Picture this—a home that gets to know your routines and anticipates your needs. Lights that switch off as you leave for work, air purifiers that adjust automatically, and security systems that keep a watchful eye. If that sounds like the home of your dreams, the combination of Home Assistant and Xiaomi smart home devices can make it your reality.
Users typically manage their devices through the Xiaomi Home app and the Home Assistant application, and integrations between these platforms enable seamless smart home control.
Xiaomi is known for its affordable yet innovative range of smart-home products. Combine that with Home Assistant’s powerful automation platform, and you have a seamless, customizable smart home experience. This guide will explore how Xiaomi devices integrate with Home Assistant, their features, and why this partnership is a game-changer for smart living.
What Is Home Assistant?
Before we jump into integration specifics, it’s essential to understand what Home Assistant is. It’s an open-source platform designed to centralize and automate your smart home. With Home Assistant, you’re not locked into one brand’s products. It supports thousands of smart gadgets from different manufacturers, giving you total flexibility. This is made possible through integrations, which allow the platform to connect with a wide range of devices and services.
Through Home Assistant, you can control devices, set up automations, and even monitor your home from anywhere. It acts as the ultimate hub for smart living, and when paired with Xiaomi’s array of devices, you unlock endless possibilities. Each device or service added to Home Assistant is represented as an entity, which can be controlled or automated within the platform.
Top Xiaomi Smart Home Devices for Integration
Xiaomi offers an impressive lineup of smart gadgets priced competitively, making it a favorite for homeowners wanting intelligent upgrades without breaking the bank. Xiaomi provides a wide range of models, each with a unique device name for easy identification and management. Different versions of devices may offer varying features or compatibility, so it's important to check the version when integrating with your smart home system. Users can view and manage their entire device list within the Xiaomi Home app or Home Assistant. Here are some standout categories of Xiaomi devices to consider.
1. Xiaomi Smart Sensors
Sensors are the backbone of any automated home. Xiaomi provides a variety of sensors at an affordable price, including motion detectors, door/window sensors, and temperature/humidity sensors.
Use case example:
-
A Xiaomi motion sensor triggers smart lighting when you walk into a room, creating both convenience and energy efficiency.
2. Xiaomi Smart Plugs
Control any plugged-in appliance remotely with Xiaomi smart plugs. These compact devices fit seamlessly into your setup and can even monitor energy usage.
Use case example:
-
Schedule your coffee maker to brew the perfect cup automatically at 7 AM every morning.
3. Xiaomi Smart Lights
From ceiling lights to LED strips and bedside lamps, Xiaomi offers durable, efficient smart lighting options. Their Yeelight range is particularly popular for easy integration and customization.
Use case example:
-
Change ambient lighting to a calming blue in the evening to relax before bed.
4. Xiaomi Smart Cameras
Keep your home secure with Xiaomi's reliable smart cameras. They offer HD resolution, night vision, and motion detection capabilities.
Use case example:
-
Install cameras at your front door, and Home Assistant can send an alert to your phone when motion is detected, accompanied by a live video feed.
5. Xiaomi Robotic Vacuums
Xiaomi’s popular robotic vacuum cleaners, like the Roborock series, automate cleaning tasks and integrate seamlessly with Home Assistant for scheduled sessions.
Use case example:
-
Set your vacuum to clean the house after everyone has left for work, ensuring spotless floors without disruptions.
The Roborock app can be used for initial setup and advanced configuration of Roborock vacuum cleaners before integrating them with Home Assistant.
6. Xiaomi Air Purifiers
Maintain optimal air quality with Xiaomi’s smart air purifiers. These devices can automatically adjust settings based on pollution levels detected in your home.
Use case example:
-
Automate your air purifier to activate at a predefined air quality threshold.
Xiaomi air purifiers report air quality values, such as PM2.5 levels, and these values can be monitored and automated within Home Assistant. Each device property, like the current PM2.5 value, is updated in real time, allowing precise control and status monitoring.
Why Integrate Xiaomi Devices with Home Assistant?
While Xiaomi devices come with their Mi Home app for control, pairing them with Home Assistant amplifies their functionality. The Home Assistant integration with Xiaomi devices enables advanced automations, centralized management, and provides access to device features and permissions not available in the default Xiaomi ecosystem.
1. Centralized Control
Home Assistant allows you to control every smart gadget in your home from a single platform. Instead of juggling multiple apps, you can manage Xiaomi devices alongside other gadgets like Philips Hue lights or Amazon Echo speakers via Home Assistant.
