In this guide, we will show you how you can use an Alexa Echo device, such as an Echo Dot, and the Alexa app (available for both Android and iOS devices) to automate your home and control all your compatible smart home devices from one place. We have also shared how you can build DIY smart switches and sensors that work with Alexa.
Why Use Alexa for Home Automation?
Not long ago, we had set up a Home Assistant automation server on a Raspberry Pi to integrate all smart home devices and add automation based on the information received from various sensors, events, time of the day, etc. For instance, turning on the water pump every day at 5am and turning it off at 7am or when the tank is full. For this project, we built and installed a contact-less smart DIY water level sensor based on a cheap ultrasonic module.
However, Home Assistant is a rather advanced way of automating your home. Luckily, there is a much easier way to do home automation using the Alexa app. The advantage is that you don’t need to set up any smart home automation software or server. Anyone with little to no technical skills can automate their home with the help of readily available smart switches, plugs, and sensors on the market.
Pro or advanced users can also build DIY smart switches or sensors and integrate them with Alexa to automate their homes.
Finding Smart Devices Compatible With Alexa
To automate your home using the Alexa app, you need smart devices that support Alexa integration. You can find many online at reasonable prices, or build your own using an ESP8266 MCU, Tasmota firmware, and a relay module. However, before making any purchase, check the description and verify that the device supports Alexa out of the box or via skills.
After the purchase, install the required app and set up your devices. Also, test them with the Alexa command and verify that they are working. To discover and add devices to Alexa, you have to say:
Steps to Add Automation Using Alexa App
When it comes to automation, the Alexa app provides limited options. However, these options are good enough for basic automation and trigger your smart devices, appliances, etc. for your everyday needs. Here’s how you can set up automation in the Alexa app.
In the Alexa app, you can create Routines to trigger devices based on events, time of the day, or input from a sensor you may have installed, such as a motion sensor or ambient light sensor.
Below is an example of how you can set up a Water Pump On and Off automation at a specific time every day in the Alexa app and broadcast a voice alert on the Echo device.
You can repeat these steps to set up a switch-off routine or automation. Similarly, you can trigger other smart home devices based on time, smart sensors (motion or light), voice commands, etc. to automate your house.
Build DIY Sensors and Switches That Work With Alexa
If you don’t want to buy smart home devices, you can build DIY smart switches, lights, and sensors by flashing the Tasmota firmware on ESP8266 MCUs, such as the D1 Mini, ESP01, or NodeMCU. For instance, to build a smart switch, you need a D1 Mini and a relay module. Similarly, to build a dimmer module to control brightness or fan speed, you need a D1 mini and a dimmer module. They all integrate with Alexa with WeMo or Philips Hue emulation which is built-in Tasmota firmware.
In a nutshell, by pairing various sensors with a D1 Mini or NodeMCU and Tasmota firmware, you can build smart switches, lights, and sensors that integrate well will Alexa and help you automate your home.
Using Alexa for Home Automation
You now know the basics of how to use Alexa to automate smart devices in your home. We’ve guided you through an example of how to set up an automatic water pump to turn on at certain times, but the principle can be used with any connected device. Using Alexa is simpler than Home Assistant, and you can even add your own DIY smart switches and sensors if you want.
