Using Countdown Timers in the Lutron App

This article details countdown timer functionality in the Lutron app, explains the steps to set up, edit, and disable a device timer, and answers commonly asked questions.

This article is expected to take 5 minutes to complete.

Knowledge Article Contents:

Before You Begin

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Before You Begin

Caséta dimmers and switches can be programmed to automatically turn off after a specific time.

The Caséta Smart hub and Lutron app must be running the latest software versions to enable countdown timer functionality. If you do not see the option to create timers in the Edit Device screen of the app, power cycle your Caséta Smart Hub then check your device’s app store for available updates.

There are a few things to understand before setting up timers in the Lutron app:

Only dimmers and switches can be programmed to a countdown timer.
The timer will always turn the lights off (0% light level). This setting cannot be adjusted.
When a dimmer's countdown timer expires, the lights slowly fade off over 10 seconds.
If the dimmer or switch receives any input (other than off) during a timer countdown, the timer will restart.

For example, button presses from the switch or Pico remote, or a command from the Lutron app or a 3^rd party like Alexa.

The sequence of events for a Caséta countdown timer is as follows:

An action turns the lights on.

Pressing the on button, turning the device on through an app or voice assistant, etc.

The countdown timer starts.

The timer expires and the lights turn off.

Setting a Countdown Timer

Follow the steps below to set a new countdown timer:

Tap on the icon of a Caséta dimmer or switch.
Select Edit Device at the bottom of the pop-up prompt.
Tap Timer – No Timer Set.
Tap the circle next to Enable Timer.
Choose the timer’s timeout period.

The minimum timeout is 1 minute. The maximum timeout is 4 hours.

Tap Save in the top right-hand corner.

Editing an Existing Countdown Timer

To edit an existing timer, complete these steps:

Tap on the icon of the Caséta dimmer or switch.

A clock is displayed next to a device with a currently enabled timer.

Select Edit Device at the bottom of the pop-up prompt.
Tap Timer.
Choose a new timeout period.
Tap Save in the top right-hand corner.

Disabling an Existing Countdown Timer

Follow the steps below to disable an active countdown timer:

Tap on the icon of the Caséta dimmer or switch.
Select Edit Device at the bottom of the pop-up prompt.
Tap Timer.
Tap the circle next to Disable Timer.
Tap Save in the top right-hand corner.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can a countdown timer turn a device on?

A: No. The timer will always turn the lights off (0% light level) when the countdown expires.

Q: Will my device’s scheduled event still work if the timer overlaps the schedule?

A: Timers override scheduled events. It is not recommended to program the same device to a schedule and a timer.

For example, a device that is programmed to a 30-minute timeout was turned on via a scheduled event at 6:00 PM. The device will turn off automatically at 6:30 PM.

Q: How can I tell which devices are on a timer?

A: Devices programmed to a timer display a clock in the upper right of the device icon.

Q: Can I program my shades to a timer?

A: No, timers are only supported with Caséta dimmers and switches.

Q: How do I change the light level the timer goes to?

A: This setting is not user programmable. The timer will always turn the lights off (0% light level) when the countdown expires.

Q: What do I do if my timer does not activate?

A: Check that the timer is programmed correctly. Confirm the device that is on a timer is within the wireless RF signal range of the Caséta Smart Hub.

The wireless signal range from the smart hub to a Caséta device is 30 feet through obstructions (like walls) / 60 feet line-of-sight.

Caséta Support

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