Smart Home Guide

Everything you need to manage your smart home — simplified

All

Overview

UniFi

Aqara Lock

Kasa Switches

Thermostat

Home Assistant

iPad Panel

Troubleshoot

FAQ

System Overview

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Note: Your home works like a normal home. Every light switch works by pressing it on the wall. The thermostat has a touchscreen you can adjust by hand. The front door lock opens with a PIN code or physical key. The smart features are a bonus layer on top — they let you control things remotely, set automations, and get notifications. But if the internet goes down, or you never open an app, everything still works the way you'd expect in any home.

Your smart home is managed by Home Assistant, which acts as the central brain. Here's what's connected:

UniFi Network

Ubiquiti UCG-MAX Cloud Gateway Max

UniFi Protect

Security cameras and video recording

Aqara Smart Lock

U100 lock via Aqara Hub M3 (Matter)

Kasa Switches

Kasa KS220 Matter switches (2.4GHz)

Honeywell T10

Smart thermostat via HomeKit

Home Assistant — Managing Devices

Home Assistant is where all your devices come together. Here's how to access device settings, add new devices, and remove old ones.

Accessing Device Settings

1Open Settings

In Home Assistant, tap the Settings gear icon in the bottom-left sidebar (or bottom nav on mobile).

2Go to Devices & Services

Tap Devices & Services. This shows all connected integrations (Matter, UniFi Protect, TP-Link, etc.).

3Find your device

Click the Devices tab at the top. Search for the device name (e.g., "Front Door", "Kitchen Light"). Tap it to see its status, controls, and settings.

4Device settings

On the device page you can: rename it, assign it to a room/area, see its current state (on/off, locked/unlocked, battery level), view history, and configure automations for it.

Adding a Device via Matter

1Make sure the Matter add-on is installed

Go to Settings → Add-ons. Search for "Matter Server". If it's not installed, click Install, then Start. This only needs to be done once.

2Enable the Matter integration

Go to Settings → Devices & Services → Add Integration. Search for "Matter" and add it. Connect it to the Matter Server add-on. This also only needs to be done once.

3Get the pairing code

For Kasa switches: open the Kasa app → tap the switch → Settings → look for Matter or Third-party platforms → copy the pairing code (usually an 11-digit number or QR code).
For Aqara devices: open the Aqara Home app → Hub M3 settings → Matter → generate a pairing code.

4Add the device in Home Assistant

Go to Settings → Devices & Services → Matter. Click "Add Device" (or the + button). Enter the Matter pairing code or scan the QR code. Wait for the device to be discovered and added (this can take 1-3 minutes).

5Assign to a room

Once added, Home Assistant will ask you to assign the device to an area (e.g., Kitchen, Living Room). This helps organize your dashboard.

Removing a Device

1Find the device

Go to Settings → Devices & Services → Devices tab. Search for and tap the device you want to remove.

2Delete it

On the device page, tap the three-dot menu (top right) and select "Delete". Confirm the deletion.

3Factory reset the physical device (if re-pairing)

If you're removing to re-pair, you may need to factory reset the switch or device first. For Kasa switches: hold the switch button for 10 seconds until the LED blinks. For Aqara devices: use the Aqara app to reset.

Important: Removing a device from Home Assistant does not reset the physical device. If you're replacing a switch or lock, you'll need to factory reset the old device separately AND remove it from Home Assistant.

Aqara U100 Product Page • User Manual • FAQ

How It All Connects

Home Assistant is the central hub running on your network. It connects to everything:

Home AssistantCentral controller
UniFi (UCG-MAX Gateway)Network + Protect
Kasa KS220 SwitchesMatter via 2.4GHz Wi-Fi
Aqara Hub M3Zigbee/Thread/Matter/BT/IR/PoE
Aqara U100 LockZigbee → Hub M3 → Matter → HA

Tip: Home Assistant is the only app you need for day-to-day control. The Aqara app and UniFi app are only needed for specific admin tasks described below.

