Nest Thermostat as Motion Detector: A How-To Guide
Nest Thermostat as a Motion Detector: A Setup Guide
Beyond its primary function of temperature regulation, your Nest Thermostat possesses the capability to function as a motion detection system. This guide details the process of configuring this feature.
Utilizing the Built-in Motion Sensor
The Nest Thermostat incorporates an integrated motion sensor. This sensor is instrumental in determining occupancy within your home.
When no presence is detected, the thermostat can automatically adjust the heating or cooling system to conserve energy. Furthermore, the sensor activates the display screen as someone approaches, showing the current temperature setting.
Expanding Functionality with IFTTT
The motion sensor’s utility extends beyond these basic functions through the use of IFTTT (If This Then That).
IFTTT is a service that enables connections between disparate devices and platforms, facilitating automation that wouldn't otherwise be possible.
Setting Up Motion Detection Notifications
We will leverage IFTTT to configure your Nest Thermostat to send you a notification whenever motion is detected.
This can be achieved by creating a specific "recipe" within the IFTTT platform.
How IFTTT Works
IFTTT operates on the principle of "recipes," which define automated actions based on triggers.
For example, a recipe could automatically save new tagged Facebook photos to your Dropbox account.
In our case, the trigger will be motion detected by your Nest Thermostat, and the action will be sending a notification to your mobile device.
Leveraging Your Nest Thermostat as a Motion Detection System
The Nest Thermostat offers a convenient feature: automatic switching between Home and Away modes using Home/Away Assist, triggered by detected motion. This functionality can be repurposed to function as a basic motion detector, sending you alerts – potentially indicating an intruder – when you are not at home.
It's important to note that frequent notifications may occur, especially if you are already present. Fortunately, the associated IFTTT recipe can be easily disabled when desired, a process we will detail later.
Prerequisites: Nest Thermostat Settings
Before proceeding, ensure specific settings are enabled on your Nest Thermostat. The device must be in Away mode for the IFTTT recipe to function correctly, and Home/Away Assist needs to be activated.
To activate Home/Away Assist, open the Nest application on your smartphone and select the gear icon located in the top-right corner of the screen.
From the menu, choose "Home/Away Assist".
Next, tap on "What decides if you're home".
Select your Nest Thermostat from the list of available devices.
Activate the toggle button, changing its state from gray to blue (if it isn't already enabled).
This configuration will automatically adjust your Nest Thermostat between Home and Away modes based on detected or absent motion. Manual mode switching is also available directly on the Nest app's home screen by tapping the "Home" button.
Creating the IFTTT Recipe
With the necessary settings in place, we can now create the IFTTT recipe. If you are new to IFTTT, consult our introductory guide for information on account creation and app connections. Then, return here to configure your Nest recipe.
For your convenience, a pre-configured recipe is provided below. Simply click the "Add" button to activate it, provided you have already connected the Nest and SMS channels and entered your phone number for text alerts. Ensure you select the correct home from the drop-down list.
Alternatively, you can customize the recipe by following these steps. Navigate to IFTTT's homepage and click "My Recipes" in the upper-right corner.
Select "Create a Recipe".
Click on the blue "this" text.
Search for "Nest Thermostat" or locate it within the service grid. Click on it when found.
If your Nest Thermostat isn't already connected to IFTTT, click "Connect" and log in with your account credentials. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the connection process.
Choose the trigger: "Nest set to Home".
Select your home from the drop-down menu. If you have multiple homes with Nest Thermostats, you will have multiple options. Click "Create Trigger" after selection.
Click on the blue "that" text to define the action triggered by the event.
Select the channel for your desired notification type. Options include "Email", "IF Notifications" for push alerts, or "SMS" for text messages. We will use the "SMS" channel for this example.
After selecting the SMS channel, click "Connect". IFTTT will send a PIN to your phone; enter it to link the accounts.
Choose the action "Send me an SMS".
Enter your desired notification message, such as "Motion detected from your Nest Thermostat!". Click "Create Action" when finished.
Give your recipe a descriptive title and click "Create Recipe".
Your recipe is now active. When your Nest Thermostat detects motion and switches to "Home" mode, you will receive a notification, providing a potential alert for unauthorized activity while you are away.
Remember that the Nest Thermostat must be in Away mode for this to function. This is automatically managed by Home/Away Assist.
To temporarily disable notifications, navigate to "My Recipes" and toggle the power button next to the recipe. This will not delete the recipe, allowing you to re-enable it easily.
While not a dedicated security system, this method offers an additional layer of awareness using existing hardware. For more robust security, consider dedicated motion sensors and security cameras.