has 3 holes, then later during your kitchen cove installation, there’s only 2 holes. I bought a resale HDB flat (about 20yrs old), should I get the 3 holes & if there’s only 2 wires, can I still use? Im using a contractor (not ID) and he might not be familiar with the smart home technology.

@AlexTeo

2 жыл бұрын

depends on which type of switches, if is wifi then no need a hub, non wifi will need one. 2 gang switches = 3 holes, 1 gang = 2 holes

Hi Alex, I’ve been watching your channels for a long time, sometimes even rewatching them to get a general idea for smart home. My new condo comes with z-wave tech but you mentioned it needs a hub ? Is it the same as Aqara smart switch? Or are they totally different matter? No reno has been done yet and I think it’s easier for me to start from scratch.

@AlexTeo

2 жыл бұрын

wow now condo comes with z-wave tech?!?! Aqara uses zigee, not zwave. Both are commonly use smart home communication protocols. So get a hub like smartThings that has these both protocols installed

@andrewlee8110

2 жыл бұрын

@@AlexTeo thanks! Will keep that in mind!

Hi Alex, great video! To clarify - if I bought smart switches online(Moes Switch Tuya ZigBee No Neutral Wire No Capacitor Needed Smart Life 2/3), I can choose to buy normal light and they should be able to gel with my google nest hub? Any recommendation where I should get these value-for-money lights?

@AlexTeo

2 жыл бұрын

chan huat balestier is quite popular for that

Hi Alex ! I seek your expertise 🙏🏻 Ive 5 smart lights (yeelight) & 6 regular LED (non smart) & 1 x KDK ceiling fan with led light I intend to REPLACE ALL light switches to smarts ones, ive shortlisted one with a capacitor (for no neutral wire setup), my question is WOULD the smart switch in any way affect the present performance & functions of my dimmable Yeelights ?

@AlexTeo

3 жыл бұрын

generally smart switches can't work together with a smart bulb, you have to choose one. But for aqara light switches, it is actually possible when you configure it as a wireless switch instead

Hi Alex, do you have a rocker type switch to recommend for water heater, boiler type? 20A/30A? I plan to use Aqara M2 hub, and H1/D1 switches for the rest

@AlexTeo

2 жыл бұрын

didn't explore into that since I don't use electric heater, can go with a switchbot bot for easy fix

Great video! Liked and subscribed! I am now convinced to change my house wall switches to aqara haha. Do you know what's the difference between D1 and E1 switches? Not sure if I should take the risk to go for untested e1

@AlexTeo

2 жыл бұрын

thanks for the sub! Design is definitely different, infact their latest one is H1. I just get hold of them, will test it out soon!

Hi Alex! Started watching all your videos as I'm planning for my BTO now! :) Wanted to ask, so it's not necessary to have both smart switch and smart bulbs? 🤔 Also, are there any smart lighting brands you'll recommend? So far I only know yeelight ~ Lastly, is smart switches necessary and should I get it built-in or a separate external smart switch? Thanks so much!

@AlexTeo

Жыл бұрын

depends on your house lighting setup, some houses can go for a full philips hue setup generally I will recommend smart switches for your ambient lighting then smart bulbs for your accent or decorative lighting

Hi Alex, Do you mind sharing the taobao link to purchase the Aquara Switch? I see that it is using Zigbee for the Aquara switch. Is it similar to a Wifi Switch for Aquara? If not which model is using Wifi for Aquara?

Hi Alex, in the Shopee link it indicates 3 variations - wireless, zero and fire. Which one did you got in the video? Also is there a need for neutral wires for smart switches and why? Another question is which vendor did you approach for the invisible window grille as shown in the video 16:18?

@AlexTeo

3 жыл бұрын

for invisible grille its leftover from previous owner, I did not install it so can't answer that. For aqara switches, wireless are wireless as the name suggest, zero means neutral, fire is non neutral. There is no need for neutral wires but with it will probably be more stable, just make sure you get the correct one depending whether you are gonna pull a neutral wire in or not

Thank you Alex for this great video. GBU

Hi, Nice video.. May i know is all Aqara switched wrk with google? Yee light as well?? cant finf much info and purchased web dun mentions? thanks

@AlexTeo

3 жыл бұрын

thanks! I only have aqara switches and curtain motor, both worked with google. Yeelight works too', else I won't be able to use google voice to control them

Hi Alex, came across your video by chance and find it very informative. Is there any way to use a smart switch and yet be able to dim and change the color of the lights?

@AlexTeo

3 жыл бұрын

changing color is dependent on the bulb itself, best is to just use a smart bulb if you want to control brightness and change color

@joskwek

3 жыл бұрын

@@AlexTeo thanks for your reply. I am thinking of using aqara switches. Should I be using the neutral or no-neutral one?

