---
name: HA automation management patterns
description: How to create/update HA automations via REST/WS API, scene save/restore, categories, and established patterns
type: reference
---

Automation configs are updated via POST (not PUT):
`POST http://192.168.86.36:8123/api/config/automation/config/<numeric_id>`

Key patterns established:
- **Notifications**: `notify.mobile_app_pixel_10_pro_fold` with `"image"` for snapshots and `"clickAction"` for deep links
- **TTS**: `tts.speak` targeting `tts.home_assistant_cloud` with `media_player_entity_id` (not deprecated `tts.google_translate_say`)
- **Sun azimuth**: `sun.sun` attribute `azimuth` for directional triggers (west door = 225-315°, east windows = 45-135°). East shades have NO temp condition; front door shade still requires >80°F.
- **Weather conditions**: `sensor.openweathermap_condition` states: sunny, clear-night, partlycloudy, cloudy, rainy, pouring, snowy, fog, lightning, lightning-rainy
- **Scene save/restore**: `scene.create` with `snapshot_entities` to save state, `scene.turn_on` to restore. Used for Theater Mode and Climate thermostat save/restore.
- **Enabling/disabling automations**: WebSocket API `config/entity_registry/update` with `disabled_by: null` to enable, `disabled_by: user` to disable
- **Categories**: WebSocket `config/category_registry/create` (scope: automation) and `config/entity_registry/update` with `categories: {automation: cat_id}`

**Automation categories** (scope: automation):
- Sprinklers, Shades & Blinds, Cameras & Security, Home Theater, Lights, 3D Printers, Garage, Fans, Climate, Routines, Severe Weather

**Gotchas:**
- Don't trigger Theater Mode on TV power — TV turns on for non-movie use. Only trigger via `input_boolean.theater_mode` toggle.
- Battery-powered Zigbee devices (locks) sleep aggressively — service calls that need a response (code queries) will timeout. Lock/unlock works because Z2M queues commands.
- Always use `backup: true` when calling `update.install` on add-ons.
- Wind gust entity is `sensor.openweathermap_wind_gust` (NOT `_wind_gust_speed`).
- `weather.get_forecasts` requires `?return_response` when called via REST API. Response is at `d['service_response']['weather.openweathermap']['forecast']`.
- Template references to NWS alerts must handle empty alerts list: use `| first | default({})` pattern, not `[0]`.

**How to apply:** Reference these patterns when creating or modifying HA automations.