Xiaomi’s Circular: A Revolutionary Smart Home Technology – What It Is and How It Works

If you're interested in Xiaomi's smart devices, you've probably come across the term Circular Xiaomi -- but what does it mean in practice? It's become a key element of the brand's ecosystem, allowing devices to interact with each other in a circular way. Unlike traditional smart home systems, where each device is controlled separately, Circular creates a closed chain of automation where one gadget triggers the reactions of others without you.

For example, when the Xiaomi Motion Sensor detects a human presence, it not only sends a notification to the phone, but automatically turns on the associated Yeelight lamp, triggers air purification in the Mi Air Purifier, and can even activate the Mi Home Security Camera for recording. This works in pre-configured scenarios, but with one key feature: devices communicate directly, minimizing delays and reliance on cloud servers.

In this article, we will discuss in detail how Circular Xiaomi technology works, what devices support it, how to set up circular automation yourself and what its advantages are over the classic smart home systems from Google Home or Apple HomeKit. You will also learn about hidden features that the manufacturer does not advertise, but which can greatly simplify your life.

What is Circular Xiaomi: the principle of the technology

Xiaomi’s Circular technology is proprietary, based on the concept of circular automation (or cyclic integration). Unlike linear scenarios (where one action triggers another along the chain), here the devices form a closed loop, where each can be both a trigger and an executor.

• 🔄 Door opening sensor → Lights on. → Launching the camera → Sends a notice. → Returns to the sensor (if the door is closed, the script is reset).
• 🌡️ Thermometer records the temperature drop → The heater is on. → The humidifier corrects the humidity → Sensor. CO₂ air-test → cycle.
• 🚪 Camera detects movement → Sirena's working. → Router blocks suspicious devices on the network → Smartphone gets video → The script is waiting for your reaction.

The main difference from competitors is minimal cloud dependency, with most activities being processed locally via the Mi Home Hub (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Smart Home Gateway), which reduces latency and increases reliability, but complex scenarios (e.g. geolocation) still require an internet connection.

What Xiaomi devices support Circular

Not all Xiaomi gadgets are Circular compatible – the technology only works with devices that support the Zigbee 3.0 protocol or Mi Mesh (the company’s own development).

Important: Wi-Fi devices (such as Mi Robot Vacuum or Mi Smart Plug) can participate in scenarios, but not as part of a local Circular circuit — their commands run through the cloud, which increases latency. Fully circular automation requires at least one hub (Gateway) and at least 2 sensors / performers.

⚠️ Note: Aqara devices (a subsidiary of Xiaomi) also support Circular, but their integration requires a separate Aqara Hub. You can not mix the hubs of different brands in one scenario - this will lead to a conflict of protocols.

How to set up Circular Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

To create a circular scenario, you will need:

1. The Mi Smart Home Gateway (or Aqara Hub)
2. Minimum 2 compatible devices (e.g. sensor + lamp).
3. Mi Home app (version no lower than 6.0.100)

Follow the steps:

1. Add a hub to the app: Open Mi Home → Profile → Settings → Add a device. Select Gateway and follow the instructions (plug the hub to the socket and press the sync button).
2. Connect the rest of the devices: In the same section, add sensors, lamps, etc. Make sure they are in the same room with the hub (in the app).

Create a script.

• Go to Automation → Create → Circular (in some versions of the application, the item is called “Circle Automation”).
• Select a trigger (e.g. Door Sensor → Open).
• Add actions (e.g. Yeelight → Enable).
• Set up the termination conditions (e.g. Door Sensor → Closed).

Make sure the hub is connected to 2.4 GHz network|Update the Hub firmware to the latest version|Place the devices within a radius of 10 meters from the hub|Turn it off. VPN on your phone (can block the connection to Xiaomi servers)-->

Once saved, the script will be active, and you can manually check it, for example, open the door with the sensor, the lamp should turn on, and after closing, turn off.

⚠️ Note: If the scenario doesn't work, check: Device location: walls and metal objects can block the Zigbee signal. Power saving settings on the phone: some manufacturers (e.g. Huawei or Xiaomi) restrict background work of the Mi Home. Region in the app: If the wrong region is selected (e.g. China instead of Europe), some features may not be available.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Circular Xiaomi

Like any technology, Circular has its strengths and weaknesses, and let's look at them in real-world use cases.

Pros:

• ⚡ Minimal delays: Due to local processing, commands are executed almost instantly (delay) <0.5 squash 2–5 cloud-sec).
• 🔄 Scenario flexibility: You can create layered chains (e.g., if the door is open for more than 5 minutes and the temperature is below 10).°C, then turn on the heater and send it. SMS").
• 🛡️ Internet-free: basic functions remain active even when Wi-Fi is turned off (if the hub is powered from the network).
• 💰 Low cost: Xiaomi devices are cheaper than analogues from Philips Hue or Netatmo with comparable functionality.

Cons:

• 🌐 Limited compatibility: devices of other brands (e.g, IKEA Tradfri or Tuya cannot participate in Circular scripts.
• 📱 Mi Home Dependence: An official app is required to set up, there are no alternatives (like Home Assistant.
• 🔌 Hub required: without Gateway, circular automation is not available (unlike cloud systems, where you can do without a hub).
• 📡 Zigbee problems: Interference with neighbors using the same frequencies is possible in apartment buildings.

💡

Xiaomi’s Circular is optimal for small smart home systems (up to 30 devices), and when scaling, it’s better to consider professional solutions like Home Assistant or Hubitat.

Hidden features of Circular: what the instructions will not tell

The manufacturer does not advertise all the functions of Circular, but experienced users have found several useful life hacks:

• 🔗 Communication with Google Assistant/Alexa: While Circular works locally, you can integrate it with voice assistants via the cloud. For this: In Mi Home, link your account to Google Home or Amazon Alexa. Create a routine in your voice assistant that runs a Circular script on command (e.g., "OK Google, Gone Mode"), allowing you to control circular automation with voice, albeit with a slight delay.
• 🕒 Delayed Actions: You can add a delay to your script settings (e.g., “turn on the light 30 seconds after the sensor is triggered”). This is useful for simulating the presence of a home or a smooth awakening.
• 📊 Event Log: If you connect the Mi Home Hub to the Home Assistant (via Xiaomi Miio integration), you can log all Circular positives, which will help debug scripts.