Hidden Tips and Tricks With SWITCHBOT!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 9 ก.พ. 2021
- Hidden Tips and Tricks With SWITCHBOT!
It's time to get more and to do more with SwitchBot. This includes SwitchBot Bot, SwitchBot Curtain, SwitchBot Humidifier, SwitchBot Remotes, the SwitchBot Meters (thermometer and hygrometer) and the SwitchBot Hub Plus and Hub Mini. All of those devices can do more than you'd expect, and all of those devices can make your smart home bigger and better.
It's like smart home #hacks, as we walk through all the best features with #SwitchBot in our hidden #tips and #tricks series.
SwitchBot affiliate links below (and watch for the coupon code below)!
Here's the Switchbot Bot or Button (my personal favorite) - www.switch-bot.com/products/s... (affiliate link) or geni.us/SwitchBotButton (Amazon Affiliate Link)
The SwitchBot Curtain (the simplest product for curtains) - www.switch-bot.com/products/s... or geni.us/SwitchBotCurtainAYL (Amazon affiliate link)
And their SwitchBot Hub Mini (great IR controller) - www.switch-bot.com/products/s... (affiliate link) or geni.us/SwitchBotHubMini (Amazon Affiliate Link)
The SwitchBot Meter (thermometer and hygrometer) is so useful for automations - www.switch-bot.com/products/s... (affiliate link) or geni.us/N0Ss (Amazon affiliate link)
The SwitchBot Humidifier is great, but under used in the world - geni.us/JAHV0 (Amazon affiliate link) or www.switch-bot.com/products/s... (affiliate link)
Plus, their whole shop has amazing products - www.switch-bot.com?sca_ref=465261.lnJUzVYgn2 (affiliate link)
On the Switch Bot store, use AUTOMATEYOURLIFE10 - $10 off perpetually (or until SwitchBot closes it!)
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Thanks for watching, and Don't Hate, Automate.
Brian - วิทยาศาสตร์และเทคโนโลยี
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Thanks! I diddnt know about the IR function. Now i can turn on the TV via GH!! Love it, keep them coming!
Thanks Kevin! Enjoy that!
One of my favourite features of Switchbot is that you can select per device whether you want it exposed to Google/Alexa or not. This way the switch on my garage remote can never be pressed accidentally with a misunderstood voice command or with 'turn on/off everything', while all the rest is integrated with Google & Alexa.
That's a reallllllly great point! Thank you for including that here.
I love the switchbot mini for voice controlling my Non Smart TV. Still trying to think of a use for the remote fingerbot in our house. Considering for my computer as part of the morning routine to turn my pc on while i shower.
Thank you! I can't wait to use this for my curtains!
Enjoy!!😃😃😃
Is there a way to open curtains to 50% without using the remote (and just using Alexa)? I currently have it on a schedule but I cannot find a setting when using voice commands.
Thanks!
Hey Brian, Great video again. have you had any experience with using SwitchBot Curtains with Apple HomeKit using the SwitchBot BLE plugin in HomeBridge? I have it setup but it seems like the communication is very lacking for status updates. The curtains never seem to update status correctly in the Home app, sometimes taking a few taps on the card to show correct status or be able to control the curtain. If I control the curtain via the SwitchBot app I don't think it ever automatically updates the status in the Home app.
Sadly I haven't brought it into HK. Just not a focus for my actual home. However, I have a great friend in Eric over at twitter.com/ModernDayTech who has done this and I bet he'd be able to show you what he's doing!
Wonderlabs has an API you can use too. It's great for controlling devices and triggering scenes with Home Assistant.
That's actually something I need to check out now that I have a "HA Blue"
It's not local though 😭
Great tips and tricks. For curtainbot, I guess in most instances you need to buy two if you have a pair of curtains (rather than one long one)?
If you're splitting out from center, ya...you'll need 2. However, if you're just pushing along. Try it with one!
Switchbot should make their own dehumidifier, heater, and window AC unit.
Really though, I just want an official Home Assistant integration.
😀 - Good news is I am 100% sure they'll be reading this!
Brian, the first 15 seconds before the jump, had me CTFU 🤣😂🤣. Talking about, it turn on and off things 😂.
The info is good tho. Because I have that. I knew it could do that, I just didn't know how or even bothered to try. I have the Harmony Hub and I can only connect 8 devices to it. So it's good to know that, I can also use this Switch Bot to turn things on and off.
