How to connect GU10 LED Smart bulbs to your Amazon Alexa/Echo

Connecting a GU10 LED smart bulb to devices such as Amazon Alexa and Amazon Echo is a simple process that enables you to control your lighting using voice commands or a mobile app.  Smart LED GU10 bulbs can be used in ceiling spotlights, kitchens, living rooms, bedrooms, and commercial spaces.  They are an energy efficient source of smart lighting allowing you to operate your lighting remotely.  

When you are purchasing a smart GU10 bulb you should make sure that it will be compatible with your chosen smart home system.  Most smart GU10 bulbs work with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and sometimes Apple HomeKit.  Some smart bulbs will connect directly through your Wi-Fi, while others will require a separate smart hub such as Zigbee or Bluetooth bridge. 

A step by step guide on getting your smart bulb connected

1. You should first fit the light bulb into your existing light socket.  Begin by switching off the light fitting at the wall switch and then you can insert the bulb. To do this, push gently on the bulb, and twist it clockwise until it locks securely into place.  Once this is done you can turn the power back on.  The majority of smart bulbs will flash or blink when first powered on.  This is an indication that they are ready for pairing.
2. Next you will need to download the manufacturer’s recommended app for your smart bulb.  Smart Life, Tuya Smart and Philips Hue are a few common ones or manufacturers may even have their own lighting app.  You can then open the app and follow any instructions as needed.  Make sure your smartphone stays connected to your home Wi-Fi network and that it is a 2.4GHz network, as many smart bulbs do not support 5GHz Wi-Fi during setup.  (The majority of home Wi-Fi should be 2.4GHz.
3. After you have completed any instructions required to set up the app you should then be able to connect your light.  When you are in the app, select “Add Device” or “Add Light” and follow the instructions given to connect the GU10 smart bulb.  The app will search for nearby devices and guide you through linking the bulb to your Wi-Fi network.  Once the connection is complete you can rename the bulb as you wish.  We would recommend doing this as it will make voice commands simpler later on.
4. After the bulb is connected to the manufacturer's recommended app you should make sure your Alexa/Echo is connected to your Wi-Fi and you can then open the Amazon Alexa app if you are wanting to use Alexa.  When you are in the Alexa app you should tap “Devices,” then select the plus icon and choose “Add Device.”  Next you will need to choose “Light” and then select the bulb brand if listed. In many cases, you will be asked to enable the manufacturer’s skill inside Alexa. This links your smart bulb account with Alexa so the system can discover your lights.  
5. Once everything is linked to your Alexa it will search for your smart bulb and add it automatically.  You can then organise your bulbs into rooms or groups such as “Living Room” or “Downstairs” for easier control.  This will allow you to give commands such as “Alexa, turn off the kitchen lights” or “Alexa, dim the bedroom lights to 50 percent.”