More information about the apps available and what to consider when you are away at home may be found below regarding How To Control Home Lights Remotely? When you leave a light on when you’re not at home, it’s sometimes a deliberate safety precaution, and other times it’s an irritating headache.
Is it possible to control your lights from a distance, as you need it, in either case? What is the smartness of your smart lighting? If the controlling device is connected to the internet, smart lights can be controlled remotely using various apps or voice assistant systems.
The light switches must always be turned on if the smart lighting system is based on smart bulbs. Bluetooth bulbs must be linked to a hub that allows them to connect to the internet. Once your system is set up, control your lights while away from home.
Best Ways to Control Lights Remotely from Far: A Comprehensive Guide
Controlling lights remotely from a distance can be achieved in several ways. Here, we provide a detailed guide on the common methods and how to implement them.
1. Use an App to Control Smart Lights
Depending on your smart home platform and ecosystem, apps can be used to control your light bulbs, switches, or hubs. Apps can also be used to group lights to switch an entire group on or off at the same time. I have shared an experiment that was taken earlier in 2018 and it proved that we can control leds and other home technological stuff remotely.
2. Use ILLUMRA Relay Receiver + Repeater
The ILLUMRA Relay Receiver + Repeater provides users a quick and easy way to install convenient remote lighting controls for medium-range applications.
3. Use Your Phone or Voice Assistant
You can use remotes, a mobile app, or voice assistant to control your lights3. This allows you to make lighting adjustments based on room occupancy, the time of the day, and other specific conditions you set.
4. Use Wi-Fi-Enabled Smart Lights
Wi-Fi-enabled smart lights are the most popular option for controlling lights away from home5. These systems connect directly to your home’s router and allow you to control them using an app or a web browser.
How Can I Control The Lights In My House From Afar?
To Control Smart Lights, Use An App
Apps can be used to control your light bulbs, switches, or hubs, depending on your smart home platform and ecosystem. Apps may also be used to control a bunch of lights to turn them on or off simultaneously. The ideal app to use relies on the smart technology you already have in your home and how many systems you want to be able to control with it.
Single-tasking apps can only handle one system or device, which is acceptable if you’re just getting started and only have one smart lamp or smart switch controlling the lights in one room. A multi-tasking app is a better choice for a more integrated system because it connects all your smart devices and makes them easier to handle.
Apps For Using A Phone To Control Lights
You can use a single-tasking or multitasking app to operate your smart lights. Here are a few examples of apps that are now accessible on the market: Smart life is a mobile application that allows you to keep track of your daily activities. Our personal favorite is the Smart life app since it is universal software that can operate a wide range of devices, such as lights, switches, plugs, garage doors, and even water sensors.
Philips Hue App
The Philips Hue App is available for iPhones, iPads, and tablets running iOS and Android. You can effortlessly organize your lights into rooms with Philips Hue A. You can turn rooms on and off, adjust the color or brightness of all your lights, or build your lighting environment.
Hue Essentials
This software is only available for Android users. It has a shelf where you can find quick links to other linked lights and their groups. It has quick settings tiles that can be used to establish the tone for group activities.
IConnectHue For Philips Hue
Only Apple users can utilize the iConnectHue for Philips Hue app. Thanks to this app, the Philips Hue light system now has automation, individual light, group setups, multi-bridge compatibility, and even Apple Watch controls. Other lighting brands supported include Cree, Osram, and GE Link.
Hue Disco
Hue Disco is an app that works on Android and iOS devices. If you’re having a good time with your lights, such as at a party or dancing, Hue Disco is a terrific tool to use. It links your music and lights, causing the lights to change color in time with the beat.
Stringify
Stringify is an app that works on iOS and Android devices. This software allows you to operate smart bulbs and other smart devices easily. Stringify employs a simple-to-configure automation scheme known as Flows. It also integrates with third-party services such as IFTTT and RSS feed for more complex automation settings.
Yeti is a cross-platform app that works on both Apple and Android devices. Yeti is a third-party program that allows you to control multiple types of smart bulbs. It’s simple to use and works with various smart devices, including Philips Hue, LIFX, Nest, Ecobee, and TP-Link.
Yonomi
Yonomi is a cross-platform app that works on Android and iOS devices. Yonomi can operate a wide range of smart home devices. It lets you effortlessly change the brightness and color of your connected lights, whether they’re GE Link bulbs, LIFX A19 bulbs, or Philips Hue bulbs. It works with third-party assistants like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa for custom voice commands.
Ecobee
Users of both iOS and Android can download the Ecobee app. Ecobee lets you regulate your home’s temperature and light settings from a distance. It also allows you to check if the lights have been left on while away from home.
Wemo
Wemo is an app that can be used on Android and iOS devices. Wemo is a home automation system that includes smart switches, outlets, and a Wi-Fi bridge. The Wemo app allows you to control your house’s lights and appliances, switch them on automatically when you return home, and randomly turn them on and off in different areas. At the same time, you’re gone for security reasons.
Control4 My Home
Users of Apple and Android devices can download the Control4 MyHome app. You may have a completely secure 3G/4G connection to your home’s lighting, security, energy, comfort, and entertainment systems using your Android mobile, iPhone, or iPad with the Control4 My Home software integrated with 4Sight.
It has an easy-to-use user interface that makes using the program simple. Many smart lighting gadgets also come with their control app that can be downloaded for a price. However, we discovered that almost all could be managed from a central location using the smartphone app.
