Can I control my lights with Alexa or Google Home?

Controlling lights with Alexa or Google Home: how it is done

Voice control of your lights is the simplest way to get started with home automation. No building work is needed: you just make the lighting point smart and link it to the voice assistant.

Three ways to do it

1. Smart switches. They replace the switch on the wall. You keep a normal push button and gain voice and phone control. The most convenient option for the whole family.
2. Micro modules behind the switch. They sit in the switch box and keep your current switches. Ideal if you do not want to change the look.
3. Smart bulbs. The easiest, but if someone turns off the wall switch, they stop responding.

Wi-Fi, Zigbee or Matter

• Wi-Fi: each device connects to the router. Simple with a few points; with many, it can overload the network.
• Zigbee: its own low power network with a gateway. More stable when there are lots of devices.
• Matter: the standard that makes devices from different brands and assistants work together.

What you can do

• Switch on and off by voice or from your phone, even when away.
• Dim the lights, if the point allows it.
• Create scenes such as dinner, film night or leaving home, with several lights at once.
• Schedule times or simulate presence while you are on holiday (vacation).
• Combine it with blinds, thermostat or smart plugs.

Installation requirements

Many smart switches need a neutral wire in the switch box, which older Spanish installations do not always have. It is also worth checking compatibility with dimmable LED bulbs. An electrician checks this before you buy anything.

What it costs

Wireless home automation has a guide price of 60 to 120 euros per point installed.

When to call an electrician

Call if you want to control your lights by voice or from your phone without building work. In Seville, Spain, we do it through our smart home installation service.