Aqara Presence and Motion Sensor Not Detecting

Aqara offers advanced presence sensors (FP2, FP1E) using mmWave radar and traditional PIR motion sensors (P1, P2). This guide addresses detection and connectivity issues across these sensors.

FP2/FP1E Presence Sensor Setup Issues

Symptoms

  • Sensor not found during setup
  • WiFi connection fails
  • LED blinks but won't connect

Solutions

  1. Use 2.4GHz network - FP2 connects via WiFi on 2.4GHz band only.
  2. Reset sensor - Hold reset button for 10 seconds until LED blinks rapidly.
  3. Enable Bluetooth - Phone Bluetooth needed for initial setup discovery.
  4. For FP1E Matter - Use the Matter pairing code for setup in Apple Home, Google Home, or SmartThings.
  5. Position correctly - Mount on wall or ceiling facing the area to monitor, not through glass.

Presence Not Detected Correctly

Symptoms

  • Shows unoccupied when someone is present
  • Detection zone too small or large
  • Interference or false triggers

Solutions

  1. Define zones - In Aqara Home app, set up detection zones to match your room layout.
  2. Adjust sensitivity - Lower sensitivity for less false triggers, higher for better detection of still people.
  3. Check mounting angle - FP2 works best mounted at corner angles looking diagonally into the room.
  4. Avoid interference - Keep away from fans, moving curtains, and other radar reflections.
  5. Update firmware - Presence detection algorithms improve with updates.

PIR Motion Sensor (P1/P2) Issues

Symptoms

  • Motion not triggering automations
  • Slow to respond
  • Battery drains quickly

Solutions

  1. Check blind time - P1/P2 have a ~90 second cooldown between detections. This is normal for battery life.
  2. Zigbee hub required - P1/P2 are Zigbee devices requiring an Aqara hub or compatible Zigbee gateway.
  3. Position for cross-motion - PIR sensors detect motion crossing the field of view better than toward/away.
  4. Check lux setting - Configure light level threshold—detection can be disabled when light is above threshold.
  5. Replace battery - CR2450 battery typically lasts 2 years. Replace if response is sluggish.

Matter/HomeKit Integration Issues

Symptoms

  • Sensor not showing in Home app
  • Occupancy state not updating
  • Automations not triggering

Solutions

  1. Verify compatibility - FP2 and FP1E support HomeKit. FP1E also supports Matter directly.
  2. Enable in Aqara app - Some sensors need HomeKit enabled in Aqara Home settings.
  3. Check zones - HomeKit may show only the primary zone. Check Aqara app for multi-zone status.
  4. Re-pair - Remove and re-add to Home app if occupancy state becomes stuck.