Can HomeKit automate lights based on sunset times?

Question

Level 1

4 points

Can HomeKit automate lights based on sunset times?

the lack of automation customization is a big miss with HomeKit, I'm looking to replace a 35 yr old x10 technology which had the ability to set on off automation before or after sunrise or sunset which basically can make the lights sequence random and also allows for early start times in frequently used rooms like the kitchen. am I missing something here or if this is a limitation that is just the way it is, I'll move on to other solutions,

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: automation for turning lights on a certain time before or after sunset

Apple TV 4K, tvOS 18

Posted on Jul 25, 2025 02:26 PM

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Answer 1

Vancouver22

Level 8

37,160 points

Jul 27, 2025 10:40 AM in response to tomappleid

Ok that’s what you mean and yes there is this option. Select Sunset/ Sunrise then click on the little info button to see various increments of time to choose from. This preferred setting should be saved. Are you saying you did and it isn’t working? If so, please use the feedback link I provided above. See example images below

For my outside lights I have dusk to dawn light fixtures installed instead so the bulbs go off once light passes over the sensor, which is a good hour before official location based sunrise times. They come back on at night. In the long run it might save on the high cost of these smart bulbs.

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Answer 2

Vancouver22

Level 8

37,160 points

Jul 25, 2025 03:23 PM in response to tomappleid

Choose “when a time of day occurs” for custom times for each room, per room. If easier you can group rooms into one zone. There may be more flexibility using shortcuts.

Create scenes and automations with the Home app

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Answer 3

Vancouver22

Level 8

37,160 points

Jul 26, 2025 11:06 PM in response to tomappleid

I’m not sure what you’re asking. There is sunrise and sunset, and a when to turn off setting within that . I don’t see turn off (or on) at sunrise or sunset. Like an auto Dawn to dusk thing. Using shortcuts instead allows for more customization.

If you have suggestions for Apple to improve this you can submit that here: Feedback - Home App - Apple

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Answer 4

tomappleid Author

Level 1

4 points

Jul 27, 2025 04:45 AM in response to Vancouver22

Hi, thanks again for your reply, try to explain. In the x10 automation system I can set switches to come on at sunset plus or minus that time. So for example sunset is at 6pm today I set the kitchen light to come on at sunset minus 30min the light comes on at 5:30. Over the course of a month sunset changes to 6:30 the light not comes on 30 minutes before at 6pm. This happens without me going in and changing it. The light is set to go off at say 11pm which doesn’t change. So as the days get longer and shorter as the seasons change the time the lights go on changes with the length of daylight. With this ability the house lights can set to go on at different times using an offset plus or minus when sunset occurs. I thought this was a standard feature in home automation products and Apple should have it in HomeKit. Obviously it saves on electric usage if you can turn the outside security light off before sunrise when security lights are probably now needed when it’s still dark out but I’m already up.

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Answer 5

tomappleid Author

Level 1

4 points

Jul 26, 2025 08:00 AM in response to Vancouver22

Thanks for the reply, without a dawn to dusk offset I would have to adjust the time for each switch for the change of sunrise sunset. It appears that the HomeKit system does not provide that.

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Answer 6

tomappleid Author

Level 1

4 points

Jul 27, 2025 01:14 PM in response to Vancouver22

Wow, you hit a home run for me, perfect thank you for pointing out the info button. I could not find that info anywhere thank you so much.

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Answer 7

Vancouver22

Level 8

37,160 points

Jul 27, 2025 04:56 PM in response to tomappleid

You’re very welcome:)

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