How to group smart devices into rooms in Alexa, and Philips Hue basics

Putting devices in rooms and groups lets you say, "Alexa, turn off the living room lights", and control several at once. Philips Hue lights work well with Alexa.

Rooms and groups

In the Alexa app, devices can be placed in groups, which are usually rooms. Tap Devices, look for your device, and open its settings to choose a group or room. Menu names in the Alexa app change from time to time, so if yours looks slightly different, look for the closest wording rather than worrying.

Give the Echo a room too, as Alexa may then know "the lights" means the ones in the same room.

Making a group

1. Open the Alexa app and tap Devices.
2. Tap + and look for the option to add a group.
3. Give it a name, such as Bedroom Lights.
4. Choose the devices.
5. Save.

Now say, "Alexa, turn on Bedroom Lights".

Philips Hue

Hue bulbs usually connect through a Hue Bridge, a small box plugged into your router. Set up the lights in the Hue app first. Then in the Alexa app, add the Hue skill or integration from the Add Device menu, and press the button on the Bridge if asked. Alexa will find your lights and rooms. Newer Echo models may act as a bridge for some devices, but that depends on the models.

If something is missing

• Say, "Alexa, discover devices".
• Rename duplicates.
• Check the Bridge is on and online.
• If the lights show as unresponsive, see our guide on that.

When to get more help

If your Hue and Alexa get in a mess, do not factory reset everything. Ask Vision Tech to go through it with you.