"Make Call" as an action does not work reliably

[mcmusic]

Hi,
I want to use a simple macro: it should trigger when the battery (chariging) reaches a value of say 80%. Then "Make Call" should inform me with a call on my fixed line phone, to remind me to stop charging.

This phone call works as expected if I execute "Test action", as well if I do a "Test trigger".

However, if the real triggered event occurs, it does not work correctly. Sometimes I see a call on my fixed line, but it must have been so short, that not a single "ring" appeared. Sometimes even that does not happen.

What can be the cause? I have a relatively new Phone, Samsung S20 FE, with Android 11, unrooted.

Any help is appreciated.
Greetings,
mcmusic

 

[Pseudocyclic]

Does it work reliably if you substitute other triggers? Eg Bluetooth Enabled or Flip Device.

Make Call is working as expected with all three triggers using my S10e with Android 11.

 

[mcmusic]

Thanks for your fast answer.
I used Flip Device. Made 5 tests.
1x callWasTooShort 3x CallWasOk 1x noCall.
BTW, FlipDevice does not work when the screen is dark, it must be ON to work.

I can make more tests tomorrow.

 

[MacroDroidDev]

I can't recreate any issues with make call action in afraid. Please use report a bug in troubleshooting.

 

[Jacob L]

You need to turn on the screen and wait for a second first. Then place the call, you can then turn the screen off if you need to, prevent accidental touches.

Also note that sending an SMS to a fixed line will get it to ring and read you the SMS

 

[Pseudocyclic]

BTW, FlipDevice does not work when the screen is dark, it must be ON to work.

If ever you need it, there's a setting for that:

 

[mcmusic]

To MacroDroidDev: I made more tests with "BluetoothEnabled" as trigger.
The macro was triggered with no wait cycle before, screen on (a must in this case), then BlueTooth enabled.

Result:
If the macro is triggered from the home screen, no call is placed.
If the macro is triggered from the MacroDroid screen, the call is placed.

I made also tests with my wife's phone, Android 10, with the same results.

 

[mcmusic]

To Jacob: I made pauses before and after placing a call during my initial tests, that did not help. If these 3 steps (screen on - wait - call - screen off) are absolutely needed to place a call, how should a novice user know about this? All these steps should imho be included in the step "Place call" automatically. Or at least clearly described in the otherwise good help that is provided.

Sending a SMS would be a much better solution for my purpose, thanks. I'll test this next.

 

[mcmusic]

@Pseudocyclic: Thanks for the hint, I used that only as a test trigger.

 

[Pseudocyclic]

If these 3 steps (screen on - wait - call - screen off) are absolutely needed to place a call, how should a novice user know about this? All these steps should imho be included in the step "Place call" automatically. Or at least clearly described in the otherwise good help that is provided.

I think these steps are not included or described because usually they are not needed.

Make Call is working as expected with multiple triggers with screen off and without Wait on my S10e with Android 11.

 

[MacroDroidDev]

I have tested on several devices and I still can't recreate an issue with the make call action however it is triggered I'm afraid. I don't recall seeing a bug report on this issue, so please use report a bug via the troubleshooting section, select relevant macros and mention this forum thread. This sends me extra diagnostics that might give me more clues.

 

[Pseudocyclic]

BTW did you know you can automate this (switch charger off when battery reaches a given %) using MacroDroid, IFTTT, and a smart plug?

 

[mcmusic]

To @MacroDroidDev: Sorry for that long pause. I have news that might be interpreted as good or bad: I cannot recreate the issue, the really bad thing is, I do not know why. I made many tests, and Make Call always worked. Earlier I wrote:
{If the macro is triggered from the home screen, no call is placed.
If the macro is triggered from the MacroDroid screen, the call is placed.}
I could not see a difference now.
In the very beginning I did not check which version of MacroDroid I was using. Now it is v5.10.2. Sorry for your many tests that you made. If I find circumstances that affect the function on my phone I will report again.
(BTW, I had initially similar issues with taking photos in the ;acro "Location - Access via SMS 1.1V". But before I report I have to test it again.)

 

[mcmusic]

@Pseudocyclic: That is interesting. When I saw the possibility of sendeing UDP to a server, I thought about programming a ESP8266 with a relay, but building a safe box for everyday use is a lot of hassle.
I looked on amazon, there are very many brands of these plugs. Do you know a brand that is not too expensive but versatile/multifunctional with other apps/apps that already exist or that might come with the plug itself? Which one do you use (if so)?

@ all: thanks to everyone who tried to help me with fast and appropriate response. Well appreciated.

 

[Pseudocyclic]

MacroDroid Forums-using IFTTT to stop phone charger if battery hits 80% by controling a smart wifi outlet with tuya smart life

Good news! https://www.androidpolice.com/2020/06/3 ... -services/

www.tapatalk.com

I have had this working with Meross and TP-Link smart plugs.