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Intro

With Zendo, you can configure automations that run even when the app is closed or your phone is locked. Automations can trigger when you arrive or leave a location, or when you open the app at or away from a specific place. When a location-based automation triggers, the Zendo app will directly connect to your Home Assistant to start the automation, keeping your data private. Location-based automations are linked to the people you invite to your Zendo. Automations automatically apply to new devices (e.g., phones/tablets) you add for a person. If you change your phone, you don’t have to do anything; automations will just work.
Location‑based automations require a remote connection so your Home Assistant can be reached while you’re away. If you use Local-only control, location-based automations will be disabled.

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Geofences vs Zendo location-based automations

Location-based automations on Zendo are a bit different from traditional geofences. Geofences only trigger when arriving or leaving a location. If the mobile signal is weak or the phone isn’t connected to the internet, they can fail silently. Location-based automations on Zendo run when you arrive or leave a location, just like geofences. However, if the mobile signal is weak or the phone isn’t connected to the internet, a notification appears, prompting you to open the app. When you open the app, automations run again, keeping everything working smoothly. We’ve chosen this approach to improve reliability over traditional geofences.

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At Property/Away automations

At Property/Away automations (also known as “At Home/Away”) help you know if someone is at property or not, so you can adjust settings to save energy or security. To set up a new automation:
  1. Tap (Settings)
  2. Tap “People & Invitations”
  3. Select the person the automation will apply to
  4. Tap “Manage location-based automations”
  5. Tap “Add automation”
  6. Make sure “Automation type” is set to “At Property/Away” (or “At Home/Away”)
  7. Select actions.

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Custom location automations

Sometimes, you want to run specific actions at specific locations. If you use Zendo at home, you could trigger automations when you get to the office or when the kids are at school. With Zendo, you can trigger actions when arriving or leaving a chosen location. To set up a new automation:
  1. Tap (Settings)
  2. Tap “People & Invitations”
  3. Select the person the automation will apply to
  4. Tap “Manage location-based automations”
  5. Tap “Add automation”
  6. Make sure “Automation type” is set to “Custom Location”
  7. Choose the location you want to monitor.
  8. Select actions.

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Inspiration: what you can automate

Here are some ideas to get you started. For homes, you could:
  • Save energy when you’re away by turning off lights and setting the thermostat to Eco mode.
  • Have your home comfortably heated or cooled by the time you arrive.
  • Get a warm welcome back home with lights (only after sunset).
For commercial properties, you could:
  • Disarm the alarm when staff arrive.
  • Switch on signage/HVAC at opening.
  • Power down at closing.

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Automations are not working

If something isn’t working, please check our troubleshoot guide.