Video doorbells are one of the most popular ways to start building a smart home, and Apple users have a great option that works with HomeKit Secure Video. The Aqara G410 Doorbell Camera takes that foundation and adds even more. It records in 2K (not supported by iCloud), supports HomeKit Secure Video, and doubles as a smart home hub with Matter and Zigbee built in.
HomeKit Weekly is a series focused on smart home accessories, automation tips and tricks, and everything to do with Apple’s smart home framework.
How it works with HomeKit
Setup for the Aqara G410 Doorbell Camera starts in the Aqara app on the iPhone. From there, you can easily add it to HomeKit. There is a HomeKit code included, but I ran into some trouble getting the video feed to display when I went that route. Outside of that hiccup, everything worked as expected. Once it is in the Aqara app, browse to the settings and you will see a HomeKit section.
Once it appears in HomeKit, the Aqara G410 Doorbell Camera works just like other HomeKit cameras supporting HomeKit Secure Video. You can set recording and streaming options, choose when it should be active, and even use it as a motion sensor for automations. For example, you could turn on outdoor lights when it detects someone at night, but keep it inactive during the day.
Installation process
The Aqara G410 Doorbell Camera gives you a couple of options for power. Out of the box it runs on six AA batteries, which Aqara says will last up to five months. If you prefer a more permanent setup, you can hardwire it into your existing doorbell wiring.
The included chime is powered by USB C. It can run off batteries, but you can also hardwire it to an outlet if you want it always on. Personally, I would like to see Aqara make this a simple wall plug in the future to cut down on cables. Mounting is straightforward. It includes adhesive for a quick stick on install, and there is an angle mount if you need to adjust the view of your front door.
It will take you under 20 minutes to unbox and mount. If you are using doorbell wire, flip the breaker off before wiring it up.
Key specs on the Aqara G410 Doorbell Camera
- Works with HomeKit Secure Video for encrypted recording to iCloud+
- Built in Matter hub with Zigbee support and a Thread Border Router function
- 2K video with a wide field of view and a bright f/1.8 aperture for better low light capture (HomeKit is limited to 1080p)
- mmWave radar for more accurate motion and presence detection with fewer false alerts
- Local face recognition that can trigger automations with data stored on the device
- Two-way audio, custom audio replies, voice changer, and privacy masking in the Aqara app
- Includes a 95 dB chime for loud alerts inside the house
- Dual-band Wi-Fi with 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz support and WPA3 security
- Six AA batteries or hardwire to existing doorbell wiring
- Storage options: local microSD in the indoor chime up to 512 GB, NAS backup, or encrypted cloud
- Works with HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant/Home, Samsung SmartThings, and Home Assistant
Wrap up on the Aqara G410 Doorbell Camera
The Aqara G410 Doorbell Camera is a solid device at its price point. It checks all the boxes for a simple HomeKit Secure Video doorbell, with reliable performance and multiple ways to install it. Whether you choose battery power or a hardwire connection, the installation is straightforward and easily integrates with HomeKit.
It works great as part of a HomeKit setup, and the built-in Matter hub adds even more value if you use Aqara sensors, locks, or lights. I would love to see Apple support 2K video in HomeKit Secure Video in the future, but that limitation is on Apple’s side and not Aqara’s fault. Even with that limitation, this is a great option for a HomeKit doorbell.
You can buy the Aqara G410 Doorbell Camera from Amazon or directly from Aqara.
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