# Tuya-based sensors - is there a way to avoid the costly cloud API signup?

**URL:** <https://discourse.nodered.org/t/tuya-based-sensors-is-there-a-way-to-avoid-the-costly-cloud-api-signup/101666>\
**Category:** Hardware\
**Created:** [21 August 2026 14:02 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/tuya-based-sensors-is-there-a-way-to-avoid-the-costly-cloud-api-signup/101666 "2026-08-21T14:02:21Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 14\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![TotallyInformation](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/totallyinformation/32/31_2.png) [@TotallyInformation](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/TotallyInformation)\
**Post date:** [21 August 2026 14:02 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/tuya-based-sensors-is-there-a-way-to-avoid-the-costly-cloud-api-signup/101666/1 "2026-08-21T14:02:21Z")

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I swear that I'm never buying anything with the word "Tuya" on the pack ever again!!

I purchased a couple of sensors to remotely monitor my Mum's old house while it was empty - we had to wait far too long for probate and then the house to be sold so it was over 12m in the end. I didn't have time to get Node-RED set up originally so I brought a presence sensor and temperature/humidity sensor, both with Tuya.

Now that the house is sold, I've brought those back home and wanted to use them offline with my home Node-RED. But, for the life of me the only way I can find to do it is to have the Tuya Dev Platform.

It seems that platform has drastically changed and it appears that you only get a 30d trial period after which you have to pay?

Not sure if there is any other way but I've not been able to work it out.

In case you are interested, the sensors are:

> **[WiFi Hygrometer Thermometer Sensor: Wireless Smart Temperature Humidity Monitor...](https://www.amazon.co.uk/WiFi-Hygrometer-Thermometer-Sensor-Notification/dp/B0DC6KV59M)**
>
> The temperature sensor has a built-in Bluetooth search function, allowing you to connect to the APP ten times faster for the first time. You just need to turn on the bluetooth function in your phone, the APP will find it automaticallyProduct name:...

> **[Pinafresa Tuya WiFi MmWave Human Presence Sensor Microwave Radar Detection PIR...](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pinafresa-Presence-Microwave-Detection-Luminance/dp/B0CMTPNPQ7)**
>
> Pinafresa Network: WiFi Version: B-WIFI Side Mount Version Celling mount sensor input: 80-240VAC Wall mount sensor input: USB 5V Working temperature: -20℃+70℃ Sensitivity: 1-9(default 7) Wall mount sensor sensing distance: 0.3-9m(Default 6m). Celling...

They were cheap and Tuya seemed the best quick win at the time. They've done fine for remote monitoring so I can't really complain. But it is annoying if there is no other way to use them.

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**Author:** ![Buckskin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/b9e5f3/32.png) [@Buckskin](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Buckskin)\
**Post date:** [21 August 2026 16:55 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/tuya-based-sensors-is-there-a-way-to-avoid-the-costly-cloud-api-signup/101666/2 "2026-08-21T16:55:23Z")

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I have no idea if it will work with these devices but I use `node-red-contrib-tuya-smart-device` with a few Tuya wifi devices (Power monitor SO & coloured lamp). Still works for me. (complicated initial setup)

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**Author:** ![greengolfer](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/greengolfer/32/28276_2.png) [@greengolfer](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/greengolfer)\
**Post date:** [21 August 2026 16:59 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/tuya-based-sensors-is-there-a-way-to-avoid-the-costly-cloud-api-signup/101666/3 "2026-08-21T16:59:29Z")

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> [@TotallyInformation](#):
>
> I swear that I'm never buying anything with the word "Tuya" on the pack ever again!!

This is the only sensible decision.

Tuya zigbee devices are most of the time flaky. Heavy talkers on zigbee...  
Tuya wifi usually needs a hack to work without tuya cloud. Free or not free, is "almost" a second level problem.

If doable, on this particular device, try installing ESPHome. That's the only long term workable solution.

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**Author:** ![TotallyInformation](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/totallyinformation/32/31_2.png) [@TotallyInformation](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/TotallyInformation)\
**Post date:** [21 August 2026 19:08 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/tuya-based-sensors-is-there-a-way-to-avoid-the-costly-cloud-api-signup/101666/4 "2026-08-21T19:08:41Z")

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> [@Buckskin](#):
>
> node-red-contrib-tuya-smart-device

Tried that, the CLI gives me this error:

```auto
There was an issue fetching that device. Make sure your account is linked and the ID is correct.

```

The device(s) are linked and the ID is copied from the Tuya dev website. I've tried 2 other nodes as well - both of them baulked on the fact that I don't have a current license (my trial ran out).

I guess if you have one that is already working, it will continue for now - at least until Tuya make further changes to lock you out.

> [@greengolfer](#):
>
> try installing ESPHome

Unfortunately, they are sealed units with no available info.