UniFi Network — Daily Use

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What UniFi Does

UniFi manages your home Wi-Fi network, including the router, access points, and any network switches. UniFi Protect manages your security cameras.

For everyday use, you don't need to touch UniFi settings — your devices connect automatically. You only need the UniFi app if you want to check who's connected, change the Wi-Fi password, or view camera footage.

Accessing UniFi

1Download the UniFi app

Get "UniFi" from the App Store or Google Play. This one app handles both Network and Protect.

2Log in with your Ubiquiti account

Use the email and password for your UI.com account. If you don't have one, you'll need the current owner to add you first (see Transfer Ownership below).

3Select your site

Tap on your home's site name to see connected devices, Wi-Fi settings, and camera feeds.

Tip: You can also access UniFi from a web browser by going to unifi.ui.com and logging in. Your network runs on the Ubiquiti UCG-MAX Cloud Gateway Max.

Changing Wi-Fi Name or Password

1Open UniFi Settings

In the UniFi app or at unifi.ui.com, go to Settings → WiFi.

2Select the network to change

You'll see a list of Wi-Fi networks. Tap the one you want to edit (your main home network).

3Edit name or password

Change the Network Name (SSID) and/or Password. Tap Save.

4Reconnect your devices

All devices will disconnect and need to reconnect using the new name/password. This includes phones, laptops, tablets, and smart devices.

Do NOT change the "Smart" network. There is a dedicated Wi-Fi network for smart devices (switches, hubs, etc.). This network is pre-configured and changing its name or password will disconnect all smart home devices and require re-pairing each one individually. Only change the main home Wi-Fi network.

Helpful Links

UniFi Web Portal (unifi.ui.com) UniFi App — App Store (iOS) UniFi App — Google Play (Android) Ubiquiti Help Center (help.ui.com) UCG-MAX Cloud Gateway Max Product Page

UniFi — Transfer Ownership (Step by Step)

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Important: Only do this if you're giving full control of the UniFi system to someone else (e.g., new homeowner). This cannot be easily undone.

Before You Start

The new owner needs a free Ubiquiti account. Have them create one at account.ui.com before you begin. They must verify their email address and log in at least once before you can add them as an admin.

Ownership cannot be transferred directly — you must first invite the new user as an admin, they must accept the invitation, and only then can you transfer ownership to them. The transfer option will not appear until the invited user has accepted and is visible in your admin list.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1Open UniFi Settings

Log into your UniFi Console (via the app or unifi.ui.com). Go to Settings (gear icon).

2Add the new user as an Admin

Go to Admins & Users tab. Tap "Add Admin". Enter the new person's Ubiquiti account email. Set their role to "Administrator". Send the invitation.

3New user accepts the invitation

The new user will receive an email invitation. They must click the link and log in with their Ubiquiti account. Ask them to confirm they can see the site in their UniFi app before proceeding.

4Transfer ownership

Go to Settings → Control Plane (or System Settings on some versions). Find and click "Transfer Ownership". Select the new admin from the dropdown. Enter your current password to confirm.

5Verify the transfer

The new owner should log in and verify they have full control. You'll be downgraded to a regular Admin (they can remove you entirely if needed).

Important: Make sure you create a backup of your UniFi settings before transferring. Go to Settings → System → Backups and download a backup file.

Tip: If you just want to give someone access without transferring full ownership, simply add them as an Admin (steps 1-3) and skip the transfer step.

Helpful Links

Official Guide: Password Recovery & Ownership Transfer UniFi Web Portal (unifi.ui.com) Create / Manage Ubiquiti Account (ui.com) UniFi Getting Started Guide UniFi Managing Admins Ubiquiti Help Center (help.ui.com)

UniFi Protect — Camera Access

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Viewing Cameras

Camera feeds are available in two places:

1UniFi Protect app (recommended)

Open the UniFi Protect app for the best camera experience. It provides full-quality live feeds, timeline playback, motion event history, motion zones, recording settings, and push notifications for motion alerts. This is the primary way to view and manage your cameras.

