Automatically Start Recording with Manything on Door/Window Open
Transforming Smartphones into Smart Security Systems
The Manything application allows users to repurpose older smartphones as functional home security cameras. A key feature is the ability to initiate recording upon detecting movement. However, this motion-based activation can be problematic when pets are present, leading to frequent, unnecessary recordings.
Leveraging Smart Home Integration for Precise Control
A solution to this issue involves integrating SmartThings or Wink sensors with Manything through the IFTTT platform. This integration enables recordings to be triggered specifically when a door or window is opened, eliminating false alarms caused by pet activity.
Getting Started with IFTTT
If you are new to IFTTT, it’s recommended to familiarize yourself with the platform first. Our comprehensive guide provides detailed instructions on account creation and connecting various applications and services.
For experienced IFTTT users, a pre-configured recipe is available for immediate implementation. Simply click the “Add” button to instantly activate the recipe, provided you have already connected the Manything channel and either the SmartThings or Wink channel.
Creating a Custom Recipe
Users desiring a customized setup or utilizing a smart home platform other than SmartThings can create a recipe manually. Begin by navigating to the IFTTT homepage and selecting “My Recipes” from the top menu.
Then, click the “Create a Recipe” button to initiate the recipe building process.
Click on the blue-highlighted “this” to define the trigger event.
Enter "SmartThings" or "Wink" (or your preferred platform) into the search bar. Select the corresponding service from the displayed options.
Configuring the Trigger and Action
Select "Opened" as the trigger event on the subsequent screen.
From the "Which device?" drop-down menu, choose the specific sensor you wish to link with Manything. Note that only one sensor can be selected per recipe; create additional recipes for each sensor you intend to use.
After selecting a sensor, click "Create Trigger".
Next, click on the blue-highlighted “that” to define the action.
Locate and select the "Manything" channel from the list, or utilize the search function.
Choose the "Start recording" action.
Under "Which device?", specify the smartphone utilized with Manything. Alternatively, select "Any device" if multiple smartphones are configured.
Set the desired "Recording duration" and then click "Create Action".
Finalizing the Recipe
On the final screen, you can customize the recipe’s title. Click "Create Recipe" to complete the setup.
Ensure the Manything application is running on your smartphone, but refrain from initiating recording manually within the app; IFTTT will manage the recording process automatically.