How can I control my lights when away from home?

Answered by Douglas Hiatt

Controlling your lights when you are away from home is a convenient feature offered by many smart home platforms and ecosystems. There are several apps available that allow you to remotely control your lights, switches, or hubs. Let’s explore some popular options:

1. Philips Hue App: If you have Philips Hue smart lights, the Philips Hue App is a fantastic choice. It allows you to control your lights, create custom scenes, set schedules, and even sync your lights with music or movies. The app also provides geofencing capabilities, so your lights can automatically turn on or off when you leave or arrive home.

2. Smart Life: Smart Life is a versatile app that supports a wide range of smart devices, including lights. It works with popular brands like LIFX, TP-Link, and more. With Smart Life, you can control your lights remotely, set schedules, and create custom scenes. It also integrates with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

3. Apple Home: If you are in the Apple ecosystem, the Apple Home app is a great way to control your lights remotely. It works with HomeKit-compatible devices, allowing you to control your lights using your iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch. The app offers a simple and intuitive interface, and you can create automation rules based on your location or specific triggers.

4. Yonomi: Yonomi is an app that acts as a universal remote for your smart home devices. It supports a wide range of devices and platforms, making it compatible with various smart lights. With Yonomi, you can create routines that control your lights based on different conditions, such as time of day, your location, or even the weather.

5. Samsung SmartThings: If you have a Samsung SmartThings hub, the SmartThings app is your go-to for controlling your lights remotely. The app allows you to control not only lights but also other smart devices in your home. You can create custom automations, set up scenes, and monitor your home’s status from anywhere.

6. Belkin Wemo: Belkin Wemo offers a dedicated app for controlling their smart lights and switches. The Wemo app provides a straightforward interface to turn your lights on or off, set schedules, and create rules. It also supports voice control through Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

7. Wink: Wink is another popular smart home platform that supports various lighting brands. The Wink app allows you to control your lights, create scenes, and set up automation rules. It also integrates with other smart devices, giving you a centralized control hub for your smart home.

8. Google Home: If you have Google Nest or compatible smart lights, the Google Home app is a convenient way to control your lights remotely. The app lets you turn your lights on or off, adjust brightness, and change colors if applicable. You can also group lights together and control them simultaneously.

These are just a few examples of apps that enable remote control of smart lights. The right app for you will depend on your specific smart home ecosystem and the devices you have. It’s worth exploring the features and compatibility of each app to find the best fit for your needs. With the ability to control your lights remotely, you can have peace of mind and easily manage your home’s lighting even when you’re away.