How to Create Automations in Apple Home

Automations in Apple Home let your smart devices work together without manual control. You can trigger lights, locks, thermostats, and other HomeKit accessories based on time schedules, your location, or sensor readings.

1. Open the Home app and access Automation. Launch the Home app on your iPhone or iPad. Tap the Automation tab at the bottom of the screen. If this is your first automation, you'll see a '+' button in the center. Otherwise, tap the '+' icon in the top-right corner.
2. Choose your automation trigger. Select from the available trigger types: 'People Arrive' or 'People Leave' for location-based automations, 'A Time of Day Occurs' for scheduled automations, 'An Accessory Is Controlled' for device-triggered automations, or 'A Sensor Detects Something' for motion, contact, or environmental triggers. Tap your chosen trigger type.
3. Configure the trigger conditions. Set the specific conditions for your chosen trigger. For time-based automations, select the time and days of the week. For location triggers, choose which family members must arrive or leave. For sensor triggers, specify the detection type and any threshold values. Tap 'Next' when configured.
4. Select accessories and actions. Choose which HomeKit accessories will respond to this automation. Tap each device you want to control, then set its specific action—turn on/off for lights, lock/unlock for doors, or adjust temperature for thermostats. You can control multiple accessories with different actions in a single automation.
5. Set automation timing and conditions. Choose whether the automation runs immediately when triggered or at a specific time. Add conditions to limit when the automation runs, such as only when certain people are home or during specific time periods. These conditions prevent unwanted automation triggers.
6. Test and enable the automation. Review your automation settings on the summary screen. Tap 'Done' to create the automation—it's automatically enabled. Test the automation by manually triggering the condition if possible, or wait for the natural trigger to occur. Check the automation runs as expected.
7. Monitor and adjust automation performance. Open the Home app and go to the Automation tab to view all your automations. Tap any automation to see its recent activity and edit its settings. Disable automations that aren't working correctly, or modify their triggers and actions as your needs change.