LUTRON AURORA DIMMER SWITCH - Smart switch for Philips hue & Homekit

💡NEW VIDEO 🎬 The Lutron Aurora could be the most under rated homekit accessory. I love the Lutron Aurora because it solves a huge pain point for Smart Home enthusiasts. Smart Switches require constant power so when a family member or friend flicks the light switch off for your smart bulbs, your smart bulbs or lights will no longer be responsive! The Lutron Aurora locks your toggle or paddle/decora switch to the ON position. VOILA! Problem solved. The Lutron Aurora is a must have accessory for the Homekit Smart Home.
⚡SUBSCRIBE⚡ to my channel and click the 🔔 to get notifications : / thebradlloyd​
Hit me up in other corners of Social Media:
linktr.ee/thebradlloyd​​
Chapters
0:00 Intro
1:45 Avoid the No Response Error
4:04 Toggle or Paddle/Decora Switch
5:08 Contents in the Box
5:30 Install
7:05 Set up in the Hue App
8:03 Final Thoughts
*AFFILIATE LINKS*
Below are links to the products related to today's video. I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you and this would help support my channel. The below genius links are set up to direct you to the correct Amazon store based on the country you live in.
LUTRON AURORA
Lutron Aurora Toggle Switch: geni.us/HsQn5g
Lutron Aurora Toggle Switch with screwdriver: geni.us/YwDF
Lutron Aurora Paddle Switch Wall Bracket: geni.us/RBirO
Philips Hue
Philips Hue A19 Bulb: geni.us/aYRlTD
Philips Hue A19 Starter Pack (3 bulbs = bridge): geni.us/PDrmdT
Philips Hue A19 Starter Pack (4 bulbs + bridge): geni.us/P8tV1
Philips Hue Dimmer Switch: geni.us/uxGAA7
#LutronAurora #Homekit #Smartswitch #Aurorainstall #Noresponseerror #AppleEcosystem #LutronAurorareview #PhilipsHue #Friendsofhue #Smartlighting #homekitlighting #Homekitaccessories #Smarthomeautomation​ #SmallKZbinr​​​ #Subscribe​​​ #Trending​​​​​ #techlife​​​​ #Smallchannelsupport​ #TeamHomekit #TheBradLloyd​
Music courtesy of: www.epidemicsound.com/campaig...
For my creator friends, check out Tube Buddy! Install the Tube Buddy App, I highly recommend it. www.tubebuddy.com/TheBradLloyd

[@SusanMiddleton1]

I learned something new today! I (mostly) avoid the turning off the power problem by only using Hue light bulbs in floor and table lamps with Hue dimmer control. Guests are less likely to turn off the power at a lamp. Not being into coloured lights, I use regular LED bulbs in ceiling fixtures with Casseta switches. Now that I know I can use an Aurora switch if the situation presents itself.

[@TheBradLloyd]

Hi Susan, I generally try to reserve smart lights for lamps/accent lighting as well, however, for those lights where you want to be able to adjust the colour or light temperature the Aurora is amazing. While an extra expense it definitely opens up more options! Thanks for watching!

[@Bigglare]

Great video. Lutron Aurora is the quintessential accessory for smart bulbs, but crippled by hue and homekit. I have several of these. Bedroom lamps on static and switched outlets can be controlled together. Ceiling fan lights with Ikea Candle bulbs which run $10 comparet to $40 from hue. I took a 4-way hallway with three lights, and gave individual control of the lights or all together with these aurora dimmers. I do find their claim of being a zigbee 3.0 remote that can directly connect to other bulbs misleading, I haven't been able to get them to pair directly with any manufacturers bulb. They seem to only talk with a hue bridge. The best thing about these is you can add bulbs from other manufacturers to the Hue bridge to use with these remotes. Unfortunately here the Homekit Security policies cripple the potential of the remote. Alexa and Google Home can still see these third party bulbs for voice control and macro automations while Siri/homekit turns a big blind eye to them and you cant use homekit's wonderful automations with third party bulbs on any zigbee border router.

[@TheBradLloyd]

Thanks for watching Lawrence! I totally understand where you are coming from. Since I'm deep into the Apple Ecosystem, it is absolutely the quintessential accessory and is so useful for me. Thanks for sharing your feedback on some of the restrictions, especially between ecosystems.

[@ModernDayTech]

Good stuff Brad! This is one I never bought. I don’t have a lot hue bulbs but you gave me an idea to install one inline next to a one gang physical switch. Kinda like a built in pico. Instead of flic stuck to the wall. Makes for a cleaner look.

