PIR - Signal Strength
Shows the strength of PIR activity. Watch how it changes in a quiet room and when you walk past.
A reading to observeHPS v4PL / PIR MOTION
Motion when you want it.
Fewer unwanted triggers.
Learn what the PIR signal means, tune detection for your room, and choose how long motion stays detected.
01
Understand the three PIR entities
PIR - Motion Threshold
Sets how strong a reading must be to qualify. Lower detects weaker signals; higher ignores more of them.
The strength filterPIR - Required Samples
Sets how many qualifying readings are needed. Higher values reject short bursts but can miss brief motion.
The sample requirement02
See how the controls work
Look for these names in your device’s Home Assistant Configuration section. Try the matching sliders here and watch the graph below.
Configuration
s
Full labels are shown so they are easier to recognize. Motion Hold extends the detected state after the last qualifying reading. Change your actual settings in Home Assistant.
Below thresholdQualifying sampleSample requirement metDetection bandMotion threshold
Amber diamonds mark confirmed samples. Hatched bands show the detected state: at 0 s they end at the last qualifying dot. Increasing Motion Hold extends their ends; overlapping bands combine.
Motion Hold: 5 s
Background noiseIgnored · all peaks ≤ 30
Human movementDetected · 4 of 4 movement bursts
This graph illustrates detection behavior; its signal and timing are not actual measurements, and these controls do not change your device. In Home Assistant, Signal Strength summarizes short bursts; a visible peak alone does not confirm motion. Check PIR - Motion too.
03
Tune it in your room
In Home Assistant, open your HPS v4PL under Settings → Devices & Services → ESPHome. Use its PIR sensor readings and Configuration controls.
- 1
Watch the quiet room
With no one moving, open PIR - Signal Strength and observe its history for a few minutes. Note the usual background activity.
- 2
Walk through the detection area
Test the paths and distances you actually use. Compare the signal with the quiet room, and check that PIR - Motion becomes detected.
- 3
Adjust the threshold first
Keep Required Samples at 2. Aim for a threshold above ordinary background activity, while still detecting your normal movement. Change it in small steps and repeat the walk test.
In the graph: background peaks stay at or below 30, while the first movement rises just above 100. A threshold of 100 rejects the noise and detects each motion burst. Choose your actual setting from tests in your room. - 4
Use samples for short unwanted bursts
If brief spikes still trigger motion, try 3 Required Samples and retest. Increasing this value too far may cause quick movements to be missed. Change one setting at a time.
04
What are you noticing?
Motion is detected when the room is empty
Check placement and nearby sources of changing heat or direct sunlight. Raise the threshold slightly if background activity is qualifying. For brief spikes, try increasing Required Samples from 2 to 3, then repeat your normal walk test.
It misses me when I walk into the room
Confirm the disposable PIR cap is removed and the lens has a clear view. Lower the threshold slightly and test your usual paths again. If you increased Required Samples, try returning to 2.
My pet still triggers motion
A higher threshold may reject weaker pet signals, but PIR cannot identify people or pets. Compare pet activity with your own movement before raising it. If their signals overlap, adjust placement and aim instead of continually increasing the threshold.
The graph spikes, but PIR Motion stays clear
This can be normal. Signal Strength shows a peak over a short group of readings, while motion needs enough readings to qualify. A visible peak can summarize readings that did not meet the configured sample requirement.
PIR Motion stays detected after I stop moving
PIR - Motion Hold keeps the detected state active for a short period; the documented default is 5 seconds. It affects how long motion remains detected, rather than detection sensitivity. Radar - Presence is the separate entity to use for stationary occupancy.