Android: searching for BT button to trigger action on HA via Android Smartphone

Mobile Apps
1

Hi,
I’m looking for a solution to a specific problem.
Short version: I’m looking for a Bluetooth button that is connected to an Android Smartphone (running HA companion app eventually, or any other necessary software), and on the press of the BT button an action happens in HA.

Long version: I connected my parents gate to HA. Now they can open it before arriving so they will find it open already (it’s a problem to stop the car to wait for it to be open). They don’t have CarPlay, and they don’t want to take the phone in hand while driving. They will use it before reaching the gate, so WiFi coverage is a no go. I was thinking of using their phone somehow.

Any idea?
Thanks!!
Matteo

2

Use the location setting in the app. It’s the sort of thing it’s designed to do.

3

I don’t want to use location based trigger, because they might coming into the zone by foot or public transportation, therefore without the need to open the gate.
Unless there is a way to filter the automation once is triggered, based on if the device is connected via bt to a specific device (aka bt car radio).

Other idea?

4

The Companion App does have sensors you can enable for Bluetooth connections, so you could use that as a condition for your automation…

5

Bluetooth is an option, but so is the detected activity.
It’s not perfect, it usually does not recognize driving for the first minute or so but at the end of the drive it is usually correct.

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6

Does it allows me to filter the automation if the smartphone is connected to a specific BT Device, given its name?

1 Like
7

Mmmh that might work to distinguish by car vs by foot, but it might not work to distinguish by car vs by bus.

8

Yes.
You filter it on the mac adress

Correct.
But if the bus stop has a short walk between the gate and the bus stop then it might get separated. I believe walking is easier to detect than driving / going by buss

9

I guess that everyone try to solve this with some automatic procedure (eg location based). Does anyone have experience with manual action, like pressing a phisical button? Unfortunately the only options I found on the web might not work

  • Shelly button: even if BT, it work if connected to other Shelly BT device, not to the smartphone
  • Camera trigger button: it might be difficult to trigger an action on HA app using this remote camera button (which just emulate the click on the camera button or the volume button)
10

I have been thinking of such a device myself.
You could try and buy one like this
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007235099046.html
And then try and listen for intents in the companion app.
Not sure what to listen for though.