Smart Home with NO Internet or Power… Will I Survive?

[@SmartHomeSolver]

I can’t believe how much of my smart home works without internet! Do you have any tips for keeping your smart home functioning if your internet goes out?

[@SeohnAranys]

Put your router on a UPS Backup Battery. If the power goes out you should still have the internet as long as the battery has power. That should mean it would be faster telling Alexa to turn off all lights that regain power.

[@snapverse]

With 5G becoming prevalent & carriers have excellent QoS, this is not an issue. (Maybe this is an issue in the US)

[@MichaelAnthonyLee]

I'm surprised you don't have a whole home backup such as a generator.

[@theryanwitski]

Everyone has different gear but as a tech nerd I personally have 2 1500watt UPS and 1 750watt UPS. I can get up 4-6 hrs of run time. Which is plenty of time to hook the generator up to the house. Now that's not for everyone but it works for me. Love the power on State rule. I'll be checking that asap!

[@fluffyfetlocks]

I set up an automation in home assistant to automatically restore states and verify it all after power loss

[@MrVuckFiacom]

This is seriously an underrated channel. I love how you go over nice and unique ideas while also explaining how to make the negative aspects more manageable like in this video. It's great that you're someone who actually owns and uses these products daily so you know all the little quirks on each smart device and not just some big tech reviewer guy that barely has any connection to their products and moves onto the next thing.

[@SmartHomeSolver]

Thanks! That means a lot to hear that!

[@Max34557]

If my internet goes out i'll still be able to control everything, Home Assistant for the win!

[@usasupra23]

What’s that little light up cloud?

[@usasupra23]

Will thank you so much!!!!!

[@camaroman101]

@Will that link did not work, takesme to somethingg else

[@littlebit670]

The SwitchBot Hub (aka Rainbow Cloud)

[@scherzo7224]

*Power goes out* Vacuum: Ight I'ma head out

[@NewHomeTech]

Love how HomeKit accessories still allow you to operate

[@BeardedTechGuy]

If you are using custom device handlers for smartthings they are running in the cloud. If you use the ones built in they will run local.

[@SmartHomeSolver]

Yeah I'm using the Smart Lighting smart app which will run locally for devices that have a local connection.

[@pickachublast8]

😂 I lost it when your Deebot started vacuuming when you unplugged it

[@iamKORHAL]

The timing of this video is pretty amazing. I switched ISP this week and didn't have internet for one day. It was interesting to go through the whole ordeal. I took the opportunity to create a new SSID and add each device one by one. I gave each device it's own name in the new ISP's wifi app and gave them icons for "smart home" "smart tv" etc... Then I logged the MAC Addresss, name of device, room, manufacturer into a Google Spreadsheet that I can reference in the future if I have problems. Talk about tedious!

[@TheHookUp]

Hey Reed, great video as always. Are you sure the Arlo base station with the USB stick can record without internet? I simulated internet outtage a few times and was never able to recover footage from during the outage. In researching it it looks like they advertise "local backup" rather than "local recording", meaning it downloads the footage from the cloud to the base station, but not vice versa.

[@SmartHomeSolver]

Thanks! I just tested it right now and it recorded it to the USB stick with the internet turned off. I think I ran to issues using it a while ago but seems they haved fixed it.

[@CaptainCocaine]

Pro-tip: Have your router and modem on an UPS, and have a routine for "Lights out" that turns off all your lights with one command.

[@alec4672]

Im not sure how common power outages are in your area but if you are interested you can install a transfer switch from Reliance and pick up a good used portable generator. I did that for my parents, you can't use the electric oven or electric dryer but you can provide hot water and power everything in your living room and bathroom and keep the internet modem on. You should look into a ups for your hubs and internet too for imeadet backup

[@nixellion]

As for smart home functioning without internet... For me it's my #1 consideration when choosing devices for a smart home :) So I know that if internet goes down my smart home will not even notice. Except maybe no weather forecast.

[@jkljkl6]

I use an Amazon Echo Plus as my hub and can still get Alexa to turn Zigbee lights on and off via voice w/o internet.

[@SmartHomeSolver]

Thanks for the input that's great to know!

