Smart bulb setup in Exeter
Professional smart bulb setup services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60
Typical Duration
30-45 mins
Location
Exeter, Devon
Smart bulbs not connecting or too confusing to set up? I'll get them working with your WiFi, phone app, and voice control. Patient help for tech that should be simple but isn't.
Why Smart Bulbs Are Frustrating
You bought smart bulbs to make life easier. Now you're stuck because:
- App can't find the bulbs
- WiFi won't connect
- Voice control doesn't work
- Instructions make no sense
- "Just install the app" isn't helpful when nothing pairs
Half an hour of frustration later, you're ready to give up and just use normal bulbs.
💡 Pro tip: Smart bulbs are brilliant once someone shows you how they work. The setup process is badly explained, but the actual using them part is dead simple.
What I Set Up
🔧 Complete Smart Bulb System
| Step | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Install bulbs | Fit bulbs in your chosen lights |
| Connect to WiFi/bridge | Get bulbs talking to your network |
| Pair with app | Set up phone control |
| Link voice control | Connect to Alexa/Google if you've got them |
| Show you how | Demo all the controls and features |
| Set up extras | Schedules, scenes, automation if wanted |
Time: 30-45 mins for basic setup. Longer if you want lots of automation.
Common Smart Bulb Systems
📦 What People Use
| Brand | Needs Hub? | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Philips Hue | Yes (Hue Bridge) | Full features, very reliable |
| LIFX | No | Direct WiFi, easy setup |
| TP-Link/Tapo | No | Budget friendly, works well |
| Ikea TRADFRI | Yes (IKEA Gateway) | Cheap, integrates with Hue |
All work fine - I'll set up whatever you've got.
Pricing Guide
| Service | Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Basic setup (3-4 bulbs) | 30 mins | £60 |
| Whole house system | 45 mins | £60-£85 |
| Including automation/scenes | 1 hr | £85-£110 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after.
Why Choose Us for Smart bulb setup in Exeter?
Bulbs connected to WiFi and app
Voice control working with Alexa/Google
Shown how to control and adjust
Schedules and automation set up if wanted
What to Expect
Step 1: Install & Power On
Fit bulbs in your lights, turn power on. Some bulbs need special power-on sequences to enter pairing mode - I know the tricks.
Step 2: Connect Network
Set up bridge if needed, connect bulbs to WiFi or bridge, pair with the app. This is where most people get stuck - I'll get it working.
Step 3: Configure & Teach
Name the bulbs (living room, bedroom, etc), set up rooms/zones in the app, link to voice assistant. Show you all the controls.
🔧 DIY Tips
Want to try setup yourself? Here's how:
🔧 Basic setup process
- Install bulbs: Screw into light fittings, turn power on
- Download app: Get manufacturer's app (Hue, LIFX, Tapo, etc)
- Create account: Usually needs email registration
- Add bridge (if needed): Plug Hue bridge into router, power on, pair with app
- Add bulbs: Follow app prompts to discover bulbs
- Name bulbs: Give each a clear name
- Create rooms: Group bulbs by location
- Test controls: Turn on/off, change brightness, try colors
📐 Troubleshooting
- App can't find bulbs? Turn bulb off/on 3 times quickly (reset to pairing mode)
- WiFi won't connect? Check bulb supports your WiFi (2.4GHz usually, not 5GHz)
- Bridge not pairing? Press button on bridge when app says to
- Voice control not working? Enable skill in Alexa/Google app, discover devices
⚠️ Common mistakes
- Using 5GHz WiFi (most smart bulbs only work on 2.4GHz)
- Light switch off (bulb has no power so can't connect)
- Too far from router/bridge (weak signal won't pair)
- Not resetting bulbs when they won't pair (power cycle 3-5 times)
💡 Pro trick: Set up one bulb first and make sure it all works. Then add the rest. Trying to set up 10 bulbs at once when you're not sure what you're doing is asking for frustration.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🎨 Want dimming too? Smart bulbs dim through the app - but you need to leave wall switch ON. If you want wall control, fit a smart switch instead of smart bulbs, or use both together.
Bridge vs no bridge? Hue bridge is more reliable and faster response than WiFi direct bulbs. But it's an extra box and cost. WiFi bulbs (LIFX, TP-Link) are simpler with no extra hardware.
Mixing brands? Possible but complicated. Stick to one ecosystem if you can - makes life much easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do smart bulbs work with normal light switches?
Yes, BUT the switch needs to stay on for the bulb to have power. Turn it off at the switch and the smart bulb can't respond to your phone or voice. Most people leave switches on and control everything via app/voice instead. I can fit smart switches if you want wall control too.
Which smart bulbs do you work with?
All of them - Philips Hue, LIFX, TP-Link, Ikea TRADFRI, cheap ones from Amazon, whatever you've got. They all work basically the same way: connect to WiFi or bridge, pair with app, control from phone. I'll get yours working.
Do I need a smart home hub?
Depends on the bulbs. Philips Hue needs their bridge. LIFX connects direct to WiFi (no bridge). Most work either way. If you've already bought bulbs, I'll work with what you've got. If you're buying new, I can advise what's easiest.
Can you set them up to work with Alexa or Google Home?
Yes - that's usually part of the setup. Once bulbs are in the app, I link them to your voice assistant so you can say 'Alexa, turn on living room lights' or whatever. I'll show you the voice commands that work.
Will you set up schedules and automations?
If you want them, yes. Lights on at sunset, off at midnight, whatever you need. Most people just want basic on/off control to start with, then add automation later once they're used to it.
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Make the most of your first hour - I can often tackle several small tasks in one visit. List everything you need done when you call!
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