HomeKit 101: Make your smart home even smarter with automations

Your smart home is only really smart if you use the handy automations that Apple HomeKit has to offer. This allows you to activate a smart device or scene automatically based on, for example, a time, location or motion detection. This is how you get started with automations.

You need a home hub to be able to use automations. A HomePod, HomePod mini, Apple TV or iPad can serve as a home hub for your HomeKit accessories. Without one of these devices you cannot, or with considerable challenges, get started with automations.

Automate your smart home with HomeKit

To start a new automation with HomeKit, you must have added your smart devices to your Home app in addition to the home hub. You can read exactly how to do that in this article. When you’re done, go to the tab in the app Automation. Then tap New automation or use the plus sign at the top right and choose Add automation.

First it is necessary to set a trigger. You can switch on your automation when you come home, when everyone is away, at a certain time or when a lamp or accessory is switched on. To help you on your way, we’ll go through an example with you.

An example to get you started

Suppose you want some lights in the house to switch on automatically as soon as the sun has set. In that case, choose It’s a specific time and then select Sun down. Select all days of the week and leave Persons on Out to stand. Tap on Next one and select, for example, the lamps at the front and back door, and in the living room.

Tap again Next one. You will now see an overview of the automation. Through Test this automation you can check whether you have entered everything correctly. All the lamps you have set will then turn on. When you are satisfied, tap Ready.