[@geoken2]

Have you tested this? From what I’ve read, Alexa voice recognition is 100% cloud based, so even though it can directly talk to your zigbee devices it shouldn’t be able to actually convert your voice commands into actions.

[@jkljkl6]

George K yep, that’s from direct experience

[@Mellowub]

I was actually so surprised to notice you’re under 100k subscribers, like the top comment mentions , you are a very underrated channel. I’ve seen your videos over the time I’ve been drooling over smart devices , and I always had thought you were a bigger channel. I hope you know you deserve the 100K coming up, I’m 100% sure that when smart devices become a bigger thing, your channel will absolutely pop. You deserve it all , thank you for your content , and making me spend money on these devices ! 😂😭

[@SmartHomeSolver]

I really appreciate you saying that! Thank you so much! It's difficult to wrap my head around all the subscribers and I'm really grateful for the support from you and everyone. Haha and hopefully I'm not making you spend too much!

[@Darrenyt]

Ive had this problem, my internet went out so i couldnt turn my smart led strips off and had to manually turn off my smartplugs. Im amazed by how much of your devices still worked without an internet connection. Great video!

[@tiktoksforyou3800]

Where did you get that cloud smart light can you tell me what it is called please i want it

[@nixellion]

+1 for local hubs like HomeAssitant or Hubitat. For camera footage, yes, either SIM based backup internet connection to upload footage if burglars somehow cut your internet to prevent you from recording them... But ideally the surveilance NAS + POE Switch should be plugged into an UPS or some backup power supply and hidden away where they can't easily reach it, or find it. Some secret room, under the house, or something. This way even if they smash cameras, cut internet and jam cellular frequences - you will still get the footage.

[@justind.6780]

The Phillips hue go lamp is handy in a power outage and the new model has bluetooth as well so you can still adjust it.

[@SnowyPe]

I have the Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum Cleaner...No problem with power off or internet down. She remains on dock when either conditions are restored.

[@Oilcruzer]

Re Hubitat. Series 2 has an app and does not require a dongle. Where limiting cloud reliance becomes massively important is for those of us on rural based connections where 25/5 are our options (only option)

[@SnowyPe]

I have the same problem with a range of different branded bulbs that default to ON once the power is restored. There is no option in the app to adjust that resume after power failure status. I did email the different brands but they do not respond. Its a nightmare to switch of dozens of smart bulbs.

[@3204clivesinclair]

I have my SmartThings Hub (v3), Router and switches connected to a UPS which give me about 2 hours of runtime. I switch my router/hub to connect to the internet via my mobile phone (I have a fast 4G unlimited data connection), rather than my broadband provider. All tested several times - especially before winter. Any setup, should always be tested with various scenarios to make sure they work.

[@MattTaylor7]

Get a UPS battery for your router. Will keep router powered up for hours. Great for any intermittent power outages

[@andredavids9324]

Power off / Power on can sometimes happen up to 3 times a day here in South Africa. Nightmare to switch off all the lights again in the middle of the day or night.

[@Furball2k]

The exact thing happened to me a few nights ago... all the lights came on, everyone was calling the home assistant, and i kept telling people to wait a minute for the router to reboot haha. Thanks for the power option i will look into this setting!

[@SmartHomeSolver]

Haha calling the home assistant. Story of my life!

[@nevrynkinori3627]

Most people will still have some issues without electricity so it is time to make your own even when the Sun is down and without wind. I still have issues with internet devices since they do not turn on when I want it on at random times.

[@willdwyer6782]

Many of the locally controlled hub systems can be configured to prevent your lights from turning on after a power outage is restored.

[@NickMaovich]

the most questions I have is how Front door smart lock will behave without electricity or alternative power. Something like Aqara N100 lock

[@toddreese2145]

I have so many devices (A wireless printer, an old Chumby that still works, Alexa, Nest, Cloud Cam, Wyze cameras, Wyze bulbs, Wemo plugs, etc) that I think my router is overloaded. It seems I've maxed my router. Cox cable says it's not their problem. I can no longer link to the 2.4ghz router. BUT I have SO MUCH MORE to add to my home. How do I solve this problem? Help! What can I do?

