How to use automations in Home on iPad

On iPad, in the Home app, you can run automations based on the time of day, your location, the activation of a sensor, or the action of an accessory. You can use preconfigured automations included with the Home app, or create automations of your own.

An automation can run when people arrive at or leave a location, or at a time of day, like sunrise or sunset. You can also manage and edit automations, and add a Siri shortcut.

Use a preconfigured automation

1. Open the Home app on your iPad.
2. On the Home tab, touch and hold an accessory and then tap Accessory Settings.
3. Turn on an automation.

To disable an automation, return to the accessory’s setting screen, then turn it off.

Create an automation

1. Open the Home app on your iPad.
2. On the Home tab, tap the Add button.
3. Tap Add Automation and choose one of the following automation triggers:
   • When arriving at or leaving a location: Tap People Arrive or People Leave. Choose when the automation is activated by people arriving or leaving, the location, and the time the automation works.
   • At a time of day: Tap A Time of Day Occurs. Choose when you want this automation to run.

     If you choose Sunset or Sunrise, times vary as the season changes.

     You can also set an automation to only occur after sunset, which is useful for turning on lights just when they’re needed.

   • When an accessory changes: Tap An Accessory is Controlled, select an accessory and tap Next. Follow the onscreen instructions.

     You might use this, for example, to run a scene when you unlock the front door.

   • A sensor detects something: If you’ve added a sensor to Home, tap A Sensor Detects Something, select an accessory, tap Next, and follow the onscreen instructions.

     You might use this, for example, to turn on lights in a stairway when motion is detected nearby.

You can also tap the right side of an automation tile, tap the Settings button, then add, enable, or disable automations.

Manage and edit automations

1. Open the Home app on your iPad.
2. Tap Automation in the sidebar.
3. Tap an automation and then do any of the following:
   • Enable or disable the automation
   • Choose when the automation happens
   • Add or remove accessories
   • Test the automation
   • Delete the automation

Add a Siri shortcut

Adding a Siri Shortcut to your automation can make it even more efficient.

1. Open the Home app on your iPad.
2. When choosing accessories to control with an automation, swipe up and tap Convert To Shortcut.
3. Tap Next, name the automation (optional), then tap Done.

See also

• Set up accessories with Home on iPad
• Set up security cameras in Home on iPad