How to Set Up Your Aqara Door and Window Sensor

The Aqara Door and Window Sensor is a compact Zigbee contact sensor that detects when a door, window, gate, or cabinet is opened or closed. It consists of two pieces — a sensor body and a magnet — and triggers automations in the Aqara Home app when the two pieces separate or come together.

What You Will Need

• Aqara Door and Window Sensor (sensor body and magnet)
• Aqara Hub (M2, M3, or Camera Hub G3) already set up on your network
• Aqara Home app installed on your smartphone (iOS or Android)
• CR1632 coin cell battery (included)
• Included adhesive pads (two — one for the sensor, one for the magnet)

Preparing the Sensor

1. Remove both pieces — the sensor body and the magnet — from the packaging.
2. Pull the battery isolation tab from the sensor body to activate the CR1632 battery.
3. The LED on the sensor should flash once to confirm it is powered on.

Pairing with Your Aqara Hub

1. Open the Aqara Home app on your smartphone.
2. Tap the + icon in the upper-right corner.
3. Select Door and Window Sensor from the device list, or scan the QR code on the packaging.
4. Choose the Aqara Hub you want to pair with.
5. Press and hold the reset button on the side of the sensor body for 5 seconds until the LED flashes rapidly.
6. Wait for the app to discover and connect the sensor.
7. Assign it to a room and give it a name such as "Front Door," "Kitchen Window," or "Medicine Cabinet."

Installing the Sensor

1. Identify where you want to place the sensor. The sensor body attaches to the fixed frame (door frame or window frame), and the magnet attaches to the moving part (the door or window itself).
2. Clean both surfaces with rubbing alcohol to ensure the adhesive bonds well.
3. Peel the adhesive backing from the sensor body and press it firmly onto the door or window frame.
4. Peel the adhesive backing from the magnet and press it onto the door or window, aligning it directly beside the sensor body so that the two pieces are no more than 15 mm (about 5/8 inch) apart when the door or window is closed.
5. The alignment mark on the sensor and magnet should line up when closed. Check the gap — if the pieces are too far apart when closed, the sensor may report the door as open.

Testing the Installation

1. Open the door or window. The Aqara Home app should immediately show the sensor status as "Open," and the LED on the sensor will flash briefly.
2. Close the door or window. The status should change to "Closed."
3. If the sensor does not respond, check the alignment. The magnet may need to be repositioned closer to the sensor body.

Setting Up Automations

The door and window sensor is one of the most useful triggers for smart home automations. Go to the Automations tab in the Aqara Home app to set up actions:

• Door opens — light turns on. Perfect for closets, pantries, and garages where you always want light when the door is opened.
• Window opens — notification sent. Get an alert on your phone when a window is opened while you are away.
• Door left open — alarm sounds. Set a time delay (for example, 5 minutes) and trigger the hub alarm or a notification if a door is left open too long.
• Front door opens — camera starts recording. Pair with an Aqara Camera to capture video every time the front door opens.

Creative Placement Ideas

• Attach to a mailbox door to get notified when mail arrives.
• Monitor a medicine cabinet to track when medications are accessed.
• Place on a pet door to log when pets enter or exit.
• Attach to a garage door to know if it was left open.

Tips

• The CR1632 battery typically lasts about two years. Replace it when the app shows a low battery warning.
• For outdoor use (such as a gate or shed), protect the sensor from direct rain and extreme temperatures.
• If the adhesive does not hold well on textured surfaces, consider using a small piece of double-sided mounting tape or a thin screw-mount bracket.
• You can deploy multiple sensors throughout your home — one for every door and window you want to monitor.