[@williampennjr.4448]

The closet lights you suggested aren't smart, but they are rechargeable which is great. Thanks.

[@doctaedwards]

Shared this video with a friend who just bought a new house and is eager to tech it out. Great info...especially regarding the security system!

[@kevinsono]

What happened to your other video you made that was about your smart home without Internet. I can't find it.

[@hillaryphan3698]

Can you test OMGLEDs? I just want to see if I should buy them or not

[@sicahafan]

I live on an island and we get 3 second power outs on a regular basis. I'm just getting my smart home setup started, and I'm concerned about all of my lights coming on every time there's a quick power out. If the bulbs I have don't offer a "power on" option, is there an alternative Tasker/Trigger solution or something in case I end up with some bulbs that don't have optional "power on" settings? I'm getting some zigbee components, and most of my other smart things interface with eWeLink.

[@geoken2]

I recently realized that my hue stuff (connected to a hue bridge) could still control my ikea stuff (connected to an ikea bridge) through HomeKit on an Apple TV while wifi was completely down. My Hue Hub, ikea hub and Apple TV are all connected to a switch that’s downstream of my router (my router is on a different floor). While my router was powered down, I knew hue devices would still be able to talk to hue hub and ikea devices would still be able to talk to the ikea hub (since it’s all zigbee). But I was surprised that my Apple TV was still able to be the glue between the two and have all automations still work.

[@mohamedowen6810]

The best local-based hub is FIBARO HC2, check it, it works without the internet and also it has a back-up, everything will back to its normal state after the power back on.

[@vg0o]

Will timer work on regular schedule if wifi is off permanently?

[@aemam]

Hello bro, please tell us about the broadlink rm pro, can we still use mobile app if internet is down?

[@macolganjames3356]

Highlighted some important points to think about while building a 'smart home'. Obviously most of the issues you highlight are if the internet only goes down. Of course if the power goes down nothing will work whatsoever ;)

[@chrisoconner2833]

What it the name of the RGB cloud on your shelf ^^

[@SmartHomeSolver]

It's the SwitchBot hub amzn.to/38Xag4K

[@BonesYouTube]

is it*

[@NeoMorphUK]

I think it’s great that Smart Homes are now more of a thing but I’m surprised about how many of them insist on you having to open an account before you can use the hardware. I’ve had a smart home in one way or other since 1985 when I ran it on a heavily modded Commodore 64 where I used the 8 bit output to drive opto isolated relays. Now though, every bit of smart home hardware I use seems to get homesick lol.

[@MauricioARG]

I use Sonoff devices and have lot of connection problems. I dont know if are the devices or my router

[@carrolllindler9348]

Do have any reliability RFBW wifi (alexa) LED light strip controllers you can recommend? I have some thy work (worked) with the Magic Home app. They will no longer stay connected.

[@sweden669]

so..what is the best hub to use localy?

[@AGdroid]

My Smartthings hub is connected to my local network via Ethernet instead of WI-fi. This makes everything connected through my smartthings hub still work on my local network, even when I have no internet connection. Most everything connected through Google Home does not work when I loose my internet connection (as I expected). The reliance on the internet connection is the biggest problem still needing a solution in order to make smart homes truly "smart". Luckily Google is already working with the standards alliances to create a unified set of smart home standards that eliminate the reliance on internet connections. This may start to roll out in late 2020 ;-)

[@mronion597]

Does your eyelids have holes? How do you know the lights are turned on during the middle of sleep?.

[@gabiruman]

your eyes easily detect strong lighting changes even if you're sleeping, causing it to wake you up.

[@mronion597]

@@gabiruman if u r in a deep sleep it won't affect

[@rswyltk]

Have you messed with the sucks.api to get your deebot into SmartThings?

[@TjFruichantie]

Once again, another great video! Question about the smart lock, did it not work at all with the internet down? That would be really bad to be locked out of your home due to a power outage. I know some have a regular key you can use but a lot are going towards keyless. I wonder about those.

[@teokarlsson305]

Echo devices does work. There's an option in the app for that. Can't ask questions and etc tho but u can control the smart devices

[@420gio2]

Does Ring a19 bulb with their bridge hub works the same wo internet?

