Automate Lights to Turn On When You Get Home

The Problem

You come home to a dark house every evening. Fumbling for light switches in the dark.

The Hack

In your smart home app (Alexa, Google Home, HomeKit), create an automation: 'When my phone is within 500 feet of home, turn on entry lights.'

Why It Works

Geofencing uses your phone's GPS to create a virtual boundary around your home. Crossing that boundary triggers automated actions — lights, thermostat, locks.

Pro Tips

• Set arrival AND departure automations
• Arrival: entry lights on, thermostat adjusts
• Departure: all lights off, thermostat adjusts to save energy
• Works with Alexa routines, Google Home automations, or Apple HomeKit