Make Use Of A Virtual Personal Assistant
Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri are the most popular virtual home assistants. They can link to your home system and turn your lights on and off, dim them, and alter their color based on your instructions. Even while these assistants listen to basic spoken commands at home, you’ll need their respective apps (Alexa’s app, Google Home, and Apple Home) to link them to your home system remotely.
If you have these applications installed, you can ask your assistant to use a spoken command to manage your lighting through the app when you are away from home. Virtual assistants offer some cool features, such as Alexa’s “Away” lights. Alexa uses this feature to track your habits and imitate them while you’re away. This feature must be enabled in the app, but Alexa then ensures that it appears that someone is at home by guaranteeing lighting patterns that are consistent with your preferences.
Like Google Home, you may set up a Google routine to turn your lights on and off at random to give the impression that you are at home. These features eliminate the need for you to manage your lights while away from home because your helper does it for you.
What Am I Able To Do With Wyze?
Wyze is an up-and-coming technology business that provides low-cost smart lighting solutions. As I described above, wyze lights may be controlled with Alexa or Google Home. Consequently, Wyze bulbs are not currently compatible with Apple HomeKit.
Still, they have a significant advantage over the Philips Hue app in that they do not require a hub to connect to the app, lowering your initial costs. Wyze also has a mobile app that works with their smart bulbs and allows you to control them from anywhere.
The Wyze app, like your virtual assistants and the Philips Hue app, lets you switch to vacation mode, which turns off your lights at random to give the impression that you’re at home. This method is similar to Google Home’s, but it’s not as complex as Alexa’s imitation of your daily routine.
Do You Require A Hub To Manage Your Smart Lights From Afar?
This is entirely dependent on the smart lighting technology you use. If Bluetooth connects your lights, you won’t be able to manage them while they’re out of range until you put them into a hub that connects them to the internet.
If you have lights or switches that link directly to a Wi-Fi network, you can operate them remotely without a hub as long as you have an internet connection. Zigbee bulbs, such as the Philips Hue, are less expensive than Wi-Fi bulbs, but they require a hub linked to your network to connect to the internet. Fortunately, some smart devices, such as the Amazon Echo, can function as Zigbee hubs.
Is It Necessary To Turn On Smart Lights To Control Them Remotely?
As long as smart lights are connected to the internet, they can be controlled. To control smart light bulbs remotely, they must be turned on at the hard switch. On the other hand, smart switches do not have this issue and can be managed as long as your device is linked to the internet, and your home internet is up and running.
What Is The Most Effective Method For Controlling Smart LED Bulbs?
The best way to operate your smart lights is a matter of personal preference and depends on the system you already have in place. Although Apple HomeKit only supports a limited number of devices, if you use Apple products, this is an excellent technique to utilize and integrate into your Smart Home.
The Philips Hue app is quite popular and works with various other brands. It does, however, have a high beginning cost because all devices must be connected to a bridge, which increases the initial price. Google Home is a versatile and widely compatible virtual assistant praised for its speed and ability to interpret your orders.
The Most Effective Option
When selecting to install smart lighting in your house, many factors to consider. Of course, the cost is a major consideration. It isn’t, however, the only factor. If you have a lot of different-sized light fixtures in your home, you might think about getting a smart plug.
Do you have concerns about the wiring in your older home? Installing smart bulbs around your home could be the best decision you’ve ever made. Do you like wall units? Add smart switches to the mix.
Are you still undecided? It’s not always a bad idea to use a combination of smart lighting, smart switches, and smart plugs in your house. Confirm that all of your explanations agree with the same mobile device. You can then use the same device to control all of your lights.
A Study: Iot-based Integrated Home Security and Monitoring System
Safeguarding homes, irrespective of their location in bustling metropolises or quaint suburban neighborhoods, is a pressing concern, especially for those who find themselves frequently away due to various engagements. There’s an urgent need for effective strategies that not only amplify the security measures but also enable remote surveillance of one’s abode.
The 2018 study conducted by us pioneered a unified system for home security and remote monitoring, leveraging the potential of the Internet of Things (IoT). This innovative system amalgamated the prowess of Arduino-nano and NodeMCU ESP8266, acting as the central controlling unit.
Our elaborate home safety solution incorporated an RFID reader, a numeric passcode for door access, and an email alert system to keep the homeowners informed.
The monitoring features included a PIR sensor to spot any unauthorized presence, a DHT-22 sensor to record room temperature and humidity, a rain sensor to recognize precipitation, a fire sensor to alert stove fire incidents, and LDR sensors to keep tabs on light conditions. Additionally, we integrated light bulbs and solenoid valves as action-taking units.
The outcome of our research revealed that this comprehensive system effectively monitors home conditions and facilitates remote control of lights and solenoid valves. This is made possible by a smartphone application operating through an internet connection, giving homeowners a seamless way to keep their properties under check, regardless of their geographical location.
Conclusion
By summing up here above information about How To Control Home Lights Remotely? Smart lighting and other gadgets have a wide range of options. Home automation technology allows homeowners to manage their lights remotely via a mobile device or voice control. Smart lighting can make illumination modifications based on daylight availability, availability, and other preset parameters when controlling lights from a phone.
The smart life app, available in the iOS and Android app stores, may be used to operate most smart lighting solutions. Smart lights typically require Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or a local wireless network such as Zigbee or Z-Wave.
