Hubitat Alexa Routine Trigger – Driver-Only

Hubitat Alexa Routine Trigger – Driver-Only (same results, fewer moving parts)

Overview

Driver-only edition is the lightweight version of Hubitat Alexa Routine Trigger. Instead of installing a Hubitat app plus multiple drivers, you install a single virtual device driver and create your trigger devices directly in Hubitat’s Devices page.

It still uses the same proven approach: Hubitat opens a virtual contact sensor, Alexa sees the Open event, and your Alexa routine runs. The device then auto-closes after a configurable delay so it is ready for the next trigger.

Why a driver-only edition

This version is for users who want the simplest possible install and the fewest moving parts:

• No Hubitat app to install or maintain
• Create triggers using Hubitat’s built-in “Add Virtual Device” flow
• Ideal for one-off triggers and smaller setups
• If you need bulk trigger creation, trigger groups, or an in-app management UI, use the full Hubitat Alexa Routine Trigger app package instead. README

Common use cases

• Trigger Alexa routines from Rule Machine automations
• Drive Alexa announcements, music, scenes, and smart home actions from Hubitat logic
• Create dedicated triggers for key automations (doorbell, washer done, bedtime, movie mode, etc.)

How it works

You create a virtual contact sensor in Hubitat and assign it this custom driver.

• Your Hubitat automation calls the driver’s trigger command (or opens the contact sensor).
• Alexa detects the sensor “Open” event and runs a routine.
• The driver auto-resets the sensor back to Closed after a set number of seconds.

Prerequisites

Hubitat Elevation hub

• Amazon Alexa account plus Alexa app
• Hubitat built-in integration: Amazon Echo Skill (required so Alexa can discover the trigger device)
• Important: this project relies on Hubitat’s Amazon Echo Skill. It does not replace it.

Install (Hubitat)

You will install:

One custom driver (driver-only edition)

Step 1 – install the driver

In Hubitat:

1. Go to Drivers Code.
2. Click New Driver.
3. Paste the driver code.
4. Save.

Step 2 – create a trigger device

In Hubitat:

1. Go to Devices.
2. Click Add Device.
3. Choose Virtual.
4. Create a Virtual Device.
5. Name it something Alexa-friendly (example: “Alexa Trigger – Movie Mode”).
6. For Type, select the driver you just installed (the driver-only trigger driver).
7. Save.

Step 3 – configure the device

On the device page, set:

Reset after (seconds)

Ignore repeated triggers from Hubitat within (ms)

Then click Save Preferences.

Alexa setup (required)

Step 1 – enable Hubitat’s Amazon Echo Skill

In Hubitat, add the built-in Amazon Echo Skill app and link it to Alexa.

Step 2 – expose your trigger device to Alexa

In the Amazon Echo Skill app, select the virtual contact sensor you created.

Step 3 – discover devices in Alexa

In the Alexa app, run device discovery. The trigger should appear as a contact sensor.

Create Alexa routines

Create one routine per trigger device:

When this happens – Smart Home – select the contact sensor – choose Open

Add the actions you want Alexa to run

Save

Using it from Hubitat automations

Rule Machine (typical)

In Rule Machine, add an action that runs the device command provided by the driver (commonly a Trigger command). This keeps routines reliable and avoids leaving the sensor open.

Recommended test order

Confirm Alexa can see the trigger device after discovery

Create an Alexa routine that triggers on Open

In Hubitat, press the driver’s Test button (if provided) or run the Trigger command

Confirm the Alexa routine runs, then confirm the contact sensor auto-closes

Understanding the key settings

Reset after (seconds)

How long the trigger stays Open before it automatically closes again. Typical values are 3–10 seconds. Setting this to 0 disables auto-close (not recommended for most users).

Ignore repeated triggers from Hubitat within (ms)

Prevents accidental double-fires caused by rapid repeated events. Set to 0 to disable. Typical values are 250–750 ms if you see duplicates.

Troubleshooting

Alexa routine does not trigger

Confirm the trigger device is selected in Hubitat’s Amazon Echo Skill app

Re-run Alexa device discovery

Confirm the routine triggers on Open (not Close)

Increase Reset after (seconds) slightly (example: 7–10)

Double-fires

Increase Ignore repeated triggers from Hubitat within (ms) (example: 250–750)

Security and privacy notes

This project creates local virtual devices and uses Hubitat’s Amazon Echo Skill to share them with Alexa.

Alexa routine execution occurs in Amazon’s ecosystem (as expected for Alexa routines).

No additional cloud services are required by this project beyond the built-in Hubitat-to-Alexa integration. README

Which version should you use?

Choose driver-only if you want:

• The simplest install (one driver)
• Just a few triggers
• No app UI or bulk management needs

Choose the full app package if you want:

• A guided setup UI in Hubitat
• Bulk trigger creation and management
• Trigger groups and sequencing (advanced) README

Support

If you need help, use the Support page on this site and include:

• Project name and version
• Hubitat model/firmware
• What you expected vs what happened
• Steps to reproduce
• Relevant logs or screenshots (redact any sensitive details)