Oh wow! You've really maxed those Harmony Hubs Philly! So impressive...and you have a few no?
Also, you taught me new lingo! CTFU???😀
@@AutomateYourLife Yeah I have 3 floors in my house. And one Hub on each floor. My Man Cave alone has
1. TV
2. PS4
3. Soundbar
4. Cable box
5. LED Light strips
6. 4K HDMI switch
7. Roku Ultra
8. Chromecast with Google TV
I need one for my PS5, PS3, and this music recorded that I have.
How many devices can you connect to the Switch Bot at once? And does it has Bluetooth?
Wassup Brian, after a long while I decided to try switchbot, it's turning my computer on, don't need it for off since windows requires shutting system we all know how. Wife of course was super 😠 about another new thing, and as usual now she loves it the idea. But seriously, it works great, I got a mini hub. Don't see myself using it anywhere else in my setup but still, switchbot is reliable and could highly recommend it.
Thank you for another great video of your brother!
Ohhhh I like to hear that story right there. Mad wife, then happy life!😀😀😀. Thanks for making my day.
Very "cool". Thanks Brian.
You're a cool kid like me Ron!!!
do i have any tips on getting the switchbot robot controller to be able to use on touchscreens? i am planning to get a dehumidifier but it doesn’t have physical touch buttons
ohhhh no this is a tougher one. I think you'd have to first know which type of touchscreen it is and then rig up something. In any case, tough to do unless it's pressure based.
Thanks. You pointed out some things I didn't know about SwitchBot. I think the link below for the button is wrong. Did you say that the button is NOT recognized by SmartThings? It sure would be nice if it was recognized
Hey Frank! I'll check those links again. Thanks!
And yep, button + ST = magic 😍😍
I’m considering using this in a few different rooms in my home. Do I need to buy multiple hubs or can I use the Alexa built in Zigbee hubs that are already in the rooms?
You will probably just need 1 hub for an average home if you can place it somewhere in the middle of the home. The devices use Bluetooth and only pair with their hub, so no to the Zigbee Hub question. :)
I am thinking of using the switchbot for tumbledryer switching on when the electric is cheaper and maybe switching on the extractor in the bathroom when the humidity is too high.
That would take some work to know when that's happening (the power thing) but that sounds like a great use case!
@@AutomateYourLife I will soon be on Octopus Agile (in the UK) and I think they have an IFTTT service where they share the current rate. If not there is an integration with Home Assistant
Seems you find this very reliable which is really good they do fill a gap in the market! I will buy them if they make a device that controls roller blinds! everything else I have already has wifi ! :D
I do find them reliable, and that's always my first criteria for showcasing something! The roller blinds are a big deal for me too, and something I feel they should definitely be doing. Seems almost too easy for them.
@@AutomateYourLife YES, I can't use curtains, I need roller blinds.
Hope they make that version soon.
With the discontinued Logitech harmony the switchbot hub custom feature may be a viable option. Thanks for the great content.
Thanks Jim! I switched to it a while ago cause of Harmony. It takes a bit to setup but it's been worth it
@@AutomateYourLife thank you for the reply! That's great to know. I have the hub mini to control my switch for the garage. Going to start messing with it's IR capabilities. Thanks again!
Does the ir blaster needs to "see" the item you want to control ? Does it need to be in direct sight ?
Yessir!
Can i use the Broadlink RM4 hub and skill with Alexa to control the switch bot via wifi?
I have looked around and can't find whether or not I can create macros for my home theatre. Can I turn on tv and sound bar, set input etc with a button press?
You can, but it might take a bit of work. You can use scenes in the switchbot app to do part of it and likely will need to add in something like Amazon and a button press. But you can do things like that for sure
You should check out the new Ezlo hubs the plus and the secure. Really interesting Smartthings alternative
Will do! Thanks!
Question 🙋♂️: I’ve just finally started using the I. R. Blaster function in the Switchbot Hub. How do I set up a routine though??? I tried adding a couple of actions through Siri Shortcuts but it wouldn’t let me use the same command for more than one. I want the T. V. to turn on, then the DVD Player, then wait a few seconds and Press Play on the DVD Player. I’d also like to add some Phillips Hue lights into the routine but just getting the tv and the dvd thing going is priority.
Right now, it looks like you'd have to tie your Siri Shortcuts together. The Automations in SwitchBot's app don't allow starting with Siri Shortcuts.
Otherwise, I'd just do an Automation through SwitchBot and use a button from them to start it. :)
Is it possible to turn on the switch XX times after every XX seconds?
