So you want to use your fancy Alexa to control you blinds, well you can (kind of) Alexa can control your blinds, but not directly. You need to have electric blinds with smart technology that can connect to a home automation hub or a bridge device that works with Alexa. This way, you can use voice commands or preset controls to operate your blinds with ease.
How to control your blinds with Alexa: To control your blinds with Alexa, you need to have electric blinds with smart technology, an Alexa-enabled device, a home automation hub or a bridge device that is compatible with both your blinds and Alexa, and the relevant apps installed on your mobile device.
Choose electric blinds with smart technology
The first step to control your blinds with Alexa is to choose electric blinds with smart technology that can communicate with other devices. These are blinds that have a motor and a receiver that can be controlled by a remote, a wall switch, or a smartphone app. Some examples of electric blinds with smart technology are:
- Somfy-powered products that use Radio Technology Somfy (RTS) or Somfy io-homecontrol protocols.
- Hunter Douglas PowerView Automation shades that use PowerView Hub and App.
- Newblinds.co.uk products that use Louvolite One Touch motors and Home Hub.
Choose an Alexa-enabled device
The second step is to choose an Alexa-enabled device that can receive your voice commands and send them to your blinds. These are devices that have Amazon Alexa built-in or can be connected to an Amazon account. Some examples of Alexa-enabled devices are:
- Amazon Echo devices, such as Echo Dot, Echo Show, Echo Studio, etc.
- Amazon Fire TV devices, such as Fire TV Stick, Fire TV Cube, etc.
- Amazon Fire tablets, such as Fire HD 8, Fire HD 10, etc.
- Other devices that work with Alexa, such as Sonos One, Bose Home Speaker 500, etc.
Choose a home automation hub or a bridge device
The third step is to choose a home automation hub or a bridge device that can connect your blinds and your Alexa device. These are devices that act as a middleman between different smart products and protocols and allow them to work together. Some examples of home automation hubs or bridge devices are:
- Somfy myLink that connects Somfy-powered products to Alexa via Wi-Fi.
- Hunter Douglas PowerView Hub that connects PowerView Automation shades to Alexa via Wi-Fi.
- Newblinds.co.uk Home Hub that connects Louvolite One Touch products to Alexa via Wi-Fi.
- Broadlink RM Pro+ that connects various IR and RF devices to Alexa via Wi-Fi.
Install the relevant apps on your mobile device
The fourth step is to install the relevant apps on your mobile device that can help you set up and control your blinds and your Alexa device. These are apps that allow you to create an account, link devices, create scenes or routines, and adjust settings. Some examples of relevant apps are:
- Somfy myLink app that allows you to control Somfy-powered products and link them to Alexa.
- Hunter Douglas PowerView app that allows you to control PowerView Automation shades and link them to Alexa.
- Newblinds.co.uk app that allows you to control Louvolite One Touch products and link them to Alexa.
- Amazon Alexa app that allows you to set up and manage your Alexa devices and skills.
Set up and link your devices
The fifth step is to set up and link your devices using the apps and following the instructions provided by the manufacturers. This may vary depending on the type and model of your devices, but generally, you need to do the following:
- Plug in and turn on your electric blinds, your Alexa device, and your home automation hub or bridge device.
- Connect your electric blinds to your home automation hub or bridge device using the remote, the wall switch, or the app.
- Connect your home automation hub or bridge device to your Wi-Fi network using the app.
- Connect your Alexa device to your Wi-Fi network using the Amazon Alexa app.
- Enable the skill for your home automation hub or bridge device in the Amazon Alexa app and link it to your account.
- Discover your electric blinds as new devices in the Amazon Alexa app.
Use voice commands or preset controls
The final step is to use voice commands or preset controls to operate your blinds with Alexa. You can use natural speech to open, close, activate, or turn on individual blinds, rooms of blinds, or scenes of blinds. You can also create routines in the Amazon Alexa app to automate your blinds based on time, location, or other triggers. Some examples of voice commands or preset controls are:
- “Alexa, open the kitchen blinds.”
- “Alexa, close the bedroom blinds.”
- “Alexa, activate the movie night scene.”
- “Alexa, turn on the good morning routine.”
FAQs
Q: What are the benefits of controlling your blinds with Alexa?
A: Controlling your blinds with Alexa has many benefits, such as:
- Convenience: You can operate your blinds without lifting a finger or reaching for a remote. You can also control them from anywhere in your home or even outside your home using the app.
- Comfort: You can adjust your blinds to suit your mood, activity, or weather. You can create the perfect ambiance for relaxing, working, or entertaining.
- Privacy: You can protect your home from prying eyes by closing your blinds with a simple command. You can also create the illusion of occupancy by automating your blinds when you are away.
- Energy saving: You can reduce your heating and cooling costs by regulating the amount of sunlight and heat that enters your home. You can also save electricity by using natural light instead of artificial lighting.
Q: What are the drawbacks of controlling your blinds with Alexa?
A: Controlling your blinds with Alexa may have some drawbacks, such as:
- Cost: You may need to invest in electric blinds, an Alexa device, and a home automation hub or bridge device to enjoy the full functionality of voice control. These devices may be more expensive than manual or non-smart blinds.
- Compatibility: You may need to check if your electric blinds, your Alexa device, and your home automation hub or bridge device are compatible with each other and support the same protocols. Some devices may not work well together or require additional accessories or adapters.
- Reliability: You may experience some glitches or delays in controlling your blinds with Alexa due to Wi-Fi connectivity issues, software updates, or voice recognition errors. Some devices may also malfunction or break down over time.
Q: What are some alternatives to controlling your blinds with Alexa?
A: Some alternatives to controlling your blinds with Alexa are:
- Using a remote or a wall switch that comes with your electric blinds. These are simple and easy ways to operate your blinds without voice control.
- Using a smartphone app that connects to your electric blinds via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. These allow you to control your blinds from anywhere using your mobile device.
- Using other smart speakers or assistants that work with your electric blinds, such as Google Home, Apple HomeKit, or Samsung SmartThings. These offer similar features and functions as Alexa.
That’s all folks!
We hope this post has helped you learn how to control your blinds with Alexa. With these easy steps, you can enjoy the convenience and comfort of voice control and make your home smarter and more efficient. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. And don’t forget to check out our other posts on home decor and lifestyle topics. Happy talking!
Dale is the colorful mind behind HuetifulHomes.com, where he shows you how to create a home that is as fun and fabulous as you are. He has a passion for color and a knack for DIY, with years of interior design experience he shares his tips and tricks on how to create a home that reflects your personality and style. He believes that color is the key to happiness, and he wants to help you make your home more Huetiful.
