Introduction
Having a smart home setup with security cameras is incredibly convenient, but it can be even better when integrated with a dashboard. This guide explains how to set up your Android device to automatically switch to the security camera app when someone rings your doorbell. This example uses Eufy doorbells, but the method can be applied to any security camera or video doorbell that meets certain conditions. I am using Home Assistant on a Samsung tablet mounted on the wall as my dashboard.
Requirements
- An Android device (I’m using a Samsung A7 tablet mounted on the wall with Home Assistant as the dashboard)
- The Eufy Security app (or your respective security camera app)
- Tasker app
- AutoNotification plugin for Tasker
Getting Started with Eufy Integration
I started with the custom Eufy integration thanks to @anon63427907. While it was relatively easy to set up, the feed was unreliable, taking too long to appear on the Home Assistant dashboard and often displaying error messages. This solution didn’t meet the spousal approval test, so I sought a more reliable method.
Reliable Solution with Tasker and AutoNotification
The best solution I found involves installing the Eufy app on the tablet, granting it all necessary permissions (this part is critical, you need to verify that when the doorbell rings the app on the tablet receives a notification), and using Tasker with the AutoNotification plugin. This setup allows Tasker to “grab” the notification when someone rings the doorbell, simulate a click on the notification to open the Eufy app directly to the relevant camera feed, and then close the Eufy app and relaunch Home Assistant after a short timer.
Steps to Set Up
- Install the Eufy app (or your respective security camera app) on the Android device.
- Install Tasker and the AutoNotification plugin. Tasker is free, but AutoNotification requires a small one-time fee, which is definitely worth it.
- Follow the guide here to set up AutoNotification to grab the notification and click on it. In step #4 of that guide, use the ID
%antouchactionto click on the notification itself. - Add a step in Tasker to cancel the notification after it is clicked to prevent double launching of the script.
- In the Tasker task, wait 30 seconds after the “click,” then relaunch Home Assistant.
- In Home Assistant, create an automation to close the Eufy app and relaunch Home Assistant if the house door opens (using a door sensor).
Screenshots and Tasker Backup
Below are screenshots from Tasker to help guide you through the setup process. You can also download and import the Tasker backup XML file to simplify the setup:
Download Tasker Backup File
Conclusion
This setup ensures that when someone rings the doorbell, you can quickly see who it is by automatically switching to the relevant camera feed. This method is reliable and serves the purpose well, providing a seamless and efficient way to monitor your doorbell camera.
