Maybe this is a silly question but here goes. I’m thinking about getting WIFI smart bulbs. I want to use them as regular bulbs but with the ability to adjust colors and dimming through my phone. I’ve read that these bulbs should always be powered to respond to phone or voice commands. Can I use them like regular bulbs without connecting to devices like Alexa? Do they need a hub? What happens when you turn them off and on? Do they remember the settings or does it take a while to set up each time?
It’s possible, but you’d be better off with a smart wall switch. Using smart bulbs just for their color seems a bit much. Smart bulbs need constant power to function properly. The wall switch should always be left ‘on’ so that the bulb, not the switch, controls the power. Make sure any smart switch you buy can accommodate this setup.
Yes, most smart bulbs can remember their last settings after being powered off. Some even let you choose how they react. For a simpler setup, you might consider Bluetooth-only bulbs, which don’t require creating an account and everything stays local. They might even come with a remote.
@Nathan
Actually, even Bluetooth bulbs need power to function as the person who posted this wants. To fully control the bulbs at the wall, you would need smart switches that complement the smart bulbs.
@Lily
They’re not looking to control the bulbs with the power off. They just want normal light functionality with the added ability to adjust color and brightness. That’s my understanding.
Nathan said:
@Lily
They’re not looking to control the bulbs with the power off. They just want normal light functionality with the added ability to adjust color and brightness. That’s my understanding.
Sure, but I haven’t seen any bulbs that can be without power overnight and keep their settings. Smart switches might be necessary. I think once they start using smart bulbs, they’ll want the app or a voice assistant and won’t worry about the physical switch.
@Lily
I have bulbs and fixtures that do retain settings without power. But if we’re talking about keeping the smart functionality without continuous power, then yes, a smart switch wouldn’t change that. You’d need to keep the switch on to maintain settings. I agree, though, smart wall switches are generally a better solution for automation.
@Nathan
If your bulbs are working that way, they’re still getting power from somewhere, maybe through a smart switch. Without power, they can’t keep settings or connections.
Lily said:
@Nathan
If your bulbs are working that way, they’re still getting power from somewhere, maybe through a smart switch. Without power, they can’t keep settings or connections.
That might be, but I remember my fixtures worked fine even before the smart switch was installed. Though, I haven’t tried this with just a bulb. Let’s just say my setup might be unique. Cheers!
@Nathan
Or maybe you controlled the bulb through an app, so the switch was always on. That’s why you might have thought to install a smart switch. Typically, bulbs retain settings only for a few days at most without power.
@Lily
Reflecting on that, you might be right. My experience wasn’t a typical test of this. I should clarify that my ceiling fixture keeps its settings, but I won’t argue it’s a standard case. Have a good one!
@Nathan
Actually, I’m just looking for a simple bulb that I can adjust. I’m not interested in automation or remotes with limited color options. Thanks for the insights, though!
Jasmine said:
@Nathan
Actually, I’m just looking for a simple bulb that I can adjust. I’m not interested in automation or remotes with limited color options. Thanks for the insights, though!
Best of luck finding what works for you! It sounds like retaining power for settings is key, which isn’t something I’ve personally tested.
Jasmine said:
@Nathan
Actually, I’m just looking for a simple bulb that I can adjust. I’m not interested in automation or remotes with limited color options. Thanks for the insights, though!
For varying colors, there aren’t many ‘dumb’ bulb options. You might consider setups that prevent the wall switch from being turned off, or battery-operated wall switches that can control a permanently powered bulb.
You might need smart switches instead of just smart bulbs. The bulbs are designed to be always on to work correctly. Smart switches can allow you to manually control the light while retaining smart features.
Sure, you can install them and not connect to wifi. They’ll function like normal bulbs when you use the switch.
Why not just use the best? Get Hue bulbs and enjoy all the features with the Hue app. You don’t even have to turn them off if you don’t want to. They’re the top choice for a reason!
Randy said:
Why not just use the best? Get Hue bulbs and enjoy all the features with the Hue app. You don’t even have to turn them off if you don’t want to. They’re the top choice for a reason!
Thanks for the suggestion, but that doesn’t really answer my question.
If you don’t need wifi capabilities, consider fixtures with remote controls for color adjustments. I found some great non-wifi options at a local store.
I use my smart bulbs this way. They remember the last setting when you turn them back on. This allows for remote off capability and simple on-switch functionality.