[@diy_cat9817]

I've been so excited planning the things I'm gonna do to make my house smarter and I just realized I not only have absurdly slow internet, but unreliable internet. I live in the middle of nowhere and there's only one speed available, no matter who you go through. And it drops all the time. I don't even use wifi on my phone because it's so junky. Faster/better internet simply isn't available out here. I guess I start with an Alexa and work from there. Maybe some plugs. I really want all my lights first, but with as touch and go as my internet is, it may not be worth the money just yet. Bummer.

[@Numian]

That cloud light is interesting... I like it!

[@Yasssquinn]

Can you do a review on the Ecosmart smart lightbulbs? You can get them from Home Depot. They have one with a remote and a box of two that do not have a remote

[@CHuKa]

hey Reed, one question. Does a smart light switch work manually without a wireless connection? i am not asking about no internet.

[@jadeandthestars9598]

Can you do a Geeni light bulb review

[@willdwyer6782]

Don't waste your money. Geeni bought out Merkury Innovations and just rebranded their merchandise for a higher price. Buy the old brand name at Walmart while it's still in stock and you'll save money. The app is almost identical to Smart Life. Likewise with performance.

[@dkoneify]

Thank you for the video. I have at least 20 lifx bulbs. I continue to have issues with the bulbs losing wifi connection. In your video you stated that the lifx app can still control the lifx bulb when there is no wifi connection. One of my lifx bulbs have lost connection again and I tried to control the the bulb through the lifx app. I received this message when there is no connection "Its gone dark, it seems that the light has gone off line".

[@SmartHomeSolver]

So if the internet, or ISP, is down but WiFi is still working then you can still control the LIFX bulbs. If a LIFX bulb goes offline then you just need to power cycle the bulb. So if the LIFX bulb is in a lamp just switch the lamp off then back on. If the bulb is connected to a light switch then just turn the light switch off then on. After that the LIFX bulb will re-connect.

[@catsrsooocool5788]

What is that cute cloud @3:13?

[@dhelipg3004]

Hi man, Do you have any tricks to get notified if grid power goes off because my home power backup is directly connected to my home so if the power goes off it just gives some 3 to 5 beeps that's all. so, is there are any suggestions? So if I got notified we can turn off unwanted kinds of stuff. Or it can push templates to turn of high power consumption devices.

[@pepijn_m]

I like that the lights go on when the power is cutt of. It never happens so if I need to I can turn the lights on with the old light switch

[@gladysselebogo2215]

Hi please help we have regular power cuts and the xiaomi smart lights will switch on in the middle of the night how can I solve this please 🥺

[@speedwhipbahs07]

Hey is there any chance you could review the yeelight Meteorite pendant light. Thanks

[@EricaPembleton]

Hi from AZ! Can you name the colorful cloud you had showing in this video? :)

[@SmartHomeSolver]

AZ! Sure I forgot to add it to the description. It's the SwitchBot Hub amzn.to/38Xag4K

[@EricaPembleton]

Smart Home Solver thanks so much! Love your videos!

[@SmartHomeSolver]

Thanks I appreciate it!

[@Pallidus_Rider]

Very informative. Since this is about power outage affecting smart devices (or not), this made me wonder about internet and firewall. Any chance to have a video about firewall settings, or about limiting what devices send out?

[@carltonwbrooks]

I have the same problem because of my bad Cox service in the NE Valley

[@SmartHomeSolver]

I'm with CenturyLink. I don't have many internet outages with them, but the power does go out during monsoon season.

[@carltonwbrooks]

@@SmartHomeSolver Are you bundled or just internet. My I ask what you pay. I just have internet with a access 500gb of data for 125

[@freedooPL]

Where is KNX?

[@shobuddy]

Great topic!! I currently use a ST hub. Will have to look into a localized hub.

[@T_____c]

Yeelight have a lan control option

[@SvtHeide]

Whats the rgb cloud thing on the thumbnail screen

[@SmartHomeSolver]

It's the SwitchBot hub amzn.to/38Xag4K

[@jackfrost28]

Plz tell us what that cloud is, that shows the internet status (on/off).

