What do I need to buy to get Alexa to control all my lamps in the sitting room?

[Chiccachorizo]

I have 4 or 5 lamps that I'd like to be able to just turn on simultaneously with my voice.

They're all different and not smart bulb etc compatible, so I'm assuming I need special plugs but I'm not very tech savvy.

Is there an easy (and relatively cheap) way of doing this?

Just something like this: https://www.amazon.co.uk/TP-Link-Monitoring-SmartThings-Wireless-KP115/dp/B08LZWBTR6/ref=sr_1_5?crid=2VI85MXCP40KF&keywords=kasa+smart+plugs&qid=1705666128&sprefix=kasa+smart+plugs%2Caps%2C97&sr=8-5

I use Google home and currently have 3 similar plugs, one for each lamp at the front, back and middle of the room - I can switch them on/off by either using the Kasa app or by saying 'Hey Google... front lights on' or 'Hey Google...all lights on'

Following!

There’s an Amazon smart plug for Alexa. Quite pricey though. Other versions available on Amazon that claim to be compatible are available for less.

We use smart bulbs. If you have need a combination of screw-in and push-in bulbs you can also buy adaptors. That way you can save money by buying multipacks of one type of smart bulbs.

We have sockets. Like an adapter between the lamp and the wall socket. You can name them individually or as a group. We also have smart bulbs in the main light. You just need to remember who is called what!

Just search for Alexa comparable smart plugs on Amazon and take your pick. Then you need to set up a routine on Alexa that switches them all on with one command.

Just had a Quick Look and they do packs of four plugs for around twenty quid

Either smart plugs or smart bulbs. The latter allow you to change the colour and brightness too.

Please don't assume that you will always have a voice or free speech.

WTF

All of my lamps are on timers from Homebase, I brought 3 for about 20 and I just slide things up and down whenever I want them to come on and off. I don’t have to move them very often or worry about them. It’s not fancy technology and is very simple as I just plug them in. It doesn’t even use the internet. Worth a try.

I use Meross smart plus with my lamps. These ones:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mini-Smart-Plug-Compatible-SmartThings/dp/B0978NFK95/ref=sxin_14_sbv_search_btf

I also have a Meross power surge strip that I used for a heater and fan etc, plus a Meross desk lamp. I love telling Alexa what to do. 😂

I tried smart bulbs in two of my overhead lights but they can be annoying as if you manually switch them on and off, you have to reset the connection before you can use Alexa with them.

You're cheerful 😶but heaven forbid it happens, you can use your smartphone to control them. Assuming you don't also lose your sight. I guess the OP won't care about lamps then anyway.😜

Not all smart bulbs!

I tried smart bulbs in two of my overhead lights but they can be annoying as if you manually switch them on and off, you have to reset the connection before you can use Alexa with them.
Again. Not all smart bulbs.

Some of ours change colour. Some don't. We've never had to reset the connection when they get turned off at the wall. Or when there's a power cut.

Could you not just go round and switch them on? It's cheaper and you get to stretch your legs.

If you don't want to or can't change the bulbs to smart alternatives, then the easiest way will just be to buy five of these:

Amazon Smart Plug, works with Alexa, Certified for Humans device https://amzn.eu/d/eJgpZFN

Just plug your lamp into the smart plug, and the smart plug into the wall/extension lead.

The smart plugs will connect straight into the Alexa app without needing any third party software. Then you just need to create a routine to turn them on or off.

Buy Alexa enabled plugs. Use the app Tuya smart to set them all up. Add this as a skill in the Alexa app. Re-name all plugs and set up routines with a particular word. Eg we have Alexa turn on living room which turns on 2 lamps (plus Christmas tree in December). When we go to bed we say turn off living room which turns off the lamps and also turns on our bedroom lamp at the same time

I use Amazon smart plugs, I name the lamps different names but if I say Alexa lamps on or lamps off, she'll turn them all on or off. The TV too and at Christmas, the tree lights. Sometimes they're on sale for less but atm they're £24

Amazon Smart Plug, works with Alexa, Certified for Humans device amzn.eu/d/2qI5JRX

Ours are Meross like @HundredMilesAnHour

They work perfectly. Some I have programmed with 'routines' using the app to come on and off at certain times and others we turn on and off with our voices.

Even though we might not always have voices...

I use Amazon smart plugs, I name the lamps different names but if I say Alexa lamps on or lamps off, she'll turn them all on or off. The TV too and at Christmas, the tree lights.

@AlwaysGinPlease you can change that in the app by sorting out your devices into ‘lights’ and ‘plugs’ so she won’t turn off the ‘plugs’.

Tapo smart plugs are great!

I got one from a friend and then OVO sent me 2 as part of some energy saving scheme. Love them! Can control from phone remotely and by voice via alexa!

I use tp link sockets. Reasonably priced and compatible with alexa.

We have ours on smart plugs. ‘Alexa, let there be light!’

@RitzyMcFee oh I know, I just say turn the lamps off as it's really quick. I have a lot 😊

You need an Alexa device - cheapest ones are Echo Dots and you need a smart plug for each lamp.

You can get smart plugs for around £25 for a box of 4 on Amazon. We use Eightree ones but there are lots to choose from.

Once you have the plugs, you'll need to install an app - whichever one the plugs ask for. Then you use the app to connect the plugs to your WiFi.

Once that is done, you add the plugs to your Alexa app and then create a group with all the lights in.

I love it. We also use Routines which can turn lights on/off at set times or when the sun sets or whatever.

The hardest part is getting the plugs to sync with your WiFi, sometimes takes a couple of goes and I always have more success when trying the "slow blink" rather than the "fast blink" option (that will make more sense when you see the instructions!)