[@TheBradLloyd]

Yes, great idea! The Aurora definitely serves a purpose, depending on your setup. It's certainly saved me some stress!

[@dominiquetipton6785]

Hey great video Brad! This looks pretty interesting and seems like just what I need. However, the light I want to control is hooked up to a Hue smart plug (can't use Hue bulbs with it 😕). Any idea if this would be able to turn the plug on/off?

[@thomasschleper9077]

Can the Lutron Aurora dimer switch be placed over an existing dimmer toggle switch? Where the dimmer is manual to the right of the toggle?

[@seanilnseher3054]

Can the Aurora dim light strips? If so would they have to be Philips or just Zigbee 3.0?

[@mrhanky5555]

I want to use these for a three way switch also. How would I configure the wires if I wanted to use the decora setup at both locations? Thanks

[@TheBradLloyd]

Totally possible - Page 11: www.lutron.com/TechnicalDocumentLibrary/044-143-C_AR%20Switch%20Install%20Guide.pdf

[@geek2330]

I have a question if you don’t mind me asking. Is there another similar smart switch to use on top of a toggle switch if the smart light is not Hue? I don’t have my setup yet but thinking ahead of time on how to control a toggle switch that would control down recessed ceiling lights and possibly LED light strip.

[@TheBradLloyd]

I really hope we get more options in the near future, but I'm not aware of any right now. That is why I use Hue when connected to a switch. The extra cost of Hue/Aurora is worth the frustration it saved.

[@myHomeKithome]

Fantastic video! ALL of my home's lights are are Hue and this issue with switchesis one of the reasons that I don't recommend using Hue as a primary solution for smart lighting.

[@TheBradLloyd]

I agree! I try to stick with smart switches wherever I can, but for those times you need colour, the Aurora is essential!

[@_iErik]

I have my Hue bulbs connected to a Hue Bridge, and primarily use them through HomeKit via the Apple Home app (with automations). Does this still work when using HomeKit?

[@andythefork]

Sure does. You'll add the switch to your Hue bridge via the Hue app, and set up which bulbs are controlled through that. That's just a one-time setup, business as usual afterward. The Aurora switch just becomes an additional way to control your lights, it doesn't interfere or stomp on anything else. Sometimes I use the switch, sometimes I tell Siri to dim or brighten the lights, they coexist in harmony.

[@anatoliyefimov4984]

great video... Helped me decide to move forward...

[@TheBradLloyd]

Thanks so much for watching Anatoli. I am glad you found this helpful!

[@AnalWrecker]

half way through the video maybe I should finish before asking the question But. if my lights aren't connected to a switch and they are strictly wifi only will this switch work?

[@rodrigoruiz976]

Does it work with other bulbs like the Nanoleaf?

[@bofric4119]

Great video! Can the Aurora's be turned on off using Lutron Casetta Pico remotes?

[@dtedge33]

In your 3 way set up, if you rotate switch #1 clockwise to turn the bulbs on, what options do you have to turn the bulbs off on switch #2 (counterclockwise rotation, press button, or both)? If counterclockwise is an option, does the dial rotate infinitely (so can always use it to further dim lights or turn lights off)? Thanks in advance!

[@TheBradLloyd]

Hi Dustin, sorry for the late response. On a 3-way setup both dimmers work exactly the same. Press to turn on/off and rotate to brighten/dim. They rotate infinitely so there is no start or stop position. Does that make sense?

[@RickLaw101]

My Lutron switch has the push on off twist to dim dial, it recently started to not push on/off normally. It can take multiple pushes and is getting worse. I've started just using the twist to control it. Is this an easy fix or should I order a new one?

[@AndyCadel]

This is a great review. Could you provide the details of removing the existing paddle switch and capping the traveler and hot wires together at 6.45 in the video. It went by pretty fast and I want to make sure I get it right. Again, thanks for the great video. Just subscribed!

[@MinimalUnbox]

Does it work with Adaptive Lighting (HomeKit) so each time of the day temperature is also sync with HomeKit?

[@TheBradLloyd]

Sadly no. Hue works with adaptive lighting, but no way to program the Aurora this way - hopefully in the future. Hue does work with adaptive lighting though.

[@robertmiller7849]

But… this is NOT a product exposed to HomeKit in anyway! The title should be the most underrated “Phillips Hue” accessory. Other “friends of hue” buttons and wireless switches are exposed to HomeKit but this one is not, and thus the title is wrong.

