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How to use smart lighting

IKEA Home smart app and TRÅDFRI gateway

How to use moods

A mood is a set of colour and brightness that you can apply to a group of lights. For example, a living room can have a warmer light for dinner and a brighter/cooler light for working.

You can create your own pre-set moods and control them with your IKEA Home smart app (previously TRÅDFRI app). For example, one light setting for watching TV and another for having a cosy dinner.
Watch the video to learn how to create and manage moods with the IKEA Home smart app.

    What is a smart lighting mood?

    • A mood is a set of colour and brightness parameters that you can apply to a group of lights. A group may have several moods associated with it. For example, a living room can have a warmer light for dinner and a brighter/cooler light for working.

    Can I change my mood settings?

    • You can’t change the IKEA default moods but you can create and change your own mood settings.

    How many groups and moods can be created in the IKEA Home smart app?

    • You can create up to nine moods and unlimited groups in the IKEA Home smart app. You can connect up to 50 devices to a TRÅDFRI gateway and, in each group, you can have a maximum of 10 light sources and one steering device (remote, wireless dimmer, etc.).

    How to set timers

    You can set a wake up light, turn your lights on/off according to a schedule or set a timer so that the light turns on as you like – even when you’re away.
    Watch this video to learn how to set timers with the IKEA Home smart app (previously TRÅDFRI app).

      Can IKEA Home smart app wake me up in the morning?

      • Yes, by setting a “Rise and shine” timer to wake you up in the morning. The lights slowly brighten, starting 30 minutes before the time you set. During this time the light will change from warm to bright.

      What are Timers and how can I set them?

      • In the IKEA Home smart app you have three different Timers: Rise and Shine to set your lights to wake you up, Away from home to set your lights to turn on and off as if you were home and ON or OFF to have your lights turned on or off exactly when you want them to.

        Does the IKEA Home smart app cost anything?

        How do I change the pre-set language on the app?

        • Go to settings (the gear icon in the upper right corner of the home screen). Then go to language settings and pick the language of your choice.

        Where do I find the version number of the IKEA Home smart app?

        • In the IKEA Home smart app you can find the version number at the bottom of the settings page under “Clear all settings”.

          In the App Store and on Google Play, there is a section called “Version” and you can find the version number there.

        How many family members can simultaneously control the light sources from smart devices using the IKEA Home smart app?

        • The TRÅDFRI gateway supports up to 10 smart devices connected at the same time.

        If I have a non-gateway system and want to add a TRÅDFRI gateway, will my current smart lighting products automatically show up in the IKEA Home smart app?

        • No, you need to do a factory reset of your steering device and add it to your gateway. After that, pair your light sources with that device. The IKEA Home smart app will guide you step-by-step how to do it.

        How can I check whether my gateway is connected to my home network?

        • The gateway will indicate when it's connected to your home network. You can watch the film “How to install TRÅDFRI gateway kit".

          How do I install an update in the IKEA Home smart app?

          • To install, accept the update when prompted in the IKEA Home smart app.

          I want to move to a new home and take my smart lighting system with me. What can I do to reset and start over again?

          • There is an option in the App called “Clear All Settings” that you can use to erase all your personalised settings from the system and revert it to factory default settings.

          When should I disconnect from the gateway in the app settings and what will happen when I press it?

          • You should press “disconnect” from the gateway if you want to connect to another gateway. Imagine the scenario of having one gateway at work and one at home. To jump from one to the other you need to “log off”. All settings (moods groups) are stored in the gateways and are specific to each.

          Can I control my light sources from the IKEA Home smart app when I'm not at home?

          • No, you can only control your light sources with the IKEA Home smart app when you are within your WiFi range (local network). However, by setting up one of the integrations with either Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit or Google Assistant, it is possible to control your lights even when you are not connected to your local network. For market and language availability, please refer to Apple, Amazon or Google support.

          Which mobile devices are the IKEA Home smart app available for?

          • The IKEA Home smart app works with Android (KitKat 4.4 or Lollipop 5.0) and iOS (iOS 9 or later).

          What is the gateway?

          • The gateway is a small hub that connects your light sources to your IKEA Home smart app via your home WiFi network, so that you can control your lights from a mobile device anywhere in your home. The IKEA Home smart app will not control your IKEA smart lighting without the gateway.

          What do I need to use the TRÅDFRI gateway and IKEA Home smart app?

          • You need to have WiFi, a cable connection, an IKEA smart lighting light source and a steering device.

          Four ways to control smart lighting

          Whether you prefer physical devices or apps, we've got you covered! Change the atmosphere of your home with the touch of a button, a wave of your hand, a tap in the app or simply your voice. Pair with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit.

          1. Remote control

          Control your IKEA Home smart products with a simple touch of a button.

          2. Sensor

          Make your home feel safer with lighting that turns on right away upon motion.

          3. IKEA Home smart app

          With IKEA Home smart app you can set different scenes and timers to make your everyday more convenient. 

          Did you know? TRÅDFRI app has become the new IKEA Home smart app.

          4. Voice control

          Control your IKEA Home smart products with your voice. Works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit.

          Using the TRÅDFRI remote control

          • When you’re using the remote control, you control the brightness by clicking on the sun symbol. To change colour, you click the left/right arrow.

          Using the TRÅDFRI wireless dimmer

          • When using the wireless dimmer, you must hold down the "1" or "0" symbol to control the brightness. When only tapping the "1" or "0" you will turn the lights on or off.
            Since the wireless dimmer only controls brightness, you need a remote control or the IKEA Home smart app and gateway to adjust colour temperature.

          Using the IKEA Home smart app

          • You can adjust brightness and colour for groups of lights or for individual lights directly in the IKEA Home smart app. To adjust the brightness, move the slider to the right or left. To adjust colour, press the colour button and select the desired colour.

          Using the TRÅDFRI motion sensor

          • If you want to change the colour/brightness for a bulb connected to the motion sensor, you need the IKEA Home smart app and gateway.

            When the motion sensor is activated, the bulb will turn ON to whatever settings were created in the IKEA Home smart app.

          How many colour temperatures can the TRÅDFRI White Spectrum light bulb create?

          • The TRÅDFRI White Spectrum light bulb has three different white colours – warm white (2700K), warm glow (2200K) and cool white (4000K).

          I have added a colour or white spectrum bulb to my motion sensor. How do I set the colour/temperature?

          • You can do it in the IKEA Home smart app, which means that you need to have a gateway. You can control brightness and colour temperature in the IKEA Home smart app. Then, when the motion sensor is activated, the bulb will turn ON to whatever settings were created in the app.

          What is a light group?

          • A light group is two or more bulbs controlled by the same steering device.

          Is it possible to group TRÅDFRI light bulbs?

          • Yes, you can group your light bulbs in the IKEA Home smart app (connected to a TRÅDFRI gateway). You can also create a group of light bulbs (up to 10) that belong to one steering device (remote control, wireless dimmer and motion sensor).

          I want to have the new light bulb in different group to my previous ones connected but I only have one steering device.

          • You can use your steering device to add more light bulbs to your IKEA Smart lighting system. In the settings menu in your IKEA Home smart app, you can create a new group and then drag-and-drop the desired lights to the new group.

          Can individual light sources have different brightness levels?

          • Yes, you can either use the IKEA Home smart app or each light source will need to have its own remote control or wireless dimmer.

          Do IKEA smart lighting products have a memory function?

          • Yes. If a light is dimmed while set to a certain colour temperature, it will remember that brightness setting when changed to the next colour.

          How can I control individual light sources?

          • You can control individual light sources with the IKEA Home smart app. If you don’t have the app, you will need a separate steering device for each light source.

          Can I turn my light on and off without using a smart device?

          • Yes, you can use the main power switch, steering device or the IKEA Home smart app.

          Can I use normal wall circuits to steer my smart lighting products?

          • Yes. The main power switch will work but only for turning lights on and off, not for dimming or changing colour temperature.

          How close do I need to be to control my lights?

          • You need to be within 10 metres of the light to control it with a steering device. To control the light with your IKEA Home smart app you need to be within WiFi range (provided you have a TRÅDFRI gateway).

          Do I need one steering device (remote control, wireless dimmer or motion sensor) for each light source?

          • No. One TRÅDFRI steering device can steer up to 10 LED light bulbs, LED panels, lamps or spots at a time.

          How can I remove a light source from my steering device (remote control, wireless dimmer or motion sensor)?

