I have a bulb-on-a-string kind of thing in my bedroom that plugs into the wall - had a tuya smart LED bulb in there for a few years and it's great.

I recently bought two bulbs for the living room and bedroom, which are e27 pendants, and made sure to get ones that match the fittings.

When I turn them on in the pendants, they do quick flashes every 3secs, and no combination of turning the lights on and off again changes that.

I tried them both in my bedroom plug-in light fitting and they worked fine, added them to the app and set them up, could control them with my echo. I then tried putting them in the pendants and they just went offline and flashed the same as before.

I've tried everything it says in the booklet and also just messed around with them for the last hour, nothing works.

Would really appreciate some help!

I recently installed the Yeelight Permanent Outdoor Lights (YLDD0045) and love them, but learned shortly after installation that they are Bluetooth connection only and can't connect to WiFi for Smart Home control.

Is there a device that can connect to it via bluetooth and then turn it into a WiFi compatible device so I can control it via Google Home?

May be a long shot, but wanted to see what was possible.

Hey everyone, this year I have to make a very big school project about Smart Homes. We are going to make our own Smart Home based on important features that are missing in other famous Smart Homes like the ones from Apple, Samsung and many others. So when you guys know features that are missing in Smart Homes, it will maybe even a feature in our self made Smart Home. Can you please fill in my google form about Smart Homes? It helps us a lot.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc4RUEXeqs98Qoz-mWcFb5hnxwT6EAwlKc5DGJo5VbTNoGVOA/viewform

So we're moving out west in a year and I'm planning to add as many smart devices as possible to our condo via the Apple Homekit platform. I plan to go with Abode Security, a few indoor cameras, smart door lock, some lighting, switches, tstat, etc. Looking at possible routers to go with and I'm curious about WIFI 7 compatibility with current smart home devices. I've read a few articles stating that some devices fail to connect to WIFI 7 routers.

Any recommendations on routers and should I consider WIFI 7 or stick with 6 or 6E? Will be going with either a 1gb or 2gb ISP plan.

Not into gaming. Our condo is 1200 sqft so I don't need to go with MESH like I do with my current home. But speed/range is my priority.

Any advice is appreciated.

Hi everyone, i'm trying to solve this problem for my future bedroom. I'd like to control the lights both from my smartphone and from the classic wall mounted switch. The problem is that if i install smart light bulbs that i can control with the phone, if i turn them off from the app and then someone else who doesn't have the ability to turn on the lights via app tries to turn on the light from the wall switch, nothing happens because he just turned off the electricity going to the bulbs. I don't like this concept and i want that if the light are off anyone can turn them on with just a click. I think that the solution might be a smart switch so that i can control it with my phone but there is also a phisical button to press to turn the light back on. I'm writing this post because i'm not sure about that and also if there is a specific type of switch i need. Also (if it's possibile) i'd like to also control the brightness of the lights, so maybe is there a smart switch who can also dimmer the lights? If not maybe i can install both the smart switch and the smart bulb so that i can control both settings. I hope I explained myself clearly, if not I'm here for any clarification. Thanks.

I have 5 switches in my home that all power the same hallway can lights. I’d like to make at least one of them a smart switch, but can’t figure out what to buy because all smart switches are only 3 way.

If I wire two of the traveler wires together at the smart switch, would I lose function in one of the other switches?

Advice? Thanks.

Just got these in Amazon today: https://a.co/d/6hmlEJz

Should I have gotten ones that are Matter compatible?

I’m assuming the only feature I’m missing is out-of-home control?

My setup so far… Philips Hue hub with roughly 15-20 bulbs 2 Alexa devices Verizon Fios 1gb internet with a WiFi extender

Im eventually looking to move to Apple HomePods. But right now, I’m looking to get the Aqara U100. The kit I’m looking at comes with the E1 hub.

My question is… If I get the M2 hub, will it integrate with my lights? Could I potentially eliminate my hue hub? Also, does the M2 need to be Ethernet connected to my router? Or could I place it by my front door?

