Ever wished you could turn on the lights in your home even when you’re out on vacation? Ever wished you could check who knocks on your door?

You can with the right smart home devices. These are devices all connected to the Internet, which is why many also refer to them as Internet of Things (IoT).

Not sure how it all works? We’re here to help you out. With this guide, you’ll learn about smart home devices.

Read on and find out how these devices aid to bring your home to the digital age:

Start With the Basics

The first thing you must learn is the devices related to your smart home vision. It’s no secret that automating your home requires lots of stuff. Some of the most common devices seen in a smart home include:

• Smart lights
• Plugs
• Locks
• Cameras
• Thermostats

The good news is that you need not spend lots of money to get started with your smart home. For example, buying a $15 smart plug that activates your coffee machine each morning is a good first step. It also applies when you install a smart ceiling fan control for your living room.

Take note, smart homes were more complex because they have no platforms. Now, you have several options to choose from, like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. These are the biggest platforms, but Samsung SmartThings is a good alternative, along with some less popular platforms.

With these platforms, all your smart home devices become part of a unified ecosystem. This ensures everything will work seamlessly, meaning less hassle for you.

What are the Best Practices to Get the Proper Smart Home Devices?

If you aren’t familiar, a good practice to follow is to know your needs. Think about the things you already have and plan what you want to add from there. It’s a better practice compared to when you work backward from the platform.

For example, do you already own some smart plugs and lights? If you want them to run, check what they work with and plan using these facts. That’s why you’re also likely to consider the type of phone you’re using.

Do you plan to use either Alexa or Google Assistant? The good news is that you’ll be okay, regardless of whether you use an Android or an iOS smartphone. But if you’re using the former, the Apple HomeKit won’t be an option.

As for devices, most will work using various platforms. But the majority of them work best when using either Alexa or Google Assistant. It’s easy to identify whether the device works on a platform since its packaging will tell you its compatible platforms.

Is a Smart Home Hub Necessary?

Your platform will tie your devices, but the hub will act as an access portal for you. The rise of smart speakers gave new methods of controlling gadgets, meaning hubs aren’t as necessary as before. Regardless, having a hub means getting support for a wide range of wireless protocols.

Also, the hub enables you to control different devices from various brands using a single app. If you tried out smart home technology before, the terms Zigbee and Z-Wave can be familiar. These low-power signals are for devices to communicate on, with traditional hubs offering support for one or both.

How to Start With Your Smart Speaker

When you set up your smart speaker, you must have a smartphone app. After that, connect your speaker to your wireless network. If you use Alexa, download the corresponding app on the app store, regardless of whether you’re using Android or iOS.

Within the app, tap Devices and the plus sign. You’ll find this in the bottom left of your screen. With this, you can add your Echo speaker to your wireless network.

How to Connect Your Speakers and Streaming Apps

Did you know that the average American spends 32 hours listening to music each week? That’s why when setting a smart home, one of your priorities is to use voice commands to play music. Depending on your platform, the setup process can vary.

Here are methods of setting up different music streaming apps on your smart speakers:

1. Using Alexa

Alexa allows you to set up music streaming apps such as Spotify or Amazon Music Unlimited. If you’re using the former, go to the Alexa app and access your Music Settings. There, you can link a new service by signing in and linking your account.

2. Google Home

For this platform, it’s even easier than the process for Alexa. Go to your account preferences and select your linked media accounts. After that, tap Spotify and log in using your account.

How to Set Up a Smart Video Door Bell or Camera

Your smart home can support lots of cameras. You can set up some to function using voice assistants while others with smartphone apps. If you’re using Nest, it gives you access to baby monitors or security cameras linked using your phone.

Do you have an Echo Show? If so, link this to your Ring video doorbell since it allows you to show the person at the front door using the screen. If you wish to add the Ring Skill to your Alexa app, log in to start linking the accounts.

The Echo Show will show you a feed of the front door by simply giving a voice command. You also have the means of speaking through the doorbell with your smart speaker. As usual, give a vocal command to Alexa to answer the front door to accomplish this.

Set Up Your Smart Home Today!

These are things you must consider when setting up smart home devices. Use these guidelines to ensure your next setup finishes without a hitch. Now you can check on your home, manage devices, and ramp up security or comfort no matter where you are.

Of course, configuring your smart home is only the start. If you want to read more about IoT devices and which ones to get, continue reading our other home guides right here!