HomeKit presence detection in Homey

1. Introduction
2. What do you need
3. Step 1: Prepare Homey
4. Step 2: Prepare HomeKit
5. Step 3: Create a virtual switch
6. Step 4: In the Home app go to Automations
7. Step 5: In the Homey app go to Flows

Introduction

I find the presence detection in HomeKit way more accurate than using any other geolocation or proximity app on my phone. HomeKit is using multiple conditions to calculate your at-home status. These include whether your devices are on the same network, being on the charger and bluetooth proximity. It is using the device’s geolocation and those patterns to further optimize the accuracy.

To get this highly accurate status in Homey you have to expose your Homey to the HomeKit platform. Then using a virtual device and two HomeKit-automation plus Homey-flow pairs, the status on your Homey user will be reported in real-time.

What do you need

• Homey Pro
• HomeKit router like Apple TV or HomePod
• HomeKit personal device, like an iPhone or Watch
• HomeKitty app for Homey

Step 1: Prepare Homey

When you have gone through the basic setup Homey should be available in your network and connected to your Homey account and app.

1. Go to Settings > Experiments
2. Enable Virtual devices
3. Go to Settings > Apps
4. Install HomeKitty
5. Go to the app
6. Tap the settings cog icon
7. Go to Advanced settings
8. Toggle the devices you do or do not want Homey to expose in HomeKit

Step 2: Prepare HomeKit

On your iPhone open the Home app

1. Tap the + button
2. Add hub
3. Find HomeKitty
4. Enter the pairing code 11122333

Step 3: Create a virtual switch

1. In the Homey app tap the + button
2. Choose Add device
3. Choose Homey
4. Choose Virtual on/off switch
5. Name: something like “HomeKit presence”
6. Add device

Step 4: In the Home app go to Automations

1. Tap the + button
2. Choose New automation
3. When: Someone comes home
4. Find the device “HomeKit presence”
5. Set it to on state
6. Tap on Save
7. Tap the + and New automation
8. When: Someone leaves
9. Find the device “HomeKit presence”
10. Set it to off state
11. Tap on Save

Step 5: In the Homey app go to Flows

1. Tap the + and Add flow
2. IF: device “HomeKit presence” is turned on
3. THEN: Presence > User > Mark as home
4. Save
5. Tap the + and Add flow
6. IF: device “HomeKit presence” is turned off
7. THEN: Presence > User > Mark as away
8. Save

Now when you leave the house your status in Homey will change instantly as soon as HomeKit knows about it.

For multiple users repeat the steps with unique names for the virtual button and flows.