December 01, 2025

Toggle lights on/off when door opens

Automatically turning on lights when doors open is a versatile automation that solves lighting problems in many areas of your home. From closets that never have enough light to garage entries that leave you fumbling in the dark, this automation makes life easier.

Use cases

Indoor Applications

Closets - Illuminate contents automatically
Pantry - See all shelves clearly
Linen closet - Find items easily
Room entry - Automatic lighting

Outdoor Applications

Garage entry - Light up when arriving
Exterior doors - Porch/patio lights
Shed/storage - Building illumination
Gate entry - Pathway lighting

Products needed

Essential Equipment

Contact Sensor

Popular brands: Aqara, SmartThings, Ring, Wyze
Battery-powered for easy installation • Zigbee/Z-Wave for reliability

Smart Light Switch or Bulb

In-wall switch for permanent fixtures • Smart bulbs for flexibility • Dimming capability recommended

💡 Outdoor Installation Tips

Use weather-rated sensors (IP65+)
Protect with weatherproof enclosures
Consider temperature range (-20°F to 120°F)
Use UV-resistant materials

Basic automation setup

IF closet door opens THEN turn on closet light to 100%

Triggers

Contact sensor changes to "open"
Door opens (specific door)

Conditions (optional)

Time-based: Only during certain hours
Lux sensor: Only if room is dark
Day vs. Night: Different brightness levels

Actions

Turn on light switch/bulb
Set to preferred brightness level
Optional: Set color temperature

Platform-specific examples

Home Assistant

Trigger Closet door opens

Condition Light level below 50 lux

Action Turn on light at 100%

SmartThings

IF "Closet Door Sensor" opens

THEN Turn on "Closet Light" to 100%

Hubitat

Trigger Contact sensor opens

Action Turn on closet light to 100%

Setup: Use Simple Automation Rules or Rule Machine

Apple HomeKit

When Door sensor detects open

Time Anytime (or add condition)

Do Turn on Closet Light

Alexa

When "Door Sensor" opens

Condition Time between sunrise/sunset

Action Turn on light to 100%

Google Home

When "Door Sensor" opens

Condition Time of day (optional)

Action Turn on "Closet Light"

Advanced features

Day vs. night brightness

Adjust brightness based on time of day:

Nighttime (10 PM - 6 AM): 30% brightness, warm white (2200K)
Daytime: 100% brightness

Auto turn-off when door closes

Turn off light 2 minutes after door closes:

Prevents lights turning off while door swings closed
Avoids rapid on/off cycles during multiple trips
Still energy efficient

Related automations:

Disable automations when door closed