How can I work around Home app's "Automations based on Time" max of 4 hour limit?

Question

How can I work around Home app's "Automations based on Time" max of 4 hour limit?

I'm trying to use Apple's Home app to automate some lights turning on at around Sunset and then turn off 7 hours later. However Home's app Automate by Time strangely has a max of 4 hours limit. Is there a logical reason for this short limit and how can I work around it? Automating Christmas lights is just one of many things begging for this capability. Another related shortcoming is Automation based on time offers Sunset to turn on something but doesn't offer Dawn as a time to turn that item off.

HomePod mini

Posted on Dec 17, 2021 5:53 PM

Reply

Answer 1

picas

Level 7

21,057 points

Dec 17, 2021 8:25 PM in response to William Mckelvy

A workaround is to set two automations — on and off.

Reply

Answer 2

Dec 17, 2021 9:07 PM in response to picas

Thanks Picas for your much appreciated help which actually offers two benefits: 1. it provides a viable workaround I needed and more importantly, 2. it confirms this silly 4 hour limit is real and not just a result of my failure to master Apple's Home app's user interface. The Home app cries for obvious needed enhancements, this being but one. Thanks again. Bill

Reply

Answer 3

Alancito

Level 7

30,042 points

Dec 18, 2021 1:20 AM in response to William Mckelvy

William Mckelvy wrote: "The Home app cries for obvious needed enhancements, this being but one."

Bill ~ Let Apple know here:

Feedback - Home App - Apple

...Source:

Apple Product Feedback

õ¿õ¬

Reply

How can I work around Home app's "Automations based on Time" max of 4 hour limit?

Similar questions