Aqara Camera E1 – 2K Pan/Tilt Wi-Fi 6 Setup Guide

Aqara Camera E1 – 2K Pan/Tilt Wi‑Fi 6

  • Tools required:
    • USB power cable (USB‑C) and compatible USB power adapter – check manufacturer documentation for required output
    • MicroSD card (optional) and card reader for initial formatting, if you want local recording
    • Small screwdriver and wall anchors/screws if mounting to a wall or ceiling
    • Smartphone or tablet to run setup apps
    • Stable Wi‑Fi network and the network password
  • Applications:
    • Aqara Home app (Android or iOS) for initial setup and device configuration
    • Apple Home app for HomeKit Secure Video (if using HomeKit features)
    • Google Home app (if integrating with Google Home)
    • Amazon Alexa app (if integrating with Alexa)

  • Unpack and inspect: confirm the camera, power cable and mounting hardware are present. Do not connect to mains voltages other than the low‑voltage USB power recommended by the manufacturer.
  • If using local storage, insert a MicroSD card before powering the camera; use the Aqara Home app to format and enable local recording.
  • Place the camera on a flat surface or prepare mounting position. Ensure the camera has an unobstructed pan/tilt range and that the chosen location has good Wi‑Fi signal.
  • Connect the USB‑C power cable to the camera and a compatible USB adapter, then plug into power. Wait for the camera to start and indicate it is ready for setup (follow manufacturer LED/sound cues).
  • On your smartphone/tablet, install and open the Aqara Home app. Create or sign in to your Aqara account if prompted.
  • In the Aqara Home app, choose Add Device and follow the on‑screen prompts to discover the Camera E1. Grant any requested permissions (location, local network, camera, microphone) required for setup.
  • When asked, select your Wi‑Fi network and enter the password. The camera supports Wi‑Fi 6 (connectivity beyond that is not specified here); ensure your phone is on the same network during pairing.
  • Complete the pairing process in the Aqara Home app. Confirm firmware updates if offered and allow the camera to update before proceeding; do not interrupt power during updates.
  • Configure basic camera settings in the Aqara Home app: camera name, motion and person detection preferences, recording schedule and whether to use local MicroSD or cloud storage.
  • Enable on‑device AI person detection in the app to reduce false alerts; confirm how alerts are delivered (push notifications) and adjust sensitivity and zones as required.
  • To integrate with Apple HomeKit Secure Video: in the Aqara Home app or on the camera packaging find the HomeKit pairing code, open the Apple Home app, choose Add Accessory and scan the code. Follow prompts to assign the camera to a Home and Room and enable HomeKit Secure Video recording according to your iCloud setup.
  • To integrate with Google Home: in the Google Home app, add a device or service and follow instructions to link your Aqara account. After linking, assign the camera to a room and check live view and notification settings in Google Home.
  • To integrate with Amazon Alexa: open the Alexa app, enable the Aqara skill (or link account), discover devices and assign the camera to a group; check permissions for live view and notifications.
  • Mounting: after confirming operation, mount the camera using supplied screws and anchors or place on a shelf. Avoid pointing the lens directly at bright light sources; ensure the pan/tilt mechanism has clearance to move without obstruction.
  • Privacy and testing: perform several test recordings and person detection trials to verify notification behaviour and recording retention. Review access permissions and sharing settings in whichever apps you use.
  • Troubleshooting tips: if pairing fails, restart camera and phone, ensure Wi‑Fi password is correct, and temporarily disable VPNs or network isolation. If the camera does not appear in third‑party apps, recheck account linking and firmware currency.