# Using ItsaSNAP for HomeKit PIR Motion Detection
## Overview
This project demonstrates how to **create a motion-activated system using a PIR motion sensor** and an Adafruit FunHouse to control HomeKit devices through the [itsaSNAP](https://learn.adafruit.com/it-s-a-snap-by-adafruit) app - all **without coding!** **[itsaSNAP](https://learn.adafruit.com/it-s-a-snap-by-adafruit) is now a bridge between Adafruit IO feeds and HomeKit devices**, allowing automatic updates to HomeKit devices based on sensor data.
You'll use Adafruit IO and a FunHouse running WipperSnapper firmware to configure a PIR motion sensor. Then, through the [itsaSNAP app](https://learn.adafruit.com/it-s-a-snap-by-adafruit), your sensor's data can control various Apple HomeKit devices - from native Apple accessories to third-party products like Nanoleaf light strips!
## What is itsaSNAP?
itsaSNAP is a simple iOS app that explores [Adafruit IO](https://io.adafruit.com/). It lets you send data to your [Adafruit IO feeds](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-io-basics-feeds) and link it to control or monitor your internet-connected projects. **We recently added HomeKit functionality.** You can now send Adafruit IO data to HomeKit devices. This lets you control and check Adafruit devices from your phone, anywhere.
## What is WipperSnapper?
WipperSnapper is a firmware designed to turn any WiFi-capable board into an Internet-of-Things device without programming a single line of code. WipperSnapper connects to [Adafruit IO](https://io.adafruit.com/), a web platform designed ([by Adafruit!](https://www.adafruit.com/about)) to _display_, _respond_, and _interact_ with your project's data.
Simply load the WipperSnapper firmware onto your board, add credentials, and plug it into power. Your board will automatically register itself with your Adafruit IO account.
From there, you can add _components_ to your board such as buttons, switches, potentiometers, sensors, and more! Components are _dynamically _added to hardware, so you can immediately start interacting, logging, and streaming the data your projects produce without writing code.
## Parts
### Part: Nanoleaf Essentials Matter
quantity: 1
Bluetooth & Thread Smart LED Lightstrip 80" Smarter Kit (2m) - RGB & Whites, Controller, App & Voice Control (Works with Apple Home, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings)
[Nanoleaf Essentials Matter](https://www.amazon.com/Nanoleaf-Essentials-Bluetooth-Lightstrip-Smarter/dp/B0C1JB8ZPT/ref=pd_lpo_d_sccl_1/138-4702088-8706345?pd_rd_w=4yOdl&content-id=amzn1.sym.4c8c52db-06f8-4e42-8e56-912796f2ea6c&pf_rd_p=4c8c52db-06f8-4e42-8e56-912796f2ea6c&pf_rd_r=RY7HDVY6AKJPTX6P4FNM&pd_rd_wg=sqwAi&pd_rd_r=1e4d25f6-afa3-44cc-a9a9-275e65ade525&pd_rd_i=B0C1JB8ZPT&th=1)
### PIR (motion) sensor
[PIR (motion) sensor](https://www.adafruit.com/product/189)
PIR sensors are used to detect motion from pets/humanoids from about 20 feet away (possibly works on zombies, not guaranteed). This one has an adjustable delay before firing (approx 2-4 seconds), adjustable sensitivity **and** we include a 1 foot (30 cm) cable with a socket so you...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/189)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/189/guides)
### Adafruit FunHouse - WiFi Home Automation Development Board
[Adafruit FunHouse - WiFi Home Automation Development Board](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4985)
Home is where the heart is...it's also where we keep all our electronic bits. So why not wire it up with sensors and actuators to turn our house into an electronic wonderland. Whether it's tracking the environmental temperature and humidity in your laundry room, or notifying you when...
Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4985)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4985/guides)
### Woven USB Cable with USB Type A to Right Angle USB Type C
[Woven USB Cable with USB Type A to Right Angle USB Type C](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5031)
Some days we're feeling extra fancy here at the 'fruit warehouse, and we have a big soft spot for woven fabric cables. Like, peep [this fully reversible pink/purple Blinka-inspired cable](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4111) or
Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5031)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5031/guides)
### Adafruit IO+ Subscription Pass – One Year
[Adafruit IO+ Subscription Pass – One Year](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3792)
The all-in-one Internet of Things service from Adafruit you know and love is now _even better_ with IO+. The 'plus' stands for MORE STUFF! More feeds, dashboards, storage, speed. Power up your [Adafruit IO](https://io.adafruit.com/) with the $99 pass for 1 year of the...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3792)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3792/guides)
# Using ItsaSNAP for HomeKit PIR Motion Detection
## WipperSnapper Setup
Warning:
## What is WipperSnapper
WipperSnapper is a firmware designed to turn any WiFi-capable board into an Internet-of-Things device without programming a single line of code. WipperSnapper connects to [Adafruit IO](https://io.adafruit.com/), a web platform designed ([by Adafruit!](https://www.adafruit.com/about)) to _display_, _respond_, and _interact_ with your project's data.
Simply load the WipperSnapper firmware onto your board, add credentials, and plug it into power. Your board will automatically register itself with your Adafruit IO account.
From there, you can add _components_ to your board such as buttons, switches, potentiometers, sensors, and more! Components are _dynamically _added to hardware, so you can immediately start interacting, logging, and streaming the data your projects produce without writing code.
## Sign up for Adafruit.io
You will need an Adafruit IO account to use WipperSnapper on your board. If you do not already have one, head over to [io.adafruit.com](https://io.adafruit.com/) to create a _free_ account.
## Add a New Device to Adafruit IO
Log into your [Adafruit IO](https://io.adafruit.com/) account. Click the _New Device_ button at the top of the page.
After clicking New Device, you should be on the _board selector_ page. This page displays every board that is compatible with the WipperSnapper firmware.
In the board selector page's search bar, search for the _FunHouse._ Once you've located the board you'd like to install WipperSnapper on,_ _click the **Choose Board** button to bring you to the self-guided installation wizard.
Follow the step-by-step instructions on the page to install Wippersnapper on your device and connect it to Adafruit IO.
If the installation was successful, a popover should appear displaying that your board has successfully been detected by Adafruit IO.
Give your board a name and click "Continue to Device Page".
You should be brought to your board's device page.
## Feedback
Adafruit.io WipperSnapper is in **beta** and you can help improve it!
If you have suggestions or general feedback about the installation process - visit [https://io.adafruit.com/support](https://io.adafruit.com/support), click _"Contact Adafruit IO Support"_ and select _"I have feedback or suggestions for the WipperSnapper Beta"._
## Troubleshooting
If you encountered an issue during installation, please try the steps below first.
If you're still unable to resolve the issue, or if your issue is not listed below, get in touch with us directly at [https://io.adafruit.com/support](https://io.adafruit.com/support "https://io.adafruit.com/support"). Make sure to click _"Contact Adafruit IO Support"_ and select "_There is an issue with WipperSnapper. Something is broken!"_
###
First, make sure that you selected the correct board on the board selector.
Next, please make sure that you entered your WiFi credentials properly, there are no spaces/special characters in either your network name (SSID) or password, and that you are connected to a 2.4GHz wireless network.
If you're still unable to connect your board to WiFi, please [make a new post on the WipperSnapper technical support forum with the error you're experiencing, the LED colors which are blinking, and the board you're using.](https://forums.adafruit.com/viewforum.php?f=66)
###
Try hard-resetting your board by unplugging it from USB power and plugging it back in.
If the error is still occurring, please [make a new post on the WipperSnapper technical support forum with information about what you're experiencing, the LED colors which are blinking (if applicable), and the board you're using.](https://forums.adafruit.com/viewforum.php?f=66)
## "Uninstalling" WipperSnapper
WipperSnapper firmware is an application that is loaded onto your board. There is nothing to "uninstall". However, you may want to "move" your board from running WipperSnapper to running Arduino or CircuitPython. You also may need to restore your board to the state it was shipped to you from the Adafruit factory.
### Moving from WipperSnapper to CircuitPython
Follow the steps on the [Installing CircuitPython page](https://learn.adafruit.com/welcome-to-circuitpython/installing-circuitpython) to install CircuitPython on your board running WipperSnapper.
- If you are unable to double-tap the RST button to enter the UF2 bootloader, follow the _"Factory Resetting a WipperSnapper Board"_ instructions below.
Uploading this sketch will overwrite WipperSnapper. If you want to re-install WipperSnapper, follow the instructions at the top of this page.