2Home Assistant

Camera feeds are also available on your Home Assistant dashboard for quick glances. Useful for seeing cameras alongside locks and lights in one place, but the Protect app offers better video quality and full playback controls.

Tip: Use the UniFi Protect app for day-to-day camera viewing, motion alerts, and playback. Home Assistant is useful for automations (e.g., turn on lights when camera detects motion) but the Protect app is the better viewing experience.

Helpful Links

UniFi Protect App — App Store (iOS) UniFi Protect App — Google Play (Android) UniFi Protect Support

Aqara Smart Lock — Daily Use

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How the Lock Works

Your Aqara U100 Smart Lock connects through the Aqara Smart Home Hub M3 — a powerful hub that supports Zigbee, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Thread, PoE, and IR. The Hub M3 acts as a Matter controller and Thread border router, bridging the lock to Home Assistant.

Connection chain: Lock (Zigbee) → Aqara Hub M3 → Matter → Home Assistant. You can lock/unlock from Home Assistant, but PIN code management must be done through the Aqara Home app.

Unlocking the Door

You have several ways to unlock:

PIN CodeEnter your code on the keypad
FingerprintIf enrolled in the Aqara app
Home AssistantTap lock/unlock in the app
Physical KeyEmergency backup (see diagram above)

Helpful Links

Aqara Home App — App Store (iOS) Aqara Home App — Google Play (Android) Aqara Support (aqara.com)

Aqara Lock — Change Door Codes (Step by Step)

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Important: PIN codes can only be managed through the Aqara Home app, not through Home Assistant. You must be near the lock (Bluetooth range) to make changes.

Adding a New PIN Code

1Open the Aqara Home app

Download "Aqara Home" from the App Store or Google Play if you haven't already. Log in with your Aqara account.

2Select your lock

On the home screen, tap on your smart lock device. Make sure you're within Bluetooth range of the lock (within the same room or nearby).

3Go to User Management

Tap the settings gear icon, then tap "User Management" or "Password Management" (wording varies by lock model).

4Add a new PIN

Tap "Add Password" or "Add PIN Code". Choose the type:
• Permanent — always works (for family members)
• Temporary/One-time — expires after one use or after a set time (for guests)
• Periodic — only works during certain hours/days

5Enter the new code

Type in the PIN code (usually 4-10 digits). Give it a name so you know who it belongs to (e.g., "Mom", "Cleaning service", "Guest").

6Save and test

Tap Save. Walk to the door and test the new code right away to make sure it works.

Changing an Existing PIN Code

1Open Aqara Home → Your Lock → User Management

Same as above — navigate to the password/user management section.

2Tap the code you want to change

Find the user/code in the list and tap on it.

3Edit or delete

Tap "Edit" to change the code, or "Delete" to remove it entirely. Save your changes.

Creating a Temporary Code for Guests

1Go to User Management in the Aqara app

Follow steps 1-3 from "Adding a New PIN Code" above.

2Choose "One-time" or "Periodic"

One-time: The code works once and then expires automatically.
Periodic: Set specific days and hours when the code is active (great for recurring visitors like a cleaning service).

3Share the code

Text or tell your guest the code. It will automatically stop working after the time/use limit.

Tip: You can add fingerprints the same way — go to User Management and choose "Add Fingerprint" instead of "Add Password." Follow the on-screen prompts to scan.

Important: Always keep at least one admin PIN code active. If you delete all codes, you'll need the physical key to get in and will have to re-add codes via the Aqara app.

Video Guide

Helpful Links

Aqara Home App — App Store (iOS) Aqara Home App — Google Play (Android) Aqara Support (aqara.com) Aqara U100 Product Page

Kasa Switches — Light Control

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How Kasa Switches Work

Your Kasa Smart Light Switches (KS220) are single-pole switches that require a neutral wire and connect via 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. They support voice control through Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant. They connect to Home Assistant either through Matter or the native TP-Link integration (which provides more features like energy monitoring and LED control). You can also control them directly through the Kasa app independently.

