Can You Control Smart Bulbs Away From Home?

14 Min Read Posted by by Frank

Have you ever left the house and wondered if you forgot to turn off the lights? Or maybe you just want to turn them on before you get home so it’s not dark when you arrive. Good news—these days, it’s easier than ever to control your home lights from anywhere!

Thanks to smart technology, you can now use your phone, voice, or even a timer to manage your lights while you’re away. Whether you’re on vacation, at work, or just out running errands, there are simple ways to stay in control.

In this guide, we’ll look at the best and easiest ways to control your lights remotely. We’ll also go over what each method is good for, what to watch out for, and how to choose the one that fits your lifestyle best.

1. Wi-Fi Enabled Smart Lights:

Wi-Fi smart lights are one of the easiest and most popular ways to control your lights when you’re not at home. They connect to your home’s Wi-Fi, and you can control them right from an app on your phone or even through a website. Some of these lights let you do more than just turn them on or off—you can set timers, dim them, or even change the color to match your mood or time of day.

Discover: How to Make a Lamp Cordless

2. Bluetooth:

Bluetooth can also be used to control your lights, but it works a bit differently. With Bluetooth lights, you connect your smartphone directly to the lights using an app. However, keep in mind that Bluetooth usually only works when you’re close by—like in the same room or somewhere nearby.

So, it’s a good option for easy control without Wi-Fi, but it’s not the best choice if you want to control your lights from far away, like when you’re out of the house or in another city.

3. Voice Control:

Controlling your lights with your voice is becoming more and more popular—and for good reason! With voice control systems like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, you can simply say things like “Turn off the kitchen lights” or “Dim the living room lights to 50%,” and it just works.

It’s a super easy and hands-free way to manage your lights, whether you’re at home or talking to your smart speaker remotely through your phone.

4. Smartphone Apps:

Using smartphone apps to control your lights is super handy and getting more popular every day. With just a tap on your phone, you can turn your lights on or off from anywhere. Many of these apps also let you do more—like set timers, create schedules, or adjust how bright the lights are.

It’s a quick and easy way to stay in control, even when you’re not at home.

5. Wireless Light Switches:

Wireless light switches are awesome for controlling your lights from anywhere, as long as you’ve got internet. They work with a base station that plugs into your home’s router, and then each switch talks to the base station without any wires. Super easy to manage your lights from across the globe.

6.  Light Sensors:

Light sensors make it easy to control your lights without lifting a finger. They automatically detect changes in natural light—like when it gets dark or sunny—and turn your lights on or off to match. Plus, they help save energy by only using light when it’s actually needed.

This is perfect if you want your lights to adjust on their own throughout the day.

Discover:

How to Adjust Motion Sensor Light Switch 

Check out motion sensors

7. Smart Sensors:

Smart sensors are a really useful way to manage your lights, especially when you’re not home. They can pick up on motion or sound and automatically turn your lights on or off depending on what’s happening. This is a great choice if you want to make your home feel safer while you’re away—like turning on the lights if someone walks by.

You’ll need to buy the sensors separately, but the good news is they’re usually pretty affordable.

8. Timers:

Timers are a super easy way to make sure your lights turn on and off right when you want them to. You can grab them at hardware stores or online, then set them up whether you’re at home or away. They’re perfect if you want your lights to come on automatically when you’re not around.

9. Home Automation Systems:

Home automation systems are awesome for controlling your lights from anywhere. They can cost a bit more than other options, but they come packed with cool features and let you tweak your lighting setup in all sorts of ways to fit your style.

With all these options available, it’s now super easy to control your lights even when you’re not at home. Each method has its pros and cons, so it really comes down to what works best for your lifestyle and budget. Whether you go with a simple timer or a full smart system, there’s a solution out there to help you stay in control.