THe Temperature & Humidity sensor probably isn't worth bothering with but the [Pinafresa Tuya WiFi MmWave Human Presence Sensor Microwave Radar Detection PIR Motion Sensor + Luminance Wall Mount : Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CMTPNPQ7) might be worth firing up Home Assistant for to see if I can get that working. It is pretty sensitive. Though mounted 1/2 way down my Mum's through living/dining room, it would pick up the postman at the front door on its most sensitive settings.

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**Author:** ![bakman2](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/bakman2/32/6207_2.png) [@bakman2](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/bakman2)\
**Post date:** [22 August 2026 04:19 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/tuya-based-sensors-is-there-a-way-to-avoid-the-costly-cloud-api-signup/101666/5 "2026-08-22T04:19:50Z")

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Depending on the chips used, you may be able to the use the [libretiny project](https://docs.libretiny.eu/docs/status/supported/) to convert it to an ESPHome based device

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**Author:** ![SuperNinja](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/superninja/32/5761_2.png) [@SuperNinja](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/SuperNinja)\
**Post date:** [22 August 2026 06:42 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/tuya-based-sensors-is-there-a-way-to-avoid-the-costly-cloud-api-signup/101666/6 "2026-08-22T06:42:17Z")

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Hi Julian,  
I have quite a few Tuya devices—as you said, they're cheap and work well, but they're tied to the Tuya cloud. I have two types of devices:

- those permanently plugged into mains power: smart plugs, ceiling fans.
- those running on battery: temperature/humidity sensors.

As you, all are Wi-Fi enabled.

For the mains-powered devices, I use: [node-red-contrib-tuya-devices (node) - Node-RED](https://flows.nodered.org/node/node-red-contrib-tuya-devices).  
As for the battery-operated ones, they sleep most of the time, and the `node-red-contrib-tuya-devices` node struggles to pick them up when they wake up; sometimes, data is only reported once a day. I regularly make HTTP requests to `openapi.tuyaeu.com` (using tokens, etc.), but that relies on the cloud—which I know you don't like 😉

Getting back to your issue: I’ve also encountered the "trial period expired" error. If we're talking about the same thing, here is what I do to extend the trial period:  
**Go to :** _cloud \> cloud service \> iot core \> view details_

 ![cloud-cloud service- iot core-view details](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/uploads/nodered/original/3X/c/7/c7f308262175f0b3861f7fa0ce504db731256cf8.jpeg)  
_You might have a session that has expired or been suspended there ?_

**And clic** : Extend trial period

 ![extend trial period](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/uploads/nodered/original/3X/6/7/6754a392109340d4db5fb2c7f2faab146c74086f.jpeg)

I hope this works for you. 🤞

**To take things further and break free from Tuya** —there is indeed LibreTiny and CloudCutter ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFsuza3UAhk&t=31s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFsuza3UAhk&t=31s)), but also **OpenBeken** (named after the Wi-Fi chips found in those cheap Chinese gadgets):  
[https://openbekeniot.github.io/webapp/devicesList.html](https://openbekeniot.github.io/webapp/devicesList.html).  
With CloudCutter and OpenBeken, **it’s possible to break away from the Tuya ecosystem (without soldering)**: [https://youtu.be/16UpLNC4pos](https://youtu.be/16UpLNC4pos)  
Worth a try!

Cheers!

Chris

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![TotallyInformation](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/totallyinformation/32/31_2.png) [@TotallyInformation](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/TotallyInformation)\
**Post date:** [22 August 2026 19:01 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/tuya-based-sensors-is-there-a-way-to-avoid-the-costly-cloud-api-signup/101666/7 "2026-08-22T19:01:48Z")

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> [@SuperNinja](#):
>
> here is what I do to extend the trial period:  
> **Go to :** _cloud \> cloud service \> iot core \> view details_

Ah! Well, that appears to be the place I needed to go to in order to get a 1 year extension rather than a 1 month which the other arcane screens led me to. I suppose this is better than nothing. And now, I can actually get the data I need for both sensors.

So many thanks for that.

I will try out your other things as well - but not tonight, a beer is calling. 🙂

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**Author:** ![SuperNinja](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/superninja/32/5761_2.png) [@SuperNinja](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/SuperNinja)\
**Post date:** [22 August 2026 19:16 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/tuya-based-sensors-is-there-a-way-to-avoid-the-costly-cloud-api-signup/101666/8 "2026-08-22T19:16:42Z")

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Beer: 1, tuya :0 😆

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**Author:** ![Tany](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/dfb087/32.png) [@Tany](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Tany)\
**Post date:** [23 August 2026 12:55 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/tuya-based-sensors-is-there-a-way-to-avoid-the-costly-cloud-api-signup/101666/9 "2026-08-23T12:55:10Z")

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If one is a seazoned Node-Red user, i miss the point to go for Tuya. So many cons, not to say the cloud dependency.  
I have a variety of this kind of sensors, and first check if a device is compatible with zigbee2mqtt, AND is listed on Supported Devices.  
In the beginning i worked with native Aedes, but later switched to Mosquito.  
"Cheap" is a good argument, but the waste of time and frustration afterwards is a pain in the butt.  
Cheers.

