Let's just say it like it is ; the Tradfri products work great at a very reduced price from the competition, but in no way shape or form is there any mention whatsoever of a "gateway" when one is purchasing the bulb or the outlet from Ikea...even the instructions on the box of the Tradfri bulbs or outlets make no mention of a necessary buy being needed in order for a wifi outlet to actually work hands free. You see ikea is 45min away from my home and the purchase was pointless since now I need to drive another hour and a half to purchase the item I should have been made aware of initially if it's "critical" to the WiFi device being used hands free. It's disappointing
Ok so I thought I could just buy the TRÅDFRI outlet, plug my regular appliance/lights on it, and control it via the app. But looks like I need to also buy the gateway? Does the outlet need a gateway to be able to be controlled by the app?
So do I really need to get a gateway and a steering device to set this up on HomeKit? Simple want this for a simple on and off for a feature wall lighting
@@JRsReviews exactly....and if it's so necessary I would imagine it might be worth Ikea mentioning it with a notice or verbiage to that effect when one is buying their Tradfri products for a handsfree home kit experience.
I really liked your review - thanks so much. I explained what I wanted to do to the IKEA woman and she never mentioned a steering device , sp spent the last few hours fiddling about and getting absolutely nowhere. I hope you don't mind, but, Im blind, and have a few probably very basic questions, if you would mind answering them? I wanted to have a few of the plugs dotted around ( control outlets) I wanted a light on the upstairs landing and one on the downstairs hallways to come on via motion sensor, so when I walk at night, the lights come on (I have light perception left in my vision) I bought the gateway, 3 control outlets, one bulb and a motion sensor I got the gateway up and running. no problem, and managed to pair one control outlet up, so I could turn the light on and off via the app or HomeKit (I must have somehow done it with the motion sensor? However, I couldn't get the light to come on and off with the sensor, just by using the app to switch it on or off! When I tried to pair a second control outlet, I couldn't I also realised, I don't have any lamps with the Addison screw fitting - just bayonet, so the bulb is redundant lol How do I get the lights to work with the sensors? with my current setup? that's a regular lamp with a regular bulb, connected to a control outlet? Would I need one of the steering devices for downstairs and upstairs etc also Apologies for all the questions, and hope I have explained it properly? Terry
Hi. I have never had any luck with the Ikea motion sensor. I would recommend getting a Philips Hue motion sensor, but you need to also buy the hub which is more expense. You also need a steering device per room or location I hope that makes sense?
@@JRsReviews thank you. that does make sense . I have the Ikea Hub (I also have a Hue Hub) I will get a few of the steering devices, one per room and see how I go. thanks for getting back to me
@@JRsReviews hank you. I have sockets and bulbs all over now, and all working great, pretty chuffed really. ditched the idea of motion sensors, and use voice to control everything, which is just great. thanks again for your video and also your replies - very much appreciated
Energy monitoring is fine at first, but like a lot of people I stared at my smart meter for a few weeks now it’s in the back of draw, 🥴 You’ll need an echo plus to use without the hub, I love the ikea setup thanks to the recent outlet / homekit compatibility it’s even better, just waiting for the blinds now, excellent review John keep up the good work 😁👍 Do you know if you can tell what light / outlet is connected to what remote control or dimmer, I’ve got one of each and I’ve mixed up what’s what if you know what I mean, apart from going round the house checking ?
Thanks Paul and thanks for the tip about the Echo plus. Yes it took a little time for the roll out of the update to Europe, but we got it in the end. How are you finding it so far?
Active JR I’m getting on really well, it just showed straight away in HomeKit just had to change the room the plugs where in, apart from the fiddly pairing device I think there a bargain, out at the barge inn (seend) for lunch now. Absolutley beautiful 🌞😁👍
Sorry missed your other question. The dimmer for example is assigned to a room and then you can see what devices you have under that room/dimmer.. if you get what I mean?
Active JR yeah I think I know what you mean, I wasn’t toooo worried just want to know when I reach the “10” limit on pairing, I’m sure I’ve gone over but everything seems to work ok 👀👍
Active JR Thanks for explaining. I have some of the IKEA bulbs I was able to pair with the Hue app, without the Tradfri gateway. I can control with Alexa, but they don’t show in HomeKit. Thinking of adding the gateway when the shades finally arrive. But these plugs look decent and less $ than the WEMO I’ve invested in.
You can buy the bulbs with a remote included or the plug with a remote option. Both will act as a steering device to add other devices. They won’t show in Homekit if you don’t use a gateway. This is a Apple limitation
@@chakajon the cost of a gateway pales in comparison to the Phillips Hue bulbs prices....however when I purchased the Hue bulbs...I knew I needed a bridge to make them respond in colors....I wasn't blindsided by a lack of any communication via vendor and purchaser....it's so dumb, I almost think Ikea may be a MAGA supporter if I weren't any wiser.
Finally got HomeKit support for the plug! I'm pumped about the upcoming blinds!
Yes, the smart blinds is something I cant wait to get my hands on
Let's just say it like it is ; the Tradfri products work great at a very reduced price from the competition, but in no way shape or form is there any mention whatsoever of a "gateway" when one is purchasing the bulb or the outlet from Ikea...even the instructions on the box of the Tradfri bulbs or outlets make no mention of a necessary buy being needed in order for a wifi outlet to actually work hands free. You see ikea is 45min away from my home and the purchase was pointless since now I need to drive another hour and a half to purchase the item I should have been made aware of initially if it's "critical" to the WiFi device being used hands free. It's disappointing
Ok so I thought I could just buy the TRÅDFRI outlet, plug my regular appliance/lights on it, and control it via the app. But looks like I need to also buy the gateway? Does the outlet need a gateway to be able to be controlled by the app?
