Automation to turn on lights after sunset when I arrive home

I am trying to create an automation to turn my outdoor lights on when I arrive home. I have created a shortcut that works with Siri however when I’m on CarPlay it states”not while driving”

I have also tried to create an automation using location”when I arrive” and After Sunset, with no success. It will work at sunset every day. Any suggestions?

Iphone 11

iPhone 11, iOS 26

Posted on Dec 17, 2025 4:40 PM

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4 replies

Dec 17, 2025 5:46 PM in response to JAA900

You'll need to create a personal automation based on your arriving home. Then, in the automation, use the following actions:



The actions are:


  1. Get Current Weather.
  2. Get Details of Weather Conditions. (Choose Sunset after adding this action.)
  3. Date. (this action returns the curent date and time.)
  4. If. (To compare the current date and time to the sunset date and time.)

Dec 18, 2025 5:18 AM in response to JAA900

The above actions are meant to be in an automation, not a shortcut.


To create the automation:


  1. Open Shortcuts.
  2. Tap Automation (bottom).
  3. Tap “+”.
  4. Choose the trigger Arrive.
  5. Choose the location (your home in this case).
  6. Select Run Immediately.
  7. Tap Next.
  8. Tap the gray tile Create New Shortcut.
  9. Insert the actions shown in my previous answer.
  10. Tap the checkmark icon (top right) to complete the automation.


Note that if you have an Apple TV or a HomePod, you can also create a Home automation (instead of a personal automation on your iPhone.) This can be convenient if you want the automation to run if other people in your household arrive.

Automation to turn on lights after sunset when I arrive home

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