Controlling Lights

1Physical switch

Just press the switch on the wall like a normal light switch. It still works manually.

2Home Assistant app

Open the Home Assistant app on your phone. Find the light in your dashboard and tap to toggle on/off. If the switch is a dimmer, you can slide to adjust brightness.

3Voice control (if set up)

If Home Assistant is connected to a voice assistant (Siri, Alexa, Google), you can say things like "Turn off the kitchen lights."

Adding a New Kasa Switch

1Install the switch physically

Turn off the breaker, replace the old switch with the Kasa switch, restore power.

2Set up in Kasa app first

Download the Kasa app, create a TP-Link account, and add the switch. Enable Matter in the switch settings and get the Matter pairing code. Note: The QR code / Matter pairing code is printed on a label hidden behind the faceplate of the switch. You'll need to remove the faceplate (snap-off cover) to find it.

3Add to Home Assistant via Matter

In Home Assistant, go to Settings → Devices & Services → Add Integration → Matter. Enter the Matter pairing code from the Kasa app. The switch will appear in your dashboard.

Tip: Once added to Home Assistant via Matter, you can control the switch even without internet — Matter works locally on your network.

Helpful Links

Kasa Smart App — App Store (iOS) Kasa Smart App — Google Play (Android) TP-Link Support (tp-link.com) TP-Link Smart Home Products

Home Assistant — Your Central Hub

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What is Home Assistant?

Home Assistant is the "brain" of your smart home. It connects to all your devices (UniFi, cameras, locks, switches, thermostat) and lets you control everything from one place. It also runs automations — for example, automatically turning on porch lights at sunset or locking the door at bedtime.

How to Access

1Phone app (recommended)

Download "Home Assistant" from the App Store or Google Play. Enter your Home Assistant URL when prompted. Log in with your username and password.

2Web browser

Open a browser and go to your Home Assistant URL (usually http://homeassistant.local:8123 on your local network).

3Wall-mounted iPad

The iPad on the wall is pre-configured with Home Assistant. Just tap the screen to use it. See the iPad Panel section for setup after a reset.

Key Things You Can Do

Control lightsOn/off, dimming, schedules
Lock/unlock doorRemotely via the app
View camerasQuick view (use Protect app for full playback)
Adjust thermostatSet temperature, change mode
AutomationsAutomatic rules (e.g., lights at sunset)
DashboardCustomizable overview of everything

Understanding the Dashboard

The Dashboard is your main screen in Home Assistant. It shows cards for each device — tap a card to control it. You can customize what appears on the dashboard by clicking the three-dot menu (top right) and selecting Edit Dashboard.

Common card types you'll see: light toggles, lock controls, camera feeds, thermostat controls, and sensor readings (temperature, humidity, motion). Cards are organized by room/area.

Creating Automations

Automations are "if this, then that" rules that make your home smart. Here's how to create one:

1Go to Settings → Automations & Scenes

Tap Create Automation and choose Create new automation.

2Add a Trigger

This is the "when" — what starts the automation. Examples: time of day (sunset, 10:00 PM), device state change (motion detected, door opened), or a sensor reading (temperature below 65°F).

3Add Conditions (optional)

This is the "only if" — extra checks before the action runs. Examples: only if it's after dark, only if someone is home, only on weekdays.

4Add Actions

This is the "do this" — what happens. Examples: turn on lights, lock the door, set thermostat to 68°F, send a notification to your phone.

5Save and test

Give it a name (e.g., "Lock door at bedtime") and save. You can manually trigger it from the automation list to test.

Popular Automation Ideas

Porch lights at sunsetTrigger: sunset | Action: turn on porch
Auto-lock at 11 PMTrigger: 11:00 PM | Action: lock front door
Night mode thermostatTrigger: 10 PM | Action: set to 68°F
All lights off at midnightTrigger: 12:00 AM | Action: all lights off
Phone notification on door unlockTrigger: lock unlocked | Action: notify

Using Scenes

Scenes let you set multiple devices to specific states with one tap. For example, a "Movie Night" scene could dim the living room lights to 20%, turn off the kitchen lights, and set the thermostat to 72°F.

