Aqara Presence and Motion Sensor Not Detecting

Common Causes

• The sensor is not receiving power (USB-C disconnected or adapter failed)
• WiFi connection has dropped or the network credentials have changed
• Detection zones are misconfigured or sensitivity is set too low
• The sensor is mounted in a position with obstructions blocking the mmWave radar
• Interference from other mmWave devices, large fans, or moving objects in the detection area
• Firmware is outdated and needs an update

Fix 1: Verify Power Supply

The Aqara FP2 Presence Sensor requires continuous USB-C power and does not have an internal battery. If the sensor loses power, it will go offline completely.

1. Check that the USB-C cable is firmly connected to the sensor and that the power adapter is plugged into a working outlet.
2. Try a different USB-C cable and power adapter to rule out a faulty cable or low-output adapter.
3. The sensor's indicator LED should light up when powered. If it remains dark, the power supply is the issue.

Fix 2: Reconnect to WiFi

Unlike most Aqara sensors that use Zigbee, the FP2 connects directly via WiFi. If your WiFi network has changed, the sensor will go offline.

1. Open the Aqara Home app and check the FP2's status. If it shows "Offline," the WiFi connection has dropped.
2. Confirm your router is broadcasting a 2.4 GHz network. The FP2 does not connect to 5 GHz networks.
3. If your WiFi password or network name changed, you need to reset the sensor and reconnect it:
   • Press and hold the reset button on the sensor for 5 seconds until the LED blinks rapidly.
   • In the Aqara Home app, remove the old device entry and add the sensor again.
   • Enter your updated WiFi credentials during setup.
4. If WiFi signal is weak at the sensor's location, move your router closer or add a WiFi extender.

Fix 3: Reposition the Sensor

The FP2 uses mmWave radar to detect human presence, including stationary people. Its performance depends heavily on correct placement.

1. Mount the sensor on a wall at 1.2 to 1.5 meters height, facing the area you want to monitor. Alternatively, mount it on the ceiling looking straight down.
2. Ensure no large furniture, metal objects, or thick glass panels are directly in front of the sensor, as these can block or reflect the radar signal.
3. Point the sensor away from windows and mirrors. Reflective surfaces can cause ghost detections or extend the detection range beyond the intended area.
4. The mmWave radar cannot penetrate walls, so each room needs its own sensor.

Fix 4: Reconfigure Detection Zones

1. In the Aqara Home app, open the FP2's device page and go to Zone Settings.
2. Review the zones you have drawn. If the zone boundaries are too small or placed in the wrong area, the sensor may not detect presence where you expect it.
3. Delete existing zones and redraw them to cover the actual areas of interest (desk, couch, bed, doorway).
4. Increase the detection sensitivity for zones where you need to detect stationary presence (like a desk where someone sits still).
5. After making changes, physically walk through each zone to verify the sensor reports presence correctly in the app.

Fix 5: Eliminate False or Ghost Detections

If the sensor reports presence when nobody is in the room, interference or environmental factors are the likely cause.

• Oscillating fans — Moving fan blades can be detected as motion. Exclude the fan area from your detection zones.
• Pets — Large pets (cats, dogs) may trigger presence detection. Reduce sensitivity or adjust zone boundaries to avoid pet traffic areas.
• Robotic vacuums — These can be detected as movement. Schedule automations to account for cleaning times.
• Curtains or blinds — Lightweight materials moving in a breeze can trigger false readings near windows.

Fix 6: Update Firmware

1. Open the FP2's device page in the Aqara Home app and go to Settings.
2. Check for firmware updates. FP2 firmware updates are delivered over WiFi.
3. Install any available updates. Aqara regularly improves detection accuracy and zone management through firmware.
4. After the update, recalibrate the sensor by clearing and redrawing your detection zones.

When to Contact Support

If the sensor powers on (LED lights up) but never detects any presence even when you stand directly in front of it at close range, the mmWave radar module may be defective. Contact Aqara Support for warranty replacement.