Hello! I’m looking to get a few smart plugs to control various things around the home (Christmas Tree, Lamps, Coffee Machine, etc.)

I currently have a Philips Hue Bridge and run the existing lights through HomeKit.

I purchased these on Amazon today: https://a.co/d/cCRfusK

Should I have gotten ones that are “Matter” plugs? (Any recommendations?)

Are the ones I got perfectly fine?

i’m currently using a Ring security system for motion and contact sensors, along with five outdoor Ring cameras. Honestly, I really regret going with Ring. The cameras need to be charged almost every week due to constant movement in and out of the house, and everything is locked into their ecosystem, which is both inconvenient and a bit limiting.

My main goal is to either set up a system that records 24/7 locally using PoE cameras (I’m not sure how difficult that would be to set up, though), or to find a more reliable local storage option. I know local storage will be more convenient long-term, but I’m not sure how difficult it will be. I’ve also looked at Apple HomeKit and its secure video feature, that is cool but I think that could get expensive.

I’m working with a budget, so cost is a concern, and I need this system to be easy for my family (5 people) to use.

Here’s what I’m wondering:

1. If I switch to a local system with PoE cameras, what kind of cost am I looking at? (Ideally, I’d prefer something affordable and not insanely complex to set up. but I would rather it be complex to setup then easy to use in the long term.)
2. What would be the best solution for contact sensors and other home security features if I go local storage cameras? Would I need something separate or can I integrate those into a local system easily?
3. Is it feasible to set up all the cameras and sensors with wired connections myself (I’m okay with running Ethernet but not sure about the complexities)?

Would really appreciate any insights or recommendations! Thanks in advance!

Hello, I have a bunch of random smart home products and want it to be easy for my family of six to use. Here are some smart home products and brands I have: - Tapo and Kasa smart switches (2 each) - 2 Amazon smart switches - A few Tapo smart plugs - 3 Alexas - An Apple TV - A Honeywell smart thermostat Everything is currently a mess. One of the main things I want my smart home to do is control all the lights and AC without much thought. I’ve also seen some cool automations using the Aqara Presence sensor, and I think I might buy that to automate the lights in my kitchen and living room. I’ve also seen people use vibration sensors under counters to, for example, turn on the lights when a plate is placed on the table in my breakfast nook. Right now, it’s quite stressful because everything is disorganized. I’m currently using Alexa because I thought it would be simple, but I’m realizing that something more complex might actually make it easier in the long run. Any tips? I want to eventually use Home Assistant and then use something to integrate everything into Home Assistant on Apple Home for my family. Thanks.

I wrote already few times ,but I didn't become a good answer or no answer at all. Story goes something like this ..

I'm renovating apartment and I want to buy smart devices and make clean and simple smart home. But,I have few specific situations ,like..

I must stay with regural wall switches (not smart one) and install a smart releys under every light switch and windows rollo to make them smart.(because my wife want normal switches!) Here I don't know what to choose between Shelly (wlan I think ) Sonoff (ZigBee ,Matter ) Aqara maybe?

do you have experience with that to share it ?

I want to stay with as little as possible different hubs! My plan was Raspberry and homeassistant .

But as I read Aqara T1M lights which I like ,don't have all options without a hub. (is that right if you/someone know) In that case ,I need hub to have that all !? I like theirs Presence sensor as well.

I have Tado heating regulators ,they are zigbee ,mater ..

My plan was to buy all celling lights smart,because I don't have any now and options with bulbs I don't like.

If I go with for example Shelly lights reley ,and aqara T1M ,maybe some philips hue.. In that case ,I need three different hubs..or connect them to Homeassistant without all functions .

What would you do in my situation ..can you explain little bit how you see all that please.

Are to much wlan devices problem? Do I need to accept 3+ different hubs in house ?

Are that smart releys dangerous in normal use ,only for lights and windows rollo ?

That's all folks ,I'm very simple 😜🤣

Best smart security camera / doorbell WITHOUT a monthly subscription charge?

