What You Will Need
- Aqara Presence Sensor FP2
- Aqara Home app (iOS or Android)
- 2.4 GHz WiFi network
- USB-C power cable and adapter (included)
- Mounting bracket or adhesive pad (included)
Step 1: Choose the Right Location
The Aqara Presence Sensor FP2 uses mmWave radar to detect human presence, including stationary people sitting or sleeping. Placement is critical for accurate detection. Mount the sensor on a wall or ceiling at a height of about 1.2 to 1.5 meters (4 to 5 feet) for wall mounting, or directly on the ceiling for overhead detection. The sensor should face the area you want to monitor without major obstructions. Avoid placing it directly behind thick furniture or metal objects that can block the radar signal.
Step 2: Mount the Sensor
- Decide between the adhesive pad or screw mount. The adhesive pad works well on smooth walls and is easy to reposition later.
- If using screws, hold the mounting bracket against the wall, mark the holes, drill pilot holes, and secure the bracket with the included screws and anchors.
- Attach the sensor to the bracket. It should click into place.
- Angle the sensor so it faces the center of the room or the area you want to cover.
Step 3: Power the Sensor
Connect the included USB-C cable to the port on the sensor and plug the other end into a USB power adapter. The FP2 requires constant power and does not have a battery. Route the cable neatly along the wall using cable clips or a cable channel. The sensor's indicator light will turn on when it receives power.
Step 4: Add the Sensor to Aqara Home
The FP2 connects directly via WiFi and does not require a separate Aqara hub. This makes setup straightforward.
- Open the Aqara Home app and tap the + icon.
- Select Presence Sensor FP2 from the device list or scan the QR code on the sensor.
- Press and hold the reset button on the sensor for 5 seconds until the LED blinks rapidly.
- Connect the sensor to your 2.4 GHz WiFi network by entering your network credentials in the app.
- Once connected, assign the sensor to a room and name it, such as "Office Presence Sensor."
Step 5: Configure Detection Zones
One of the FP2's most powerful features is zone-based detection. You can define up to 30 zones within the sensor's field of view, and each zone reports presence independently.
- On the sensor's device page, tap Zone Settings or Detection Zones.
- The app will display a top-down view of the detection area. Draw rectangular zones over the areas you care about — for example, one zone over the desk, another over the couch, and a third near the door.
- Name each zone descriptively so your automations are easy to understand.
- Adjust detection sensitivity for each zone if needed. Higher sensitivity picks up subtle movements but may cause false positives.
Step 6: Set Up Automations
Use zone-based presence data to drive smart home automations. Common examples include:
- Turn on desk lights when someone is detected in the desk zone.
- Dim or turn off lights when no presence is detected anywhere in the room for 5 minutes.
- Adjust the thermostat when the living room is occupied or vacant.
- Trigger a "goodnight" scene when presence is detected in bed and no presence in other zones.
Step 7: Expose to Apple Home or Other Platforms
The FP2 natively supports Apple HomeKit, and each detection zone appears as a separate occupancy sensor in Apple Home. This allows you to create room-level and zone-level automations directly in the Home app. For Google Home or Alexa, link your Aqara account in the respective platform.
Tips
- The FP2 can detect presence through lightweight curtains or fabric but not through walls or thick doors.
- If you experience false presence detections, check for sources of interference such as fans, pets, or moving curtains in the detection area, and adjust zones or sensitivity accordingly.
- Firmware updates occasionally improve detection accuracy, so keep the sensor updated through the Aqara Home app.
- For multi-room coverage, you will need one FP2 per room since the radar cannot see through walls.
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