Package delivery detection
Know when packages arrive at your door even without a smart doorbell. This automation uses motion sensors and optional cameras to detect deliveries and send you instant notifications, helping prevent package theft and letting you retrieve deliveries promptly.
Use cases
Security and awareness
- Prevent theft - Retrieve packages quickly before porch pirates strike
- Working from home - Know when to grab packages without watching the door
- Away from home - Get notified to arrange pickup or ask neighbor to collect
Convenience
- Expecting important delivery - Immediate notification for time-sensitive packages
- Multiple deliveries - Track when each carrier arrives
- Apartment living - Know when lobby deliveries arrive
Products needed
Essential equipment
Outdoor motion sensor
Popular brands: Philips Hue Outdoor, Aqara (with weatherproof case), Ring Motion Sensor
Requirements: Weatherproof (IP65+), reliable detection range for porch area
Requirements: Weatherproof (IP65+), reliable detection range for porch area
Optional enhancements
Outdoor camera
Brands: Wyze, Ring, Arlo, Eufy, Reolink
Capture snapshot with notification for visual confirmation
Capture snapshot with notification for visual confirmation
Pressure mat or step sensor
Place under doormat for more precise detection
Only triggers when someone steps on porch
Only triggers when someone steps on porch
Smart lock
Know if door was opened (you) vs. just motion (delivery person)
💡 Motion sensor vs. smart doorbell
- Motion sensor approach: Works for deliveries that don't ring doorbell (most carriers)
- Lower cost: Motion sensor typically cheaper than smart doorbell
- Privacy: No camera required if you prefer minimal surveillance
- Complement doorbell: Use both for complete coverage
Basic automation setup
IF motion detected on porch
AND front door not opened in last 30 seconds
AND time is during delivery hours (8 AM - 8 PM)
THEN send notification "Possible package delivery"
Triggers
- Motion detected on porch/front door sensor
- OR Camera detects person (if using AI detection)
Conditions
- Front door was not opened in last 30-60 seconds (not you coming/going)
- Time is between 8 AM and 8 PM (typical delivery hours)
- Optional: Doorbell was not pressed (delivery person didn't ring)
- Optional: Smart lock was not used recently
Actions
- Send notification: "Motion at front door - possible delivery"
- Optional: Attach camera snapshot
- Optional: Start recording on porch camera
Platform-specific examples
Home Assistant
Trigger
Porch motion sensor changes to "on"
Condition
Door not opened in last 60 sec + time 8am-8pm
Action
notify.mobile_app with camera snapshot attachment
Tip: Use template to check door last changed time
SmartThings
IF
Motion detected AND Time 8am-8pm
AND
Front door closed (was not recently opened)
THEN
Send push notification
Hubitat
Trigger
Motion sensor active
Condition
Door inactive 60+ sec + time restriction
Action
Send push notification
Setup: Use Rule Machine for complex time conditions
Apple HomeKit
When
Motion sensor detects motion
Condition
Time between 8 AM and 8 PM
Do
Send notification
Note: Limited ability to check door state in native automations
Alexa
When
Motion sensor detects motion
Condition
Time between 8 AM and 8 PM
Action
Send notification, announce on Echo
Google Home
When
Motion detected by compatible sensor
Condition
Time restriction 8 AM - 8 PM
Action
Send notification or announce
Advanced features
Camera snapshot with notification
Visual confirmation of who's at the door:
- Capture snapshot when motion triggers
- Attach image to push notification
- See if it's delivery person, neighbor, or solicitor
- Provides evidence if package is stolen
AI person detection
Reduce false alerts from animals and cars:
- Use camera AI to detect human presence
- Filter out pets, leaves, shadows
- More accurate than basic motion sensing
- Available on: Frigate, Wyze, Ring, Google Nest
Delivery service integration
Combine with carrier tracking:
- Enable notifications only on expected delivery days
- Match motion alert with tracking "delivered" status
- Use Informed Delivery, UPS My Choice, FedEx Delivery Manager
Repeated motion detection
Distinguish delivery from passersby:
- Single brief motion: Someone walking by - lower priority
- Motion, pause, motion: Likely package drop-off - higher priority
- Delivery pattern: approach, stop, leave
Package area monitoring
Continue monitoring after delivery:
- If motion detected after initial delivery alert
- Could be another delivery or theft attempt
- Higher alert priority: "Motion near package"
Common issues and solutions
Too many false alerts
Problem: Motion sensor triggers from cars, animals, wind-blown items.
Solutions:
- Adjust sensor sensitivity
- Reposition to focus on porch area only
- Use camera with AI person detection
- Add pet-immune motion sensor
- Use narrower detection zone
Missing deliveries
Problem: Sensor not detecting delivery person.
Solutions:
- Check sensor coverage area
- Test sensor with walk-through
- Verify sensor battery/connectivity
- Add second sensor for better coverage
- Check for obstructions in detection zone
Alerts when I come home
Problem: Getting alerted by your own motion when arriving/departing.
Solutions:
- Add condition: door not opened recently
- Add condition: smart lock not used
- Use presence detection to suppress when arriving
- Exclude alerts when garage door opens
Late night false alarms
Problem: Motion from animals or passersby at odd hours.
Solutions:
- Restrict to delivery hours (8 AM - 8 PM)
- Use different notification for after-hours (security focus)
- Reduce sensitivity at night
- Only alert if motion persists for several seconds
Best practices
Sensor placement
Optimal positions:
- Under porch roof (protected from weather)
- Aimed at typical package drop zone
- Avoiding direct sunlight (causes false triggers)
- 6-8 feet high for best coverage
Coverage area:
- Focus on delivery zone, not sidewalk
- Include path delivery person takes
- Minimize detection of street traffic
Notification management
Keep alerts useful:
- Include location: “Front porch motion”
- Attach camera snapshot when available
- Different sound for delivery vs. security alerts
Reduce notification fatigue:
- Restrict to delivery hours
- Add cooldown (ignore repeat triggers within 5 minutes)
- Use different notification levels based on confidence
Privacy considerations
If using camera:
- Position to capture porch, not public sidewalk
- Check local laws on recording public areas
- Consider camera with local storage vs. cloud
- Notify visitors (signs or announcements)
Related automations: