Smart bulb setup in Exeter
Professional smart bulb setup services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60-85
Typical Duration
1-1.5 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Smart bulbs installed in your light fittings, paired to your phone, and set up for voice control. I'll configure schedules, scenes, and routines so your lighting actually feels smart.
Make Your Lights Actually Smart (Not Just WiFi Bulbs That Don't Work)
Smart bulbs are magic when they work and absolutely infuriating when they don't pair, won't connect, or need the app you can't remember the password for. The bulbs themselves are simple - screw them in. Getting them talking to your phone, working with Alexa, and actually doing useful things? That's the tricky bit.
Let me sort it properly.
💡 Pro tip: Don't mix bulb brands unless you want multiple apps and confusion. Pick one ecosystem (Hue, LIFX, or own-brand from Screwfix/B&Q) and stick with it. They'll all work together properly then.
Working vs Sitting in Boxes
| ✅ Proper Setup | ❌ DIY Reality |
|---|---|
| All bulbs in one app, easy control | Three different apps for three bulb types |
| Voice control working smoothly | "Alexa doesn't understand me" |
| Schedules set for different times | Manually turning them on/off like normal bulbs |
| Scenes saved (movie mode, dinner, bedtime) | Just using white light at full brightness |
What You Get
🔧 The Full Service
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Install bulbs | Fit smart bulbs in your light fittings safely |
| Connect & pair | Get them on WiFi or hub, into your phone app |
| Set up control | Link to Alexa/Google if wanted, create groups |
| Configure & teach | Set schedules, scenes, routines. Show you how it works |
📦 You're Left With
- Smart bulbs installed and working
- Phone app control set up
- Voice control if you want it
- Schedules and scenes configured
Pricing Guide
| Scenario | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| 1-4 bulbs, basic setup | 1 hr | £60 |
| 5-10 bulbs with scenes & routines | 1.5 hrs | £85 |
| Troubleshooting + hub setup | 1-2 hrs | £60-£110 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Bulbs not included.
Perfect For Your Situation If...
✅ First smart home device - start with lighting, it's the easiest
✅ Bought bulbs, can't pair them - app defeated you
✅ Want voice control - Alexa/Google integration
✅ Complex scenes - different lighting for different activities
Why Choose Us for Smart bulb setup in Exeter?
Bulbs installed and paired to your phone
Voice control set up if you've got Alexa/Google
Schedules and routines configured
All working from one app, not five different ones
What to Expect
Step 1: Install Bulbs
Safely fit your smart bulbs in the light fittings you want smart. Check they power on (they usually flash or pulse when first powered).
Step 2: Connect & Pair
Get bulbs connected to WiFi or hub, paired to the app, named sensibly. Group them by room so controls make sense.
Step 3: Set Up & Teach
Link to voice assistant if wanted. Create scenes (movie, dinner, bedtime), set schedules, configure routines. Show you how to control and customize.
🔧 DIY Tips
Fancy trying it yourself? Here's how smart bulbs work:
🔧 What you'll need
- Smart bulbs (same brand/type recommended)
- WiFi password (2.4GHz network, not 5GHz)
- Smartphone with manufacturer's app
- Hub if your bulbs need one (Philips Hue, some others)
💡 Installing bulbs
- Turn off power at the switch
- Remove old bulb
- Screw in smart bulb
- Turn power back on
- Bulb should flash/pulse to show it's in pairing mode
📱 App setup
- Download manufacturer's app (Philips Hue, LIFX, Tapo, etc.)
- Create account if needed
- For hub systems: connect hub to router via cable, power it up
- Add bulbs in app (usually auto-detects in pairing mode)
- Name each bulb by location (living room main, bedroom lamp, etc.)
🏠 Creating rooms and groups
- Group bulbs by room in the app
- Lets you control "living room" not "bulb 1, bulb 2, bulb 3"
- Essential for voice control
- Most apps auto-suggest room names
🎨 Scenes and schedules
- Scenes: saved brightness/colour combos (movie mode = dim, warm white)
- Schedules: time-based (lights on at 5pm, off at 11pm)
- Routines: triggered by events (sunset, sunrise, leaving home)
- Start simple, add complexity as you learn the app
🗣️ Voice control setup
- Enable skill in Alexa app (Settings > Skills > search manufacturer)
- Or add in Google Home app (Add > Set up device > Works with Google)
- Discover devices (can take a minute)
- Test basic commands: "Turn on living room", "Dim bedroom to 50%"
⚠️ Common DIY problems
- Won't pair - bulbs need 2.4GHz WiFi, not 5GHz (common issue)
- Can't find bulbs in app - reset bulb (usually on/off 5 times rapidly)
- Alexa won't control - bulb and Alexa must be on same WiFi network
- Bulbs go offline - usually router reboot fixes it
- Light switch turned off - smart bulbs need constant power to stay connected
💡 Pro trick: Put a label on light switches for smart bulbs saying "LEAVE ON - smart bulb". Family members turning off the switch is the #1 reason smart bulbs stop working.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🎨 Already got Alexa or Google? I can set up voice control while I'm there. Much easier to demonstrate in person than explain over the phone.
Planning to expand? Start with the main rooms (living room, bedroom) and see how you get on. Smart bulbs aren't for everyone - some people hate not having physical switches. Better to try 4 bulbs than commit to 20.
Older house with no neutral wire? Smart bulbs work in any light fitting because they just screw in like normal bulbs. You don't need smart switches or any rewiring. Brilliant for older Exeter houses where smart switches won't work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the point of smart bulbs?
Control your lights from your phone (brilliant when you're in bed), set schedules (lights on before you get home), change colours and brightness, create scenes, and control by voice if you've got Alexa or Google. Once you've got them, regular switches feel prehistoric.
Do I need a hub or can they connect directly to WiFi?
Depends on the brand. Philips Hue needs a hub. LIFX and most own-brand smart bulbs connect directly to WiFi. Hub systems are more reliable but cost more upfront. I'll advise which type suits your setup best.
I've bought smart bulbs but can't get them to connect - can you fix it?
Yes - that's most of my smart bulb calls. Usually it's WiFi frequency (they need 2.4GHz not 5GHz), reset procedure, or app confusion. I'll get them connected and show you how to add more yourself if you want to expand.
Can you set them up to work with my Alexa/Google Home?
Absolutely - that's where they get really useful. I'll link the bulbs to your voice assistant so you can say 'Alexa, turn off downstairs' or 'Hey Google, dim the living room to 20%'. Proper smart home stuff.
How many bulbs can you set up in one visit?
As many as you've got. First few take longest (app setup, hub connection if needed), then each additional bulb is quick. Most people do 4-8 bulbs to start - main rooms downstairs - then expand later.
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