[@TheBradLloyd]

Fair point Robert, thanks for the comment. Not exposed to HomeKit, but for those who use and rely on Philips Hue, the Aurora is fantastic!

[@tnerolff820]

Thanks for this one ! But whats the best switch solution for the Nanoleaf bulb ?(into a ceiling light) 👍

[@TheBradLloyd]

Hi Tnerolff, I love the nanoleaf bulbs, but unfortunately no solution as nice as the Aurora for hue. You could simply cap the wires to the “on” position with a blank cover, then add a button, like the flic if you want wall control. Hope that helps!

[@tnerolff820]

@@TheBradLloyd thanks for your response, i hope nanoleaf gonna come with their own switch, especially because i want to utilize the threat network ... but for now i guess that’s the only solution 🥲

[@TheBradLloyd]

Yes, I hope so too! Thread is still pretty new so I’m sure more accessories will come with time.

[@michaelesquivel9810]

Hello Brad, big fan here from Costa Rica would you mind telling me or providing the links of the dummy switches and plates you got having a hard time here to find those appreciate your help keep the awesome work

[@TheBradLloyd]

Hello! With the weather we're having I sure wish I was in Costa Rica right now! What are you having trouble finding exactly? Are you referring to the Aurora specifically, or the wall plate? If it's the wall plate, how many gang is it? Toggle or Decora style? Thanks

[@petervenema9628]

Olso curious About the eve smart switch gen 2 with tread

[@TheBradLloyd]

It’s not in North America but hopefully soon! I would love to test that out.

[@DiscreteCam]

Is there anything I can do for thread enabled bulbs?

[@TheBradLloyd]

You can add a button, but nothing quite like a Aurora.... yet at least.

[@novermarksa2833]

Does this lights switch only work with Philips hue bulbs or can I use this on LED light fixtures?

[@TheBradLloyd]

Hi Nover, the Aurora connects to your Hue bridge. It's specifically for Philips Hue lights.

[@steadijim2632]

Thanks for the video. Very helpful. I was very excited up until the point where you mentioned that it doesn’t work with the nano leaf bulbs - then my heart dropped! Most of my house is done with Nanoleaf, and I’m desperately trying to find a solution like this for these bulbs. Do you know of anything?

[@TheBradLloyd]

Yes, I so wish there was a Nanoleaf alternative. I think we will see someone one day - hopefully in 2022!

[@johnstutz4458]

Hey Brad, I need a knob that works as a volume control on Sonos speakers. Got any ideas? @The Brad Lloyd

[@TheBradLloyd]

Hi John, check out Flic Twist - that may work.

[@johnstutz4458]

@@TheBradLloyd thanks, Would you entertain a consult? I have a complex system and there are many variables to consider. I need HELP ! :)

[@corylapointe94]

Landed on this when searching to solve the same problem. having a spare unused Philips switch I'm going to use a blank wall plate and remove the existing switch from the wall hard wiring it to always be live. Seems cheaper to me.

[@TheBradLloyd]

That should work! I recently found this and bought one: www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07V2NK86S?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title It fits overtop of a single gang wall plate and the hue remote on top of that. I bought one but haven’t had a chance to try it out yet. Just a suggestion. Thanks for watching!

[@corylapointe94]

@@TheBradLloyd The Newly purchased hue remote switch arrived today. To my surprise it has mounting holes in the plate that work perfectly replacing the existing wall plate. I had to remove the switch and wire it for constant power. Works perfectly. I also noticed the V2 has magnets are in the remote not the plate. This might make mounting the newer V2 easier in a situation like a multi gang switch plate.

[@paulreilly4510]

Thanks Brad. I have been wanting to replace the three floor lamp bulbs in my office that are connected to a wall switch with smart bulbs. It looks like this switch and the Philips Hue bulbs are the right combo. At some point someone will do the same thing for the Nanoleaf bulbs as well. I would like that but who knows when.

[@TheBradLloyd]

Sounds like the Aurora will be a great choice for your Hue lights! I'm with you on a future nanoleaf version!

[@paulreilly4510]

@@TheBradLloyd Thanks again Brad. The other option I am considering is pairing the Nanoleaf Essentials A19 Smart Bulbs with the Wemo Stage Scene Controller. Both use thread. A huge plus. I already have Nanoleaf Essentials Light-strips and several Thread Hubs in the house. The obvious choices are Thread vs Hue Bridge, and bulb price. Are there other considerations?

