Before using smart home devices, I thought they were just a gimmick. Why should I use voice commands when I can just press a switch? Isn’t that a bit pretentious?
01 Common Misconceptions About Smart Homes
If you think of smart homes as merely voice control, that’s too simplistic. After using smart home devices, I realized how automated the devices in my home can be. They not only improve the efficiency of daily life but also far exceed traditional manual controls in terms of safety and energy saving, greatly enhancing the quality of life.
For example, when you are in the bathroom, don’t you often forget to turn on the exhaust fan? By installing a door/window sensor next to the toilet lid, the smart switch can automatically turn on the exhaust fan when the lid is down. After you finish, when the lid is lifted, the exhaust fan can be set to turn off automatically after a 2-minute delay. This way, you don’t need to control it actively; the sensor and switch can automate the process.
There are many similar controls, such as linking humidity sensors to control exhaust fans, linking temperature and humidity sensors to turn on air conditioners or humidifiers, linking human sensors to activate night lights, and linking light sensors to control smart curtains… If you set these linking modes in a sequence, you can create many scene modes that can be activated with just one button or one voice command, allowing you to perform very complex controls manually.
For instance, the “Home Mode” can turn on relevant appliances and lights according to your settings, and based on sensor detection, it can adjust to different light, temperature, humidity, and even different weather conditions to provide various operational modes.
As long as you put your mind to it, you can create all sorts of customized modes.
Moreover, a complete smart home system is not as expensive as many think. Especially Xiaomi, known for its cost-effectiveness, uses a Bluetooth mesh solution, keeping prices low while maintaining decent system stability. Both novice users and those with limited budgets can get started.
Today, let’s take a closer look at the essential appliances for a complete Xiaomi smart home setup. There will be a basic configuration list and an advanced configuration list. You can purchase according to your needs and experience the highest quality smart living at the lowest cost.
02 Xiaomi Smart Home Basic Configuration List
The basic configuration list can basically meet your smart home needs, replacing various high-frequency operations with intelligent alternatives from entry to terminal.
Smart Speaker Series:
Xiao Ai Speaker Pro
The Xiao Ai Speaker Pro features a 750mL large sound cavity, a 2.25-inch speaker unit, clear mid-high frequencies, and powerful low frequencies, with a 360-degree surround sound field, paired with Texas Instruments TAS5805 audio processing chip, and 15-segment sound equalization adjustment. It offers three sound effects: clear vocals, powerful bass, and gentle mode. Two units can be linked to form stereo sound, supporting over 5000 brands of appliances via Wi-Fi, infrared, Bluetooth (Mesh gateway), and AUX IN interface, with Xiao Ai voice control, QQ Music’s vast resources, and over 1400 life skills, along with Xiaomi IoT new products.
Smart Sensor Series:
Mijia Human Sensor 2
The human sensor is one of the most frequently used devices in the Mijia smart home system. It can perceive human movement and changes in light, enabling smart linkage. It is compact and can connect with various Mijia smart furniture. The main difference from the first-generation human sensor is that it can detect both human movement and changes in daily light conditions, offering richer functionality and the ability to link to more scenes. It includes a bracket for more versatile usage. It supports Bluetooth 5.0 and needs to be paired with a Bluetooth gateway device.
Xiaomi Smoke Detector
The Xiaomi Smoke Detector is a standalone photoelectric smoke fire detection alarm. It detects smoke through its built-in photoelectric smoke sensor. When a fire is detected, the alarm emits a sound exceeding 80 dB (A) within 3 meters to alert users to respond in a timely manner. With Honeywell’s professional smoke detection technology, the Xiaomi Smoke Detector has passed both 3C and CCCF certifications, making it a professional fire detection device.
Mijia Water Leak Sensor
The Xiaomi Water Leak Detector is a product in the Xiaomi smart home ecosystem, capable of monitoring water leaks 24/7. It has an IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating, with remote alarms via the Mijia app. The product utilizes the conductivity of water; when water reaches a certain height, the two metal probes at the bottom of the detector form a circuit, triggering an alarm. Connection is very simple; just scan the QR code in the manual with the Mijia app to connect via Bluetooth, and the water leak alarm is timely.
Mijia Door/Window Sensor 2
The door/window sensor is frequently used in the Mijia smart home system. First, it is compact and can be easily placed on all door and window frames in your home, regardless of whether they are metal or not. Second, the door/window sensor can act as a doorbell system, ringing when opened to alert you to someone entering or exiting. Third, when paired with the Mijia gateway, it can function as a security alarm; if someone triggers the door/window sensor during specified times, it automatically activates alarms and lights, and sends notifications. Fourth, it can also be paired with the Mijia gateway to automatically turn on lighting, air conditioning, TV, curtains, and other devices when someone enters.
