How to Install Smart Light Bulbs

This article explains how to install and use a smart light bulb with your Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Additional information covers how to decide which smart light bulb to buy.

How to Install Smart Lights Into Your Light Fixtures

1. If your smart bulb comes with an app, download it and, if necessary, sign up for an account.

2. Sync or add the lightbulb you purchased to the app, if necessary.

3. Screw the bulb into the preferred socket and turn on the fixture's light switch.

4. Wait for the bulb to blink three times. Proceed through the app instructions to connect the bulb to your local Wi-Fi network.
   

How to Use Smart Lights With Google Assistant

If you intend to use the smart bulb with Google Home or Google Assistant, follow these directions:

1. Open the Google Assistant app on your mobile device.

2. Select the profile icon in the top-right corner.

3. Select Devices, then select Add...

   

4. Select Link a smart home device.

5. Browse or search for the compatible smart bulb, then follow the instructions to connect the device to your network.

How to Use Smart Lights With Amazon Alexa

If you'd like to control your smart bulb with an Amazon Alexa device, follow these instructions:

Discover Devices With Alexa

You can use Alexa to find the devices you want to connect. A simple voice command will help you start the connection process.

1. Open the Amazon Alexa app on your mobile device.

2. Select the Menu indicated by three horizontal lines in the top-left corner.

3. Select Skills & Games.

4. Select the Search field indicated by a magnifying glass, then type in the name of your smart device. Once you've located the skill you'd like to add to your Alexa device, select Enable to Use.

5. Ask Alexa to discover the device by saying “Alexa, discover devices.”

Manually Discover Devices

Alternatively, you can manually discover a smart device:

1. Open the Amazon Alexa app and select Devices, then select the + icon in the upper-right corner.

2. Select Add Device > Light.

3. Select the brand of your smart light.

4. Follow the instructions to discover and sync the device with Alexa.

5. Once the light is discovered it will appear within the Smart Home section of the Alexa app.

How to Control Lights with Amazon Alexa

Alexa offers a variety of vocal commands, including the ability to dim to a specific percentage. You can do this by saying, "Alexa, set (light name) to (0-100 percent)." You can also assign your smart bulb to a group, which allows you to control multiple lights at once or change the color settings, if available.

Download Alexa For:

How to Decide Which Smart Light Bulb to Buy

Most smart bulbs can dim, change colors, and adapt to sleeping habits, all through the use of an app. With online connectivity, smart home lights can optimize home security, coordinate with other lights, and improve energy efficiency, even when you're not home.

Basic smart bulbs like the Eu​fy Lumos cost anywhere from $15 to $20. Some smart bulbs require a smart home hub to serve as a portal to the internet and the rest of the home. A smart light with a hub will cost significantly more.

A smart bulb does not require a hub to work with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and other virtual assistants. However, you should always pay attention to device compatibility.