How to Set Up Your Aqara Camera Hub G3

15-25 minutes

The Aqara Camera Hub G3 combines a pan-and-tilt security camera with a full Zigbee 3.0 smart home hub. It features 2K video resolution, AI-powered gesture and face recognition, 360-degree coverage, and the ability to serve as a gateway for your Aqara Zigbee sensors and switches. This guide covers the complete setup process.

What You Will Need

  • Aqara Camera Hub G3
  • USB-C power cable and adapter (included)
  • A 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network (does not support 5 GHz)
  • Aqara Home app installed on your smartphone (iOS or Android)
  • Optional: microSD card (up to 512 GB) for local video storage

Positioning the Camera

  1. Choose a location that gives the camera a wide, unobstructed view of the area you want to monitor.
  2. Place the camera on a flat surface such as a shelf, desk, or table. The magnetic base can also attach to a metal surface or optional wall mount.
  3. Ensure the location has a power outlet within reach of the USB-C cable.
  4. For best AI recognition performance, position the camera at a height of 0.8 to 1.5 meters for face-level coverage.

Powering On and Initial Setup

  1. If you want to use local storage, insert a microSD card into the slot on the back of the camera before powering on.
  2. Connect the USB-C power cable to the camera and plug the adapter into a wall outlet.
  3. Wait for the camera to boot up. You will hear a voice prompt indicating it is ready for setup, and the status indicator will flash orange.

Pairing with the Aqara Home App

  1. Open the Aqara Home app and sign in to your account.
  2. Tap the + icon in the upper-right corner.
  3. Select Camera Hub G3 from the device list, or scan the QR code on the bottom of the camera.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to connect the camera to your 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network.
  5. The app may ask you to scan a QR code displayed on your phone screen using the camera's lens. Hold your phone about 15 to 20 centimeters from the camera until it beeps to confirm.
  6. Wait for the connection to complete. The voice prompt will confirm when setup is finished.
  7. Assign the camera to a room and give it a descriptive name.

Configuring Camera Features

After initial setup, configure the camera's key features through the Aqara Home app:

  • Pan and Tilt — Use the live view screen to swipe and control the camera's direction. You can also set predefined positions by tapping the bookmark icon for quick access to specific viewing angles.
  • Motion Detection — Enable motion detection in the camera settings and adjust the sensitivity level. You can set detection zones to focus on specific areas and reduce false alerts.
  • AI Features — Enable gesture recognition and face recognition under the AI settings. The camera can recognize specific gestures to trigger automations, and you can register familiar faces to receive tailored notifications.
  • Privacy Mode — Enable privacy mode to physically tilt the camera lens downward and stop recording when you are home.

Using It as a Zigbee Hub

The Camera Hub G3 doubles as a full Aqara Zigbee hub, allowing you to connect sensors and accessories:

  1. Tap the + icon in the Aqara Home app to add a new device.
  2. Select any Aqara Zigbee device from the list.
  3. Choose the Camera Hub G3 as the gateway when prompted.
  4. Put the Zigbee device into pairing mode and wait for it to connect.

This is especially useful if the camera is placed in a room far from your primary hub, as it extends Zigbee coverage to that area.

Connecting to HomeKit

To add the Camera Hub G3 to Apple HomeKit, go to the camera's settings in the Aqara Home app and select HomeKit Setup. Scan the HomeKit code on the bottom of the camera or in the manual. Once connected, you can view the camera feed in the Apple Home app and use it with HomeKit Secure Video if you have an iCloud+ subscription.

Tips

  • Format the microSD card through the Aqara Home app for optimal compatibility.
  • The camera supports continuous recording or event-based recording to the microSD card. Choose event-based recording to maximize storage capacity.
  • Keep the camera firmware updated for improved AI recognition accuracy and new features.
  • The Camera Hub G3 supports up to 128 Zigbee child devices, the same capacity as the dedicated Hub M2.

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