### Moving from WipperSnapper to Arduino
If you want to use your board with Arduino, you will use the Arduino IDE to load _any_ sketch onto your board.
First, follow the page below to set up your Arduino IDE environment for use with your board.
[Setup Arduino IDE](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-funhouse/arduino-ide-setup)
Then, follow the page below to upload the "Arduino Blink" sketch to your board.
[Upload Arduino Blink/Self Test Sketch](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-funhouse/arduino-self-test-example)
Uploading this sketch will overwrite WipperSnapper. If you want to re-install WipperSnapper, follow the instructions at the top of this page.
### Factory Resetting a WipperSnapper Board
Sometimes, hardware gets into a state that requires it to be "restored" to the original state it shipped in. If you'd like to get your board back to its original factory state, follow the guide below.
[Factory Reset Adafruit FunHouse](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-funhouse/factory-reset)
# Using ItsaSNAP for HomeKit PIR Motion Detection
## Get Started with Adafruit IO
Adafruit IO is integrated with your [adafruit.com account](https://accounts.adafruit.com/) so you don't need to create yet another online account! You need an Adafruit account to use Adafruit IO because we want to make sure the data you upload is available to only you (unless you decide to publish your data).
## I have an Adafruit.com Account already
**If you already have an Adafruit account, then you already have access to Adafruit IO**. It doesn't matter how you signed up, your account will make all three available.
To access Adafruit IO, simply visit [https://io.adafruit.com](https://io.adafruit.com) to start streaming, logging, and interacting with your data.
## Create an Adafruit Account (for Adafruit IO)
An Adafruit account makes Adafruit content and services available to you in one place. Your account provides access to the [Adafruit shop](https://www.adafruit.com/), the [Adafruit Learning System](https://learn.adafruit.com/), and [Adafruit IO](https://io.adafruit.com/). This means only one account, one username, and one password are necessary to engage with the content and services that Adafruit offers.
If you do not have an Adafruit account, signing up for a new Adafruit account only takes a couple of steps.
Begin by visiting [https://accounts.adafruit.com](https://accounts.adafruit.com).
**Click the Sign Up button** under the "Need An Adafruit Account?" title, below the Sign In section.
This will take you to the **Sign Up** page.
**Fill in the requested information,** and **click the Create Account button.**
This takes you to your Adafruit Account home page. From here, you can access all the features of your account.
You can also access the Adafruit content and services right from this page. Along the top of the page, you'll see a series of links beginning with "Shop". To access any of these, simply click the link.
For example, **to begin working with Adafruit IO, click the IO link** to the right of the rest of the links. This is the same for the other links as well.
That's all there is to creating a new Adafruit account, and navigating to Adafruit IO.
# Using ItsaSNAP for HomeKit PIR Motion Detection
## Download the ItsaSnap by Adafruit App
This section will guide you through downloading and installing the ItsaSnap by Adafruit app.
## Download and Install ItsaSnap
To install and download ItsaSnap for your iOS device,
1. **Open the App Store**.
2. **Tap** on the **"Search" icon** at the bottom of the screen.
3. **Type "ItsaSnap by Adafruit" or "ItsaSnap"** in the search bar and **tap "Search".**
4. Locate the **ItsaSnap**** app** in the search results and tap on it
5. **Tap** the **"Get" button** to download and install the app on your device.
You may be prompted to enter your Apple ID password or use Face ID/Touch ID to confirm the installation
After you have downloaded and installed ItsaSnap, open the app.
You will need to enter your **Adafruit username** and **Adafruit IO Key** (which is _different_ from your Adafruit account password).
Your Adafruit IO key is a long string of letters and numbers. To make it easier to add to the app, we've also included a QR code scanner that allows you to easily copy the Adafruit IO Key from the Adafruit IO website to the app.
On the ItaSnap app, the QR code scanner is located below the Adafruit IO Key and above the login button. To access it, press the ' **Scan QR code for IO Key**' button. This will open the QR code scanner.
To find the QR code for your Adafruit IO account, [navigate go to the overview page](https://io.adafruit.com/overview). Once there, click the yellow button with a key in the center (it's next to the "New Device" button) to reveal your Adafruit IO Key.
After clicking it, a window with your information will appear. Then, find the QR code and scan it, and log in.
