When Daylight Saving Time (DST) ends, most of us expect our smart devices to adapt automatically. However, for some eWeLink-supported devices, timers may drift off-schedule due to the unique way that timer settings are handled. This can be a source of frustration, and we understand that users’ concerns are entirely reasonable.
To help clarify why this situation occurs—and to give you guidance on how to adjust timers for smooth operation after DST changes—we’d like to explain the technology behind your devices and share a simple fix that can help you stay on schedule.
Understanding Local and Cloud Timers
eWeLink devices rely on two types of timing mechanisms:
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Local Timers : Many devices use an internal oscillator (or “crystal”) to keep track of time without relying on cloud connectivity. This means that once a timer is set, it’s saved locally in the device’s memory. The advantage here is that even if the device loses its network connection, the local timer can still trigger events as scheduled.
However, because these local timers are not connected to any centralized time source, they don’t automatically adjust for DST. The device itself doesn’t “know” when DST begins or ends; instead, it calculates time based on the initial UTC time and timezone when the timer is first set. From there, the internal oscillator (or crystal) keeps track of elapsed time. This approach makes local timers independent, but it also means they aren’t aware of timezone shifts, causing them to trigger tasks an hour off when DST changes.
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Cloud-Based Timers : Some timers are run based on eWeLink’s cloud servers, which maintain an accurate, current time. These timers can recalibrate for DST automatically, as long as the device has network connectivity.
However, adjusting all devices to cloud-based timers isn’t as simple as it sounds. For instance, some devices lack geolocation data, which means they can’t always interpret local time shifts. Moving completely to cloud-based timers would also impact users who prefer local-only timing that doesn’t depend on cloud connectivity—a trade-off we’re carefully considering.
Affected Timers and Recommended Adjustment Methods
To make things clearer, we’ve outlined in the table below the specific types of timers that may be affected by DST, along with recommended adjustment methods to help keep everything on schedule.
| Affected Item | Description | Adjustment Method for DST |
|---|---|---|
| Schedule/Timer/Loop Timer | Schedule/Timer/Loop Timer you have set for a certain device | Adjust Timers for DST with “Edit Timers” Feature. |
| Timer-Related Scenes | Scenes triggered by specific times of day (using “Time of Day” as a trigger) | Adjust Timers for DST with “Edit Timers” Feature. |
| Thermostatic Radiator Valve (Model: TRVZB) | Thermostatic valve requires reconfiguration in the app for DST synchronization. | Delete and re-add it in the eWeLink app. |
| Thermostat (Model: GTTA127) | Custom daily temperature schedule requiring re-saving for each day of the week after DST adjustment. | Reopen and save each day’s temperature schedule to align with DST. |
Adjusting Timers for DST with Edit Timers Feature
To help you quickly realign timers after DST changes, we’ve created a simple tool within the eWeLink app: the Edit Timers feature. This allows you to adjust multiple timers at once, by pushing back or advancing schedules with a single adjustment.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on using the Edit Timers feature:
- Access Settings : Open the eWeLink app, tap on “Profile,” then tap the gear icon in the upper right corner of the screen.
- Select Edit Timers : In the settings menu, tap on “Edit Timers.”
- Choose Timer Type : Select the type of timers you want to modify (e.g., for specific devices or scenes).
- Select Timers : Check all timers you need to adjust and tap “Next.”
- Adjust Timing : You’ll see options like “Timer Forward” or “Timer Back.” For adjusting to standard time from DST, choose either to push back or advance the timers by one hour, as needed.
- Confirm Changes : Tap “OK” to confirm, and all selected timers will adjust at once.
Using these steps, you can bring all timers back to the correct schedule quickly, avoiding any unwanted timing shifts.
We’re Here to Help—and Listening to Your Feedback
While we know this feature isn’t a perfect solution, it’s our best option for now as we continue seeking ways to improve. We’re actively working on solutions that might better address these challenges in the future, and welcome your valuable feedback—it often inspires fresh ideas and innovations. If you need any assistance, please reach out to us at support@ewelink.zendesk.com.