My experience with the Xiaomi smoke detector
I have been using the Xiaomi smoke detector for several months now. In this article, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about this important smart home component and my experience with the Xiaomi smoke detector. I can already say in the introduction that this Xiaomi device is also basically like all other devices already presented: they are generally easy to install and then just work. Without any issues or any restarts, update, etc.
First impression
The smoke detector from Xiaomi comes in the qewohnt small box. Unpacking is then also very simple and the smoke detector is already ready. Der Rauchmelder ist natürlich nicht ganz so klein wie die anderen Smart Home Komponenten von Xiaomi, aber trotzdem immer noch sehr, sehr ansehnlich. So my partner allowed me to have this mounted in the bedroom as well. Of course, this is very important from the point of view of safety, but the OK from an aesthetic point of view as well :-).
Unobtrusive and easy to install!
Design
I already liked the design of the motion detector and window sensor. The same applies to the smoke detector. Especially also in comparison with other smoke detectors, the smoke detector from Xiaomi is inconspicuous and discreetly designed and can thus be mounted well in many places. The design is quite modern, but it does not look overly futuristic. The case is of course made of a pure white plastic and is well made
The smoke detectors are pleasantly small and compact for smart smoke detectors! With a diameter of 90mm and a height of 36mm, this is significantly smaller than comparable models from the competition.
Installation
The smoke detector from Xiaomi uses the Zigbee protocol and can thus be easily and quickly integrated into many Zigbee-based systems. Of course, this is not a must, because the smoke detector also has its own siren and thus also alerts if there is no connection to a central or the power would fail. However, without a control panel, it is not possible to send an alarm to a smartphone or e-mail when you are out of the house.
The installation is done within a few minutes and starts with the mounting: this is done with the simple sticking and is best done on a smooth surface. The mounting adhesives are included and can be removed without leaving marks on a smooth surface. On a plastered wall, however, it might not come out quite as nicely….
Integration with Home Assistant is then made very simple and fast:
- Set the Conbee II in the detection mode
- Press the small button on the side of the window sensor once and the one blue LED will start flashing
- Within 3 seconds the window sensor is detected and can be used directly
Functionality
As described above, the smoke detector can be used both stand-alone (i.e. offline), thanks to the integrated siren. Or you can use the smoke detector’s Zigbee module and connect it to the smart home control panel. For me, of course, it’s Home Assistant.
The smoke detector is equipped with Honeywell components and works with a CR123A battery. According to Xiaomi, this should last 5 years.
Conclusion
My experience with the Xiaomi smoke detector has been positive throughout, which is why I can recommend it without reservation. Fortunately, I have never had to test it in reality. But if something should ever happen, it’s good to know that there’s a smoke detector and a quick response can be made in the event of a fire.
And in the end, the same applies to this Xiaomi product: The price is unbeatable! Why this is important, I have described here !
One more note for all readers from Germany:
The Xiaomi Honeywell smoke detector is not approved in Germany!
While this doesn’t mean you can’t use this, I wouldn’t recommend using this in a “mandatory” room. In the meantime, you must have smoke detectors in all federal states, especially for insurance reasons. This is exactly why I would only use a smoke detector that is regularly approved in Germany.
