How to Set Up the Aqara Air Quality Monitor T1

Budget 10-15 minutes

What You Will Need

  • Aqara Air Quality Monitor T1
  • An Aqara Zigbee hub (Hub M2, Hub M3, Camera Hub G3, or Camera Hub G5 Pro)
  • Aqara Home app (iOS or Android)
  • USB-C power cable and adapter (included)
  • A location with good air circulation, away from direct sunlight and HVAC vents

Step 1: Choose a Placement Location

The Aqara Air Quality Monitor T1 measures temperature, humidity, CO2 levels, and TVOC (total volatile organic compounds). For the most accurate readings, place the monitor in a location that represents the typical air quality of the room. Avoid placing it directly next to windows, heating vents, humidifiers, or in direct sunlight, as these can skew measurements. A bookshelf, nightstand, or desk at breathing height is ideal.

Step 2: Power the Monitor

  1. Connect the included USB-C cable to the port on the back of the Air Quality Monitor T1.
  2. Plug the other end into a USB power adapter and connect it to a wall outlet.
  3. The monitor's display will turn on, showing initial readings. Allow a few minutes for the sensors to warm up and begin providing accurate data.

Step 3: Add the Monitor to Aqara Home

The Air Quality Monitor T1 uses Zigbee and requires an Aqara hub for connectivity.

  1. Make sure your Aqara hub is powered on and online in the Aqara Home app.
  2. Open the Aqara Home app and tap the + icon.
  3. Select Air Quality Monitor T1 from the device list or scan the QR code on the monitor.
  4. Press and hold the button on the monitor for 5 seconds until the Zigbee pairing indicator appears on the display.
  5. The app will search for the device. Once found, assign it to a room and name it, such as "Bedroom Air Quality."

Step 4: Understand the Display Readings

The Air Quality Monitor T1 features an e-ink display that shows real-time data:

  • Temperature — Current room temperature in Celsius or Fahrenheit.
  • Humidity — Relative humidity percentage. Aim for 30 to 60 percent for comfort.
  • CO2 — Carbon dioxide level in parts per million. Levels below 800 ppm are considered good. Above 1000 ppm indicates the room needs ventilation.
  • TVOC — Total volatile organic compounds in micrograms per cubic meter. Lower values are better. High TVOC can come from cleaning products, paint, or new furniture.

Step 5: Configure Alerts and Automations

Set up notifications and automations based on air quality readings to keep your home healthy:

  1. In the Aqara Home app, open the Air Quality Monitor T1 device page.
  2. Tap Automations to create rules based on sensor readings.
  3. Common automations include:
    • Send a notification when CO2 rises above 1000 ppm, reminding you to open a window.
    • Turn on a smart fan or ventilation system when TVOC exceeds a threshold.
    • Activate a humidifier when humidity drops below 30 percent.
    • Turn on a dehumidifier when humidity rises above 60 percent.
  4. Save your automations. They will execute automatically through your Aqara hub.

Step 6: Expose to Smart Home Platforms

Through your Aqara hub, the Air Quality Monitor T1 can be accessed via Apple HomeKit, Google Home, and Amazon Alexa. In Apple Home, the sensor readings appear as individual accessories (temperature, humidity, and air quality). You can use these readings in HomeKit automations as well, such as triggering a scene when air quality deteriorates.

Calibration Notes

The CO2 and TVOC sensors perform an automatic baseline calibration over the first few days of operation. During this period, readings may fluctuate more than usual. For the most accurate CO2 calibration, ventilate the room with fresh outdoor air for at least 30 minutes once during the first week. This gives the sensor a clean-air reference point.

Tips

  • Place the monitor at desk or breathing height (about 1 to 1.5 meters) for readings that best represent the air you are actually breathing.
  • The e-ink display is always visible without backlighting, making it ideal for bedrooms where you do not want a bright screen at night.
  • Keep the monitor within Zigbee range of your hub. Other Zigbee devices between the monitor and hub can act as signal repeaters.
  • Check for firmware updates in the Aqara Home app periodically to improve sensor accuracy and add new features.

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