This article explains how to set up smart light bulbs, smart switches, and smart home hubs with an Alexa-enabled Echo device.

What to Know

  • Connect a bulb or switch: In the Alexa app, tap Devices > All Devices. Tap the bulb or switch you want to connect.Connect a smart hub: In the Alexa app tap More > Skills & Games. Find your device’s skill and tap Enable. Create a lighting group: Tap Devices > plus sign > Add Group. Name the group and choose the devices to include.

Connect a Smart Light Bulb to Alexa

Before you begin, make sure the smart bulb is compatible with Alexa, then install the bulb according to the manufacturer’s directions and give it a name. Usually, this means screwing the smart light bulb into a working outlet. Refer to the instructions if a hub other than Alexa is involved.

Connect a Smart Switch to Alexa

To connect a smart switch to Alexa, you must first install the switch. Most smart switches will need to be hardwired directly into your home’s wiring system, so refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for details on how to install the switch. When in doubt, hire a certified electrician to ensure the switch is wired properly. 

Select the Devices tab.

Choose All Devices. Alexa will search for any compatible devices and present a list of the devices discovered.

Scroll down to find the smart light that you want to connect. It will appear as a bulb icon with the name you assigned during the initial setup.

Tap the smart light’s name to complete the setup. 

Connect a Smart Hub to Alexa

Scroll down to find the smart switch that you want to connect. It will appear as a bulb icon with the name you assigned during the initial setup.

Tap the smart switch’s name to complete the setup. 

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to set up your smart hub, and then use these instructions to get connected to Alexa: 

  • Select the More button, indicated by three horizontal lines,
  • Choose Skills & Games.
  • Browse or enter search keywords to find the skill for your device.
  • Select Enable and then follow the on-screen instructions to complete the linking process.
  • Choose Add Device in the Devices section of the Alexa app.
  • Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for any special steps specific to your hub. For instance, to connect Alexa to Philips Hue you must press the button on the Philips Hue Bridge first.

Set up Lighting Groups

If you want to be able to turn on several lights with a single voice command through Alexa, you can create a group. For example, a group might include all the lights in the bedroom or all the lights in the living room. To create a group you can control with Alexa:

Select the More button, indicated by three horizontal lines,

Choose Skills & Games.

Browse or enter search keywords to find the skill for your device.

Select Enable and then follow the on-screen instructions to complete the linking process.

Choose Add Device in the Devices section of the Alexa app.

Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for any special steps specific to your hub. For instance, to connect Alexa to Philips Hue you must press the button on the Philips Hue Bridge first. 

  • Select the Devices tab.
  • Choose the plus sign, then select Add Group.
  • Enter a name for your group or choose an option from the list. Select Next.
  • Choose the lights you want to add to the group and then choose Save.
  • Once set up, all you have to do is tell Alexa which group of lights you want to control. For example, say, “Alexa, turn on the living room.”

Choose the plus sign, then select Add Group.

Enter a name for your group or choose an option from the list. Select Next.

Choose the lights you want to add to the group and then choose Save.

Once set up, all you have to do is tell Alexa which group of lights you want to control. For example, say, “Alexa, turn on the living room.”

Although Alexa understands the “Dim” command, some smart bulbs dim and some don’t. Look for dimmable smart bulbs if this feature is important to you (smart switches typically don’t allow dimming).

Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day