1Create a scene

Go to Settings → Automations & Scenes → Scenes tab → Create Scene.

2Set device states

Add the devices you want to control. Set each one to the desired state (light brightness, thermostat temp, lock locked/unlocked, etc.).

3Save and use

Give it a name and save. You can activate scenes from the dashboard, through automations, or by voice ("Hey Siri, activate Movie Night").

Adding a New Admin User (For New Owners)

If you're a new homeowner or need to create a fresh admin account, here's how:

1Log in with the existing admin account

Ask the previous owner for the current admin username and password. Log into Home Assistant using the app or browser.

2Go to People settings

Navigate to Settings → People (under the "People & Zones" section).

3Add a new person

Tap "Add Person". Enter the new owner's name. Toggle "Allow person to login" to on.

4Create their login credentials

Enter a username and password for the new user. Make sure to toggle "Administrator" to on — this gives them full control over Home Assistant settings, integrations, and automations.

5Test the new account

Log out and log back in using the new admin credentials. Verify you can access Settings, Devices, and Automations.

6Remove the old admin (optional)

Once the new admin account is confirmed working, go to Settings → People, tap the old owner's account, and delete it. This ensures only the new owner has admin access.

Important: Always create and verify the new admin account before deleting the old one. If you delete the only admin account, you'll be locked out and will need to reset Home Assistant from scratch, which means re-adding all devices and automations.

Video Guides

These videos walk you through Home Assistant from the basics to creating automations:

Ultimate Home Assistant Beginner's Guide — complete walkthrough

Home Assistant Automations, Scripts & Scenes for Beginners

Tip: Start simple. Get comfortable controlling devices from the dashboard first, then try creating one automation. You don't need to set up everything at once.

Official Documentation

Getting Started Guide (home-assistant.io) Automations Documentation Scenes Documentation Dashboard Customization Guide Matter Integration Docs HomeKit Integration Docs UniFi Protect Integration Docs

App Downloads & Community

Home Assistant Companion — App Store (iOS) Home Assistant Companion — Google Play (Android) Home Assistant Community Forum Home Assistant Official Site

Honeywell T10 Thermostat

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How the Thermostat Works

The Honeywell T10 Pro Smart Thermostat (managed through the Resideo app) connects to the dedicated Smart Wi-Fi network (2.4GHz) and integrates with Home Assistant through HomeKit. This means it shows up in Home Assistant alongside your other devices, but can also be controlled several other ways.

Ways to Control the Thermostat

On the thermostat itselfTap the touchscreen to adjust temp
Home AssistantConnected via HomeKit integration
Resideo appFull control, schedules, sensors
Apple HomeKit / Siri"Hey Siri, set the thermostat to 72"

Manual Control (On the Thermostat)

1Wake the screen

Tap anywhere on the thermostat's touchscreen to wake it up. The current temperature and set point will display.

2Adjust temperature

Tap the up or down arrows to change the target temperature. The system will start heating or cooling to reach that temperature.

3Change mode

Tap the mode button to switch between Heat, Cool, Auto (both), and Off. Auto mode automatically switches between heating and cooling based on your set range.

4Fan control

Tap the fan button to switch between Auto (runs only when heating/cooling) and On (runs continuously for air circulation).

Using the Resideo App

1Download the app

Get "Resideo" from the App Store or Google Play. This is the current app for managing Honeywell thermostats (replaces the older "Honeywell Home" and "Total Connect Comfort" apps).

2Log in or create an account

Use the Resideo account credentials. If you're a new owner, ask the previous owner to remove the thermostat from their account first, then add it to yours.

3Control remotely

The app lets you adjust temperature, set schedules, view indoor/outdoor temperature, manage sensor priorities, and receive alerts — all from anywhere.