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**Author:** ![TotallyInformation](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/totallyinformation/32/31_2.png) [@TotallyInformation](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/TotallyInformation)\
**Post date:** [23 August 2026 14:21 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/tuya-based-sensors-is-there-a-way-to-avoid-the-costly-cloud-api-signup/101666/10 "2026-08-23T14:21:35Z")

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> [@Tany](#):
>
> If one is a seazoned Node-Red user, i miss the point to go for Tuya. So many cons, not to say the cloud dependency.  
> I have a variety of this kind of sensors, and first check if a device is compatible with zigbee2mqtt, AND is listed on Supported Devices.

Yes, this is what I normally do. But, as I said, I was in a hurry to fix up some security for an unoccupied house. I didn't have time to set up a Pi with Node-RED, etc and add compatible sensors. It wasn't even a cost issue since the estate can cover that, it was just immediate convenience. And it worked just fine for nearly a year. With temperature and humidity monitoring through the winter and presence detection along with an internal security camera, all cloud based.

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**Author:** ![hazymat](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/hazymat/32/108159_2.png) [@hazymat](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/hazymat)\
**Post date:** [27 August 2026 09:56 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/tuya-based-sensors-is-there-a-way-to-avoid-the-costly-cloud-api-signup/101666/11 "2026-08-27T09:56:54Z")

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The only Tuya sensors I have ever bought (/would ever buy) are Zigbee sensors.

I have a major dislike of any wireless sensor (new home has over 30 sensors so far, all wired)... but I do still have three or four stray Tuya Zigbee sensors, for tricky locations. Very small little wall mounted PIRs and mmWave. They have been reliable (as in - haven't missed a beat for years, no issues or fuss when it comes to changing batteries etc.) and despite some battery reporting weirdness (how accurately can I expect a device that's only just slightly bigger than my thumbnail to report its button battery life?) I would never say Tuya is universally bad. But yes, any devices requiring cloud setup: it's a red flag for me.

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**Author:** ![rz7k9l](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/rz7k9l/32/77811_2.png) [@rz7k9l](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/rz7k9l)\
**Post date:** [28 August 2026 11:59 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/tuya-based-sensors-is-there-a-way-to-avoid-the-costly-cloud-api-signup/101666/12 "2026-08-28T11:59:37Z")

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try Shelly devices. Cloud or no cloud. access with mqtt or other protocol. Install for instance a raspberry pi with node red red.  
use tailscale to connect to the devices without VPN.

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**Author:** ![TotallyInformation](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/totallyinformation/32/31_2.png) [@TotallyInformation](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/TotallyInformation)\
**Post date:** [29 August 2026 15:05 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/tuya-based-sensors-is-there-a-way-to-avoid-the-costly-cloud-api-signup/101666/13 "2026-08-29T15:05:26Z")

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I should re-iterate here that these Tuya devices were a convenience in a property that had no automation and no always-on compute. The house was vacant and needed to be sold (but I had to wait on the UK Government to approve that handover of the estate). I would never willingly use cloud-dependent solutions normally. Heck, I don't even like or use HA let alone a proprietary vendor cloud! 😃

In the "old" days, 433MHz was pretty much the best, low-cost wireless solution and I still have a few remnants of that around, now probably a decade or more old.

Low-cost Wi-Fi solutions came next - though realistically only for permanently powered solutions. Some hand-built on various ESP platforms, others from the likes of TP-Link and ITEAD. I do now also have some Shelly Wi-Fi devices.

Then, once Zigbee dropped in price, I added that to the mix with devices from Ikea, and SONOFF.

I do like Shelly devices. But, they are expensive in the UK if only due to the shipping costs. So I might buy a few together in one of their periodic sales.

What I find interesting now is that it seems that we can now get ESP32's with Zigbee so I might try redoing some of my sensors with **ESP32-C6** or **ESP32-H2** devices over Zigbee. Assuming I can ever find time in retirement!

Any way, this is well off topic from the original question!

By the way, to summarise, you _can_ make use of Tuya's cloud API "for free" but you have to try to extend your access each year. Not sure if they will keep extending or not. Too many other things happening in life right now for me to experiment further. But if you have more info or alternative answers, please do contribute.

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**Author:** ![TotallyInformation](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/totallyinformation/32/31_2.png) [@TotallyInformation](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/TotallyInformation)\
**Post date:** [12 September 2026 15:05 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/tuya-based-sensors-is-there-a-way-to-avoid-the-costly-cloud-api-signup/101666/14 "2026-09-12T15:05:41Z")

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