HomeKit Automation - Sunset

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trickyt_uk Author

Level 1

11 points

HomeKit Automation - Sunset

I have only recently got into HomeKit.

I have a Homepod Mini connected to my system with some Meross smart plugs. All are set up in HomeKit.

I have set up an automation to at, Sunset, Daily, turn on the Meross smart plug which is attached to my outside light.

However, it has not activated it yet. It is set to Sunset and the repeat is every day.

I have used the 'test this automation' and the light come on.

But it doesn't come on at 'Sunset' well it actually doesn't come on at all.

I have checked in Settings - Privacy - Location Services - Home and this is set to 'while using app'

Is there something I am missing?

iPhone 12 is running 14.3 and the Homepod is up to date.

Regards

Trevor

Posted on Dec 23, 2020 3:17 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Michael Paine

Level 4

1,390 points

Dec 29, 2020 7:30 PM in response to trickyt_uk

Do you have an iPad or Apple TV that you could temporarily use as a Homekit hub? This would help to isolate whether the problem was related to the Homepod Mini.

Note that Homekit sort of works in a local cloud where it uses any available devices logged into your Apple ID and activated as a Homekit hub. There have been reports of some people having issues with Homepod Minis.

You can temporarily deactivate the Homepod Mini as a Home hub via the Home app on an iOS device or Mac so that Homekit uses another device (Apple TV or iPad).

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Answer 2

Eric--F

Community Specialist

Dec 25, 2020 7:07 PM in response to trickyt_uk

Hi Trevor,

Welcome to Apple Support Communities, and HomeKit! Congratulations on your new HomePod mini. Rest assured, we're glad to help so that your automations work as expected and without issue.

To start, let's ensure that your home has an active HomeKit hub, as this is a requirement for automations to work. Let us know if the information in this guide helps:

Set up your HomePod, HomePod mini, Apple TV, or iPad as a home hub

Is your HomePod mini or another device showing up a a HomeKit hub?

If so, we can recommend unplugging each of your HomeKit devices to restart, including your router, and then testing again by setting up an automation on a schedule.

We'd also like to share the following guide with more helpful information about automations in the Home app:

Create home automations with the Home app

We're here for you if you've got any questions.

Have a great day!

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Answer 3

Joseph_S.

Community Specialist

Dec 29, 2020 11:56 AM in response to trickyt_uk

Hi Trevor,

We're glad to hear that you were able to configure an automation in the manufacturer's app. To get it working properly in Home app, you may want to check if a firmware update is available, and that the device is set up for HomeKit from within the third-party manufacturer's app.

Have you tried removing the smart plug accessory from your Home, in order to add it back and test again?

If the issue persists, we may recommend contacting Apple Support directly to inquire further. Here's a direct link:

Get Support

Take care!

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Answer 4

trickyt_uk Author

Level 1

11 points

Dec 29, 2020 9:42 AM in response to Eric--F

Thank you for your reply.

I have tried your recommendations, but it still will not turn on the light at sunset.

I did set up an automation in the App that is produced by the company that makes the lightbulb. I set up an automation in that to turn the light on at sunset and that works, so must be a issue with either the IOS or the HomeKit?

Regards

Trevor

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Answer 5

sterling r

Community Specialist

Dec 31, 2020 10:03 AM in response to trickyt_uk

Hi again Trevor,

We're very glad to hear that you were able to get this resolved. It's been a pleasure!

Thanks for keeping us updated.

Take care!

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Answer 6

trickyt_uk Author

Level 1

11 points

Dec 30, 2020 1:16 PM in response to Michael Paine

I have tried all settings and still no joy.

If I change the setting from sunset to a specific time, then the automation works correctly.

It appears to have an issue of if being set to sunset is causing it not to work as if it doesn't know when it is?

Trevor

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Answer 7

sterling r

Community Specialist

Dec 31, 2020 8:14 AM in response to trickyt_uk

Hi Trevor,

Thanks so much for clarifying. In that case, if you're able to verify that all devices in your HomeKit setup are configured with the correct time and time zone, you'll want to reach out to Apple Support for further direct assistance with this issue. You may reach them via our support site here:

Get Support

Have a great day!

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Answer 8

trickyt_uk Author

Level 1

11 points

Dec 31, 2020 8:38 AM in response to sterling r

Thanks for all of your replies.

I have now solved the issue. Not 100% sure what was causing the issue, but it was one of the following.

When I first got my iPhone 12 I followed some guides on 'iPhone 12 settings you need to change now' and 'iOS 14 setting you need to turn off now'

So I think it was a setting I turned off in Privacy - Location Services - System Services or Background App Refresh

These were all set back to the default and low and behold, the light came on at Sunset today! :-)

Thanks for all of your advice.

Trevor

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HomeKit Automation - Sunset

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