The smart device ecosystem is no longer a fantasy and has become firmly established in the homes of ordinary users. Xiaomi has become one of the market leaders, offering affordable and functional gadgets for automation of everyday life. In 2020, the line of devices has expanded, and the Mi Home application received long-awaited improvements, making entering the IoT world even easier.
But beginners often face chaos in their hardware choices, and the sheer number of gateways, communication protocols, and firmware versions can confuse even an experienced technician, and in this article, we’ll explore where to start building a system to avoid unnecessary costs and compatibility issues.
The basic gateway of the 2020 Zigbee 3.0 version is a must-have foundation without which buying sensors makes no sense, and ignoring this rule will result in devices not seeing each other.
Selection of a central hub and communication protocols
The heart of any system is a gateway, or hub, which connects all peripherals to your smartphone via the Internet. In 2020, Zigbee gateways remain relevant, as they consume minimal energy and create a mesh network that increases the range.
While they are easier to connect, they put a strain on the router and often lose communication when the network is rebooted. Xiaomi Smart Home Hub or Aqara gateway (which also works in the ecosystem) will be the best choice for stable operation.
⚠️ Warning: When buying a gateway, be sure to check the region of use.Chinese versions (CN) Often require changing the region in the application, which can block the work with devices of other standards (EU/RU).
Modern hubs support multimodality, working simultaneously with Zigbee, Bluetooth Mesh and Wi-Fi, which allows devices from different generations to be combined into a single scene, for example, the motion sensor 2018 can successfully control the light bulb 2020 release.
Why is Zigbee better than Wi-Fi for sensors?
Equipment required for start
To build your first working system, you'll need a minimal set of devices, so don't try to buy everything at once, you'll want to start with a basic safety kit or light control, and that'll help you understand the logic of how automation works without stress.
First of all, look at door opening and motion sensors, which are triggers for most scenarios, and a temperature and humidity sensor is also essential if you're planning to operate climate control equipment or just monitor the microclimate.
- 🏠 Zigbee 3.0 central gateway to coordinate all devices.
- 🚪 Door/window opening sensor for penetration response.
- 🏃 Human motion sensor for light activation or signaling.
- 💡 Smart lamp or socket for execution of commands (executive devices).
- 🌡️ Temperature sensor for monitoring indoor conditions.
It is important to choose devices that are officially supported in the Mi Home app. Chinese clone brands may run unstable or require complex server manipulations to connect. The table below compares the main types of launch kits.
| Type of set | Main components | Difficulty setting up | Budget budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic security | Gateway, motion sensor, siren | Low. | Low. |
| Smart light. | Gateway, smart lamps, switch | Medium | Medium. |
| Climate control | Gateway, thermostat, humidity sensor | Tall. | High-pitched |
| Complete set | All of the above + sockets | Tall. | Maximum |
Installation and configuration of the Mi Home application
Software is the brain of the operation. The Mi Home app (formerly Mi Smart Home) is used to manage the ecosystem in 2020, available for iOS and Android, but with a regional footprint that should not be forgotten.
When you first start up, it will ask you to register for a Mi Account, which is a must, because all scripts and logs are stored in the cloud, and local management is possible, but it limits the functionality of automation.
☑️ Primary configuration of the application
The critical thing is to choose a region when you sign up. If you bought a device for the Chinese market, the region should be China. For the European version, choose the corresponding country or Russia. You can mix devices from different regions in one application without using special plugins.
⚠️ Note: If you change region in the app, the list of devices may be cleared. All devices will need to be re-associated, so determine the region before buying equipment.
The interface is built on the principle of rooms: create rooms (Kitchen, Bedroom, Hallway) and distribute devices over them, which will simplify navigation and allow you to create scenarios that are tied to a specific location.
Connecting the first devices and creating scenes
Once the hub is set up, it's peripheral connection time, and the process is usually standardized: press the button on the device until the indicator flashes and click "Add device" in the app, and the system will find the gadget in range.
But the real magic starts with scripting, and the script is based on the If-That logic, and the condition (If) can be the action of the sensor, and the action (That) can be the response of the actuator.
For example, the classic Nightwatch scenario: if the motion sensor went off at night (23:00 to 6:00), turn on the lamp at 10% brightness, or the security scenario: if the door is open and you are at home (geolocation shows distance from home), then send a push notification and turn on the siren.
💡
Use delay in scenarios, for example, turn off the lights not immediately after leaving the room, but after 2 minutes, so that the system does not react to a short-term lack of movement.
In 2020, the app allows you to create complex chains with logical operators "And", "OR", which gives you the flexibility: lights can turn on from both movement and voice command, and on a schedule. The more conditions you prescribe, the smarter your home becomes.
Integration with voice assistants
Voice control is the final touch that makes the system truly modern. Xiaomi ecosystem is great friends with Yandex.Alice, Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit (using Aqara gateways), which allows you to control lights and appliances without a phone.
To integrate with Alice, you need to link your Mi Home account in the Yandex application. This is done through the Smart Home menu -> Add Device -> Xiaomi Home. After synchronization, all your rooms and devices will appear in the Yandex application.
Voice commands are faster than manual control over a phone, and often more reliable. The phrase "Alice, I'm gone" can turn off all the lights, close smart curtains, and start a robot vacuum cleaner. It saves time and adds comfort.
💡
Voice control is not a substitute for automation. A smart home needs to work itself, and voice is just a way to redefined settings manually in exceptional situations.
Common errors and compatibility issues
While simple, beginners often step on the same rake, and the most common mistake is trying to connect devices from different protocols to an unsupported gateway, remember that the Wi-Fi outlet won't connect directly to the Zigbee hub.
The second problem is the weak signal, the gateway has to be in the middle of the apartment or at the point where the most cables converge, and if the devices are lost, maybe you should buy a repeater or a smart socket that relays the Zigbee signal.
Also worth mentioning is firmware. Periodically check for updates for the gateway and devices in the settings section. Xiaomi regularly releases patches that improve connection stability and add new features.
⚠️ Warning: Do not interrupt the process of updating the firmware of the device. This can lead to "bricking" of the gadget, after which it will be possible to restore it only through the service center.
In conclusion, building a smart home is an exciting process that starts small: Start with a single sensor and light bulb, learn the logic of how to work, and gradually expand the system. In 2020, Xiaomi technology allows you to create a reliable system even on a limited budget.