[@TheBradLloyd]

@@paulreilly4510 Some disagree, but I still think Hue is top of the line. People feel they are over-priced, which I can understand, though in terms or brightness, reliability, and colours they are second to none IMO. Nanoleaf is great though, and probably the best bang for the buck. I've had some real issues with the Wemo Stage so far. I'm not ready to give up on it yet, but it's been frustrating.... Keep in mind that the Wemo Stage won't replace the existing switch, it's an addition to the existing switch.

[@paulreilly4510]

@@TheBradLloyd Yes, the Hue system seems to be rock solid, and they have a variety of products. I would think that that Thread in the Wemo would make it solid also. If I go that way I’ll cap off the current switch on and cover it with the Wemo.

[@TheBradLloyd]

@@paulreilly4510 Yes, sounds like a solid idea. I was expecting better with Wemo as well, especially with it adding thread. So far, I just haven’t had much luck. Like I said though, not giving up yet?

[@ConorButkovic]

My hack was putting a blank plate over my switch and sticking the hue dimmer switch on top to act as my light switch

[@TheBradLloyd]

I hear you, Conor! You've gotta do what you've gotta do! 😂

[@eddie1v]

Could the pico switch be used in instead of the Aurora dimmer.

[@TheBradLloyd]

Hi Eddie, no. The Pico pairs with other Caseta hard-wired switches.

[@eddie1v]

@@TheBradLloyd oh, so if I did a room with 4 Phillip hues recessed lights I would have to change my paddle light switch to a toggle switch and use the Lurton aurora. Thanks for your help, learning a lot with your channel.

[@dannybroddy]

Brad, this is awesome, have seen these and didn’t think I needed them, now you have shown me I do!

[@TheBradLloyd]

Yes - these are seriously amazing! It's one thing to teach family members not to flip a switch (still doesn't work 100% of the time), but these are especially useful when guests come over. Happy to hear you're thinking of considering the Aurora!

[@Electrox3d]

I'd be interested in a video or details about why the Smart Switch would compete with smart bulbs. When the smart switch turns off Hue bulbs, they're off, and can't compete. Then you just turn on your smart switch to give the Hue bulbs power again, they restore their last state, and can further be configured via voice or app. I'm interested in what problems you ran into? thanks.

[@TheBradLloyd]

When I tested it the lights would blink on and off, but I've heard from others they just didn't work at all. A great video topic for future!

[@micktom]

But I dont understand how can you control normal lights with Aurora which is supposed to control smart bulbs only! Bcuz the Aurora doesn’t connect to the wires in the wall….

[@Rollingstone2009]

A little bit more money, lol. The Aurora is almost the price of a lutron cassera!

[@TheBradLloyd]

Yeah I know. The cost adds up quickly, but still totally worth it in certain situations (IMO).

[@charleslaine]

8:35 "modern look"? I don't think so! When I was but a wee lad, there was an analog dimmer that looked exactly like this in our dining room. The house was built in 1973!

[@TheBradLloyd]

😂 fair enough… I guess I’m used to less attractive toggle switches. I still personally like the look and especially the functionality of it. Most times I use Siri or automations, but still love the convenient physical control!

[@charleslaine]

@@TheBradLloyd heh. I was just having a laugh. I actually thoroughly agree with you. I own SEVEN of these things. They are so incredibly functional. In fact, I would dare to say that these dimmers add an extreme amount of value to the Hue ecosystem. I recently bought a bunch of Hue bulbs and the first thing I did was go out and install a couple of these dimmers. I love the fact that they allow you to decouple the lights from the wiring, and you can basically reconfigure what is turned on (or not turned on) at a particular existing wall switch, and then place another one of these in a different, and perhaps more convenient, location to control the other lights. It's just really useful to have a physical button/dimmer combo like this, despite also having Siri/Alexa.

[@starkprime]

TLDR This isn’t a HomeKit device. Using this in your title is clickbait.

[@jsb0321]

Bought one of these recently and simply cannot recommend. The concept is good but these a absolute junk and feel ridiculously cheap. Rotating to change the brightness is an awful rubbing plastic-on-plastic feel. Returned and played around with a few display models at the store- they are all the same. For the price I would expect much better.

[@TheBradLloyd]

Thanks for commenting Greg , it's always good to hear opposing views. I absolutely love the Aurora and have had no issues with quality. I love the easy physical control it give me with my Hue lights.