Smart bulbs are gaining traction due to LED lights having longer lighting spans than regular light bulbs.
While smart bulbs are relatively new, there can still be blinking issues with these lights.
The main reasons why smart bulbs may blink are either due to issues with the bulb itself or problems with the associated fixture, light switch, or socket. To determine the exact cause, it is recommended to check the bulb first and consult the owner’s manual for troubleshooting steps. Resetting the bulb, ensuring a stable Wi-Fi connection, and addressing any internal wiring or switch compatibility issues can often resolve blinking problems.
Continue reading to learn about blinking issues with smart bulbs that can be easily fixed by you.
Also, I’ll discuss issues with smart bulbs that can arise that may have nothing to do with the bulbs at all.
Your Smart Bulb is Blinking Due to the Bulb Itself
Smart bulbs can blink or flash due to a few different reasons involving the bulb itself.
Most of these reasons can be fixed by using the owner’s manual that comes with the smart bulb.
In the event you tossed the owner’s manual away, these possible blinking issues with your smart bulbs can be figured out or fixed with the solutions listed below.
The Bulb is Setting Up or is in Pairing Mode
When setting up your smart bulb for the first time, it will have to pair with the system being used.
Some smart bulbs will pair with your Wi-Fi, and some will pair with Bluetooth on your phone.
Both types of connections can be done from an app on your phone or a tablet.
Your smart bulb might also be blinking to let you know the bulb is set up and is ready to go.
The light from the bulb can then be adjusted using the app associated with the bulb.
A Wi-Fi Connection Error is Causing the Blinking
When setting up your smart bulb initially, it will blink while in pairing mode.
Once in pairing mode, the smart bulb may continue to blink if there is a low or no connection to the Wi-Fi.
The blinking will be the smart bulb attempting to establish a Wi-Fi connection.
If your smart bulb has already been connected to the Wi-Fi and starts blinking afterward, it could be from a disruption in the Wi-Fi connection.
The solution for this would be to check the app or, if needed, check your router.
Your Smart Bulb Needs to be Reset
If the above two options have not worked, your smart bulb might need a manual reset.
Manually resetting the smart bulb will bring it back to the original factory settings.
This means any settings you already have in place will be lost.
However, any previous settings you had can be set again afterward.
This process can vary depending on which brand you are using, so checking the owner’s manual will be the best option to fix this issue.
Most of these blinking issues can be taken care of by setting up or manually resetting your smart bulb.
Keep a Close Watch on the Wi-Fi Connection
If there happens to be a continuous Wi-Fi connection issue, the smart bulb might need to be moved closer to the Wi-Fi or to a different area of your home with a better connection.
Some smart bulbs may come with a connector box or a hub that can connect to your router as well.
Your Smart Bulb is Blinking Due to an Issue Within Your House
Smart bulbs blinking can be due to internal home reasons as well.
Any type of electrical wiring inside your home that is older or is damaged can be a cause for blinking smart bulbs.
For some of these reasons you may be able to fix it on your own, but you might have to hire an electrician.
Your Smart Bulb Can Be Blinking Due to a Light Switch or Dimmer Switch
Light switches for regular light bulbs may not work well with newer smart bulbs.
Smart bulbs work differently than regular light bulbs.
For a regular light bulb, you would flip a switch to turn the bulb on or off. With smart bulbs, the amount of light can change depending on what you have it set to.
Light switches would then stay in the on position to keep the power to the socket being used for the bulb.
Dimmer switches do not pair well with smart bulbs.
Smart bulbs come with their own dimming capabilities based on your preference.
When connected with an actual smart bulb, a dimmer switch can cause the bulb to blink or flicker.
Keeping light switches and dimmer switches in the on position will always allow you to use your smart bulbs.
Since smart bulbs are controlled with an app, leaving the switches on will continuously send power to the bulbs.
The brand Lutron makes a smart bulb dimmer switch.
The smart dimmer switch mounts to your light switch while in the power-on position and has a cap that snaps on top.
This prevents any power from ever leaving the bulb because the switch cannot get turned off.
Your Smart Bulb Can Be Blinking Due to Faulty Light Sockets
Light sockets that are not getting enough power to them, or old light sockets, can cause blinking smart bulbs.
The part of the socket that touches the light bulb can be damaged from screwing in the light bulb too tightly.
By taking the light bulb out, the inside of the socket can be looked at to see if this is part of the problem.
If there is nothing wrong with the socket itself the wiring to the socket can be getting old.
Sometimes the light socket might be easier to fix if it is located inside a lamp.
If the lamp light socket is the issue, this can be fixed by having the socket changed out or by replacing the lamp altogether.
Your Smart Bulb Can Blink When Connected to Your Alexa
The Assistive Technology Blog gives a great example of how to make your smart bulbs blink using an Alexa.
This must be set up separately but can be a fun tool to use.
At IFTTT, you can create an applet that will make your smart bulb or bulbs blink with different Alexa commands.
The example used is having a Phillips Hue smart bulb blink whenever an Alexa timer goes off.
- To set this up, you would go to IFTTT and create a new applet.
- Choose a service, which is Alexa.
- Then you will choose a trigger, which is the timer.
- IFTTT refers to a trigger as the option being put in place for the “If This” section of the formula.
- Choose an action service. In the example, a Phillips Hue smart bulb is used.
- Choose an action, which is to blink the lights or light.
Once the applet has been set up, it can be tested.
The timer will start to go off and the blinking smart bulb will soon follow.
IFTTT has a free version available before signing up for a subscription to try this out.
With the free version, you can create up to three applets. There is also a mobile app available.
Smart Bulb Is Blinking: To Conclude
Smart bulbs can blink for multiple reasons, either due to the smart bulb itself, or the light switch or socket.
When trying to figure out what could be wrong with your smart bulb, checking the bulb first is the best option.
It is possible your smart bulb may need to be reset, which could be what fixes the issue.
Are You Still Struggling With Your device?
If you’re still struggling trying to get going your smart device, contact me at nelson.barbosa@myautomatedpalace.com and we can discuss how can we fix it!