Bonus Tips and Tricks to Control Lights Away From Home

  • Try Voice-Activated Devices
    You can control your lights just by talking! Devices like Amazon Echo, Google Home, and Apple HomePod make it super easy to turn lights on or off with a simple voice command—even when you’re not home. It’s fast, hands-free, and really convenient.
  • Pair Motion Sensors with Smart Bulbs
    Want to save energy without thinking about it? Try using motion detectors with smart bulbs. The lights will only turn on when someone walks into the room, and turn off when there’s no movement. It’s a great way to make sure lights aren’t left on when no one’s around.
  • Use IFTTT to Set Up Smart Rules
    IFTTT (short for “If This Then That”) is a free tool that lets you set up automatic actions for your lights. For example, you could say, “If it’s 7 PM, then turn on the porch light,” or “If motion is detected, turn on the hallway light.” It’s a smart way to automate your lighting with custom rules.
  • Connect Lights to Security Cameras
    Many home security cameras now come with motion sensors. You can set them up so the lights turn on when the camera detects movement—perfect for outdoor areas like driveways, porches, or backyards. It adds an extra layer of security and convenience.
  • Set Timers to Keep Lights on Schedule
    Timers are a simple way to make sure your lights turn on and off at the same time every day. Once you set the schedule, the timer takes care of the rest. It’s great for keeping things consistent, especially when you’re not around.

By using these simple tips, you can easily control your lights even when you’re not at home. With just a little planning, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your lights are doing exactly what you need—keeping your home bright, safe, and secure no matter where you are.

Pros and Cons of Controlling Lights Away From Home

Pros

  • Save Time & Energy
    Controlling your lights from anywhere helps you save both time and electricity. You can turn lights off if someone forgets, or switch them on before you walk into a dark room. It’s a simple way to cut down on your energy bill without much effort.
  • Boost Your Home’s Security
    When you’re not home, having control over your lights can make your place look lived-in. You can set a schedule for the lights to turn on and off, or even switch them on remotely if you hear something suspicious. It’s a great way to help keep intruders away.
  • Enjoy Extra Convenience
    The freedom to manage your lights from anywhere is super convenient. Whether you’re at work, out shopping, or on vacation, you can always check in and control your lighting. You can even turn them on just before you arrive home so you never walk into a dark house.

Cons

  • You Need the Right Products
    To control your lights remotely, your setup needs to be compatible. Not all bulbs or switches work with smart systems, and getting everything to connect can cost a bit more upfront. So, if you’re starting from scratch, it might take some investment.
  • There Can Be Security Risks
    Any time you connect devices to the internet, there’s a chance someone could try to hack them. That’s why it’s super important to use strong passwords and keep your apps and software up to date with the latest security protection.
  • It Might Not Always Work Perfectly
    Remote control systems usually work well, but things like poor Wi-Fi or technical glitches can sometimes cause issues. If the connection drops, you might not be able to control your lights when you want to—which can be frustrating.

Being able to control your lights from anywhere definitely has its perks, but it’s not perfect. Think through the pros and cons, and make sure you set everything up securely. With the right gear and a little care, you can enjoy the convenience without the worry.

What Method Will Be Great for Controlling Lights Away From Home?

When it comes to turning your lights on and off from far away, you’ve got quite a few easy options to choose from. One of the most popular ways is using a smart lighting system. With smart lights, you can control everything from an app or website—anytime, from anywhere. You can dim the lights, set timers, or even create lighting schedules to fit your daily routine.

Another great option is using voice-activated devices like Amazon Alexa or Google Home. Just say something like “Turn on the kitchen lights” or “Dim the bedroom lights to 25%,” and it’s done—no need to touch your phone or open an app. It doesn’t get much easier than that!

Conclusion

Being able to control your lights when you’re not home is a simple way to feel more connected and secure. With today’s smart technology, you can turn lights on or off from anywhere—whether you’re at work, on vacation, or just out running errands. It’s a great way to make sure your home always feels safe and looked after.

Smart lighting systems come with handy features like motion detection, remote access, and automatic schedules. That means you don’t have to worry about whether you left the lights on or if your home looks empty at night—they’ve got it covered.

With the right setup, keeping your house well-lit and protected is easier than ever. Hopefully, this guide gave you some helpful tips to get started. Thanks for reading, and happy lighting!

Discover:

How to Make a Lamp Cordless

How to Adjust Motion Sensor Light Switch 

Tags: