A method and an apparatus are provided for controlling a smart home device. In the method, the apparatus acquires a target state of the smart home device, where the target state is a state determined according to visitor information within a predetermined range. The smart home device performs an operation corresponding to the target state. The smart home device flexibly performs different operations according to the actual visit situation so that working efficiency is improved. Especially when there are a large number of visitors within the predetermined range, the smart home device may automatically enter an unconventional working state, such that inconvenience caused by movement and noise to the visitors may be prevented, thereby improving overall performance of the smart home device.