          • To remove a smart light source, perform a factory reset of it by toggling the main switch six times.

            You can watch this film for instructions: "How to reset a TRÅDFRI light bulb".

            Where can I find the pairing button on my steering device?

            • The pairing button is located under the back cover of the control device.

            How can I return to the default setting (factory reset)?

            • You can watch this film for instructions:

              How to reset to factory default settings

              Security, interference and radiation risk 

              Security

              IKEA has applied a number of safety measures to make sure our products are secure and as up-to-date as possible at the time of purchase. IKEA smart lighting products use the 128-bit AES standard and are tested and approved in accordance with all applicable standards for wireless products.

              TRÅDFRI products are not bound to any region and will work in lamps suited to their bulb size.

              Radiation

              The radiation is less than that of any WiFi device or mobile phone. However, if you should experience any discomfort due to electricity or radiation sensitivity, we suggest that you use the wall switch to turn off the bulbs, to render them completely powerless.

              Interference

              Once light sources are paired to a steering device, they can only be used together, so there is no risk that neighbouring systems will affect each other.

              If other electrical appliances in your home operate on the same frequency (2.4 GHz) and are placed close together, interference is possible. However, the product has been certified according to the standards in the DoC (Declaration of Conformity) and should prevent interferences.

              What data are you collecting about me?

              • IKEA doesn’t collect any private data when you use the IKEA smart lighting system.

              Does the light switch need to be turned off when installing the light source?

              • No, but we recommend turning off the main power switch while connecting a light source to a socket or cable. Then turn the light switch back on for adding the bulb to your steering device and gateway.

              Can smart lighting products be used outdoors or in a semi-outdoor environment, such as a garage or a greenhouse? Can smart lighting products be used in a bathroom?

              • Generally, IKEA recommends using IP44-rated lighting in bathrooms. TRÅDFRI light bulbs, remote control, motion sensor, GUNNARP lamps and LEPTITER spotlight can be used with these. TRÅDFRI bulbs can even be used outdoors. However, the TRÅDFRI wireless dimmer and FLOALT panels cannot be used in bathrooms or outdoors.

              How warm do smart lighting products get compared to regular lighting products?

              • The light bulb’s temperature will rise slightly when it is lit, just like regular light bulbs.

              What is the energy consumption of smart lighting products compared with other LED light bulbs and built-in LED lamps?

              • Different products have different energy consumptions, so please check the product information on the website or on the packaging.

              What safety measures has IKEA taken to prevent products from being hacked?

              • Safety and security is of the highest importance to IKEA. As with all of our products, IKEA smart lighting collection complies with all relevant regulatory requirements. To further secure our smart lighting products, we have chosen a closed platform solution.

              What’s the risk of my IKEA smart lighting products being hacked if I connect them to Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and/or Apple HomeKit?

              • We have close co-operations with Amazon, Google and Apple to secure our smart lighting products. Safety and security is of the highest importance to IKEA. As with all of our products, the IKEA smart lighting collection complies with all relevant regulatory requirements.

              Compatibility

              Which devices are compatible with the IKEA smart lighting products?

              • For the time being, our smart lighting products are certified to work with Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit and Google Assistant, provided you have a TRÅDFRI gateway. Also, since the IKEA smart lighting products use the Zigbee Light Link protocol, they are compatible with other Zigbee certified products. In addition, other device manufacturers may have made proprietary solutions in order to control IKEA smart lighting products without IKEA support.

              Do the IKEA smart lighting products work with other smart home systems?

              • IKEA has worked closely with Amazon, Apple and Google to make all the IKEA smart lighting products compatible with Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit and Google Assistant, provided you have a TRÅDFRI gateway. For market and language availability, please refer to Apple, Amazon or Google support.

              Can I use my voice to control my IKEA smart lighting products?

              • You can voice control your IKEA smart lighting products through Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit and Google Assistant if you have a TRÅDFRI gateway. For market and language availability, please refer to Apple, Amazon and Google support.

              How do I make my IKEA smart lighting products work with Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit and Google Assistant?

              • The IKEA Home smart app will guide you through the setup process for Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit and Google Assistant on your mobile device. For market and language availability, please refer to Apple, Amazon and Google support.

              Am I able to use my IKEA smart lighting products with Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit and Google Assistant in all markets?

