How to Install Smart Light Bulbs

Smart light bulbs offer more freedom and flexibility when it comes to lighting up your home. Owners can connect bulbs to a wireless network, which can then be used to adjust lighting from a mobile device.

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.

Here are some key points to consider before installing a smart light.

Decide Which Smart Light Bulb to Buy

Basic smart bulbs like the Eu​fy Lumos cost anywhere from $15 to $20. Some, but not all 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.

Install Your Smart Lights Into Your Light Fixtures

If your smart bulb comes with an app, download it and, if necessary, sign up for an account. You will likely need to sync or add the lightbulb you purchased to the app. Screw the bulb into the preferred socket and turn on the fixture's light switch.

The bulb should blink three times. Proceed through the app instructions to connect the bulb to your local Wi-Fi network.

Add Your Smart Lights as a New Device in Google Assistant

If you intend to use the smart bulb with Google Home or Google Assistant, first download an install the Google Assistant app. Then follow the directions below.

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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.

Connect Your Smart Light to Your Alexa Device

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

Discover Devices With Alexa

You can use Alexa to find the devices that 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. The instructions below walk you through the process:

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.

Controlling 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.

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