Alexa routines make life easier by automating specific tasks at home or office.
These routines achieve automation by grouping certain tasks, eliminating the need to ask for each task separately.
Smart home devices that can trigger Alexa routines include motion sensors, door and window sensors, cameras, thermostats, and plugs. You can connect these devices to the internet and use voice commands to control them.
In the rest of this article, I’ll discuss how the different smart home devices can trigger Alexa routines.
I’ll also elaborate on how to activate the different Alexa routines using these smart home devices.
Keep reading!
5 smart home devices that can trigger Alexa routines
#1: Motion sensors
Motion sensors are among the most commonly used smart home devices to create motion-triggered Alexa routines.
You can use them to detect movement in a room and turn on the lights automatically.
Alternatively, you can set up routines that turn on the music or TV when you walk into a room.
A simple way to use a motion sensor to activate Alexa routines is by linking it with Alexa voice commands.
In this case, you create an Alexa routine stipulating that “when this happens,” it triggers an Alexa voice command like, “Alexa, turn on the lights and music.”
Such a command will save you time and energy by simultaneously turning on the lights and playing music.
The following is a simple procedure to create motion-triggered Alexa routines:
- Enable motion detection on the compatible motion sensor by launching the Alexa App. Tap devices and navigate to Echo and Alexa then select Echo Speaker and navigate to the Settings icon. Once done, click General Settings and navigate to Motion and Detection, then open Motion Detection and Toggle to Enable
- Create a routine by tapping on the More tab and navigating to Routines. Click the “+” button. Name your routine and click “When this happens,” followed by Smart Home.
- Select Motion Sensors and specify the command. The command should specify whether or not the routine should be triggered when people are detected. Then click Next.
- Your new motion detection routine should start running based on your specified command. Remember to save your new routine.
#2: Door and window sensors
Door and window sensors detect when a door or window is opened and closed.
You can use them to turn on the lights automatically when you come home at night.
You can also use door and window sensors to set up security routines.
For example, you can create a routine that turns on the lights and sounds an alarm when a door is opened unexpectedly.
These smart home devices are also excellent at creating location-based Alexa routines.
For example, you can create a routine that turns off the lights and music when you leave the sitting room for the bedroom.
You can also create routines that turn off the lights and TV when you leave the house.
Setting up a routine using door and window sensors is similar to motion sensors.
The only difference is that you select door or window sensors instead of motion sensors.
#3: Cameras
Smart cameras are excellent at triggering security routines.
For example, you can create a routine that sends you a notification when the camera detects movement.
You can also set up routines that turn on the lights and sound an alarm when the camera detects motion.
In addition to security routines, smart cameras can also be used to trigger location-based routines.
You could potentially create a routine that turns off the lights and music when you leave the house.
Setting up security system routines using smart cameras is a bit different. Here’s how to set up a security routine with your smart camera:
- Launch the Alexa App.
- Click on More and navigate to Routines.
- Click on the “+” sign to create a new routine.
- Click on “When this happens” and input the action you want to turn on the security system.
- Click Add Action.
- Navigate to Smart Home and choose camera.
- Select your preferred “Armed mode”.
- Tap on Save.
Read also: Do Blink Cameras Work With SmartThings?
#4: Thermostats
Smart thermostats can be used to trigger routines based on temperature changes.
For example, you can create a routine that turns on the heat when the temperature drops below 140°F (60°C).
You can also create routines that turn on the air conditioning when the temperature rises above 176°F (80°C).
The procedure to set up routines using smart thermostats is similar to that of motion sensors and door and window sensors.
The only difference is that when you select the device, you choose a smart thermostat instead of the sensors.
You might also want to check: Does Nest Thermostat Work Without WiFi? (Updated)
#5: Smart plugs
Alexa smart plugs can trigger multiple routines.
They can turn on the lights, coffee maker, or TV.
You can also use smart plugs to set up routines that turn off all the lights in the house when you leave.
The wake-up Alexa routine is one of the most popular routines for people who use smart plugs.
This routine turns on the lights, coffee maker, and TV at a specified time so you can have a mug of coffee ready when you leave the bathroom.
Benefits of Alexa routines
#1: Saving on energy bills
The cost of electricity hit an all-time high in the U.S. in 2021 by retailing at 13.72 cents per kilowatt-hour.
This was an increase of 4.3% from the previous year.
You can save on your energy bills by automating some of the devices in your home through Alexa routines.
For example, you can create a routine that turns off all the lights in the house when you leave.
#2: Seamless home automation
Routines make it possible to automate some of the devices in your home.
Automation eliminates the need to perform specific tasks manually.
For example, an Alexa routine that simultaneously turns on music and lights means you won’t start looking for switches or radios to turn them on.
#3: Reduced stress levels
Routines can help reduce stress levels by taking care of some of the tasks you would typically have to do manually.
For example, you can create a routine that sends you a notification when the kids get home from school.
This way, you don’t have to worry about whether or not they made it home safely.
#4: Improved sleep quality
You can improve the quality of your sleep by creating a routine that aligns with the factors that give you a peaceful sleep.
For example, you can create a routine that turns off all the lights in the house and plays soothing music during your sleeping time.