Ordered it to use on my laptop. Need this button to be pressed throughout the day.
(Just want to run the "turn on" feature.)
Set a schedule? I'm not sure how many times you can get it to press from the Switchbot service.
Can the switchbot be used with a spur fused switch(which is a little bit tougher to push) ? If not be default, are there any way arounds ?
This is tough to say because I can't say I have one. There aren't really any workarounds that I've found, not with really tough switches.
@@AutomateYourLife Thanks for the reply.
After watching all of yuour reviews I went and bought a couple. My first experience? The switch and app work well. The tape doesn't stick, so the first time you use the switch the button pushes past the edge of the switch and pushes it off of whatever it's supposed to push. Off to buy some real double-sided tape.
Yeahhhh and if you keep following the channel you'll see that I use the nano tape pretty much everywhere because 3M is just too sticky and too big and then it just doesn't work like you said.
Hey Brian. Now I’m torn. Switch bot humidifier or the asuki light up rgb one you showed? Not trying to hate on Wyze, but I’m not sure I like where they are going. Switch bot as a company seems very futures ready, but Little old me is trying to be cheap. Switch bot is decently priced
Ohhhh I think it depends on your goal here sir. Asakuki for fun/looks and for diffusing. SwitchBot Humidifier is for serious humidifier use, but also can be used as a diffuser! It's also not as pretty...but man can it make a medium sized room very humid, very quickly. Asakuki...can't do that at all.
@@AutomateYourLife oh ok thanks. Now I might have to save up for both haha
Great video! Does the hub work with smartthings?
Yep! So it's a cloud to cloud connection. It requires the internet to work and does have a delay of about a second in my home.
Very informative I think you did a great job. And like you said this is a very underused product. But just for Giggles I wanted you to know that Huggies was your sponsoring ad. LOL they come up with some strange ads to sponsor your videos
Huggies!!!! Ahahahahahahhaa!!! Well, I guess this is related!?
Do you know if the button could push a flat touch activated button? I have a tassimo coffee maker I would love to automate, but it's too digital. The problem is I would need more on an old school coffee maker, but those don't allow for individual cups.
You miiiight, but it depends whether or not the button is haptic/pressure or warmth based.
Try this. Push it with a pen and if it works, you're good to go!
@@AutomateYourLife thanks for the advice, tried the pen and it doesn't work :-(. Kind of surprised no one has come up with a smart one cup coffee maker. Maybe people don't feel there would be enough demand! Anyways thanks for your advice.
Qn - can i use switchbot temperature sensor with alexa and switch on a plug from lets say d link ?
maybe i missed the information but how do you recharge de Switchbot Button ? is it with USB or is it a battery to change
sorry for asking if you give the information
and is it working without dedicated Hub ? (you said no in the video but the little pop-up say that we HAVE to get a switch-bot hub)
Once again sorry for those (stupids) questions :)
Not stupid questions at all!
SwitchBot button takes a battery and isn't rechargeable. It's a strangle little one but they last a while!
You need the hub for anything more than Bluetooth control with a phone. So everything advanced like automation and connection to Google/Amazon/Samsung!
"I'm still cool" he says wearing a Metroid T-shirt, the only reason you're cool is that you're in Canada in February !!! only kidding - keep up the good work!!
Ahahahahahaha!!! Got me!
How long does the SwitchBot Curtain battery last
?
I'm still going on the first partial charge, and we're a solid 4 months now. It's a long time...but I think they state 6 or 8 months?
I’ve had a SwitchBot for so long and didn’t know most of this lol
#sharethelove
That's how we roll! Hidden Tips and tricks!
Does Switchbot hub mini have IR signal detector? If I scan the IR controller of TV and conect Switchbot hub mini to Google Assistant, can I turn it on/off by voice? And the last question, can Switchbot bot do double click? Thanks for answer.
Yes it has signal detector, but only for scanning in remotes that aren't in the library. Not for automation.
Yes you can turn on/off by voice, I showed a trick how you can make other things happen too. The hub won't be fast enough for a double click though.
So If I have more than one hub. Would it extend the connectivity? I understand that correctly?
Yes, but each device ONLY attaches to one hub and you set that. It's a hybrid mesh, not a full mesh
@@AutomateYourLife Thank you
How can it be used to reset the router? Any thoughts?
