Inconsistent presence detection with iPhones

[JDRoberts]

If you search the forums for “presence detection” you will find many topics on this. All coming to the same conclusion: it works great for some people and is, as you noted, wildly inconsistent for others.

There are various existing tips for things that might help.

Here’s the official FAQ:

https://support.smartthings.com/hc/en-us/articles/200865724-My-Mobile-Presence-isn-t-updating-my-status-consistently

I myself switched to using a two device method for occupancy indication. This has proven much more reliable for me, but does require the extra device and is a little tricky to set up.

A dual device approach to geopresence for smaller areas (sequential detection)

Okay the last couple days it’s been working very well, and it is really nice to have when it is working. So as long as I treat it as a convenience, meaning I always have to have a Plan B available, I like it. Here’s how I have it set up. Everything is done with hello home actions. There is no custom code except for the creation of one virtual switch. And I’m using that switch for some other things in IFTTT, not for the actual arrival events in smartthings. You could leave the virtual switch out, and still get the improvements regarding network drop offs. I usually wear my hat when I go out, so I leave my hat In the cupboard with a motion sensor under it. When I’m ready to go I pick up the hat which triggers the motion sensor. This sets the mode to “JD Leaving.” This motion sensor is onl…

And one of the more active community topics with various different ideas:

http://community.smartthings.com/t/presence-detection-via-phone-very-unreliable/10056/