Can check with you. If I looking to get smart yeelight ceiling lamp without changing my wall switch, will it still work smartly? Or the wall switch have to change as well?

@AlexTeo

Жыл бұрын

No need to change

Hey Alex, your videos have taught me so much about smart switches! I recently got myself the Aqara smart switch as well. However, i was wondering if it would be wise to pair my smart switches with smart light bulbs as i would like to have the option to dim the lights. What do you think? I was planning to pair a bunch of Philips hue light bulbs together with the Philips hue bridge and link it to google home. But if i command google home to turn off my lights, I’m afraid it might be confused as both smart switches and smart lights have the ability to turn off.

@AlexTeo

Жыл бұрын

generally a bad idea to mix smart switch with smart bulb. You can just stick to philips hue and have the wiring to be always on. If wiring is not an option then have the aqara switch set as a wireless switch instead

hello! May i ask which version of the Aqara Hub did you have to purchase? originally I read that some won't be able to connect to Google Assistant but I see that you have connected to Other Region in your video. Thank you!

@AlexTeo

3 жыл бұрын

i linked the aqara hub i bought in the video description. Yeah no issue linking to Google assistant

Hi Alex, do you still have the link to the taobao seller where you bought your Aqara smart switches from? Or do you have any particular seller to recommend. Thank you

Hey alex, to implement smart switches and smart lightbulbs, do you need to have neutral wire?

@AlexTeo

2 жыл бұрын

depends on the switches you get, some yes some no

Hi alex thanks for a very good and helpful video. Hope you can help me. I just want to have a light that can be dim/bright/yellow/warm/white (no colorful light). Can i just replace the switch or i need to replace the normal white light as well to 3tone? Do I need

@AlexTeo

2 жыл бұрын

you can just replace the switch if you already have an existing light

Hi Alex! So glad to have found your videos to help my journey to automate my house too!! Have been rewatching your videos over and over again to learn how to make my home smart :) If i were to get the Aqara M2 hub, will it still be necessary to get the Broadlink RM Pro 4 since they are both IR enabled? If I have devices that are both RF and IR (For eg: my fan remote is IR but my aircon is RF), does this mean that I will need to get both types of hub just to automate them, then link them via Aqara hub and to google home? A little confused here, appreciate your help!

@elektrifiedx

2 жыл бұрын

Also, would like to ask if you bought a subscription plan for your Ring doorbell? Do you recommend the Xiaomi doorbells as an entry level wireless video doorbells too? Thank you!

@AlexTeo

2 жыл бұрын

ok basically aqara is aqara, broadlink is broadlink, they don't integrate with each other unless you are using an integration solution, for eg. home assistant can do that. Broadlink rm pro can do both IR and RF but aqara hub can only do IR. Main purposely of aqara hub is to control aqara devices, the IR is just like an 'value-added' feature, which you still need an IR for every room since they require line of sight

Hey Alex, I was watching your videos as I'm getting influenced to make a smart home for my upcoming house. Was just wondering, for the Aqara hub to function, it will still need Wifi? Google Home basically provides the functionality of the voice control?

@AlexTeo

3 жыл бұрын

yes it needs wifi so that you can control it when you are not at home. Google home is the central platform that connects your everything to it, else you need to go to multiple apps. And of course, for voice and routines.

@hockkhangchua2782

3 жыл бұрын

@@AlexTeo thanks alot for your advice! will take note when i do my setup!

Hi, your vids work great to me. So much information. Can I check if I use a smart switch, do I need to consider the two way switch? Is aqara able to act as a two way switch?

@AlexTeo

2 жыл бұрын

ya it can on/off any number of lights you want

@waihong81

2 жыл бұрын

@@AlexTeo the wiring to both the switches will just like normal? And I configure the 2 way scenario via the apps?

Hey Alex! Loved this video. Awesome content. I was wondering how do you make sure the tech products you buy from taobao is authentic?

@AlexTeo

3 жыл бұрын

i always buy from 官方

Hi Alex! Great videos 💯 Can I ask your thoughts on Near smart lights. Understand that it is a local brand! And comparable price to Yeelight

@AlexTeo

2 жыл бұрын

never use before but should be just another smart home product using tuya module. If they have a showroom, you can go check out whether you like their products

Hi Alex, thanks for your detailed presentation of the smart lightings! 👍Your demo is for a 1 gang switch. But how do I wire a 2 gang switch? Thank you!

@AlexTeo

2 жыл бұрын

2 gang will be just an additional wire. So basically you will have L, L1, L2, mark/label them before doing the change

Note that you have used Non neutral smart switch. Do you encounter any problems? Would you suggest a home to pull additional neutral wire to get a more stable usage? Anyway, broadly can you tell us what are the issues faced over the years of using all these smart switches?

@AlexTeo

3 жыл бұрын

I only used them for only 4 months so far, can't answer what are the future issues. Everything is fine till now, no flickering problems. Anyway, HDB light switches come non neutral by default, if there is suddenly flickering problem that require a neutral wire to fix, the root cause might not actually be related to the smart switch.

Hi Alex. So if I have aqara bulbs/switch and also Philips Hue bulbs, with aqara hub and Hue bridge can I link everything to a standard platform like Apple HomeKit and operate all devices from there?

@AlexTeo

Жыл бұрын

yup thats the purpose of a smart home platform

Hi. Will like to know how good is Moes switch compared to Aqara?

Hello there, for Aqara switch, they do not need any extra capacitor to prevent some sort of issues?

@AlexTeo

3 жыл бұрын

No need, i guess some people have problems is because wiring or lights not installed properly

I'm planning to install led light strip under kitchen cabinets. What brand would you suggest for a smart home?

@AlexTeo

2 жыл бұрын

too many brands at different price point - philips hue, lifX, nanoleaf, yeelight, tuya branded ones... pick one that is compatible to what platform you are using

Does hdb bedroom ceiling light switch concealed wire go towards left/right/up/down from the switch? Intend to drill 2 holes to mount aircon remote control holder near switch, afraid drill into the switch wires. Thanks.

Hi Alex, I found your videos really informative. Can you share if you used smart switches for your water heater? As water heaters tend to use a higher voltage. Thanks!

@AlexTeo

2 жыл бұрын

i don't actually, I always bathe with the coldest water lol

@mockingbirdflies

2 жыл бұрын

@@AlexTeo thanks! 😇

Hi Alex! Thanks for rhe info, if i have just a lamp that i plan to have with smart light bulb. Will Aqara light bulb suffice to connect to the app? Is it also energy saving?

@AlexTeo

3 жыл бұрын

why aqara bulb haha... for smart bulbs there are really many better options out there like yeelight, nanoleaf, ikea, philips hue, govee

@josephinetan9268

3 жыл бұрын

😁 Thought it might be a more reliable brand. Total 0% knowledge. Basically, it is meant for my dogs that will auto on during specific timing. Cool! Thanks!

Hey Alex, I'll like to install dimmer lights for my living room. But I understand that smart switch with no neutral may have flickering problem with dimmers. What would you recommend, is there a good smart switch with dimmer or any other way around it?

@AlexTeo

2 жыл бұрын

can't recommend as I didn't use one before. I will go with smart bulb solutions if I like to control brightness, but can only be controlled with app or voice

@wychen9687

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Desmond, I faced similar problem too. I was told that even with normal switch, the dimmer can probably handle up to 5 spot lights only, otherwise there will be flickering. In the end, I went for smart bulbs instead. Can adjust brightness, set scenes and voice control.

Hi. Just saw your video on aqara set up. Can recommend what is the hub you bought to support all the switches? Also you bought the non neutral wiring ones (in Taobao not sure does it call 无零线）？

@AlexTeo

2 жыл бұрын

I have the originial aqara and m2 hubs but have switched to smartthings so not using any of these already. 单火

@ThemisThng

2 жыл бұрын

@@AlexTeo smartthings work with Apple HomeKit? Because it will be the case my home will be Apple Home and unlikely to move to Android anytime soon…

Hi Alex, awesome video as always!! May I know if 1 hub is enough for the whole house? or do you need 1 hub in each room?

@AlexTeo

3 жыл бұрын

depends on where you put it might and where are your child devices, its like wifi where you need to make sure every part of the house where you will be have coverage

@Zhangquanify

3 жыл бұрын

@@AlexTeo ahh okay! Thank you!!

@Wira8

2 жыл бұрын

@@AlexTeo if my house already has wifi mesh with nodes with each floor ( 3 floors total ), do i still need a Hub in each floor ?

Hi Alex.. i. have some question on the Aqara switch those switch with wifi.. does it connect to china region or sg region? do you rewire your place with neutral wire? beside this aqara brand.. any other better brand u can recommend?

@AlexTeo

3 жыл бұрын

Aqara switch is using zigbee not wifi. Its connected to 'others'. No neutral wire for light switches. Another popular brand here in sg is tuya.

Hi Alex, thanks for your video. can i check if it is feasible to add a smart switch controlling a smart light? reason is i wanna buy a smart magnetic track light that has 3 color tone. but i dont wnat a permanent power source to the track but only switch the light off via the app. so i thinking to add a smart switch to turn on the track, and then use the app to change the color

@AlexTeo

7 ай бұрын

i don't recommend such setup, having to grab your phone go to the app and change settings is something very troublesome to me, plus it's not cost effective

Hmm your main door spring loaded soft close mechanism looks interesting. What's that? Where to buy?