              • You can use our smart lighting products with Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit and Google Assistant in markets where we have launched the TRÅDFRI gateway and where the aforementioned services are also available. For market and language availability, please refer to Apple, Amazon and Google support.

              Will Amazon, Apple and Google get access to my data when using their products with my IKEA smart lighting products?

              • The only data made available by IKEA to Amazon, Apple or Google is product information such as bulb type, bulb name and bulb state. This is necessary in order for the integration to function. No personal information is stored or shared by IKEA.

              Do the IKEA smart lighting products work with the Philips Hue Bridge?

              • Yes, you can use the IKEA smart lighting products together with the Philips Hue Bridge.

              How do I connect my IKEA smart lighting products to a Philips Hue Bridge?

              • If the software version of your IKEA smart lighting products is 1.2.x or later, you can connect them directly to a Philips Hue Bridge. Simply follow these steps:

                – First, make sure that the light sources that you want to connect have an updated software version (1.2.x or later).

                – Keep the light sources close to the Philips Hue Bridge. – Search for new devices with the Philips Hue app.

                – Do a factory reset of the light sources by toggling the main switch six times.

                Learn more about factory reset

                If the software version of your products is not 1.2.x or later, you need to update it by using a TRÅDFRI gateway and the IKEA Home smart app.

                How do I check which software version I have in my IKEA smart lighting products?

                • If you’d like to know which software version is running in your IKEA smart lighting products, you can either check it in the IKEA Home smart app or ask an IKEA co-worker for help.

                Is IKEA Home smart an open platform?

                • No. However, the IKEA smart lighting products are certified as Zigbee Light Link and are compatible with other products according to the Zigbee Alliance. You can find more information at zigbee.org. For further information about making your product compatible with IKEA smart lighting products please contact info.HomeSmart.se@ikea.com.

                Can I develop the IKEA Home smart system by getting access to the systems API?

                • Not in the first release. But IKEA is working towards an open system. For further information about making your product compatible with IKEA smart lighting products please contact info.HomeSmart.se@ikea.com.

                What protocols do the IKEA smart lighting products use?

                • IKEA smart lighting products use the Zigbee Light Link, which is an open standards protocol aimed at remote control. The lights create a mesh network with each other, enabling each light to pass on messages to the next. IKEA smart lighting products are compatible with other products according to the Zigbee Alliance. You can find more information at zigbee.org.

                Are IKEA smart lighting products compatible with other Zigbee products?

                • The IKEA smart lighting products are certified as Zigbee Light Link and are compatible with other products according to the Zigbee Alliance. You can find more information at zigbee.org.

                Does the IKEA Home smart system work with other non-Zigbee smart home products or IFTTT (“If This Then That”)?

                • Today, the TRÅDFRI devices do not support IFTTT. However, IKEA continues the journey towards a smarter home for the many people.

                How does IKEA smart lighting work with my existing wired lighting system?

                • IKEA smart lighting works in any standard electrical light outlet suitable for the bulb sizes provided. However, TRÅDFRI smart lighting cannot be used with a wired dimmer connection. You can always turn the light on and off with the wall switch connected to the lamp using TRÅDFRI light sources or with the lamp switch itself. This should not affect the bulbs’ pairing with any steering device.

                What happens if I try to use a TRÅDFRI light bulb with an analogue dimmer?

                • The light bulb will not work with a wired dimmer. It will flicker, buzz or shut off when it is connected.

                Can I purchase more TRÅDFRI products over time and integrate them with my existing IKEA smart lighting system?

                • Yes. You can purchase additional solitary and pre-paired kits from IKEA. They will work with the IKEA Home smart app and gateway system.

                Can I use other IKEA light bulbs in the smart lighting system?

                • No, only TRÅDFRI light bulbs will work as part of the TRÅDFRI system. You can, however, have other bulbs in parts of your home that you do not wish to control through the TRÅDFRI system.

                Can I add another TRÅDFRI light bulb, SURTE door, JORMLIEN door or FLOALT panel to my system?

                • Yes, you can expand your smart lighting system. Watch the films to see how easy it is:

                  Add a TRÅDFRI dimming kit

                    Add bulbs, doors and panels

                      Add a TRÅDFRI motion sensor kit

                        Add FLOALT lighting panels

                        Need more help with your smart lighting?