How to pair and control your Twinkly with Google Home
Applies to Twinkly Generation I and Generation II devices and Twinkly Plus.
What is Google Home and How Does It Function?
The Google Home application serves as a central hub that enables users to set up, manage, automate, and control an array of smart devices within their home environment. By connecting your lights to Google Assistant, you gain the ability to create customised routines that can be executed at specific times or in response to particular triggers. This integration allows you to manage your Twinkly lights remotely and to control them through voice commands issued from your smartphone or via Google Smart Home devices.
The Google Home App is readily available for download on both the App Store and Google Play Store, ensuring that users across different platforms can easily access its functionalities.
For further information and detailed guidance, you can visit the official website at home.google.com.
Prerequisites
Before you begin the process of integrating your Twinkly lights with Google Home, it is essential to download the Twinkly application and follow the subsequent two steps:
- Connect your Twinkly lights to a local Wi-Fi network. This step is crucial as it establishes the communication link between your smart lights and the Google Home app.
- Download the Amazon Alexa app and follow the guided instructions to configure it. This step may be necessary for those who wish to use voice commands through Alexa in conjunction with Google Home.
Additionally, please ensure:
- You have installed the latest version of firmware on your Twinkly lights. Keeping your devices updated is vital for optimal performance and compatibility.
- Your Google Smart Home device, if you have one, is powered on and connected to the same local Wi-Fi network as your Twinkly lights. This ensures seamless communication between devices.
- The local Wi-Fi network has proper access to internet resources, which is necessary for remote control and updates.
- Your smartphone is also connected to the same local Wi-Fi network as both your Twinkly lights and your Google Smart Home device, if applicable. This connectivity is essential for the app to function correctly.
It is advisable to have your Twinkly account login information readily available to facilitate a smooth setup process.
How to Add the Twinkly Skill to Google Home
Step 1: Open the Google Home App. To begin, launch the Google Home application on your smartphone or tablet. If you have not yet installed the app, you can download it for free from either the App Store or Google Play Store.
Step 2: Navigate to the Devices Section. Once inside the Google Home app, locate the Devices section. This area is dedicated to managing all your connected devices and adding new ones. Tap on the Devices icon to continue.
Step 3: Add a New Device. Within the Devices section, look for the option that allows you to add a new device to your setup.
Step 4: Choose "Connect one of your devices or services." Here, you will select from various connected devices, such as light bulbs or outlets, to integrate into your Google Home setup.
Step 5: Select Twinkly from the List. Next, scroll through the list of supported devices until you come across Twinkly. Tap on the Twinkly option to proceed with its integration into your Google Home ecosystem.
Step 6: Enjoy Your Twinkly Lights! Once the setup process is finalised, you are ready to enjoy the stunning display of your Twinkly lights, which can now be controlled directly from Google Home. Feel free to experiment with various colours, patterns, and effects to create the ideal ambiance for any occasion.
Available Instructions
Applicable for Both Twinkly Generation I and II
Turn On/Off All Lights or Just One Light. For example:
- OK Google, turn Twinkly on
- OK Google, turn Twinkly off
Specific to Twinkly Generation II
Adjust the Brightness with Google Assistant:
- OK Google, set Twinkly brightness at 50%
Change the Dominant Colour. For instance:
- OK Google, set Twinkly to blue
- OK Google, set Twinkly to red
- OK Google, set Twinkly to yellow
You can also ask Google Assistant to synchronise effects by either typing or using a voice command: “synchronise devices”. This command is particularly important the first time you use your lights or whenever you add or remove lights, or if there are changes to your network settings.
Troubleshooting Tips for Common Issues:
If you encounter difficulties, consider trying the following steps to resolve the issues:
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Restart the Google Home App:
- Close the Google Home app completely to ensure it restarts properly.
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Update the App:
- Ensure that you are using the most recent version of the Google Home app on your device, as updates often include important bug fixes and improvements.
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Restart Your Device:
- Power off your device, wait for approximately 10 seconds, and then turn it back on to refresh its settings.
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Reconfigure Your Device:
- Open the Google Home app and allow it around 15 seconds to detect your device. The app should automatically add it to your Google Home setup.
If you continue to experience issues, consider these additional steps:
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Reset Your Device:
- Perform a complete reset of your device to restore it to its factory settings.
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Reconfigure Again:
- Set up your device from scratch to ensure all settings are correctly applied.
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Allow Detection Time:
- Open Google Home and wait a few minutes for the device to be recognised automatically. Patience can often resolve detection issues.
Important Notes
- If you create a group of Twinkly lights, you will only be able to manage the entire group rather than individual lights. This grouping can facilitate easier control but may limit specific adjustments.
- Voice controls for changing colours are not available on Gold Edition devices. Users of these devices will need to adjust colours through the app instead.