I have a lamp with a manual switch similar to the attached picture. I'd like to get a TRETAKT smart plug so I can control it from the Google Home app. When I do, do I have to leave the manual switch permanently on? If the light is on via the Home app and then I toggle the lamp switch, will it still work and can I turn the light off manually? Just wondering if I start using smart plugs, if that will prevent me from turning the light on/off if my phone isn't with me.

https://preview.redd.it/ulplkoegzw1e1.jpg?width=1200&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ac9a98231ab10918c7c294e6267f7783bca456b8

How do I restart the installation process? Can't connect with Bluetooth to lock and can't remove lock from app.

I have 2 doors next to each other (entrance and storage), both have Yale Doorman Classic. One of them I have installed Yale Connect and it works well.

So I decided to get one for the other door as well. But when I installed it by following the instructions my phone disconnected from the locks Bluetooth and that cancelled the installation.

The app said, try again, but when the app returned to the main screen, surprisingly it showed the lock as registered in the app.

But it would not connect. I can not get it to connect. Turned on/off Bluetooth on the phone, remove batteries from the other lock to not disturb. But no.

So I figured the next step was to delete the connected lock, but I can't factory reset it in the app without Bluetooth being connected to the lock.

How do I restart the installation process?

I’ve been hunting for a side yard gate smartlock for years and have yet to find anything on the market. Yes, I have found plenty of hacks but none that are well done. Not even the August lock hack. It blows my mind that this has not been created yet. I would love to open my gate with my phone for the dog walker or give them a code to do so. I would love to unlatch my gate with my phone while doing yard work and not have to leave it open risking my dog getting out. I would love to monitor my gate anytime someone jiggled the latch trying to get in. Does anyone know of such a product?

Bought this & im not sure how to wire it, any input helps!

Hi everyone. I'm hoping you'll be able to give me a few options for a smart thermostat for a Worcester combi boiler. I currently have the bog standard wireless one that's battery operated. I have took off the wall mount and there's a mains cable behind it which I've added a picture of to this post. If possible I'd like it to be compatible with the Tuya Smart app so that everything is within one app.

The possible earth cable has no sleeve on hence why I'm thinking it's the earth. I don't want to spend £££'s.

Thank you

Hello, I'd like set up the following items (in order of importance) in my new home. Looking for advice on products that: provide alerts to my phone if away from home, no subscription fees for the products, and maybe a central system to manage it all (do I really need that?).

1. Water leak detection (alerts via cell phone) -- was looking at YoLink, but open to suggestions
2. Temperature (manageable via phone app) -- considering EcoBee, but open to suggestions. Had a NEST in the past.
3. Doorbell camera that links with a phone app (I'm hard of hearing, don't always hear doorbell, and don't want to answer it if it's sales people, etc.) -- considering EcoBee, but open to suggestions
4. Home lights/timers -- no ideas here
5. I already have a few robot vacs and an automatic litter box so if those were to connect that'd be cool, but not necessary.
6. In future might want to add security system or cameras.

If a central management system is necessary or super helpful, I like the idea that Home Assistant isn't cloud-based, but is it really difficult to set up? I can handle technology (I'm a technical writer), but I'm not a 'tech junkie' or 'smarthome enthusiast'. I can put in some effort, but I just don't care to be spending days and days figuring things out.

Thanks in advance!

I want one, but at the same time I can't understand what to do with it? Is it good?

I've been having this problem where the screen usually times out and turns off after 5 minutes of inactivity, but sometimes it just stays on for hours until I manually turn it off. I have it enabled in my google home settings.

I do not have any routines.

I looking for Temperature and humidity sensor (Thermometer) that can be used with the MSmartHome (new name SmartHome, https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.midea.ai.overseas&hl=hu ) App.

I'm already using this app for Midea products, and dont want to use several apps.

Do you guys know any?