Each Xiaomi device is represented as an entity in Home Assistant, enabling unified control and automation across your smart home setup.
2. Complex Automation
With Home Assistant, you can create multi-device automations that are impossible to achieve using Xiaomi's Mi Home ecosystem alone.
Example:
-
When the Xiaomi motion sensor detects activity in the evening, Home Assistant dims the lights, turns on soothing music via Spotify, and adjusts the air purifier for relaxation.
3. Local Processing
By default, Xiaomi devices rely heavily on cloud services. Integrating them with Home Assistant moves some functionalities to local processing, improving speed and reliability. Your smart home can run even if you lose internet connectivity.
4. Data Privacy
For users concerned about privacy, Home Assistant keeps data on your local network rather than relying on the cloud. This means less risk of sensitive information being exposed.
5. Expandability
Xiaomi devices integrate seamlessly with other ecosystems through Home Assistant, allowing homeowners to mix and match products from various brands for a truly connected home.
How to Integrate Xiaomi Devices with Home Assistant
Step 1. Install Home Assistant
First, set up Home Assistant on a Raspberry Pi, NAS, or server. Make sure your chosen host (such as a Raspberry Pi or server) is connected to the network and accessible for Home Assistant installation. A Raspberry Pi 4 is an excellent starting point for most homeowners due to its affordability and capability.
Step 2. Enable Xiaomi Integration
To connect Xiaomi devices to Home Assistant, you’ll need the Home Assistant Xiaomi integration. Follow these steps:
-
Open the Home Assistant dashboard.
-
Navigate to Settings and click on Devices & Services.
-
Search for and install the Xiaomi Gateway integration.
The integration uses a config flow to guide users through the setup process, including entering credentials and selecting devices. The method for enabling integration may differ depending on your device type and region. Some configuration options are optional and can be customized based on your needs. The developer regularly updates the integration to ensure compatibility and user-friendliness. Xiaomi officially supports integration with Home Assistant through their APIs and cloud services.
Step 3. Extract Token for Certain Devices
For some Xiaomi devices, you might need the device’s token for integration. Tools like MiToolkit or Xiaomi Cloud Token Extractor can help retrieve this. To extract the token, a successful login to the Xiaomi cloud is required, during which you will need to enter your account password. Make sure your password is kept secure and not shared. The extracted token is typically provided as a string, which must be entered into Home Assistant.
Step 4. Add Devices
Once integrated, each Xiaomi device, including various types such as remotes, will appear as a separate entity within Home Assistant. During the setup process, device information is retrieved to help identify and manage each device. You can now start setting up automations using Xiaomi sensors, cameras, or other devices.
Note: Some devices registered to mainland China servers may require additional steps or specific region selection for successful integration.
Step 5. Test Automations
Create an automation within Home Assistant to ensure everything works as intended. For example:
-
Activate smart lights when the Xiaomi motion sensor picks up activity.
Device Compatibility and Limitations
When setting up your smart home, device compatibility is key to a smooth experience. The Xiaomi Home Integration for Home Assistant supports a broad range of Xiaomi devices, including popular air purifiers, robotic vacuums, and smart lights. However, it’s important to note that compatibility can depend on the specific model, firmware version, and even the region your device is set to in the Mi Home app.
For example, the Xiaomi Hub gateway gen 4, released in March 2022, is fully supported by the integration, making it a great choice for new setups. On the other hand, the Mijia home hub gateway gen1 (model ZSWG01LM, Chinese version) requires initial configuration in the Mi Home app before it can be added to Home Assistant. Always consult the official supported devices list to ensure your device is compatible and properly configured for the Home Assistant platform.
Before integrating, make sure your devices are updated to the latest firmware version and set up correctly in the Xiaomi Home or Mi Home app. This ensures seamless communication between your devices and the Home Assistant platform, allowing you to take full advantage of features like automation and centralized control. If you’re unsure about a specific model or version, check the Home Assistant documentation or community forums for guidance.
Voice Control and Assistants
One of the standout features of Xiaomi Home Integration is the ability to control your devices using voice assistants like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. This hands-free convenience means you can manage your smart home with simple voice commands—perfect for busy mornings or when your hands are full.
For instance, you can say, “Hey Google, turn on the air purifier,” or “Alexa, set the living room lights to warm white,” and your Xiaomi devices will respond instantly. Adjusting the color temperature of your smart lights or controlling the power of your air purifier becomes effortless.
