WTH: Why can't we assign a Mobile App device to a specific user? 📱

Month of "What the heck?!"
1

Problem:

Currently, there’s no direct way to assign a Mobile App integration device (e.g., a phone or tablet) to a specific user in Home Assistant. This creates confusion when managing multiple devices or users, as there’s no clear link between them.

Proposed Solution:

  • Add an option to assign a mobile_app device to a specific Home Assistant user.
  • Display the assigned user in the device settings, and allow filtering devices by user in the interface.

Use Cases:

  1. User-Specific Automations: Trigger actions based on who is home (e.g., only notify “John’s Phone” when John is at home).
  2. Simpler Device Management: Easily identify which device belongs to which user in setups with many devices.
  3. Enhanced Security: Ensure that only the right user has access to specific mobile app features or notifications.

Example UI:

  • In the Mobile App integration settings, include a dropdown to select the associated Home Assistant user.

This feature would make managing devices and users more intuitive, especially in multi-user households.

2

You can do this. Settings → People, click on the person (or add one) then:

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3

Thanks, Tom! You’re right that we can associate a device_tracker with a person, but my idea is to go further by linking the entire mobile_app device to a user.

For example, this would allow attributes like battery level, sensors, or notifications from the mobile app to be directly tied to the user. It would simplify setups where multiple users and devices are involved, making it easier to create automations or dashboards based on the user’s phone data.

Right now, it feels limited to just the tracker, but having the whole device linked would be a game-changer! :blush:

4

Just remember, you’re 1 template away from that association. It’s a pretty easy one too depending on where you plan to use it.

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5

You’re absolutely right that templates can help with this! However, my goal is to simplify the process by making it native, especially for users who may not be comfortable with templates. Having the mobile_app device directly associated with a user would make setups more intuitive and reduce the need for custom configurations. It’s about streamlining the experience for everyone, regardless of their skill level. :blush:

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