How to control lights with Alexa

If you own an Amazon Echo, you already know the convenience of asking Alexa about the weather, setting timers, and listening to music. But did you know that with the right additional hardware, you can also command Alexa to control your lights? From turning on individual bulbs to setting up automatic routines, this article will guide you through the process.

What You Need to Get Started

To control your lights with Alexa, you will need the following:

Smart plug
Smart light bulb
Smart wall switch
A device with Alexa built-in or the Alexa app

Make sure you have at least one compatible piece of hardware from the above list. Additionally, ensure that you have the latest version of the Alexa app or an Amazon Echo with Alexa built-in.

Alexa works seamlessly with various smart bulbs, including popular brands like Philips Hue and LIFX. These bulbs are known for their reliability, quality, and extensive features. They come in both white and color versions, with the latter being more expensive but capable of producing vibrant colors as well as soft whites.

For those who don't want to invest in new bulbs, there are affordable smart switches available that are also compatible with Alexa. Amazon offers its own smart plug, and there are other options on the market as well.

Third-party manufacturers like Lightwave RF and Energenie MiHome also offer Alexa-compatible wall switches. Note that these switches require a hub that plugs into your router, similar to Philips Hue. However, if you prefer a hub-free option, consider the budget-friendly TP-Link Tapo Smart Plug.

If you have ceiling lights that can't be controlled by a plug, Shelly offers tiny Wi-Fi switches that fit neatly into wall switches or even ceiling roses. The Shelly 1 is approximately the size of a couple of Oreos and costs only €11 from Shelly's website.

Whichever method you choose, the process to control lights, plugs, and switches with Alexa remains the same. Let's dive into it.

How to Set Up Lights with Alexa

Before you can control your lights with Alexa, you need to follow these steps:

Install and set up your light bulb, plug, or switch. In some cases, you may need to install the manufacturer's app, create an account, and set up the device there first.
Open the Alexa app.
Tap on "Devices" at the bottom.
Tap on the "+" icon at the top right.
Select "Add Device."
Choose the type of device you are setting up (Light, Plug, or Switch).
Select the brand from the list.
Follow the on-screen instructions to proceed.

During this process, you will need to link your device account, such as Philips or TP-Link, with your Amazon account and authorize the Alexa app.

Once your plug, switch, or light is set up, you can find it in the Alexa app by tapping on "Lights," "Plugs," or "Switches" under the Devices screen. It's recommended to rename the device with a user-friendly name that is easy to remember and understand by Alexa.

To turn on a light with Alexa, simply say, "Alexa, turn on [name of light]." If your light supports dimming or changing colors, you can also use voice commands like, "Alexa, make the front light purple" or "Alexa, dim the living room."

It's worth mentioning that you can control lights and other smart gadgets from a Fire tablet as well.

Controlling Groups of Lights with Alexa

If you have multiple lights in one room or area, you can create a group to control them collectively. Here's how to set it up:

Open the Alexa app and go to "Devices."
Tap the "+" icon at the top right.
Select "Create a room or device group."
Tap "Next."
Choose from pre-defined room names or add a custom name for the group.
Select the devices you want to include in the group.
Tap "Next."
Add any Alexa devices to the group or skip this step.
Save the room.

Once your devices are grouped, it becomes easier to control them. For example, if you have an Echo device in the living room grouped with the smart bulbs in that room, you can say, "Alexa, turn on the lights" when you enter the room, and she will understand your command.

To control a specific group, say, "Alexa, turn on [room name]," and all the devices in that group will be activated.

Automate Your Lights with Alexa Routines

Yes, Alexa can turn lights on and off on a schedule. To set up automated routines, follow these steps:

Open the Alexa app and tap the three lines or swipe in from the left to access the main menu.
Select "Routines" and tap the "+" icon.
Tap the "+" next to "When this happens" and choose "Schedule" as the trigger.
Select the desired time and days for the lights to turn on.
Tap "Next."
Tap the "+" next to "Add action" and choose "Smart Home" from the list.
Depending on whether you want to control one light or a group, select either "Control device" or "Control group."
Customize the action according to your preference.
Tap "Next."
Save the routine.

You can create as many routines as you want, controlling individual lights or groups of lights. To turn off the lights at a later time, create another routine with a schedule set to a time later than the lights are set to turn on, and set the action to "off."

With these routines in place, your lights will automatically turn on and off according to the schedule you've set.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I control non-smart bulbs with Alexa?
Alexa requires compatible smart devices to control lights. However, you can use smart plugs or switches to make non-smart bulbs Alexa-compatible.
Which smart bulbs work with Alexa?
Alexa works with various smart bulbs, including popular brands like Philips Hue and LIFX. These bulbs offer a range of features and options for customized lighting experiences.
Can I control lights with Alexa from multiple devices?
Yes, you can control lights with Alexa from multiple devices that have the Alexa app installed or devices with Alexa built-in, such as Amazon Echo.
Can I set up different lighting scenes with Alexa?
Yes, you can set up different lighting scenes by creating groups and routines in the Alexa app. This allows you to control multiple lights with a single command.
What should I do if Alexa doesn't understand my light's name?
If Alexa has trouble understanding the name of your light, try using shorter, single-word names. You can also experiment with different names until Alexa recognizes the command.

In conclusion, Alexa offers a convenient way to control your lights, create customized lighting scenes, and automate your home. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can transform your living space with Alexa-controlled lights and enjoy a seamless smart home experience.