To enable voice control, you may need to complete a few extra steps, such as linking your Xiaomi account in the Google Home app or enabling the Xiaomi skill in the Alexa app. Once set up, you’ll enjoy seamless integration and intuitive control over your Xiaomi devices, all through your preferred voice assistant.
Energy Monitoring and Savings
With the Xiaomi Home Integration, keeping track of your home’s energy consumption is easier than ever. The Home Assistant platform provides detailed energy monitoring features, allowing you to see exactly how much power your devices—like air purifiers and smart plugs—are using.
For example, you can monitor the energy usage of your air purifiers and adjust their operation to run only when needed, helping you save on electricity bills. Smart plugs can be controlled remotely, so you can turn off devices that aren’t in use, reducing unnecessary energy waste.
By leveraging the automation capabilities of Home Assistant, you can set up routines that optimize your energy usage. For instance, schedule your air purifier to run during peak pollution hours or have your lights automatically turn off when you leave a room. These features not only make your home smarter but also more energy-efficient, putting you in control of your usage and savings.
Security and Troubleshooting
Security is a top priority when integrating your Xiaomi devices with Home Assistant. Your Home Assistant configuration file contains sensitive information, such as device details and account passwords, so it’s crucial to ensure this file is properly stored and protected. Always use secure storage methods and avoid sharing your configuration file in clear text.
Regularly updating your device firmware and Home Assistant software is essential to prevent vulnerabilities and maintain a stable integration. If you encounter any issues, the Home Assistant platform offers robust logging features to help you diagnose and resolve problems quickly. The official Xiaomi integration also includes a debug mode, allowing you to manually send action commands to devices and pinpoint any issues.
By following these best practices, you can enjoy a secure, reliable, and hassle-free smart home experience with Xiaomi and Home Assistant.
Community and Support
The Xiaomi Home Integration benefits from a vibrant and active community of developers and users. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced user, you’ll find plenty of support and resources to help you get the most out of your smart home setup.
The Home Assistant forum, GitHub repositories, and other online communities are excellent places to ask questions, share experiences, and find solutions to common challenges. As an open-source project, the integration is constantly evolving, with developers contributing new features and bug fixes through pull requests.
Official documentation and setup guides are readily available, making it easy to configure your devices and explore advanced features. By tapping into the community and support resources, you can overcome any obstacles and unlock the full potential of your Xiaomi devices and the Home Assistant platform, ensuring your smart home is always running at its best.
Benefits of a Smart Home with Xiaomi
1. Cost-Effectiveness
Xiaomi devices are known for their competitive pricing, making smart living accessible to more homeowners.
2. Reliable Performance
Despite their affordability, Xiaomi products deliver consistent, high-quality performance. Many users report excellent durability and functionality.
3. Stylish Design
Xiaomi devices blend functionality with aesthetics, offering sleek, minimalist designs that complement modern homes.
4. Global Accessibility
With a large selection of devices available internationally, Xiaomi makes it easy to create a well-connected smart home ecosystem anywhere in the world.
Use Cases for Xiaomi and Home Assistant
Here’s how you can make this duo shine in your home:
-
Morning Routine Automation: Trigger smart blinds to open, Xiaomi air purifiers to activate, and your favorite morning playlist to start playing as you wake up.
-
Enhanced Security: Use Xiaomi motion sensors and cameras to monitor your home and send alerts if anything unusual happens.
-
Energy Efficiency: Automate lighting and appliances to turn off when not in use, reducing energy consumption.
You can also review the Home Assistant log to monitor automation events and troubleshoot any issues with your Xiaomi devices.
Why Choose Linko.co.hk for Your Xiaomi Integration?
At Linko.co.hk, we specialize in creating smarter homes through expert solutions tailored to your needs. Whether it's helping you select the best Xiaomi devices or setting up complex Home Assistant automations, our team is here to make the process seamless.
What we offer:
-
Expert advice on selecting compatible devices.
-
Assistance with Home Assistant installation and configuration.
-
Full system integration and troubleshooting support.
Start Building Your Smart Xiaomi Home Today!
Combining Xiaomi's innovative devices with Home Assistant's powerful platform gives you complete control over your home. The result? A smarter, more convenient, and energy-efficient living space tailored to your lifestyle.
Visit Linko.co.hk today to explore our range of Xiaomi and smart home solutions. Take the first step toward a smarter future for your home!
Related Reading：
Related Keywords:
home assistant｜supported devices｜home assistant configuration file｜xiaomi home integration｜smart devices｜official integration｜xiaomi cloud｜affiliated cloud interface｜home assistant platform｜home assistant platform