# Using ItsaSNAP for HomeKit PIR Motion Detection
## Configure PIR Motion Sensor
## Wiring
Make the following connections between your FunHouse and the PIR sensor:
- **Red** to **FunHouse Port A0 VCC**
- **Black** to **FunHouse Port A0 GND**
- **Yellow** to **FunHouse Port A0 Signal**
## Add a Motion Sensor (PIR) to Wippersnapper
After setting up your Wippersnapper board, navigate to the **New Component** directory and select the **PIR (motion sensor**).
Once selected, assign it to your chosen pin (A0 in our case). Wippersnapper automatically handles the rest of the configuration, creating the necessary Adafruit IO feed for your motion sensor data.
Click Create Component.
After you've created the component, it should appear on your Device Page.
## Troubleshooting Sensitivity
If you're having trouble with detection, adjust the PIR sensor's sensitivity. This sensor has two small **potentiometers** that allow you to fine-tune its responsiveness. Position your sensor where it has a clear view of the area you want to monitor, avoiding obstacles that might interfere with detection.
# Using ItsaSNAP for HomeKit PIR Motion Detection
## Using itsaSNAP
itsaSNAP serves as the bridge between your Adafruit IO PIR feed and HomeKit devices.
On your iOS device, open the itsaSNAP app, enter your Adafruit IO credentials, and then log in.
Upon entering itsaSNAP, you'll see all HomeKit devices currently connected to your network. This includes both native HomeKit devices and third-party accessories, like the Nanoleaf light strip used in this guide.
Info: When logging in, remember to use your AIO key rather than your password - this is a common mistake that can cause connection issues.
# Using itsaSNAP
Navigate to the Adafruit Feed section within itsaSNAP to find your PIR motion sensor feed. Select the feed to access its detailed view, where you'll find options for HomeKit integration.
Info: This feed was automatically created during your Wippersnapper configuration.
In the feed's detailed view, you'll need to make two important selections:
1. Choose your target HomeKit device from the available list
2. Select "Power State" from the characteristics drop-down menu
This configuration tells itsaSNAP to send the data from your motion sensor (1 for motion detected, 0 for no motion) to control the power state of your selected HomeKit device. Any changes in your Adafruit IO feed will automatically trigger updates to the state of your HomeKit device.
Info: Note that while background fetching isn't currently available, this feature is in development and will be included in an upcoming update to enhance the system's responsiveness.
# Troubleshooting
If you have not yet agreed to HomeKit usage, follow these steps to enable it within ItsaSNAP:
1. **Grant HomeKit Permission** :
• Open the **Settings** app on your iOS device.
• Scroll down to find **itsaSNAP** in the list of installed apps.
• Tap on **itsaSNAP** to access its permissions.
• Ensure the toggle for **Home Data** is turned on.
2. **Restart itsaSNAP** :
• Close ItsaSNAP completely by swiping up in the app switcher.
• Reopen ItsaSNAP to refresh the connection with your HomeKit devices.
3. **Check for HomeKit Setup** :
• Ensure your HomeKit setup is configured in the **Home** app on your device.
• If HomeKit is not set up, you must create a home and add your devices through the **Home** app first.
4. **Retry in itsaSNAP** :
• Launch ItsaSNAP again and check if your HomeKit devices are now visible.
• If prompted, agree to any additional permissions or access requests.
• If devices still aren’t showing, ensure you are connected to the same WiFi network as your HomeKit hub.
• Verify that your devices function correctly in the **Home** app before using them in itsaSNAP.
# Using ItsaSNAP for HomeKit PIR Motion Detection
## Motion...Detected!
Before relying on your motion detection system, it's important to verify that all the components work together correctly!
Start by testing the basic communication between your sensor and Adafruit IO. You can monitor this directly through your FunHouse's Device Page. As motion is detected, you should see the PIR sensor's feed updating.
Next, test the physical sensor by moving in front of your PIR motion detector. The sensor should trigger your HomeKit device to turn on when motion is detected and turn off when motion stops. If you notice any delay, this is normal and can be adjusted through the PIR sensor's settings or your HomeKit device's configuration.
### If your system isn't responding as expected, check these common points of failure:
- Make sure your Adafruit IO feed is receiving updates from the sensor
- itsaSNAP is logged in with the correct AIO key
- That your HomeKit device is connected correctly to your network
- Check that the correct characteristic (Power State) is selected in itsaSNAP
To manually test the system's communication, use the text field or toggle switch in your Adafruit IO feed to send test values. Send a "1" to simulate motion detection and a "0" to simulate no motion.