They have a smart plug now :)
You'll need to do the turning on via Bluetooth though. That's where it might make sense to use a Zigbee device with a Zigbee hub
It appears that to automate the sensors that you need the cloud service?
You need the hub! And you need to be connected to the internet. No fees or anything though!
@@AutomateYourLife I have the hub and its connected.
Switchbot says not to put any products un the Humidifier tank or you will break the unit - but you put some mini oil or something in it in the video?
Yeah there's a pad to put oils in instead. I just did it without checking lol
Hey Brian, are you aware of any switch/button to replace the push button in a garage that opens your garage door?
Our garage door opener is one year too old to be compatible with a smart garage door opener. It will tell us if the door is open or closed, and for how long, but it can't wirelessly connect to the opener.
Somebody MUST have created a replacement button for the inside garage door button! It looks like it's just two wires.
I just bought a Switchbot Bot, but my problem is the door button is in a plastic housing that will require me to fabricate some kind of "base" to mount the Bot so it sits flush with the button.
Hey Leon, I have seen people create a few 3D printed things for pushing these buttons, but I also showed this solution on the channel a while ago: th-cam.com/video/9gJqf6TpHh4/w-d-xo.html
Could someone explain how to set up the “long press”? I’m at a loss!
Go into your bot by tapping on the device in the main menu, then tap on Mode in the settings and you'll find it
Hi Brian I have the SwitchBot switch it’s always on the Bluetooth I did notice on your video your SwitchBot switch was on the cloud the rest of my SwitchBot products are on the cloud plus I have the SwitchBot hub plus
Yeah so I remember your issues and that's one of the reasons it's in this video! It just sounds like your products are too far from that Hub Plus or there's just a big issue going on with everything.
Hi Sir, I am from the Philippines & have followed you. I am new with Switchbot & could not connect the Mini Hub to the Internet. Do I have to OPEN encryption & disable Firewall on my Router. Will appreciate your help. Thank you.
I didn't change any of my settings, but you might want to try dropping the firewall for the initial connection just to see.
what would happen if you programmed the button to operate a switch bot that pushes the button?
I think you call that a double pusher!
?????? Hopefully, you'll understand my question. For every curtain, I use a Switchbot on, does it require its own remote and hub, or will only one hub and one remote be necessary to open and close the Switchbot per room?
One remote per, but only one hub likely for a home. You might need a 2nd hub if your home is really large!
@@AutomateYourLife I appreciate you answering me. I couldn't find the answer anywhere!
I just got two temperature/humidity sensors. I downloaded the app and set up an account, but as I connect directly via Bluetooth to the sensors, why do I have to be logged into an account AND have internet access to be able to access the Bluetooth. Is this purely so Switchbot can obtain MY data? Is there a way around this after all, this is a direct Bluetooth connection to my phone.
You shouldn't have to have internet to connect by Bluetooth. That's one of the big benefits of SwitchBot's gear having that. I just tested this again and mine is fine with no SIM in my phone and no wifi turned on
@@AutomateYourLife Sorry, you miss understood. I can connect to the device with Bluetooth perfectly. But if I don't log into the SwitchBot server (via the app) or even if I log into the server on the app but then disconnect the internet, I cannot do anything regardless of the solid Bluetooth connection. Basically the app does not work unless it is connected to the internet.
I would have expected the app to work regardless of internet connection or not as it connects directly to the device using Bluetooth.
Oh, thank you for your fast response though.
Can you connect the bot to a sensor?
They have a few from SwitchBot directly, and many hubs allow it yes
@@AutomateYourLife so normally i can connect the bot with their own motion sensor so that each time the motion sensor is triggered, it trigger the bot to turn on and off the light? Looking for a solution to make my light smart but only to be turn on specific time and also i don't want to use a phone, button or NFC to turn it on. Living in a rented apartment
SNAGGED CURTAINS ISSUE SOLVED! After setting up a pair of switchbot curtain bots nevermind the first bot didn't have much grip on my rail but the second one wouldn't move at all, even without pulling anything.... but then after laying a strip of electrical tape on the top of my curtain rail, I noticed the frist bot had more grip! So after adding an extra length of electrical tape on underside of the rail as well. I now find with the extra grip that both bots work perfectly! hope this helps 👍
Tape, the solver of all things curtain related. Good share!
I found switchback curtains in 2 bugs on eBay for $300 I think I might get it
2 bugs! Don't buy curtains in bugs! ;)
@@AutomateYourLife pairs lol! I've been using bixby voice to text for a week
Ohhh Bixby...
