You can also watch my full video review of the Aqara T1 Door and Window Sensor here: https://youtu.be/pgwSlPb9NhQ.
Introduction
The Aqara T1 Door and Window Sensor is a small but powerful smart home device that can trigger automations when contact is broken. While it’s marketed primarily for doors and windows, its functionality extends far beyond that—allowing you to automate actions like turning on lights, activating appliances, or sending alerts.
I’ve been using the Aqara T1 for about four months, and in this review, I’ll share my experiences, setup process, use cases, and whether it’s worth the investment. You can purchase it here: https://geni.us/sAx2.
Price and Compatibility
Priced at around £15, the Aqara T1 is quite affordable. However, you’ll need an Aqara Hub, which adds to the cost if you don’t already have one. The hub starts at around £50, making it more expensive than alternatives like the Meross contact sensor, which includes a hub for around £24.
Once connected to an Aqara Hub, the T1 is compatible with:
- Zigbee
- Apple HomeKit
- Amazon Alexa
- Google Home
- SmartThings
- Matter
Key Features
- Battery Life: Up to 2 years on a single battery
- Operating Conditions: Works indoors within -10°C to 45°C and 0-95% non-condensing humidity
- Compact Design: Weighs just 40 grams, making it easy to install anywhere
Design and Setup
The Aqara T1 consists of two small, rounded components that detect when they are separated. It has a sleek, white design with a grey back, blending seamlessly into most home environments.
Setup Steps:
- Remove the battery tab.
- Open the Aqara app and tap the ‘+’ button.
- Follow the pairing instructions.
- If you already have an Aqara Hub, it will automatically integrate with any third-party apps linked to that hub (e.g., Apple Home).
Before mounting it permanently, use the Aqara app to check that the sensor parts are correctly aligned for accurate detection.
Unique Use Case: Monitoring My Gas Oven
Although designed for doors and windows, I’ve installed my Aqara T1 on my gas oven dial. This setup helps me prevent accidentally leaving the oven on, which can be both costly and dangerous.
Here’s how it works:
- When the oven is turned on, the contact sensor is broken.
- If the sensor remains open for over 45 minutes, I receive a notification on my iPhone and Apple Watch that says, “Oven might be on.”
- I could also set up additional automations, such as turning my Aqara lights red when the oven is left on for too long.
Automation Options
You can use the Aqara T1 with:
- The Aqara App – Create automations like sending notifications after a certain period of time.
- Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home, and SmartThings – Set up actions like turning on a light when contact is broken.
For my setup, I use Apple Home for basic automations and the Aqara app for more advanced options. For example, I could configure an alert notification that bypasses Do Not Disturb mode—useful for critical warnings.
Downsides
- Requires an Aqara Hub – If you don’t already own an Aqara Hub, the total cost becomes significantly higher than other options like Meross.
- Indoor Use Only – Not suitable for outdoor applications.
Verdict
The Aqara T1 Door and Window Sensor is a compact, reliable, and versatile smart home device. It integrates seamlessly with various platforms, has excellent battery life, and is easy to set up. If you already own an Aqara Hub or plan to expand your Aqara ecosystem, this is a fantastic choice. However, if you’re starting from scratch, a Meross sensor might be a more budget-friendly alternative.
Where to Buy
You can purchase the Aqara T1 here: https://geni.us/sAx2.
Do you have any creative uses for the Aqara T1? Let me know in the comments below!
