Get an alert when a device goes offline

A rule with the condition Connection = Disconnected alerts you when a device stops sending data. This happens in a power cut, when the internet fails, or when someone unplugs the device.

Add this rule to each device that protects something important, for example a fridge. If the device goes offline, the temperature alarm cannot come either.

The fast way: a recommended setup

1. Open the device.
2. Open the Notifications and Automation section.
3. Tap Recommended setups.
4. Select Offline / power-loss alert.
5. In Notify via, select how you want to get the alert.
6. Tap Create rule. The app opens a new rule with a time of 15 minutes.
7. Tap Save.

If you do not see the suggestion, you already have a connection rule for the device, or the device does not have this suggestion. Then make the rule with the steps below.

By hand

1. Open the device.
2. Open the Notifications and Automation section.
3. In Cloud rules, tap Create.
4. In the second field of the condition, select Connection.
5. For the value, select Disconnected.
6. Under FOR, type 15 and select minutes.
7. Under THEN, select Notify me (App). Add an SMS or a call if you want.
8. Tap Add reset action and select Notify me (App). Then you know when the device is back.
9. Tap Save.

How long to wait

Use at least 15 minutes. Devices lose the connection for a short time when the router restarts or when the WiFi is weak. With a shorter time, you get false alerts.

If the time is less than 10 minutes, the app shows a warning that asks you to set at least 15 minutes.

Tips

• Make one rule for each device. If you put many devices in one rule, the rule triggers only when all of them are offline at the same time.
• Do not put the connection and a reading in the same rule. The app warns you with Don’t check for both disconnection and the name of the reading. Make two rules.
• In a power cut, a push alert arrives only if your phone has internet. For sites with no staff, add an SMS or a call. See Push, e-mail, SMS, call.

Note

The rule triggers once for each outage. When the device comes back, the rule resets and can trigger again at the next outage.

When the alert comes

See The device shows as offline for the possible causes and what to check.