What Is SwitchBot Presence Sensor's Unoccupied Timer?

• Related Product: SwitchBot Presence Sensor

The "Unoccupied Timer" of the Presence Sensor refers to the duration of time when a person leaves the sensor detection range, and the state of "Space Unoccupied" continues.

You can set this timer for anywhere between 5 seconds and 3 minutes by going to SwitchBot App → Presence Sensor → Gear Icon → Detection Settings → Unoccupied Timer.

If the "Unoccupied Timer" setting is too short (e.g. 5 seconds), it may mistakenly switch to "Space Unoccupied" when someone is still present. Conversely, if set too long (e.g. 3 minutes), it will take a certain amount of time to reach "Space Unoccupied", but accuracy is high and mistakes are less likely. It is recommended to set the timer at 15 or 30 seconds for optimal use in different scenarios.

"Space Unoccupied" can be used as a SwitchBot automation condition to trigger other devices. We use setting the "Unoccupied Timer" time to 3 minutes as an example to explain the specific logic of automation triggering.

• When: Space unoccupied for longer than 1 min
• Perform: Turn off Color Bulb

When we leave the detection range of the presence sensor and after a preset "unoccupied timer" time of 3 minutes, it meets the condition of "Space unoccupied". In addition, after another 60 seconds, the Color Bulb will automatically turn off. Which means under this automation, the Color Bulb  will automatically turn off in at least four minutes.

Please note that the shorter the set time of the "Unoccupied Timer", the faster the battery consumption rate. We appreciate your understanding!