Xiaomi’s smart home ecosystem has long gone beyond experimental designs to become a fully functional infrastructure for home automation, but to make all sensors, lamps and sockets work together, you need a central gateway — a device that connects them to each other and to your smartphone. Choosing the right model determines not only the stability of the system, but also its functionality, from voice support to integration with other platforms like Apple HomeKit or Google Assistant.
Now, there are several gateways from Xiaomi and its sub-brand Aqara that are all designed to work their way, some for a minimalist system with a pair of sensors, others for complex automation with dozens of devices, and in this article, we'll compare all the current models in detail, analyze their pros and cons, and help you decide which gateway is best for you to buy, whether it's lighting control, security, or full automation of the apartment.
We'll focus on compatibility issues, because not all gateways work with other brands, and some models require a mandatory connection to Chinese servers. M2 Mi Home Gateway 3 is a budget, and what to do if you need support for Zigbee 3.0 or Thread.
Finally, we have collected up-to-date data on prices, availability in Russian stores and the nuances of settings – so that you can make an informed decision without unnecessary experiments.
Why do you need a gateway in a Xiaomi smart home?
Many beginners mistakenly believe that Wi-Fi and Mi Home are enough to control smart light bulbs or outlets. In practice, this only works with individual devices - but once there are more than five, the system begins to "glut": delays in commands, loss of communication, conflicts. IP-The gateway solves these problems by acting as a local server and coordinator.
Here are the key functions that the gateway performs in the Xiaomi ecosystem:
- 🔄 Connecting devices into a single network: the gateway connects sensors, switches and actuators using the Zigbee or Z-Wave protocols, reducing the load on Wi-Fi.
- 📡 Local control: even without the Internet, devices continue to work (for example, a motion sensor will turn on the lights).
- 🔒 Security: Encrypting traffic between devices (as opposed to open Wi-Fi).
- 🤖 Automation: Create scenarios like “if the door is open, turn on the camera and send a notification".
- 🎤 Integration with voice assistants: Alice, Google Assistant, Siri (via HomeKit).
Without a gateway, you are limited to basic features, and with it you can access advanced features: for example, geofences (automatically turning on the heater when you drive up to the house) or complex triggers (if you drive up to the house) CO₂ > 1000 ppm And temperature > 25°C, open the window).
The critical nuance: Xiaomi gateways are divided into "Chinese" and "global" versions, the former require a binding to the Chinese region in Mi Home and can block access to certain functions outside of China. EU or RU) They are lacking this disadvantage, but they are more expensive.
Review of all gateways Xiaomi: technical specifications
For 2026, Xiaomi and Aqara have 4 main gateway models, featuring communication protocols, supported devices and additional features. Below is a comparative table of key parameters:
| Model | Protocol | Max. Devices. | Support for HomeKit | Voice assistants | Additional functions | Price (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Home Gateway 3 | Zigbee 3.0 | 128 | ❌ No. | Alice, Google, Alexa | RGB-light, speaker, button | 2,500 ₽ |
| Aqara Hub M1S | Zigbee 3.0 | 128 | ✅ Yes. | Alice, Google, Alexa, Siri | Infrared port, Ethernet | 4,200 ₽ |
| Aqara Hub M2 | Zigbee 3.0 + Thread | 256 | ✅ Yes. | All the basics | Ethernet, backup power, Matter | 6,500 ₽ |
| Aqara Camera Hub G3 | Zigbee 3.0 | 128 | ✅ Yes. | All the basics | Camera. 1080p, motion sensor, siren | 7,800 ₽ |
As you can see from the table, the basic Mi Home Gateway 3 is suitable for simple tasks (lighting, opening sensors), but does not support HomeKit and has limited integration with other ecosystems. M2, It offers advanced features: backup power (up to 4 hours without electricity), support for the new Thread protocol (for devices like Nanoleaf or Eve), and compatibility with Matter, the universal standard for smart homes.
It is also worth noting the Aqara Camera Hub. G3: It is a hybrid device that combines the functions of a gateway and IP-Motion analytics cameras. It's perfect for security systems, but redundant if you just need automation.
Mi Home Gateway 3: A budget option for beginners
Mi Home Gateway 3 is the most affordable gateway in the lineup, often bundled with smart home starter kits, with its main advantage being easy to set up and low price. The device supports up to 128 Zigbee 3.0 devices, has a built-in speaker for audible alerts (such as an alarm) and RGB-lighting, which can be used as a night light or event indicator.
Out of the box, the gateway works with most Xiaomi and Aqara devices, but there are important limitations:
- ❌ No support for Apple HomeKit (critical for iPhone users).
- ❌ Requires connection to Chinese servers in the version for China (problems with geofences and notifications).
- ❌ No Ethernet port – only 2.4GHz Wi-Fi (can slow down at weak signal).
⚠️ Warning: When buying Mi Home Gateway 3, check the region in the model name (CN) It is tied to Xiaomi servers in China and can block access to certain functions in Russia. EU or RU.
Who's good for:
- 🏠 Owners of small apartments with 5-10 devices (light bulbs, sockets, sensors).
- 💰 Those who want to save money and do not need integration with HomeKit.
- 🔧 For beginners who want to test a smart home without a large investment.
The main competitor is Aqara Hub. M1S, Which is just 1,500 to 2,000. ₽ It is more expensive but offers HomeKit, Ethernet and better stability.
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If you are buying a Mi Home Gateway 3 For a cottage or a rental apartment, look at Power Bank powered models. Some users are adapting the gateway to battery power. 5V/2A, This allows you to use it in places with power outages.
Aqara Hub M1S and M2: professional solutions
Aqara gateways are marketed as more advanced alternatives to the Mi Home Gateway, and they are aimed at users who need advanced automation, integration with other ecosystems, and high reliability.
Aqara Hub M1S — This is the “golden middle” between the budget Mi Home Gateway 3 and the flagship M2. His key pieces:
The model supports up to 128 devices and is compatible with all Aqara sensors and most Xiaomi devices (except those that require proprietary protocols, such as some robot vacuum cleaners).
Aqara Hub M2 — flagship gateway with maximum functionality:
⚠️ Attention: Aqara Hub M2 requires an Ethernet connection – Wi-Fi is only used for initial setup.
Who is the right Aqara Hub for? M1S:
- 🍎 Users of Apple HomeKit (iPhone, iPad, Mac).
- 🏡 Those who plan to connect more than 20 devices.
- 📶 Homeowners with unstable Wi-Fi (Ethernet solves the problem of cliffs).
Who needs an Aqara Hub for? M2:
- 🏢 For large homes or offices with dozens of devices.
- 🔄 People who use devices of different brands (Thread, Matter).
- ⚡ In regions with frequent power outages (reserve battery).
How is Thread better than Zigbee?
Aqara Camera Hub G3: lock + camera
Aqara Camera Hub G3 — A unique solution that combines the functions of the Zigbee 3.0 gateway and a full-fledged IP-resolution-box 1080p. This is a device that's perfect for anyone who wants to combine security and automation into one gadget:
- 📹 Camera with night vision (up to 7 m) and motion detector.
- 🚨 Built-in siren (up to 90 dB) to deter intruders.
- 🔍 Local video analysis (no cloud required to detect motion).
- 🔄 HomeKit Secure Video Support for Apple Users).
In terms of gateway, Camera Hub G3 identical to the Aqara Hub M1S: The camera is also 128 devices, support for Zigbee 3.0 and Ethernet, but its main advantage is the camera, which can work as a standalone device or as part of a security system. For example, when the door opening sensor is triggered, the camera will automatically start recording and send a notification from the photo to the phone.
Cons:
- ❌ High price (from 7,800) ₽) compared to conventional gateways.
- ❌ There is no Thread support (unlike Hub) M2).
- ❌ The camera is fixed (no rotating mechanism).
Who's good for:
- 🏠 Owners of country houses or apartments in need of a security system.
- 📱 Those who want to minimize the number of devices (gateway) + single-chamber).
- 🍎 Apple HomeKit users who need to record video with encryption.
⚠️ Attention: Aqara Camera Hub G3 Records video to a microSD card (up to 256 GB) or to the Aqara cloud. HomeKit Secure Video requires an iCloud subscription+ (99 ₽/Without it, the video will only be available locally.
Which gateway to choose: a step-by-step guide
To determine the model, answer the following questions:
- How many devices do you plan to connect? Up to 20 → Mi Home Gateway 3. 20–50 → Aqara Hub M1S. More than 50 or with reservations → Aqara Hub M2.
- Do I need to integrate with Apple HomeKit? → Aqara Hub M1S/M2 or Camera Hub G3. No. → Mi Home Gateway 3.
- Is the stability of the connection important? Wi-Fi is unstable → Choose a model with Ethernet (Aqara Hub) M1S/M2). Frequent blackouts → Aqara Hub M2 (battery).
- Do you need a security system? → Aqara Camera Hub G3. No. → lock-in.
Are you planning to use other brands (Nanoleaf, Eve, Philips Hue)?
