There are a few important things to consider before getting started. Most importantly, if you are using the temperature or humidity readings for an automation trigger, the Smart Action will only be triggered once – when the reading from the monitor crosses the set threshold.

Automations set to trigger when the temperature is above a temperature will only trigger as the temperature passes/crosses the set temperature.

 

TL;DR: When creating automations with your temperature sensor, consider the set temperature or humidity as a threshold rather than a Range of Values. If the value is equal to the set temperature, the automation will not fire. The reading from your monitor Must Go Above or Below your set temperature.

Example Automation Trigger: When the Temperature Goes Above 80° F

 

The Temperature Reading from the Sensor:	Automation Fired?	Note
Rises from 78° F to 82° F Rises from 80° F to 81° F	✔️
Rises from 78° F to 80° F	❎	The Automation Will Not Fire when the End Temperature is Equal To the Set Temperature, It Must Cross the Threshold
Rises from 82° F to 85° F	❎	The Initial Temperature is Already Above 80° F, Further Increases Will Not Trigger the Automation
Drops from 82° F to 78° F	❎	This specific automation requires that the temperature “Go Above” the set temperature.

 

Please remember this as you create automation for sensitive items such as refrigerators, greenhouses, or vacation homes.

Case One:  Reading Already Above Set Temperature

Case Description: Temperature Already Above/Below Set Threshold When Creating Smart Action

Example Automation: When the T310 temperature goes above 80° F, turn on P125 Smart Plug

Effective Time: All Day

 

Why Did My Automation Not Fire?

If the current temperature is already 85 °F when creating the automation, the automation will not be able to trigger until the temperature first falls below 80° F and then rises above the threshold.

 

Solution:

1. Update Tapo APP to Android 2.16.110 or iOS 2.16.103, or higher version.

2. Create a new automation rule or make a slight adjustment to the current automation then save it again. 

 

Case Two: Reading Crosses Threshold Before the Effective Start Time

Case Description: Temperature Reaches the Set Threshold Before the Effective Start Time of the Automation

Example Automation: From 8AM to 3PM, When Humidity Goes Below 70%, Turn on the P125 Smart Plug

Effective Time: Custom (8:00 am - 3:00 pm)

 

Why Did My Automation Not Fire?

If the Humidity Does Not Cross the Threshold of 70% during the effective time, the automation will not be triggered.

If the reading crosses the threshold before the effective time, the P125 will not be turned on after 8:00 AM; the reading must first rise above 70% and then fall below 70% again for the Automation to fire.

 

Solution:

The activation logic will be optimized in the near future. Please stay tuned for updates. Meanwhile:

1. Change the Effective time to Always.

2. Observe the historical changes and adjust the effective start time to an earlier time if the changes occur at specific time periods.

  

Common Troubleshooting Tips

1. Ensure that the Firmware of the Device, Your Sub-GHz Hub, and the Tapo App are all up-to-date.
2. Double Check that the rules for your automation are set correctly.  (Trigger and Action device, trigger value, Above/Below, Effective time, etc)
3. If using the T315 Temperature Monitor, Check to ensure that the detected value is updated in real-real timeugh the app and the display.
4. Check for any disconnection issues, such as the sensor disconnecting from the Tapo hub, or the Tapo hub disconnecting from the router network. If devices are disconnecting, ensure you're getting a strong and reliable connection by modifying the wireless settings on the router or moving your Tapo Hub closer to the location of the T310/T315.
5. Try to create a new automation rule, or edit and save the existing rule again after updating your Tapo App. The newly saved automation will check the device's current status and make an immediate evaluation. If the temperature or humidity at that moment meets the triggering conditions of the automation, the corresponding automation rule will be activated immediately.