I’m trying to unlink Aqara devices ifrom Google Home, but it’s disabled. I was thinking maybe the problem is because my current region in Aqara app is not the same as what was linked in Google Home.

So i tried to change it but unfortunately, Oceania is not available in the options anymore. I tried selecting the countries in the Oceanian Region but still no luck.

Please help!

#Aqara #GoogleHome

I actually don't want the lights be that smart like with motion sensors and so on. I want to dim and change colors. I want remote switches but also able to use an app (on several phones). And ... considering Christmas comes, I want to use time-controlled power outlets (I have analog ones for now). I'm also not interested in talking to a speaker. I have a ir remote controlled light/plug that conflicts with a neighbor which means, my light goes on or off sometimes and I want to get rid of that .

I have no smart speaker, no google streamer, no alexa, no hub of any kind (besides the router). I have a Raspi 3b that is not in use currently.

I have set up a primitive google home in the app since most rooms have an Chromecast or a Chromecast audio but I couldn't add my kids family link accounts to that home so I abandoned that thing. I have an AVM Fritz router and 6 thermostats that have schedules and I'm fine with it - they have lights too but they are 30€ each and remotes cost 50€ and power outlets are 40€ . I'd rather buy a Ikea dirigera and buy outlets, bulbs and switches for 10-15€ each than throw more money at avm. On the other hand: ikea doesn't have thermostats. I'd like to have something I can merge light and heating some time in the future with schedules and temperature sensors.

I started to read into it but I'm overwhelmed. I started at Ikea. Then I found about matter, then home assistant, then zigbee, then zigbee2mqttwhatever. Also google home is in the back of my head but that would be useless if my kids can't control it without using smart speakers, which I don't have and don't want to have.

Someone please point me in a direction.

Hi all

We recently moved to a new house and I told the electrician to prepare our home for domotics (KNX - loxone or anything). However, before I invest heavily into this, I wanted to gradually upgrade my house with smart appliances and devices that are compatible with Google as I'm a fan of their ecosystem.

However, since i can't get all devices from Google (not everything is available in Belgium) I want to look to buy things that are quite compatible and work seamlessly.

I currently just have Philips hue bulbs, Tapo D235 doorbell and a Google nest hub 2nd gen. The goal is that this hub will be my main thing in the house and that the Google home app will be the primary go to. I don't want to have 7599 apps for things.

Furthermore I want to have Google home integrations as much as possible and potential for having KNX or Loxone connected to it.

I'm overwhelmed with what's out there as I'm just starting out :).

Any help is welcome regarding devices I should get and avoid! And what steps I should take :)

Hi,

I saw some physical buttons for sale that are quite expensive. And threads on this are a few years old.

I wondered if there are any new options

Like ones from China resellers that work or otherwise

Hi,

to start off, I already had a smart home system build on top of Apple HomeKit in the past. We moved recently to a different state, were renting for few months and now we're about to move to new house where I plan to build a system again.

I'll put together that I used in the past and what my thoughts are right now and then will ask some questions.

1. Doorbell - I used Logitech Circle View Wired Video Doorbell - it was ok, nothing outstanding, but it worked fine without any major issues. Had some minor problems some times with missing recordings, but I was overall pretty happy.

2. Lights - I used Philips Hue in the LED strip in the kitchen as well as some bulbs across the house. This worked perfectly. I've only had issues with with LIFX bulbs which I needed to reset with HomeKit from time to time

3. Door lock - Schlage - no issues

4. Thermostat - Ecobee previous generation

5. Temperature, smart buttons I used Aquara

6. Cameras - Eufy since they worked with Apple HomeKit

Now my question is - given that I will probably need ~same devices across my new house is there anything I could possibly change to make it even better? I currently use a Google Doorbell and Cameras in my rental house and they work surprisingly well, even better than Eufy, but caveat is that I'd need to use Apple HomeKit and Google ecosystem. I'm also not sure about Philips Hue - is there anything better available? In my rental I use Lutron system and it works great with switches, but I haven't seen ton of bulbs that are compatible.