Using with Apple HomeKit (iPhone/iPad)

The T10 supports Apple HomeKit natively. If you have an iPhone, you can control the thermostat directly from the built-in Home app or with Siri voice commands — no additional setup needed beyond the initial HomeKit pairing.

Tip: The thermostat works perfectly without any app or smart home system. Just walk up to it and use the touchscreen. The smart features are a bonus — you'll never be locked out of basic temperature control.

Important: The thermostat connects to the Smart Wi-Fi network (the dedicated IoT network). Do not change the Smart network's name or password, or the thermostat will disconnect and need to be reconfigured.

Video Guide

How to Use the Honeywell T10 Pro Smart Thermostat — full tutorial

Helpful Links

T10 Pro Official User Guide (PDF) Resideo App — App Store (iOS) Resideo App — Google Play (Android) T10 Pro Product Page (Resideo) Resideo Support

iPad Wall Panel — Setup After Reset

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If the wall-mounted iPad has been reset (or you're setting it up for a new owner), follow these steps to restore smart home control.

Initial iPad Setup

1Complete iOS setup

Follow the on-screen prompts to set up the iPad (language, Wi-Fi, Apple ID). Connect to the main home Wi-Fi network.

2Download required apps

Open the App Store and install these apps:
• Home Assistant — main smart home control
• Aqara Home — lock PIN code management
• UniFi — network settings
• UniFi Protect — camera viewing and playback
• Resideo — thermostat control

App Login Credentials

Each app requires its own account. Ask the previous owner or property manager to provide these credentials, or transfer ownership to your own accounts:

Home AssistantURL + username + password
Aqara HomeAqara account email + password
UniFiUbiquiti (UI.com) account email + password

Configure Home Assistant

1Open Home Assistant app

Enter the Home Assistant URL (ask the owner for this — it's usually something like http://homeassistant.local:8123).

2Log in

Enter the username and password provided by the owner. The dashboard should load with all devices visible.

3Enable Guided Access (optional)

To lock the iPad to the Home Assistant app (so visitors can't exit), go to iPad Settings → Accessibility → Guided Access and turn it on. Triple-click the home/side button to activate.

Important: If you're the new owner, ask the previous owner to transfer their Aqara, UniFi, and Home Assistant accounts to you — or create new accounts and have the previous owner add you as an admin before they leave. Without proper credentials, you won't be able to manage PIN codes or network settings.

App Download Links (iOS)

Home Assistant — App Store Aqara Home — App Store UniFi — App Store UniFi Protect — App Store Resideo — App Store

Other Ways to Control Your Smart Home

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You're Not Locked Into One App

While Home Assistant is the central hub, you can also control devices through their individual apps or voice assistants. Here's a breakdown of your options:

Control by App

Home AssistantEverything — locks, lights, cameras, automations
Aqara HomeLock PINs, fingerprints, hub settings
Kasa SmartLight switches — on/off, schedules, timer
UniFiNetwork settings, Wi-Fi, camera recordings
ResideoThermostat — temperature, schedules, sensors

Each app works independently. You can control Kasa switches through the Kasa app without Home Assistant, manage lock codes through the Aqara app directly, view cameras through UniFi Protect, and adjust the thermostat through the Resideo app. Home Assistant simply brings everything together into one dashboard.

Voice Assistants

Your smart home devices support multiple voice assistants. You can use any of these to control lights and other compatible devices by voice:

Amazon Alexa"Alexa, turn off the kitchen lights"
Google Home / Assistant"Hey Google, dim the living room to 50%"
Apple Siri / HomeKit"Hey Siri, lock the front door"

Using Alexa or Google Home as a Hub

If you have an Amazon Echo, Google Nest Hub, or Apple HomePod in the house, they can act as secondary controllers:

1Kasa switches work natively

Kasa switches support Alexa, Google, and Siri out of the box. Just add them in the Alexa app, Google Home app, or Apple Home app using your TP-Link/Kasa account. No Home Assistant needed for basic voice control.