Xiaomi Bluetooth Temperature and Humidity Sensor 2
The Mijia Bluetooth Temperature and Humidity Sensor 2 features smart linkage, a baby mode, and ultra-long battery life, equipped with a high-precision sensor. It can link with other smart devices in your home via the Mijia Bluetooth gateway, improving indoor temperature and humidity. When the weather is hot, it automatically turns on the air conditioning, and when it cools down, it automatically turns on the heater. The baby mode alerts you via the Mijia app when the temperature or humidity exceeds the comfortable range for babies, providing suggestions for response.
Mijia Light Sensor
The Mijia Light Sensor can accurately perceive changes in light, creating smart scenes. When paired with the Xiaomi Mijia smart multi-mode gateway and other devices, you can customize the light range via the Mijia app. When the ambient light falls within the specified range or changes, it can trigger the corresponding smart scene. For instance, when the afternoon sun causes excessive brightness indoors, the Mijia Light Sensor can trigger the curtain motor to automatically close the curtains.
Qingping Air Quality Monitor
The Qingping CGS1 Air Quality Monitor can detect PM2.5, tVOC (total volatile organic compounds), carbon dioxide, temperature, and humidity. It features a built-in 1.4GHz processor and uses Sensirion temperature, tVOC, and carbon dioxide sensors, along with Hanvon PM2.5 sensors. It has a 720×720 resolution screen with a 15° tilt for easy viewing and supports touch control. It can connect with the Mijia app to display weather conditions, UV index, and vehicle license plate restrictions. It also supports OTA upgrades, with a USB-C power interface.
Control Hub Series:
Xiaomi Multi-Mode Smart Gateway
The Xiaomi Multi-Mode Smart Gateway supports ZigBee, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Bluetooth Mesh communication protocols. This single gateway can interconnect devices with different protocols, making it easier to create a smart home. It is also compatible with Apple HomeKit, allowing control of smart devices at home via Siri or the Home app on iPhone. It features dual Wi-Fi antennas, using 2×2 MIMO technology, with a transmission distance of up to 200m in open environments, and supports ZigBee 3.0.
Xiaomi Air Conditioning Companion Pro Universal Remote Version
The Mijia Air Conditioning Companion Pro Universal Remote Version expands a 10A socket, supporting high-power devices. It has a built-in Bluetooth gateway. Not only can it easily make traditional air conditioners smart, enabling remote timing and temperature adjustment, but it can also use infrared remote control for projectors, TVs, and other electrical devices, achieving smart control of traditional appliances.
Power Switch Series:
Mijia Smart Switch
The Mijia Smart Switch can be controlled via Xiao Ai voice commands. The Xiaomi Mijia smart switch comes in single control and dual control variants, allowing you to choose based on preference. By connecting to the Mijia app, you can control the switch freely, enabling flexible linkage with multiple devices. It supports OTA upgrades and has passed 80,000 repeated press tests. The outer casing is made of VO-grade fireproof material, flame-retardant, and high-temperature resistant, ensuring safety and reliability. The pure white design is versatile and stylish.
Mijia Smart Socket 2
The Mijia Smart Socket 2 Bluetooth Gateway version allows remote control via mobile phones, making traditional appliances smart. It supports voice control via Xiao Ai, smart timing, power consumption statistics, and overload protection. You can control household appliances remotely through the Mijia app, allowing you to manage power on/off, turning your phone into a power switch, ensuring your electricity safety, and making life smarter. The socket has a local memory function, so even if there is an unexpected network disconnection during use, it will still operate according to the original settings once reconnected.
03 Xiaomi Smart Home Advanced Configuration List
The previous discussion covered the basic framework for building a smart home, but if you want to achieve a richer smart home experience, you can add more smart appliances.
Xiaomi Smart Lock E
The Xiaomi Smart Lock E features a C-grade lock core for enhanced security and is outstanding in preventing violent tampering. It has a built-in Mijia security chip with multiple encryption methods to ensure information security. The integrated semiconductor 3D fingerprint recognition design uses financial-grade fingerprint detection algorithms, achieving a fingerprint recognition rate of up to 98.5%. The lock includes smart sensors that sound alarms in cases of forced entry or other anomalies, ensuring safe daily use. It also has an embedded electronic doorbell design with adjustable volume, which can link with Mijia speakers for convenience. It supports one-click defense when leaving home, providing local and remote dual alerts in case of anomalies, effectively improving the security level of your residence.
