The Aqara G100 is a compact, wired-power 2K security camera suitable for indoor and outdoor use. It works with Apple Home and offers two night vision modes: a built-in white spotlight for color shots in low light and infrared LEDs for black-and-white footage that people can't see. The camera also offers flexible recording options via local storage and supported connected systems. This overview covers overall capabilities, technical details, compatibility with Apple Home and HomeKit Secure Video, recording features, and indoor/outdoor usability. It also explains a key resolution issue between the camera's native 2 K output and its Apple Home output.

What Are the Main Features of the Aqara G100 Camera?

The Aqara G100 is a fixed-view security camera with monitoring, communication, and privacy control features. The built-in white spotlight provides color video in dim lighting, while infrared LEDs offer stealthy black-and-white night vision. These are not the same modes, but different ways to provide light that is more or less visible, so the user chooses the effect they want: visible light or less visible infrared light. The camera detects general movement and uses Aqara's built-in human detection system to trigger relevant alerts, though it doesn't guarantee every alert is accurate. It has an integrated microphone and speaker that allow two-way real-time communication via supported apps, and it also supports custom ringtones from the Aqara ecosystem. Aqara Home also features privacy masking, which lets you hide certain parts of an image, optional voice modification (if available), and an account-linked anti-theft lock. Some of these advanced functions aren't part of the standard Apple Home controls, and some app or AI features require a paid service or trial.

What Are the Technical Specifications of the Aqara G100 Camera?

The default Aqara G100 camera comes with a CH-C08E model and shoots native video at 2304 × 1296, or 2K (around 3 MP). It features a 140 ° diagonal field of view and an H264 video codec. This camera is not motorized and does not pan or tilt. A USB-C cable powers it with a continuous 5 V DC / 1 A power input, and it is not battery-powered. It does not connect using 5 GHz Wi-Fi, but does have Wi-Fi connectivity (IEEE 802.11 b/g/n/ax on 2.4 GHz only and Bluetooth connectivity. The camera measures 58.16 × 58.16 × 72.25 mm and weighs 180 g, according to Aqara US. It has an IP65 rating for dust and water protection in its housing, and an operating temperature range of –10°C to 40°C and 0–95% relative humidity (RH) without condensation. It includes the camera, power cable, mounting screws, anchor set, and user manual; packaging varies by region. MicroSD card is not included.

How Does the Aqara G100 Work With Apple Home, and What Does It Require?

The Aqara G100 integrates with the Apple Home app to enable live streaming, two-way audio, and camera notifications. The two features are separate: Apple Home viewing and HomeKit Secure Video, which records and analyzes events in an encrypted manner. HomeKit Secure Video is available with an eligible iCloud+ subscription and an eligible Home hub, such as Apple HomePod or Apple TV 4K. Activity notifications and recording settings are based on the Home configuration provided by Apple. An important restriction is resolution: the G100 can record video in native 2304 × 1296 resolution, but Aqara says it is limited to 1080p under HomeKit. Aqara Home is restricted to 1080p resolution if the camera is paired with both Aqara Home and Apple Home. This is NOT a camera fault; it is a verified platform and encoder limitation. The G100 does not support 2K HomeKit recording.

How Does the Aqara G100 Record and Store Video?

The G100 supports several recording and storage methods managed through Aqara or the local system. Local recording supports up to a Class 10 or higher microSD card up to 512 GB (sold separately). The camera supports 24/7 time-lapse recording with continuous power and an inserted card. We cannot guarantee how much footage it will retain, as this varies based on card capacity, recording settings, and how older footage is overwritten. Network-attached storage (NAS) can provide a network backup destination, and RTSP can create a live video stream for third-party viewing or recording systems that support RTSP. Verify the NAS requirements with the exact model and firmware before publishing. Another optional service, HomeGuardian, is available as part of Aqara's backup cloud service and varies by plan and country availability. HomeGuardian cloud storage differs from local microSD recording and Apple's iCloud+ HomeKit Secure Video. Certain expanded cloud AI-recognition features are available only at paid or trial HomeGuardian level.

Can You Use the Aqara G100 Camera Indoors and Outdoors?

The Aqara G100 is used indoors for surveillance, such as in a room, entrance, or garage, and its IP65 housing allows outdoor use on a porch or at the front approach. The fixed-view design is a factor to consider when placing it because the camera does not move mechanically when activity takes place. You can attach it to a table, wall, or ceiling. The water-resistant camera casing doesn't guarantee that the USB-C power connection, adapter, or exposed mains outlet is water-resistant. You must properly protect the power equipment and maintain the power-port seal when using it outdoors. The G100 is more like a compact camera with a continuous power supply, used for indoor or outdoor monitoring depending on the installation site and power configuration.