I'm dealing with a challenging setup living in a remote old house with problematic wiring. My home internet relies on my phone's hotspot, making it tough to configure IoT devices, as they need to be on the same network as the device used for setup, which also needs an internet connection. I have to juggle multiple devices—a phone for the hotspot, a computer to connect, and a router to manage the network. The flickering lights in my house often reset the smart bulbs, leading to constant re-pairing, which I've now given up on. Currently, I have a huge issue with my bathroom lights, which are stuck in flashing pairing mode and won't stop. Is there any way to resolve this without switching to other lighting solutions?
5 Answers
Honestly, it might be simpler to just switch to plain old bulbs. Given your setup, smart bulbs sound like a hassle! Have you thought about getting internet via cellular instead?
You could try using a mobile Wi-Fi router. The GL.iNet models are great for connecting to your phone's hotspot and can help maintain your smart bulb connection without needing a full-blown setup.
Are smart bulbs really necessary for you? Basic LED bulbs might save you a ton of trouble over trying to keep smart ones configured.
I know I could just replace my lights, but I'm really looking for a practical solution to make my existing bulbs work better, not just a quick fix!
First and foremost, you should consider improving your wiring to meet safety standards. Once that’s done, you can think about using a reliable 4G/5G router for your network. But I understand you just want to fix your current bulbs.
I get the appeal of smart bulbs! They can change colors and be dimmed through an app—definitely fun features! But it sounds like the hassle may outweigh the benefits for you.