- Yes. → Aqara Hub M2 (Thread and Matter support).
- No. → Zigbee's a gateway.
If you are still in doubt, use our checklist:
🔹 Determined the number of devices (up to) 20 / 20–50 / more 50)
🔹 Checked compatibility with HomeKit (needed/not needed)
🔹 Considered the stability of Wi-Fi (there is Ethernet/only Wi-Fi)
🔹 Evaluated the need for backup power (there are lights out / no)
🔹 I decided if I needed a camera (yes/no)
🔹 Checked the lock region (EU/RU / CN)
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Examples of ready-made solutions:
- 🏡 Apartment 30 m2: 5 light bulbs, 2 sockets, motion sensor → Mi Home Gateway 3.
- 🏠 Home 100 m2: 15 devices, integration with HomeKit, unstable Wi-Fi → Aqara Hub M1S.
- 🏢 Office or large house: 30+ devices, backup power, Thread → Aqara Hub M2.
- 🏡 House with security system: camera + sensor + siren → Aqara Camera Hub G3.
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If you plan to expand your smart home system in the future, you should take the Aqara Hub right away. M1S or M2. Mi Home Gateway 3 is only suitable for minimalist configurations and does not support advanced protocols.
Setup of the gateway: step-by-step instructions
The process of connecting the gateway is the same for all models, but there are nuances depending on the version (Chinese or global). M2:
- Download Mi Home (for Xiaomi gateways) or Aqara Home (for Aqara gateways) from the App Store or Google Play. Sign up or sign in.
- Power connection: Insert the gateway into the socket. Make sure the power indicator is blue (Mi Home Gateway 3 has white).
- Add to the app in Mi Home Click + → Add the device → Gateway. In Aqara Home, select Add Device → Hub. Follow the instructions on the screen. For the Aqara Hub. M2 First connect the Ethernet cable to the router.
- Choice of region ⚠️ Note: When setting up the Chinese version of the gateway (CN) Select China Mainland for the global versions (EU/RU) If you choose Russia or Europe, an error at this point will cause problems with geofences and notifications!
- Connection to the network Gateway will automatically connect to Wi-Fi (or Ethernet for Aqara).If you have problems, check: the router is running at 2.4 GHz (gateways do not support 5 GHz). VPN The gateway is within range of the router (not more than 10 m).
Firmware update
After connecting, check for updates in the gateway settings (About the device) → Software updates. This will fix bugs and add support for new devices.
Addition of devices
Now you can connect sensors and actuators. To do this, select Add Device in the app. → [Type of device] and follow the instructions (usually press the button on the device).
If the gateway is not connected:
- 🔌 Reboot the router and gateway (remove the plug for 10 seconds).
- 📶 Check that the router does not use smart switching between 2.4 and 5 GHz (disable this feature).
- 🌐 For the Chinese version, try using it. VPN servers in China (but this is a temporary solution – it is better to buy a global version).
Example of the way to Mi Home to drop the gateway:
Settings → [Your Gateway] → ⋮ (three dots) → Delete the device
Then press the button on the gateway for 10 seconds before flashing yellow light.Frequent problems and their solutions
Even after setting up the gateways correctly, Xiaomi can behave in an unstable way.
- 🔴 Gateway disconnects from network Causes: Weak Wi-Fi signal → Move the gateway closer to the router or use Ethernet (Aqara Hub) M1S/M2). Conflict IP-address → fix the static IP for the gateway in the router settings. → Disable the extra devices or split the networks 2.4 and 5 GHz.
- 🔴 Devices do not respond to commands Causes: Too much distance between devices → Add an intermediate Zigbee router (like a smart socket) Low signal strength. → Check in the Zigbee Network Status (in gateway settings) → Update the gateway and devices.
- 🔴 Geo-fences or notifications are not working ⚠️ Note: Geozone and push notifications are often blocked from Chinese versions of gateways (CN). The solution is to re-link the gateway to the region of Russia or Europe through the VPN (But it's a temporary crutch. You better buy a global version right away.
- 🔴 Gateway doesn't find new devices Reason: Device limit exceeded (128 for most gateways) Device incompatible → Check the list of supported models on the Aqara or Xiaomi website. → Some devices require pressing the reset button before adding.
If the problem is not solved, try resetting the gateway to factory settings (press the button for 10-15 seconds before flashing yellow) and adjusting it again, 90% of the time it helps.
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To diagnose problems with the Zigbee network, use the Zigbee Mapper application (available for the first time). Windows/macOS). It visualizes the topology of the network and shows which devices work as routers and which as end nodes.