Choose a fixed schedule when the curtain or lamp needs to change at the same clock time. Use a sunrise or sunset trigger when the action should follow changing daylight instead.
Decide what should stay constant
SwitchBot documents setting up sunrise and sunset automations. Check location and time settings first. For example, if a lamp must turn on at a fixed work time, daylight is not the right reference. If the goal is lighting around dusk, a daylight-relative trigger may avoid repeatedly editing the clock time.
Test one action before expanding
Use a nonessential lamp or another supported action, then note when it ran on two days. Check for overlapping schedules before attributing a surprise result to the sunrise or sunset setting. If the action fails when started manually, resolve device control before buying a different hub or changing the trigger.
See the manufacturer’s guidance for current requirements. Related: switchbot curtain 3 u rail endpoint calibration check.