Watch your HomeKit device - it should respond to these manual inputs, confirming that the itsaSNAP bridge is functioning correctly.
Once everything is working, try assigning other HomeKit devices to the motion sensor feed.
## Featured Products
### PIR (motion) sensor
[PIR (motion) sensor](https://www.adafruit.com/product/189)
PIR sensors are used to detect motion from pets/humanoids from about 20 feet away (possibly works on zombies, not guaranteed). This one has an adjustable delay before firing (approx 2-4 seconds), adjustable sensitivity **and** we include a 1 foot (30 cm) cable with a socket so you...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/189)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/189/guides)
### Adafruit FunHouse - WiFi Home Automation Development Board
[Adafruit FunHouse - WiFi Home Automation Development Board](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4985)
Home is where the heart is...it's also where we keep all our electronic bits. So why not wire it up with sensors and actuators to turn our house into an electronic wonderland. Whether it's tracking the environmental temperature and humidity in your laundry room, or notifying you when...
Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4985)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4985/guides)
### Woven USB Cable with USB Type A to Right Angle USB Type C
[Woven USB Cable with USB Type A to Right Angle USB Type C](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5031)
Some days we're feeling extra fancy here at the 'fruit warehouse, and we have a big soft spot for woven fabric cables. Like, peep [this fully reversible pink/purple Blinka-inspired cable](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4111) or
Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5031)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5031/guides)
### Adafruit IO+ Subscription Pass – One Year
[Adafruit IO+ Subscription Pass – One Year](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3792)
The all-in-one Internet of Things service from Adafruit you know and love is now _even better_ with IO+. The 'plus' stands for MORE STUFF! More feeds, dashboards, storage, speed. Power up your [Adafruit IO](https://io.adafruit.com/) with the $99 pass for 1 year of the...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3792)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3792/guides)
## Related Guides
- [PIR Motion Sensor](https://learn.adafruit.com/pir-passive-infrared-proximity-motion-sensor.md)
- [Adafruit FunHouse](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-funhouse.md)
- [Motion Activated Outlet with the Adafruit FunHouse](https://learn.adafruit.com/motion-activated-outlet-with-the-adafruit-funhouse.md)
- [How to Add a New Sensor or Component to Adafruit IO WipperSnapper](https://learn.adafruit.com/how-to-add-a-new-component-to-adafruit-io-wippersnapper.md)
- [Creating FunHouse Projects with CircuitPython](https://learn.adafruit.com/creating-funhouse-projects-with-circuitpython.md)
- [No-Code Room Occupancy Status ](https://learn.adafruit.com/no-code-room-occupancy-status.md)
- [Pico W PiCowBell Case](https://learn.adafruit.com/pico-w-picowbell-case.md)
- [Scan QR Codes with CircuitPython](https://learn.adafruit.com/scan-qr-codes-with-circuitpython.md)
- [Adafruit IO Basics: Feeds](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-io-basics-feeds.md)
- [FunHouse Motion Detecting Lights with LIFX Bulbs](https://learn.adafruit.com/funhouse-motion-detecting-lighting-for-lifx-bulbs.md)
- [No-Code WipperSnapper Action Counter](https://learn.adafruit.com/no-code-wippersnapper-action-counter.md)
- [No-Code IKEA Vindriktning Air Quality Sensor Hack with Adafruit IO](https://learn.adafruit.com/no-code-ikea-vindriktning-hack-with-qt-py-esp32-s3-and-adafruit-io.md)
- [Where's My Friend? A Location-Aware Display with PyPortal and ItsASnap](https://learn.adafruit.com/where-s-my-friend-a-location-display-frame-with-pyportal.md)
- [FunHouse 3D Printed Stand](https://learn.adafruit.com/funhouse-3d-printed-stand.md)
- [No-Code Counters and Email Reports with Adafruit IO Actions](https://learn.adafruit.com/no-code-counters-and-email-reports-with-adafruit-io-actions.md)
- [itsaSNAP by Adafruit](https://learn.adafruit.com/it-s-a-snap-by-adafruit.md)
- [All the Internet of Things - Episode Four: Adafruit IO](https://learn.adafruit.com/all-the-internet-of-things-episode-four-adafruit-io.md)