How To Set Up Smart Lights At Home
Date Published: February 15th, 2021
With the rise of smart products such as the Amazon Alexa and Google Home, it’s no surprise that more and more smart accessories are being made for the home. Smart lights are becoming very popular too, and this is because they’re extremely accessible, easy to install, and look great in both modern and traditional homes. If you’re curious about making such an improvement, we’ve compiled a guide on how to set up smart lights at home. Below you’ll find all the information you need for choosing the right lighting system, how to set it up and how to work your lights going forward.
How to set up smart lights at home
Many smart lighting options come with a how-to guide on how to set them up. However, there are some things you should take into consideration before committing to a smart light setup.
Most smart devices work with 2.4Ghz broadband connection. However, a lot of WiFi routers use a 5Ghz signal. So if this is the case for you, your smart lights may not be able to connect to your phone app, Amazon Echo or Google Home.
The good news is that you can separate the channels for your WiFi by changing your router settings so that you can connect to 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz separately. You will then have 2 networks you can choose from. The main difference between the two channels is that 2.4Ghz is usually slower but has a longer reach whereas 5Ghz is faster but the signal is not as strong.
Splitting your network into two will allow you to use 5Ghz on your laptop and wherever else you need the fastest possible connection while at the same time connecting your smart devices to 2.4Ghz where speed doesn’t really make much of a difference.
If you need to split your signal, it’s best to consult with your broadband provider as each one has a different way to access and change the router settings. This process should only take about 5 minutes or less.
Once you have your 2.4Ghz, download the app recommended by the manufacturer of your smart lights and follow the instructions. Usually your lights will be flashing while searching for a device to connect to.
What are smart lights?
To put it simply, smart lighting can be distinguished from regular lights by physical switches. To work a regular light switch, you only need to flip a switch. However, when it comes to smart lighting, you can use either the same switch, an app on your phone, or your voice. In order to work your smart lighting, you’ll need access to the internet via WiFI. Smart lighting can still be operated using your standard switches in case your connection is down.
What types of smart lighting are there?
Smart lighting comes in various bulb sizes so that replacing your current bulbs with smart ones is easy and hassle-free. You can also find smart lighting strips, with adhesive on one side which can be easily installed on the underside of furniture, shelves, cabinets and more. You can also find battery-powered smart lights, making them easy to change, move and uninstall when needed. Overall, smart lighting is a great choice for anyone looking to upgrade their home to a more modern lighting setup.