How to pair and control your Twinkly with Amazon Alexa
Applies to Twinkly Generation I and Generation II devices and Twinkly Plus.
What is Amazon Alexa and how does it function?
Amazon Alexa is a sophisticated cloud-based artificial intelligence system that serves as a voice assistant. This innovative software can be seamlessly integrated into a variety of speakers and other smart devices. By interpreting spoken language, it is capable of responding to a wide range of commands, making it a versatile tool for managing various tasks and smart home functionalities.
For more detailed information, you can visit the official website: alexa.amazon.com
One of the exciting features of Amazon Alexa is its ability to manage Twinkly lights remotely through voice commands. By connecting Twinkly to the Amazon Alexa app, which is available for download on both the App Store and Google Play Store, users can control their Twinkly lights using voice commands from their smartphones or through Amazon Echo devices. This integration allows for a more convenient and hands-free approach to managing your lighting needs.
Prerequisites
Before you can begin using the Twinkly lights with Amazon Alexa, there are a few essential steps you need to follow. Firstly, ensure that you download the Twinkly app and complete the following two steps:
- Connect your Twinkly lights to a local Wi-Fi network. This is crucial as it allows the lights to communicate with your smart devices.
- Download the Amazon Alexa app and adhere to the guided procedure for configuration. This will set the stage for seamless interaction between your Twinkly lights and Alexa.
Additionally, please ensure the following:
- Ensure that you have installed the latest firmware version available for your Twinkly lights. Keeping your firmware updated ensures optimal performance and access to the latest features.
- Your Amazon Echo device (if you have one) should be operational and connected to the same local Wi-Fi network as your Twinkly lights. This is essential for enabling voice control functionality.
- Verify that your local Wi-Fi network has proper internet access. A stable internet connection is necessary for the devices to communicate effectively.
- Your smartphone must also be connected to the same local Wi-Fi network as both your Twinkly lights and your Amazon Echo device (if you have one). This ensures that all devices can interact without any connectivity issues.
Finally, make sure to have your Twinkly account login information readily available, as you will need it during the setup process.
How to add the Twinkly skill to Amazon Alexa
Enabling the Twinkly skill can be accomplished through either the Alexa App or the Twinkly App. Below, we will explore both methods in detail.
Using the Alexa App
- Begin by opening the Alexa App on your smartphone.
- Click on the "More" option located in the bottom right corner of the app.
- Navigate to the "Skills & Games" section.
- In the search bar, type “Twinkly” to find the skill.
- Once Twinkly appears in the list, select it and click on "Skill Activate" to enable the skill.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup process.
Using the Twinkly App
- Start by opening the Twinkly App on your device.
- Access the Settings menu within the app.
- Click on "Alexa Account Linking" to initiate the linking process.
- Select "Allow" to grant the necessary permissions.
- Follow the prompts provided to complete the linking process.
Available Instructions
Applicable to Both Twinkly Generation I and II
Control the lights by turning them on or off:
- Say, "Alexa, turn Twinkly on." This command will activate all the lights.
- Say, "Alexa, turn Twinkly off." This command will deactivate all the lights.
Specific to Twinkly Generation II
Adjust the brightness of your lights:
- Say, "Alexa, set Twinkly at 50%." This command allows you to control the brightness level of your lights.
Change the dominant colour of the lights:
- Say, "Alexa, set Twinkly to Blue." This command changes the lights to a blue hue.
- Say, "Alexa, set Twinkly to Red." This will change the lights to a red colour.
- Say, "Alexa, set Twinkly to Yellow." This command will change the lights to yellow.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you encounter any issues while using the Twinkly lights with Amazon Alexa, consider the following troubleshooting steps to help resolve the problems:
-
Remove and Re-add the Alexa Skill:
- Open the Alexa app on your device.
- Tap on "Devices" to view your connected devices.
- Locate your Twinkly device or tap the three dots on its icon for more options.
- Select the gear icon, followed by the trash can icon to remove the skill.
-
Restart Your Device:
- Disconnect your device from power and unplug it for a few moments. After a brief wait, plug it back in to restart it.
-
Re-link Your Twinkly Account:
- Open the Twinkly app and go to the settings menu.
- Tap on "Alexa Account Linking" and select "Disconnect" to unlink your account.
- Close both the Twinkly app and the Alexa app completely.
- Reopen the Twinkly app, navigate to settings, and tap "Alexa Account Linking" to reconnect your account.
- Finally, open the Alexa app to manage your devices once again.
By following these steps, you should be able to resolve any issues and restore functionality to your Twinkly lights!
Important Notes
It is important to note that if you create a group of Twinkly lights, you will only be able to manage the group as a whole and not control the individual lights separately. This is a key consideration when setting up your lighting arrangements.
Additionally, please be aware that voice controls for changing colours are not available for Twinkly Gold Edition devices. This limitation is essential to keep in mind when considering your options for colour control.