Mijia Smart Peephole
The Xiaomi Mijia Smart Peephole is known as the “smart home guardian”. It features a 5-inch IPS LCD screen with a 161° ultra-wide angle, allowing you to view the front door remotely via the Mijia app or Xiao Ai touch screen speaker. The Mijia Smart Peephole is equipped with a custom PIR human detection sensor that recognizes visitors outside the door and uses smart AI human detection algorithms to reduce false alarms caused by non-human triggers. It can record 720P video and will start recording and send alert messages to your phone when someone is detected at the door. It supports detection recording, message alerts, night vision, and human detection in both modes, although the power-saving mode does not support live viewing.
Xiaomi Smart Camera 2K Version
The Xiaomi Smart Camera 2K Version features a round design with a large head and small body, lacking standout features. However, the camera’s outer ring has been enhanced with a golden glow, showcasing its elegance and high-end feel. It boasts a 3-megapixel configuration, F1.4 large aperture design, and AI human detection in low light. The lens has been upgraded to 6P, significantly reducing light loss for clearer and more detailed imaging. Enhanced infrared night vision ensures visibility both day and night.
Xiaomi Smart Bedside Lamp 2
The Mijia bedside lamp features a large light-emitting area and uses colorful soft lighting, serving as a night light. It has multiple voice control options. The entire lamp emits light evenly, utilizing a complex inverted mold and thermal flow design to achieve uniform brightness. It not only illuminates daily life but also creates a cozy atmosphere, balancing practicality and romance. The brightness experience has been upgraded to meet needs at different times. It can be integrated with Apple HomeKit and the Mijia app for customized scene design, allowing control via tapping, voice, or automation.
Mijia Smart Curtain Motor
This curtain motor supports multiple smart opening and closing methods, allowing for remote control and eliminating the need for manual pulling. It offers rich smart linkage and customizable scene interactions. When paired with devices that support Xiao Ai voice control, you can open and close the curtains with just a voice command, without having to walk to the window. It utilizes a DC silent motor for smooth and quiet operation. Installation is easy, and it features high-precision aluminum alloy tracks for stable transmission. The opening and closing ratio can be adjusted infinitely, allowing you to control indoor light levels freely. Whether at home or away, you can check the status of any curtain in your home using the Mijia app and control it remotely with ease.
Xiaomi Smart Clothes Drying Rack
The design inherits Xiaomi’s simple and elegant style, with durable and corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy material that is lightweight. It can be connected to the Mijia smart home system to set up scene linkages, allowing Xiao Ai to free your hands. It meets the drying needs of the whole family with an expandable design, capable of extending up to 2.2m and bearing 35kg, which is about the weight of a week’s worth of laundry for the family in summer. The unique retractable rod and baby clothing hooks design caters to the drying needs of multiple small garments.
Mijia Robotic Vacuum Cleaner 2
The Mijia robotic vacuum cleaner 2 supports full-width high-frequency vibration mopping, with the mop vibrating 1000 times per minute for powerful stain removal. It uses ultra-fine fiber mops with antibacterial agents for effective sterilization and immediate drying. It supports LDS laser navigation, allowing you to set the cleaning order for different rooms as needed, and supports multi-floor mapping. It is equipped with 8 dToF laser obstacle avoidance sensors to prevent getting stuck and reduce collisions. With a maximum suction power of 2800Pa, it supports four levels of suction adjustment and three cleaning modes, and can link intelligently with Xiao Ai speakers.
Xiao Mu Smart Toilet Seat Youth Version
The Xiao Mu Smart Toilet Seat Youth Version is instantaneous heating, with a water washing temperature that can instantly heat to about 35°C and maintain it, ensuring a comfortable experience. This also ensures hygiene and health with flowing water. The nozzle is made of 316 stainless steel, with an integrated design and self-cleaning function for peace of mind. It supports reciprocating washing and shower functions, providing more cleanliness and care. The entire unit has an IPX4 waterproof rating, effectively adapting to humid environments, with a 3D curved design that fits the body’s contours, and it also features low-temperature burn protection and a sitting reminder. It includes night lighting.
If you plan to equip your entire home with smart devices, Xiaomi is indeed a good choice for high cost-performance. However, for those with higher demands, it is recommended to choose a ZigBee solution; otherwise, with too many devices at home, the frequency of battery replacements with the Bluetooth mesh solution will be much higher, and ZigBee is theoretically more stable.
From smart individual products to smart sets,
and then to a fully smart home with deep intelligence control as the core feature,
this is the inevitable trend of smart home development.
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