Hi Alex, I'm using LIFX & Yeelight/MI E27 smart lights in an Apple Home which give 16M colours and dim/increase brightness which is not given by smart switches. But I also want to make it easy for other family members/non-tech folk who use traditional switches to turn on/off the lights and continue to get the multi-colour functionality. Would it be easier to replace the traditional switches with the Aqara Wall Switch D1/H1 or wireless switches like Aqara Wireless Remote Switch (remove the traditional switch box, hardwire the lights to be always on and replace the Aqara wireless switch in place)? The D1/H1 can then be used to turn on/off the lights & program the wireless switch buttons to turn on/off the lights via Apple HomeKit?

@AlexTeo

Жыл бұрын

both works actually, having it wired might be better because you don't need to worry about battery but wireless switches give you more flexibility where you like to place it

@ShyamSubramanian212

Жыл бұрын

@Alex Teo One doubt though, if I replace it with the wired H1 switch, will it cut off power to the smart bulbs when the switch is turned off & turn it back on when the switch is turned on again? If yes, then my bulbs will stop working till they are powered again 😏 This may be avoided in the wireless switch where we can set the on/off functions.

@AlexTeo

Жыл бұрын

@@ShyamSubramanian212 aqara wall switches can be configured as a wireless switch

@ShyamSubramanian212

Жыл бұрын

@Alex Teo Yes, I saw this recently, glad you confirmed too 😊

thanks alex! so if we use aqara ecosystem, then basically the aqara cube thing u showed, is the aqara's hub to talk to all the smart switches, lights, and devices? then to add voice functionality, u link to google home?

@AlexTeo

3 жыл бұрын

yeah that's right, aqara cube is a trigger device so it works inside aqara app only

@missjazzytan

3 жыл бұрын

@@AlexTeo thanks alex, just saw your response. you're so nice to respond. i got one question, the demo video you showed on how to install smart light switch, u bought non-neutral light switch right? my electrician has been telling me all HDBs have neutral wire but then online some people said all HDBs are non-neutral. I see yours , its non-neutral though!

@AlexTeo

3 жыл бұрын

@@missjazzytan huhhhh your electrician sure anot... so far I see all the light switches are non-neutral by default

Hi alex, for the part where you add device to the app to work, does this stage require the hub? Or hub comes in only when needed to link to google app?

@AlexTeo

3 жыл бұрын

for zigbee devices yes, you need a zigbee hub first

@raveliew3702

3 жыл бұрын

@@AlexTeo ok, thank you!

Hi Alex, can you advise if neutral wiring is absolutely needed for aqara smart wall switch? Will it still work if I dont have? Thanks.

@AlexTeo

2 жыл бұрын

Both works, i am using non neutral

@joshuahan4644

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks.

Hi, wondering how do we add smart switches to 2 way switches? E.g. 2 switches at different locations that control 1 light fixture. And we want to convert both switches to smart switches. Thanks

hey Alex, if we plan to get the Aqara switches/sensors/hub from Taobao, is there a need to change the server to China before connecting them to the Mi Home App? What's the difference between using the Mi Home app vs the Aqara app? I am leaning strongly towards using the Mi Home app since there's a strong likelihood that our smart robot vaccum is gg to be Xiaomi too. My main aim here is to be able to connect everything to Google Home to use Google Assistant for it. Thanks in advance!

@AlexTeo

3 жыл бұрын

stay tune to my video next week, I will explain about this

@samyong1206

3 жыл бұрын

@@AlexTeo Lovely! Thanks so much. :)

Hi Alex, new to smart lights/switches. For the non-neutral aqara switches, do u happen have any experience where there are flicking of lights?

@AlexTeo

Жыл бұрын

nope.. all good after 3 years

@07ghostification

Жыл бұрын

@@AlexTeo That’s great news. Thanks Alex for the feedback! 😊

Hi Alex, I am confused, you mentioned having a a Aqara light switch will need a hub to work. But when you do demo on the installation and setting up in the Aquara app, seems like don't need a hub? I am thinking of buying Aqara switches but my home already set up with Z-wave hub camara. In that case, do I need to buy another Zig-bee hub?

@AlexTeo

2 жыл бұрын

all aqara products need a hub because they are running on zigbee

Great video. Wondering if Google Nest Hub will work with yeelight?

@AlexTeo

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah step 5 shows google with yeelight

hi alex....do we need to have the aqara hub in order to connect the aqara smart switch to the app? as i understand the smart switch is zig bee and only connects via the hub?

@AlexTeo

3 жыл бұрын

yes any zigbee or zwave devices need to connect to a hub, it's like wifi devices need to connect to your router

Hi Alex, I actually don’t need to control the on and off of the switch with my voice. I still prefer to just walk over and switch off myself. But I like to have lights that is dimmable and with adjustable color temperature. In my case, am I right to say that I will just need a smart bulb?