[@SmartHomeSolver]

It's the SwitchBot hub amzn.to/38Xag4K

[@jasonjeanpierre2904]

Do you use it for knowing whether or not the WiFi is working or not?

[@Notarobot562]

Just found your channel the other day, you do great stuff!!!

[@SmartHomeSolver]

Thanks I appreciate it!

[@jadonvanwyk7044]

Have you ever heard of load shedding before?

[@PranavRajagopal]

I have a Ecovacs Deebot vacuum and it always starts vacumming when the internet goes out

[@SnowyPe]

I have the Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum Cleaner...No problem with power off or internet down. She remains on dock when either conditions are restored.

[@TaylorThomasVideo]

Throw a UPS on your router / wifi and network devices. That way you can still have a local network if the power goes down.

[@shyinylu]

because of you I am also about to begin setting up a smart home! One question regarding Amazon Echo: isn't it a thing that you can still use voice to control your devices without the internet on the newer Echo Plus?

[@SmartHomeSolver]

That's great to hear! Yes another person commented and said they can control their Zigbee lights with the Echo Plus.

[@MicahFunk]

Ok, I'm confused about the Lifex bulbs. It sounded like they worked without internet connection but then you said they didn't. Could you elaborate? I'm considering purchasing a bunch of these bulbs. Thanks!

[@SmartHomeSolver]

Sorry if I didn't explain it well. LIFX bulbs not working without the internet was a SmartThings hub issue. Basically SmartThings needs the cloud to work with devices that aren't Z-Wave or Zigbee. If the internet is down then SmartThings can't communicate with the device. But there are plenty of hubs like HomeKit and Home Assistant that work great with LIFX without internet. If you're not using a hub and just using the LIFX app then you can control the LIFX lights without internet. Hope that clears it up.

[@MicahFunk]

@@SmartHomeSolver Yes that helps a lot. Thank you, kind sir! So I've been researching home automation to get into as a business but unless you get in with a company like Control4 it really isn't ready for the masses. There's not yet a simple solution that is inexpensive and is easily set up and just works. I specifically want to use professional surveillance cameras to control some of the automation. Control4 can do it but that's more high end pricing.

[@jaredfranklin]

Lol I have a Kasa smart bulb and I had issues over the WiFi down period, for some reason it is only operated through WiFi so it was dark

[@jacobward1640]

Such a great video. Was so worried about some of my products and when the power went out. I was wondering if you have heard of the Mirabella Genio products. They do cheap power switches and light bulbs. But I haven’t found an easy link to Smart things which is making me want to swap all my lights over just in frustration. Would be amazed to hear of any smart things link

[@user-qh1qj6jy5r]

My smart bulbs went offline after a power outage. I was out of town and the app was useless to get them back on line.

[@TAKV_gaming]

I think I know why the vacuum starts vacuuming when the power goes out. I think that how it works is it cuts power to the vacuum as a way to say “START VACUUMING OR ELSE” type thing. So if really the power goes out to that thing, that should be the case. No research went into this, just a guess Note: this is not 100% accurate this is just a guess

[@just4therecord]

I didn’t know that Lifx bulbs still work without internet. Mine was on a schedule to turn off at midnight and I woke up at 1-2am with all my lights still on. I couldn’t control them with the app. Finally I had to get out of bed and offon my router before everything works again

[@SmartHomeSolver]

Yeah that makes sense if the router crashes and WiFi is down then they wouldn't work.

[@Transformers4ever29]

Can you do a video about Simple Safe door lock ? ( just the door lock that cost $99 right now ). I just want to make sure if i need a Monthly Subscription or not ? I read many comments bout that and so confuse !!! Please !!

[@dalamar2196]

My roborock s5 Australian version doesn't work with Google home or Alexa echo devices here

[@MichaelAnthonyLee]

Having gone through this, and with all your experience with different smart lights, what brand/line of smart bulbs do you recommend I buy into? I haven't bought anything yet but want to start with some lamps that are NOT already attached to existing smart switches that I can currently control.

