How to Set Up Your Aqara FP1 Human Presence Sensor

The Aqara FP1 Human Presence Sensor uses millimeter-wave radar technology to detect human presence even when a person is completely still. Unlike traditional PIR motion sensors, the FP1 can tell the difference between an occupied and empty room regardless of movement. It connects to your Aqara Hub via Zigbee and is ideal for automations that require true occupancy detection.

What You Will Need

• Aqara FP1 Human Presence Sensor
• Aqara Hub (M2, M3, or Camera Hub G3) already set up on your network
• Aqara Home app installed on your smartphone (iOS or Android)
• USB-C power cable and adapter (the FP1 requires continuous power)
• Included mounting bracket and adhesive

How Presence Detection Differs from Motion Detection

Standard PIR motion sensors only trigger when someone is actively moving. Once you sit down or stand still, they assume the room is empty and may turn off your lights. The FP1 uses millimeter-wave radar to detect the subtle movements of breathing and body micro-movements, so it accurately knows someone is present even while sitting at a desk, reading on a couch, or sleeping in bed.

Positioning the Sensor

The FP1 has a detection range of up to 5 meters with a 120-degree horizontal field of view. Proper positioning is essential for accurate presence detection:

• Mount the sensor on a wall at a height of approximately 1.2 to 1.5 meters, facing the area you want to monitor.
• The sensor works best when aimed at the area where people will sit or stand, such as a desk, couch, or bed area.
• Avoid pointing the sensor at windows or thin walls, as radar waves can penetrate these and may detect people in adjacent rooms.
• Keep the sensor away from oscillating fans, swaying curtains, and pets that could cause false presence readings.

Mounting the Sensor

1. Attach the adhesive pad to the mounting bracket.
2. Peel the backing and press the bracket firmly against the wall at your chosen height and angle.
3. Snap the FP1 onto the bracket. Adjust the angle so the sensor lens faces the main occupancy area.
4. Connect the USB-C power cable to the sensor and plug the adapter into a nearby wall outlet.

Pairing with Your Aqara Hub

1. Open the Aqara Home app and tap the + icon.
2. Select FP1 Human Presence Sensor from the device list.
3. Choose the Aqara Hub you want to pair with.
4. Press and hold the reset button on the sensor for 5 seconds until the indicator LED flashes rapidly.
5. Wait for the app to discover and connect the sensor.
6. Assign it to a room and name it, such as "Office Presence" or "Living Room Occupancy."

Configuring Detection Settings

After pairing, adjust the FP1's settings in the Aqara Home app for your specific environment:

• Detection distance — Set the maximum detection range to match your room size. Reducing the range can help avoid detecting people in adjacent spaces.
• Sensitivity — Choose from multiple sensitivity levels. Higher sensitivity catches very still presence but may increase false positives. Start with medium and adjust based on your experience.
• Approach distance — Configure how the sensor distinguishes between someone nearby and someone farther away in the detection zone.

Setting Up Presence Automations

1. Go to the Automations tab in the Aqara Home app.
2. Tap + to create a new automation.
3. Select FP1 as the trigger and choose "Presence detected" or "No presence."
4. Add your desired actions.

Practical examples:

• Turn on office lights when someone sits at their desk, and turn them off only when the room is truly vacant — no more lights shutting off during a video call.
• Adjust the thermostat based on room occupancy to save energy.
• Turn off a TV and lights when everyone leaves the living room.
• Send a notification when someone enters a restricted area while you are away.

FP1 vs. FP2 Comparison

The FP1 connects via Zigbee and requires an Aqara Hub, while the FP2 connects directly via Wi-Fi. The FP2 also supports multi-zone detection and can count the number of people in a room, features the FP1 does not offer. If you need basic presence detection with your existing Zigbee setup, the FP1 is a solid and reliable choice.

Tips

• Allow 1 to 2 minutes after power-on for the sensor to calibrate. Avoid standing in the detection zone during initial calibration.
• If you experience false presence detection, try reducing the detection range or moving the sensor to avoid walls where people may be on the other side.
• The FP1 requires constant USB-C power. Plan your cable routing to keep things tidy.
• Check for firmware updates regularly, as Aqara frequently improves detection algorithms.