Can it Alert me when my Beer is 40F?
Drop that little sensor in your beer and go granny ;)
@@AutomateYourLife So once it reaches 40F, I can have the SwitchBot buttons turn my lights on and off like crazy to let me know?
You do you 🤣
@@AutomateYourLife Great, Thumbs Up!
Lol...oh Granny
I've just bought a few bots and am having an issue with the first one. It's on my coffee maker. I set up a scene in the switchbot app to press the button, then exported that to Siri Shortcuts, then created a shortcut called Make a Coffee which presses to wake the machine, waits 3 seconds, then presses again to start it brewing. If I test the shortcut, it works perfectly. If I open the shortcuts app and tap it, it works perfectly. I've added a widget which I forgot to test this morning. But... if I say Hey Siri, Make a Coffee, I get an error. She reads out a big code and says something about a background error. I can't see what's wrong or how to fix it. Any ideas? I tried a dummy switch and a Make a Coffee scene to turn it on and got an error message with that too. I'm getting frustrated! I know tapping something on my phone isn't so hard, but I'd really rather just use my voice for this one.
Hmmm, I think that should work. Why don't you try doing a basic press first and then see if that works with Siri. Then talk to their support team...cause I bet it works that way but fails with the sequence.
@@AutomateYourLife thank you! I got my hopes up for a minute because when I looked at the shortcuts I noticed a discrepancy in the name of the switchbot exported shortcut and what came up to select when I created the double press. But changing that didn’t work. So I tried the Switchbot exported alone and got the same error message! So, it’s way past bedtime right now so I’m going to get some sleep, and in the morning I’ll use my widget then delete the Switchbot scene and start over. If that doesn’t solve the problem, I’ll email Switchbot. I got a lovely email from them saying to reach out if I needed help, but I was thinking it was a Siri problem. Now I know it’s a Switchbot problem so if I can’t figure it out myself I know where to turn next for help. Thank you thank you thank you! Totally appreciate your help!
Oh also, do you think the switch bot temp sensor is worth 20 buckaroos?
Totally love that sensor price! If you have the SwitchBot system at all and have SmartThings...it's a great combo. Otherwise, it's great for controlling a room like I said!
@@AutomateYourLife thanks!
I have older switches and I only see it working with Rocker switches
Ohhhh I think you could make it work with those. In fact, I think I saw Paul Hibbert do that if I remember correctly.
Very cool products, but do not deliver in Brazil :-(
You can get it! I use this service and it forwards me packages from the US when companies won't deliver to me. www.shipito.com/?id_affiliate=16146 (affiliate link)
I just wish these weren't bluetooth or that they had a local api. The newly released api still uses their cloud interface. Still, since they require a hub for most of the features they really should be Zigbee.
I think BT could be used without a cloud interface just fine too. I don't see any need for cloud connection, but I'll suggest it to them next time we chat. :)
@@AutomateYourLife they haven't published the bt commands, the api they gave us relies on their cloud
Yeahhh I'm just saying that BT doesn't stop it and it doesn't have to switch to ZigBee to not be cloud based. 😀
@@AutomateYourLife it doesn't stop it but it means the device manufacturer has to cooperate and document the local api, which switchbot has not. With Zigbee, no manufacturer help is required.
No hacks on making the curtain motor quieter huh? Seems noisy as hell opening the curtains
There's just one setting to lower the level. That's within the settings of the curtains themselves
What I'd like to know is if a switch it can flush the toilet. Is there enough travel for it to flush the average toilet
Not even close my friend...I tried and I couldn't make it happen because it's gotta push through breaking the seal. There's just not enough force there.
@@AutomateYourLife Darn. I think that is the only automation left for my bathroom, other than having to manually turn on the water for the shower :). If someone can release a toilet flusher that can has a nice API or MQTT control, I'd pay for that lol :).
Thanks for your help
#sharethelove bought switchbot curtains after watching your video on switchbot curtains
That is awesome! I hope you love them!
Don't get two curtain bots, just get one, and tie a string to each side to attach on the other side, with each going around a nail at the end of the curtain track on each side, respectively. Both ends must then be tied to where you would've put the second bot so that the strings from the first bot pull on the second curtain when the first one moves.
ohhhh so pull from the backside. That's an interesting trick!!
in 2022 most remotes use rf and not ir so ir hub ir pretty useless...
Oh man...I still have almost all IR. All my small appliances with remotes, my TVs. The garage is RF though