I wanted to share another useful automation I’ve built using Aqara’s Contact Sensors—this one is especially helpful for parents.
After the kids go to bed, we all enjoy a little downtime to unwind. But as every parent knows, kids don’t always stay in bed. Sometimes they need water, have a question that simply must be answered immediately, or need comfort from a bad dream.
Here’s where this automation comes in handy:
If we’re watching TV in our bedroom and the door opens, the TV automatically pauses.
There are a lot of great reasons for this—maybe there’s something on screen you’d rather your kids not see or hear, or maybe you just don’t want to miss any of the dialogue. Either way, the TV pauses instantly so you can give your kids your full attention without losing your place.
This setup uses an Aqara Contact Sensor, an Aqara M3 Hub, and an Apple TV, with the automation created inside Apple Home. Apple Home also makes it easy to limit the automation to specific times—like only after bedtime—so it only runs when it’s actually helpful.
I’ve got a few more creative uses for contact sensors, but I’d love to hear yours.
How are you using your contact sensors in your smart home?