smart doorbell with HomeKit [review]

Are you also looking for a smart doorbell with support for Apple’s HomeKit? Then you’ve come to the right place with the Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4.

Smart doorbells are hip and handy. We test the Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4. The box contains not only the doorbell, but also the Wi-Fi Indoor Chime (this is the bell for indoors). This bell connects wirelessly to the video doorbell. The indoor bell then connects to the internet. The doorbell therefore also works if your internet connection is down for a while. You must then connect the Indoor Chime to the socket with a USB-C cable.

This is how you connect it

Connecting is very easy with the supplied screws plus screwdriver. The bell can be connected to the cabling of your existing doorbell. Note: the doorbell needs DC voltage; some bell transformers supply alternating current. But the G4 can also be powered with the supplied batteries. According to the manufacturer, you can use the six AA batteries for about four months and it gives a message when the batteries are almost empty. The device has a wide field of view of 162 degrees and records in Full HD (1080p). The picture is fine and responds quickly. In addition, the doorbell has an IPX3 rating (splash-proof).

Easy to add to the Home app

Thanks to the QR code on the device, the Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4 can be added very quickly to the Home app on your iPhone, among other things. That makes setting up and creating automations really easy. In the app, things like recording options, facial recognition and activity zones can be set. And do you have a HomePod or a HomePod mini? Then you will also hear the bell via your HomePod. Handy when you are listening to music upstairs and someone is at the door.

Strange noises

However, you still have to arrange quite a few things in the Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4’s own app, so this video doorbell drops a (small) stitch. The app is unfortunately not available in Dutch, but fortunately the English language can be set. In addition, some options are rather hidden. Do you want to set a different sound for the doorbell? Then you first have to open the stream of the doorbell. Then tap the button with the three dots, More Settings, Ringtone Settings and choose one of the three ringtones.

The doorbell also has more sounds, but they are only available via an automation (which you have to make yourself) in the app. Also, some of these noises are a bit…strange. For example, how about the sound of a sniper rifle? Your visitor immediately runs away. It is also possible to set your own sound. You can use an mp3 file for this. That makes the possibilities endless, of course.

Face recognition

The G4 also has facial recognition, which you can link to your own photo library on the iPhone. For example, the doorbell immediately recognizes when your parents-in-law are on the doorstep and you don’t have to look in the app first when the doorbell rings. Whether you want to open the door is up to you…

Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4 review: conclusion

The Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4 is an excellent smart doorbell. Both connecting and setting up are incredibly easy and the integration with the Housing app really makes it a winner. You will find the points of sale on the Aqara website, the smart video doorbell has a price tag from € 119.