Smart-home guide

Smart-home automations: trigger, condition and action

Most automations can be understood as a trigger that starts evaluation, optional conditions that decide whether it should continue, and one or more actions.

AutomationLogic

Editorial review: August 12, 2026 · Julian M. Carverton

Trigger

Time, sensor state, button press, presence or another event starts the automation.

Condition

A condition narrows when the automation is allowed to run.

Action

The action changes a device, sends a notification or starts another routine.

Keep logic readable

A simple automation that is understandable later is often more reliable than a chain of hidden dependencies.

Keep in mind. Compatibility is not permanent. Confirm the current manufacturer, platform and certification information before purchasing, resetting or migrating a device.