The maximum distance for placing the receiver is not specifically indicated in the information available. However, as the system uses Wi-Fi, the actual distance will depend on the quality of the Wi-Fi connection and any physical obstacles between the gate and the receiver. For an outdoor gate, it is advisable to check the strength of the Wi-Fi signal to ensure a stable connection.
The doorbell can operate on both batteries and mains power. It uses six AA batteries for up to four months' operation, or it can be connected to a 12-24V AC or 8-24V DC transformer for continuous power, using the batteries as a back-up in the event of a power cut.
Thank you very much for letting us know. We will be happy to pass this on internally to the relevant department and hope that this will be checked promptly.
According to my overview in the app, I have not found a solution for this. It should also be noted that the gong cannot be placed too far away from the bell (range problem). The gongs are also supplied and are quite compact; with 2 house entrances, it would also make sense to have different ring tones in order to know "where" the bell has rung.
You can install the Smart Video Doorbell G4 (WLAN) both battery-powered and mains-powered. For connection to existing doorbell cables (power and doorbell), direct connection to the classic doorbell is possible according to the official documentation, provided the voltage and current are suitable. The supplied Chime Repeater can be used as an additional ringtone, but the existing doorbell cannot be controlled directly via the Smart Video Doorbell G4 (WLAN), as the device itself does not offer a mechanical bell output for classic bells.
If you want the existing doorbell to continue ringing, you must check whether your existing doorbell is compatible with the voltage and current of the Smart Video Doorbell G4 (WLAN). In most cases, a direct connection to the existing bell is not intended, as the device is primarily designed for use with the supplied Chime Repeater.
For full integration of the existing doorbell, we recommend using an additional relay or a special adapter solution if this is technically possible. The official resources recommend installing the Chime repeaters at a distance of less than 5 metres from the door to ensure good signal transmission.
If you have a classic mechanical bell, it cannot be operated directly via the Smart Video Doorbell G4 (WLAN). The supplied Chime Repeater is intended as a replacement.
I am not entirely sure whether your existing doorbell can be connected directly, as the official documentation does not provide detailed instructions for connecting to classic mechanical bells. For a safe solution, you should consult the Community or a specialist.
The Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4 can also work in a 2nd floor flat, but there are a few important points to bear in mind:
- The doorbell must be connected to the Wi-Fi network via the receiver (repeater). The repeater serves as a bridge between the doorbell and the WLAN router.
- It is important that the repeater and the doorbell are installed at a maximum distance of 5 metres from each other to ensure a strong connection.
- The receiver (repeater) must be connected to the Wi-Fi network in order to transfer the data to the cloud and the app. The doorbell itself only connects to the repeater and not directly to the Wi-Fi network.
It is therefore not sufficient if only the receiver is connected; the doorbell must have a stable connection to the Wi-Fi network via the repeater.
The Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4 is equipped with a number of functions that distinguish it from a normal HomeKit camera, but also share some similar features.
### Motion detection and alarms
- The camera has a PIR motion detector that can detect movement in front of the door and send corresponding notifications, even if nobody rings the bell.
- This motion detection is not exclusively linked to the doorbell, but can trigger separate notifications and automations.
### Comparison with a normal HomeKit camera
- The Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4 offers additional functions such as face recognition, two-way calling and integration with smart home systems (HomeKit, Alexa, Google Assistant), making it a more comprehensive solution than a normal HomeKit camera.
- However, it can replace many of the functions of a normal HomeKit camera, in particular by supporting HomeKit Secure Video, on-demand video and 24/7 recording (with appropriate power supply and storage).
### Summary
- The camera can trigger alarms when someone approaches the doorbell without the doorbell being pressed.
- It offers more comprehensive functions than a normal HomeKit camera and can replace it in many aspects, but it is specifically tailored to the needs of a video doorbell.
The Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4 can be set so that it only records images or videos when people are recognised in order to avoid unnecessary recordings.
- The camera has local AI-supported facial recognition, which makes it possible to recognise specific people and trigger corresponding notifications or automations. This happens independently of an internet connection.
- To optimise motion detection and ensure that only relevant events are recorded, the Aqara app can be used to adjust the motion detection settings. For example, the "Stay Duration" can be set to 0 seconds to improve the response time of the camera.
A subscription, as required for RING, is not necessary for the basic functions of the Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4. However, an iCloud subscription is required to use Apple HomeKit Secure Video to store and retrieve the videos.