[@SmartHomeSolver]

That's a very difficult question to answer. There is a lot to consider, price, compatibility, brightness, now powered-on state, and how many smart bulbs you plan on having. I think any of these bulbs in kzbin.info/www/bejne/paTEpqqMpLVnl5o except for the Merkury bulbs are solid choices. It's just a matter of preference because there isn't a perfect bulb.

[@MichaelAnthonyLee]

@@SmartHomeSolver Your videos and the accompanying article on bulbs does not address the power on state options for each bulb. I definitely don't want to get something that will be left on after a power interruption. Have you commented on this specific to each of the bulbs you have and I just missed it or forgot?

[@MichaelAnthonyLee]

I'm also curious if you've tried the Energizer Connect bulbs. They seem to be among the least expensive I've found, available at Home Depot even.

[@ndinadis]

Wow, Im glad I went with Home assistant vs smart things (100% local control) after seeing that the app will not function without a cloud connection

[@TheDJToxica]

Hi, nice Video! Just asking...how many different apps are you using in your everyday smart home life for controlling stuff and automations? Thats a lot! I'm a Home Assistant Fan. For me EVERYTHING must work even if the internet is down and since i got my server grade backup battery (UPS) there are also many things i want to work even if the power is out. Like all my LED stripes which connect to a central control board where my server and my UPS sits, so i plugged it in my UPS :P Not an everyday setup but something i'd always do if someone would pay me for setting up their smart home. Next: Photovoltaic and Batteries! Maybe a wind turbine?

[@bradsbirds8502]

Smart Life is the WORST when it comes to a power outage. All my ceiling fans (with lights) and several standalone lights are controlled by Smart Life. I created a power recovery scene in Smart Life that I use once the devices reconnect to internet, I can run and it will turn everything off again. I have a power strip controlled by Smart Life that allows me to set the behavior after a loss of power but that's the only Smart Life device I have that's like that. I think their thought process was if a light is on a wall switch and a non smart home user was to flip it, they'd get light. I can see how that might be attractive to some people (and used to apply to me) but I'd much rather be able to customize the behavior.

[@MegaTime01]

I have had those lights wake me up too not anything you really think about it until you are actually like what the fork

[@samialmosadder1767]

I have a smart home and we get hurricanes every year and it is a nightmare because everything is on my phone and the cell towers where out so sad

[@HragGrag]

Please make a video about In-Wall Outlets.

[@1AcidBurns]

What about the voice assistants?

[@SmartHomeSolver]

In this video, they didn't work at all without internet.

[@wherezzwaldo]

Have to do a review on Feit Electric Smart Switch. I just saw them at Costco today. Supports both single pole or 3 way. 2 pack for $29.99.

[@SmartHomeSolver]

Cool, I'll have to check those out! I just got the Feit bulbs at Costco so I'll be testing those.

[@usasupra23]

What is that light up cloud thing?

[@rkvkydqf]

Switch bot hub plus

[@Frank-qq7bg]

What lamp do you use for the lifx candle? Great video

[@SmartHomeSolver]

I bought this lamp from IKEA www.ikea.com/us/en/p/tokabo-table-lamp-with-led-bulb-glass-opal-10358013/ but the top part didn't fit because of the height of the LIFX Candle bulb. So just used the bottom part of the lamp.

[@nicholasd7731]

Just call the internet company.

[@ScottSchramm]

You still have DSL in 2020? How fast is it?

[@SmartHomeSolver]

I know it's sad. Upload speed is basically not usable. Download speed is good enough to easily watch 4k content. I wish I had more options. I used to have fiber and I was spoiled. I shouldn't have moved.

[@courtneypelissie4335]

Great Video as always!!

[@abjc75]

No wi-Fi no electricity.. the solution is Blaze Automation.com. B-One edge hub works on LTE (sim card) apart from all the possible RF protocols with a 4.5 hour battery back up.

[@Progaros]

The Yeelight app works offline for groups

[@SmartHomeSolver]

Oh that's good to know, thanks for the tip!

[@philcampbell85]

Hey! I'm a new subscriber and I'm really enjoying the videos. It would be nice to see a video on how you organize, set up and use all the smart home apps on your smartphone/tablet to manage your home if you haven't done so already. I will be moving soon and would like to get a nice setup for my new place.