When I started out with Home Assistant, integration with Life360 was one of the first things I went looking for. Unfortunately, Life360’s native Home Assistant integration was removed in early 2024 due to API changes. But thanks to this dude’s efforts, the pnbruckner/ha-life360 custom integration revives location tracking with Life360, providing device_tracker entities once more.
As a parent, there are limitless possibilities when you can build automations based on your kid’s location. Big brother is alive and well.
This integration restores functionality that the built-in integration lost. Continually updated, with versions that tackle daily issues like API rate limiting and authentication flow problems. I stumbled upon this integration a few months ago and installed it right away. I have had zero problems with it.
Step-By-Step: Installation Guide
1. Clean Up Old Configurations
If you previously attempted using Life360 workarounds, delete any /config/life360 directory to avoid conflicts.
2. Install with HACS (Recommended)
In Home Assistant, open HACS → Top-right menu (⋯) → Custom repositories. Add the following URL:
https://github.com/pnbruckner/ha-life360
Set the Category to “Integration.” After adding, search for “Life360” in HACS and install the integration. Restart Home Assistant to finalize installation.
3. Add the Integration Entry
Go to Settings → Devices & Services → Add Integration. Search for “Life360,” select it, and follow the on-screen prompts to configure accounts and options.
Configuration Options at a Glance
- GPS accuracy threshold: Reject location updates worse than a set meter value.
- Driving speed threshold: Force driving: true when speed ≥ threshold. Show driving as state:
- Optionally reflect driving in the entity’s state instead of “home” or “not_home.”
- Debug verbosity: Available if you have Advanced Mode enabled.
Getting Users Tracked
Once configured, Home Assistant creates one or more device_tracker entities (one per Life360 member in visible circles). These appear like any standard tracker, updating as your devices move.
Tips & Troubleshooting
- API Limits: Life360 may temporarily block requests—this integration handles errors by retrying with delays.
- Reloading after changes: To pick up new members or circles, you are supposed to be able to go to the Life360 integration and use its reload option rather than restarting HA. Note: I have actually had trouble loading new circles.
- Authentication Issues: Some users see “Invalid authentication.” This might be due to changes in login methods or verified phone accounts. If so, try using token-based authentication by capturing your access_token.
Sample YAML (for Reference)
custom_components/life360/
integration_installed: true
# After restart, go to Settings → Devices & Services → + Add Integration → Life360
# …provide credentials or token, then configure options as needed.
A few automation ideas
Like I said at the top, the fun here is imagining automations you can create with this.
- Arm alarm system with everyone leaves the house
- Announce when wife has left the grocery store and arrives home (so I can help carry groceries in)
- Announce when kid leaves school
- Turn on porch light when kid is close to home after a certain time
- Turn off basement television when all the kids have left the house
What automations have you created with Life360?