Somfy Zone Settings Not Working? A Guide

A Guide to Fixing Somfy Zone Settings

Somfy smart home systems, particularly those involving sensors for blinds, awnings, or security, rely on correctly configured zones for effective automation. When a sun sensor doesn't trigger your blinds or a motion sensor fails to activate a light, it's often an issue with the zone configuration. This guide will help you troubleshoot and resolve these problems within your Somfy ecosystem.

## Essential First Checks for All Somfy Devices

Before diving into app settings, let's cover the physical and connectivity basics that affect all Somfy sensors.

• Battery Power: Many Somfy sensors are battery-powered. A low battery is a primary cause of poor performance or complete failure. Check the battery level in the Somfy TaHoma or Somfy Protect app and replace it if necessary.
• Sensor Placement and Range: The sensor must be within the communication range of your Somfy hub (like TaHoma). It also needs a clear, unobstructed view of the area it's supposed to monitor. For a sun sensor, ensure it's not in shadow for most of the day. For a motion sensor, make sure its view isn't blocked by furniture.
• Clean the Sensor: Dust, dirt, or spiderwebs on a sensor's lens can obstruct its view and prevent it from working correctly. Gently clean the sensor with a soft, dry cloth.

## Configuring Zones in the Somfy TaHoma App

The TaHoma app is the central control for most Somfy smart home automation. Zone settings are configured within the scenarios or agendas you create.

1. Check Your Scenarios: Open the TaHoma app and navigate to the 'Scenario' menu.
2. Select the Problematic Scenario: Find the automated routine that isn't working as expected.
3. Verify the Trigger (The 'If'): In the scenario editor, confirm that the correct sensor is selected as the trigger. Ensure the condition is right, for example, If the motion sensor detects movement, or If the sun sensor detects brightness above a certain threshold.
4. Verify the Action (The 'Then'): Make sure the trigger is linked to the correct action, such as Then close the living room blinds. It's possible to have the right trigger but the wrong device selected for the action.

## Troubleshooting Somfy Protect Motion Zones

For users of the Somfy Protect security system, motion detection zones are crucial for avoiding false alarms.

• Adjusting Sensitivity: In the Somfy Protect app, go to 'Settings', 'My Devices', and select the motion sensor you want to adjust. You can typically change the sensitivity level here. If you have pets, for example, you may need to select a lower sensitivity setting.
• Exclusion Zones: Some advanced Somfy cameras allow you to define specific zones to ignore motion. This is useful for excluding a busy street visible from a window or a plant that moves in a draught. Review these exclusion zones to ensure you haven't accidentally masked the area you want to monitor.

## Re-linking a Problematic Sensor

If you've checked all the settings and the sensor is still not behaving correctly, you may need to reset its connection to the hub.

1. Delete the Device: In the app (TaHoma or Protect), go to the device settings and choose the option to delete or remove the sensor.
2. Reset the Sensor: Follow the specific instructions for your sensor model to perform a factory reset. This usually involves holding down a small button for several seconds.
3. Re-add the Device: Use the app to add a new device and follow the pairing instructions to link the sensor back to your system. You will then need to re-add it to any scenarios or routines it was part of.

By carefully checking the physical placement, battery, and in-app configurations, you can ensure your Somfy zones operate precisely as intended.