Do I need download the IKEA app, if I just want use it with the remote only.
Do you think IKEA will include energy monitoring in the future
Doubt it
Active JR as you say though it’s pretty pointless
Great review. Like you I am unsure why IKEA insist you need a steering device to connect everything.
I have asked this question and got a vague response from the TRÅDFRI team
I think it’s a good thing in a way, one device connected to the router that controls them all. Less network traffic, more reliable device
So do I really need to get a gateway and a steering device to set this up on HomeKit? Simple want this for a simple on and off for a feature wall lighting
Yes you do for HomeKit support
@@JRsReviews exactly....and if it's so necessary I would imagine it might be worth Ikea mentioning it with a notice or verbiage to that effect when one is buying their Tradfri products for a handsfree home kit experience.
I really liked your review - thanks so much. I explained what I wanted to do to the IKEA woman and she never mentioned a steering device , sp spent the last few hours fiddling about and getting absolutely nowhere.
I hope you don't mind, but, Im blind, and have a few probably very basic questions, if you would mind answering them?
I wanted to have a few of the plugs dotted around ( control outlets)
I wanted a light on the upstairs landing and one on the downstairs hallways to come on via motion sensor, so when I walk at night, the lights come on (I have light perception left in my vision)
I bought the gateway, 3 control outlets, one bulb and a motion sensor
I got the gateway up and running. no problem, and managed to pair one control outlet up, so I could turn the light on and off via the app or HomeKit (I must have somehow done it with the motion sensor? However, I couldn't get the light to come on and off with the sensor, just by using the app to switch it on or off!
When I tried to pair a second control outlet, I couldn't
I also realised, I don't have any lamps with the Addison screw fitting - just bayonet, so the bulb is redundant lol
How do I get the lights to work with the sensors? with my current setup? that's a regular lamp with a regular bulb, connected to a control outlet?
Would I need one of the steering devices for downstairs and upstairs etc also
Apologies for all the questions, and hope I have explained it properly?
Terry
Hi. I have never had any luck with the Ikea motion sensor. I would recommend getting a Philips Hue motion sensor, but you need to also buy the hub which is more expense.
You also need a steering device per room or location
I hope that makes sense?
@@JRsReviews thank you. that does make sense . I have the Ikea Hub (I also have a Hue Hub)
I will get a few of the steering devices, one per room and see how I go. thanks for getting back to me
Hope it all works for you
@@JRsReviews hank you. I have sockets and bulbs all over now, and all working great, pretty chuffed really. ditched the idea of motion sensors, and use voice to control everything, which is just great. thanks again for your video and also your replies - very much appreciated
Energy monitoring is fine at first, but like a lot of people I stared at my smart meter for a few weeks now it’s in the back of draw, 🥴 You’ll need an echo plus to use without the hub, I love the ikea setup thanks to the recent outlet / homekit compatibility it’s even better, just waiting for the blinds now, excellent review John keep up the good work 😁👍
Do you know if you can tell what light / outlet is connected to what remote control or dimmer, I’ve got one of each and I’ve mixed up what’s what if you know what I mean, apart from going round the house checking ?
Thanks Paul and thanks for the tip about the Echo plus. Yes it took a little time for the roll out of the update to Europe, but we got it in the end. How are you finding it so far?
Active JR I’m getting on really well, it just showed straight away in HomeKit just had to change the room the plugs where in, apart from the fiddly pairing device I think there a bargain, out at the barge inn (seend) for lunch now. Absolutley beautiful 🌞😁👍
Sorry missed your other question. The dimmer for example is assigned to a room and then you can see what devices you have under that room/dimmer.. if you get what I mean?
Active JR yeah I think I know what you mean, I wasn’t toooo worried just want to know when I reach the “10” limit on pairing, I’m sure I’ve gone over but everything seems to work ok 👀👍
Top review as always!
Cheers
Not quite sure what the steering device is? Separate purchase?
Its a remote you can buy for a little extra. However if you are a Tradfri user then you will have something like a dimmer or remote already.
Active JR Thanks for explaining. I have some of the IKEA bulbs I was able to pair with the Hue app, without the Tradfri gateway. I can control with Alexa, but they don’t show in HomeKit. Thinking of adding the gateway when the shades finally arrive. But these plugs look decent and less $ than the WEMO I’ve invested in.
You can buy the bulbs with a remote included or the plug with a remote option. Both will act as a steering device to add other devices.
They won’t show in Homekit if you don’t use a gateway. This is a Apple limitation
Do I need a separate steering device for every room?
@@chakajon the cost of a gateway pales in comparison to the Phillips Hue bulbs prices....however when I purchased the Hue bulbs...I knew I needed a bridge to make them respond in colors....I wasn't blindsided by a lack of any communication via vendor and purchaser....it's so dumb, I almost think Ikea may be a MAGA supporter if I weren't any wiser.
How do you use it with Siri? Do you just shout at the plug to power on? 😂
How much is the remote?
The plug with remote is £18
You don't need a gateway. Why did u think u did lol?
Appreciate the video. A
Thanks for the tip. A snowball would be ok for voice over?
@@JRsReviews absolutely! Thanks for the great content!
Thanks for the tip also