2Aqara lock via Matter

Since the Aqara Hub M3 supports Matter, the lock can be shared with other Matter-compatible platforms (Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa with Matter support). In the Aqara app, go to the Hub M3 settings and look for Matter Sharing to generate a pairing code for another platform.

3Home Assistant exposes devices

Home Assistant can expose all your devices to Alexa, Google, or HomeKit through its built-in integrations. This means you can control everything by voice without configuring each device individually in each assistant.

Tip: The simplest setup is to use Home Assistant as the single hub that talks to Alexa/Google/Siri. That way you configure everything once in Home Assistant and all voice assistants automatically get access to all devices.

Helpful Links

Home Assistant + Alexa Integration Home Assistant + Google Assistant Integration Home Assistant + Apple HomeKit Integration Kasa Smart App — App Store Kasa Smart App — Google Play

Troubleshooting

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Lock Not Responding in Home Assistant

1Check the Aqara Hub M3

Is the hub powered on? Look for the LED light on the Hub M3. If it's off, check the power cable and PoE connection. Unplug and re-plug the hub, then wait 60 seconds for it to reconnect.

2Check lock batteries

The Aqara app shows battery level on the Front Door screen. If it says "Low" (red indicator), replace the batteries immediately. Low batteries cause intermittent disconnects.

3Restart the Hub M3

Unplug the Hub M3, wait 10 seconds, plug it back in. Wait 1-2 minutes for it to fully boot and reconnect to all devices.

4Check Home Assistant

In Home Assistant, go to Settings → Devices & Services → Matter. Find the lock and check its status. If it shows "Unavailable," try clicking Reconfigure.

5Re-pair as a last resort

If nothing works, remove the lock from Home Assistant (Settings → Devices → Delete), then re-add it via Matter using the Aqara app's Matter pairing code.

Lock PIN Code Not Working

1Wake the keypad first

The keypad goes to sleep to save battery. Touch the keypad area to wake it up, wait for the numbers to light up, then enter your code.

2Check if the code is still active

Open the Aqara Home app → Front Door → User Management. Verify the code is listed and hasn't expired (one-time codes expire after use, periodic codes only work during set hours).

3Check Failed Attempt Lockout

If too many wrong codes were entered, the lock temporarily locks out PIN entry. Wait 5 minutes and try again, or use a fingerprint or the physical key.

4Use the emergency key

Slide the cover at the bottom of the exterior panel downward to reveal the keyhole and USB-C emergency power port. Insert the physical key and turn to unlock. If the batteries are completely dead, connect a USB-C cable to the port to temporarily power the lock. Keep the emergency key in your car or office, not inside the house.

Wi-Fi Not Working

1Check the UCG-MAX Gateway

Look at the UCG-MAX Cloud Gateway Max. Is the LED on? If it's off or blinking red, power-cycle it: unplug, wait 30 seconds, plug back in. Wait 3-5 minutes for full boot.

2Check your device

Try forgetting the Wi-Fi network on your phone/laptop and reconnecting. Make sure you're using the correct password.

3Check if other devices can connect

If only one device can't connect, the issue is likely with that device. If nothing can connect, the router may need a restart.

4Check internet connection

If Wi-Fi connects but there's no internet, check the UniFi app → Dashboard for any WAN/internet status warnings. You may need to restart your modem (the separate box from your internet provider).

Smart Switches Not Responding

1Try the physical switch

Press the Kasa switch on the wall. If the light turns on/off physically but Home Assistant doesn't show the change, the issue is the Matter connection, not the switch itself.

2Check the Smart Wi-Fi network

Kasa switches connect to the dedicated Smart network (2.4GHz). If that network is down, switches lose connectivity. Check the UniFi app for the Smart network status.

3Power cycle the switch

Turn off the circuit breaker for that switch, wait 10 seconds, turn it back on. The switch will reconnect automatically.

4Re-pair via Matter

If the switch still isn't showing in Home Assistant, remove it from Home Assistant and the Kasa app, then re-pair: Kasa app → enable Matter → get pairing code → add in Home Assistant.

Cameras Not Showing in Home Assistant

1Check camera power

Make sure the camera is powered on and the status LED is lit. PoE cameras get power through the network cable; check the cable connection at both ends.

2Check UniFi Protect

Open the UniFi app and switch to Protect. If cameras show here but not in Home Assistant, the issue is the Home Assistant integration.

3Restart the UniFi Protect integration

In Home Assistant, go to Settings → Devices & Services → UniFi Protect. Click the three dots and select Reload.

Hub M3 Shows "Offline" in Aqara App

1Check network connection

The Hub M3 connects via Wi-Fi or PoE ethernet. If using PoE, check the ethernet cable. If using Wi-Fi, make sure the hub is within range of the router.

2Power cycle the hub

Unplug the Hub M3, wait 15 seconds, plug it back in. The LED will blink while it reconnects. Wait 1-2 minutes.

3Check the Aqara app

Open Aqara Home → tap the Hub M3 card. If it still shows offline after restart, try removing and re-adding the hub in the app (you'll need to re-pair connected devices).

Home Assistant Not Accessible

1Check if you're on the home network

Home Assistant is only accessible from the home Wi-Fi (unless remote access is configured). Make sure your phone is connected to the home Wi-Fi, not cellular.

2Try the direct IP address

If homeassistant.local doesn't work, try the IP address directly in a browser (ask the homeowner for the IP).

3Restart Home Assistant

If you have physical access to the Home Assistant device, unplug it, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. It takes 2-5 minutes to fully boot.

General rule: When in doubt, restart the device. Most smart home issues are solved by power-cycling the affected device. Start with the hub or gateway, then the individual device.

Frequently Asked Questions

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What apps do I need on my phone?+

Here are all the apps for your smart home. You'll mostly use Home Assistant day-to-day, but the others are needed for specific tasks.

Home Assistant — main hub, controls everything in one place
• iOS • Android

Aqara Home — lock PIN codes, fingerprints, hub settings
• iOS • Android

UniFi — network admin, Wi-Fi settings, device management
• iOS • Android

UniFi Protect — camera live view, playback, motion alerts
• iOS • Android

Kasa Smart — light switch setup, Matter pairing, schedules
• iOS • Android

Resideo — thermostat control, schedules, temperature sensors
• iOS • Android

The internet is down. What still works?+

Almost everything! Matter devices (Kasa switches, Aqara lock via hub) work locally on your network — no internet needed. Your lock PIN codes still work on the keypad. Cameras will still record locally. The only thing that won't work is remote access from outside your home.

How do I change the Wi-Fi password?+

Open the UniFi app → Settings → WiFi → tap your network name → change the password → Save. All devices will need to reconnect with the new password.

Can I give someone temporary access to the door?+

Yes! In the Aqara Home app, go to your lock → User Management → Add Password → choose "One-time" or "Periodic." One-time codes expire after a single use. Periodic codes only work during the days/hours you set.

What is Matter?+

Matter is a universal smart home language that lets devices from different brands talk to each other. Your Kasa switches and Aqara lock both use Matter to communicate with Home Assistant. The big benefit: everything works locally on your network, even without internet.

The lock isn't responding in Home Assistant. What do I do?+

Check these in order:
1. Is the Aqara Hub powered on? (check the LED)
2. Is the lock battery charged? (low battery can cause disconnects)
3. Restart the Aqara Hub by unplugging and plugging back in
4. In Home Assistant, go to Settings → Devices → find the lock and check its status
If nothing works, re-pair the lock through the Aqara app and re-add via Matter.

How do I add a new person to the system?+

For door access: Add a PIN code in the Aqara app (see "Change Door Codes" section).
For Home Assistant: Settings → People → Add Person. Create a username and password for them.
For UniFi (network admin): Settings → Admins → Add Admin. They need a UI.com account.

Do I need to update anything?+

Home Assistant, UniFi, and the Aqara Hub receive automatic updates. You'll see a notification in each app when an update is available. It's a good idea to update when prompted, but not while you're having guests — updates occasionally require devices to restart.