DIY Security Systems
Before the era of modern technology, what everybody has for lighting the house was a simple bulb attached to a wire with the on/off switch. Right now, light bulbs have innovated together with all other electronic devices, which makes it a great home security tool. This is why it is called smart light bulbs. So, how do smart light bulbs work? It definitely has something to with a Wi-Fi connection.
Smart Light Bulb: Types, Setup, and Operation
A smart light bulb is set in the same way as that of an ordinary light bulb. Others may need additional accessories to make it work, while mostly, it requires only a bulb attached to a socket. Smart light bulbs are usually LED, so brightness is the same as that of your existing LED lights. If you are wondering how do smart light bulbs work, here are three ways to set up and connect the light bulbs.
Setting up Wi-Fi Enable Smart Light BulbDownload an App on your Smart Phone or Tablet
- Download an App on your Smart Phone or Tablet
How do smart light bulbs work if they are Wi-Fi enabled? First, you need to install an app. There are different apps available for iOS or Android Phones. Check for the label to ensure compatibility or ask the manufacturer for the recommended app that supports the smart light bulb. Download the app and create an account. Complete the required information. - Add Product to the Account
Once you have set up everything on your smartphone, check from the selection on the menu, look for the one that says, “add a Product.” Select it and supply the necessary details, including the model of the bulb, or choose from the list of devices. - Screw the Bulb
Get the smart light bulb and screw it to the socket. You can use the traditional socket of your existing light bulbs. Switch the light bulb on and off three times to pair. You will know it is paired when the bulb flashes. - Set up the Bulb
In the app’s setting, enter the Wi-Fi details: Name and Password. Once you have supplied the details, close the app and reopen to refresh. After which you can test by clicking the on/off button.
When you can operate the bulb through your phone, you are set. The app will sometimes ask you to create a unique name for the device for easy identification in case you connect multiple bulbs.
Bluetooth Enable Smart Light Bulbs
- Download the Suitable Bulb
A smart bulb can be operated through your smartphone. Download the compatible app into your iOS or Android Phone. Check the instruction on the packaging or ask the manufacturer for the recommended app. Create an account and supply the necessary details. - Screw the Bulb
Turn the switch off and screw the smart light bulb to your existing bulb socket. Then turn the switch on. The light should flash, and the Bluetooth will automatically turn on as well. - Pairing the Bulb
From your downloaded app, look for the “add device” button from the selection. Scroll from the list of devices and choose the appropriate ones. It will indicate the pairing status, and you are done.
You can operate your bulb through the app. It will also indicate, depending on the bulb model, if it needs to be replaced. Since Bluetooth operates it, it needs to be at a specific range to make it work. You must read the instruction manual carefully as the specification varies per model or brand.
Light Bulbs with Hub or Bridge
The smart light bulb hub is an additional accessory that you can use to set up your light and be operated through an app on your smartphone or tablet. The device will serve as a bridge to connect the bulb and the router. So, how do smart light bulbs work with a hub? You have to follow the instruction below:
- Download the App
Like any other internet-based light bulb, you need an app that is compatible with the model or brand. So, if you have the Philip Hue, you need to download the Phillip’s Hue app. Check the label for compatibility or ask the manufacturer. - Plug the Bridge to the Power Supply
Plug the device into the socket for power. Then using an ethernet cable, connect the bridge to the router. You will then see the light indicator to light up. - Set up the Bridge
On the installed app, set up the hue bridge through the app’s setting. Look for the “Add Hue” button the follow the instruction. - Screw and setup the bulb
To ensure compatibility, you need to buy the bulb from the same manufacturer of the bridge. Screw the light bulb to the existing bulb socket. From the app, add the light model to set up. Follow the setup instruction. Press the center of the hue bridge, and the lights will automatically connect. You can add multiple smart bulbs.
People are usually confused about how do smart light bulbs work. Once everything is set, from your hub to the app, you can easily control and operate your light bulbs. You can select which bulb to turn on or off. You can also name it according to room location for easy identification. Know more about Smart Light Bulbs.
Conclusion
People are usually satisfied with the simple set up of the traditional light bulbs. However, smart light bulbs offer you a few advantages. If you are thinking about how smart light bulbs work, you could have it work together with your other home security system. You can turn the lights on or off even if you are away from home. When someone tries to break in and confirm it from your security camera, you can immediately turn the light to scare them away. Protect your home and your property and add smart light bulbs to increase security.