Hello guys! When going out on holiday, do you worry about having an empty home? I’ve heard that smart home devices can fake a “someone’s home” vibe. Any simple tricks to share?
Here’s my ideas (total newbie style ): Lights on a sneaky schedule: Have smart bulbs that can turn on and off automatically between 7pm and 10pm. Fake doggo guard: Have speakers that will randomly play ‘Angry German Shepherd’ barks. .
But I need more ideas! How did you do it?
Share your easy, budget-friendly hacks below! Let’s turn our homes into Fort Knox… the lazy way.
@Sonja Ah, the classic vacation dilemma of keeping your home looking alive while you’re off gallivanting! You’ve already got some fun ideas brewing. Let me sprinkle in some tech-savvy Aqara magic for your “lived-in” illusion:
Automate Your Lights Even Further: Besides setting your smart bulbs to a schedule, consider adding motion sensors like the Aqara Motion Sensor. Place them in hallways or living rooms to trigger lights in unpredictable patterns, mimicking natural movement.
Use Curtains and Blinds: Aqara’s Roller Shade Controller T1S can raise and lower your blinds at different times of the day. This adds a layer of realism, as if someone is actively adjusting them.
Geofencing Tricks: With Aqara’s geofencing capabilities, you can simulate comings and goings. Set your devices to trigger certain actions when your phone’s location changes, even if you’re miles away. Maybe your porch light turns on when you “arrive” home.
Soundscapes with Smart Plugs: Use the Aqara Smart Plug to power a radio or smart speaker at random intervals. Imagine the subtle hum of a radio playing, just like someone’s listening to their favorite tunes or catching up on the news.
Door/Window Sensors: These can be set to trigger a light or make a sound when “opened,” giving the impression of activity inside.
These tricks should help your home feel bustling with life, even if it’s just your smart devices doing all the work. Happy holidaying, and may your home be as secure as Fort Knox!
I have a single button in home assistant that activates holiday mode, this turns on automations that run lights on and off after sunset at random times except for outside lights etc.
A have a similar set up as @rchiileea through Home Assistant but don’t make it fully random but approximate my normal movements (living room → bath room → bed room) to not make it to obvious
When going out on holiday, do you worry about having an empty home? I’ve heard that smart home devices can fake a “someone’s home” vibe. Any simple tricks to share?
):
Lights on a sneaky schedule: Have smart bulbs that can turn on and off automatically between 7pm and 10pm.
Fake doggo guard: Have speakers that will randomly play ‘Angry German Shepherd’ barks. 
.
Let’s turn our homes into Fort Knox… the lazy way. 
You’ve already got some fun ideas brewing. Let me sprinkle in some tech-savvy Aqara magic for your “lived-in” illusion:
Happy holidaying, and may your home be as secure as Fort Knox!