StarkTech01
New member
I'm new with programming NFC tags, but is there a way to program an NFC to trigger your smart bulbs or smart plugs in your home to turn on or off? Still self learning and haven't figured it out if it exists.
Smart Bulbs
- Thread starter StarkTech01
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Pseudocyclic
Well-known member
Are your bulbs/plugs compatible with IFTTT?
KeeperCake
Member
Probably more ways than one.
Just gotta ask; why NFC tags? You have to first ensure your Android's NFC setting is switched on, then it probably only works with the screen on. That's a bit much just for turning on lights.
If you're sure though, tell us what brand of bulbs you're using.
Triggers
The NFC trigger is under Device Events. Set that up.
Action Options
I use TP-Link KASA. I just checked shortcuts (in MacroDroid actions under Applications) and there aren't any built in. If your brand is different, see if there's a built-in shortcut for switching or toggling. If not, you could use a shortcut maker app, but that's a whole other area.
If there's another home automation app you've allowed to access your bulbs & switches, see if that offers a shortcut too.
I use certain Alexa Skills including one called Virtual Buttons. They're just websites you ping, very much like MacroDroid's Webhooks. You set up your free button, then set up a routine with it as the trigger.
Your MacroDroid action would then be Open Website/HTTP Get under Applications.
Without Alexa, that action could be used to trigger an IFTTT applet. IF MacroDroid pings the WebHook, THEN applet uses KASA client to toggle the lights.
You may not have those specific options but you're sure to have similar ones. Tell us what brand(s) your bulbs and switches are?
Just gotta ask; why NFC tags? You have to first ensure your Android's NFC setting is switched on, then it probably only works with the screen on. That's a bit much just for turning on lights.
If you're sure though, tell us what brand of bulbs you're using.
Triggers
The NFC trigger is under Device Events. Set that up.
Action Options
I use TP-Link KASA. I just checked shortcuts (in MacroDroid actions under Applications) and there aren't any built in. If your brand is different, see if there's a built-in shortcut for switching or toggling. If not, you could use a shortcut maker app, but that's a whole other area.
If there's another home automation app you've allowed to access your bulbs & switches, see if that offers a shortcut too.
I use certain Alexa Skills including one called Virtual Buttons. They're just websites you ping, very much like MacroDroid's Webhooks. You set up your free button, then set up a routine with it as the trigger.
Your MacroDroid action would then be Open Website/HTTP Get under Applications.
Without Alexa, that action could be used to trigger an IFTTT applet. IF MacroDroid pings the WebHook, THEN applet uses KASA client to toggle the lights.
You may not have those specific options but you're sure to have similar ones. Tell us what brand(s) your bulbs and switches are?
StarkTech01
New member
I would have to check. Is there a way to tell this or would I have to look at the package. I do have them all hooked up to my Amazon Alexa so maybe?
KeeperCake
Member
Since they work with Alexa, there are definitely ways to make the macro you want.
With IFTTT also, probably!
All we have to do is search IFTTT for your smart-home service. What brand(s?) are your bulbs & switches?
StarkTech01
New member
The bulbs are "Feit" and the plugs are "Geeni"Since they work with Alexa, there are definitely ways to make the macro you want.
With IFTTT also, probably!
All we have to do is search IFTTT for your smart-home service. What brand(s?) are your bulbs & switches?
KeeperCake
Member
Okay. Found those with Google but not directly on IFTTT. @Pseudocyclic , do you know a way to find out for sure if maybe one of the home remote tools connects to those two brands?
@StarkTech01
There are two Alexa Skills I use that would serve your purpose, IFTTT not required. Consider choosing one of the following two.
Virtual Buttons
Read about them by going to VirtualButtons.com which redirects to their Patreon info page.
They're simple enough.
You set up an account. They provide one free "button," actually a URL unique to you. You ping it to trigger Alexa routines.
The one is enough if Feit and Geeni give you toggle options. If you want more than one button, they ask a small, tiered subscription fee. Think I'm getting ten buttons for $3 a month.
-or-
Voice Monkey
(presently 100% free)
The site is VoiceMonkey.io which you log into with Amazon.
For what you're doing, it's basically just as simple.
There are just extra options. If you PREFER keeping it simple, all you have to do is ignore them.
Once you set up an account, you tap to create what they call a "monkey," or more than one. Each is just a private website trigger for you, just like a virtual button. Give each "monkey" a name, and that name will become part of the URL to copy.
Then Link the Alexa Skill
The Virtual Button skill and the Voice Monkey skill can both be found in your Alexa app. Open app -> More -> Skills & Games. Search one or both of them and see about linking your accounts.
Then Create or Copy a Routine
Alexa app -> More -> Routines
If you want to trigger any of your existing routines, open one and you probably want the option to Copy Actions to New Routine. Find it by tapping the 3-dots button in the upper right corner.
Or just create a routine from scratch.
Tap to set the routine's trigger. (It's a plus icon next to the words "when this happens.") I think you'll see seven different option categories. Choose "Smart Home." Fair bet you'll see some trigger options from Geeni & Feit, though you won't need any.
If all's well with your new skill(s) and linked accounts, you'll also see your new virtual triggers!
If you've got "Buttons," they'll be numbered. If "Monkeys," they will have the names you gave them. Choose one for your routine's trigger.
Once you've set up actions that look right to you and the routine is complete enough to save, you're all set.
The Macro Action in MacroDroid
Add Action -> Applications -> HTTP GET
Copy and paste the entire trigger where it says Enter url.
Keep "URL encode parameters" checked. Check "HTTP GET (no web browser)" also.
I recommend tapping both plus icons which will add local variables to your macro. I usually name the Boolean "css" and the string "response." These just help you troubleshoot your automation later if needed.
Hope all this helps!
StarkTech01
New member
First of all, I'd like to say holy crap, never in my time of asking questions on reddit, or any other social forum has anyone actually tried to type things out and explain it instead giving short answers, so thank you so much for the details, yes it makes sense I just have to figure it out and then try it
Also, I don't have anything sensitive or personal like door locks etc on my Alexa, but is using Virtual Buttons (what I think I'm going to use) safe? Safe= i don't have to give access to too much and jeopardize what privacy I have.
KeeperCake
Member
Ooh, good question. I don't have any smart-locks yet, either.
As I recall, the only new access you have to grant is linking the Alexa Skill to a Patreon account. Patreon's widely known, so seems safe.
Then you get your access string by e-mail with instructions on how to test it and copy/paste it as a web trigger. The string is longer than your average PIN or human-made password, so even someone looking over your shoulder is unlikely to retain it. AND, even if it gets stolen, all anyone's likely to be able to do with it is fiddle with your lights.
It's as safe in the macro as anything on your mobile device. To add to that, MacroDroid now has a password protection option in settings, and the option to lock a category by long-pressing it.
As I recall, the only new access you have to grant is linking the Alexa Skill to a Patreon account. Patreon's widely known, so seems safe.
Then you get your access string by e-mail with instructions on how to test it and copy/paste it as a web trigger. The string is longer than your average PIN or human-made password, so even someone looking over your shoulder is unlikely to retain it. AND, even if it gets stolen, all anyone's likely to be able to do with it is fiddle with your lights.
It's as safe in the macro as anything on your mobile device. To add to that, MacroDroid now has a password protection option in settings, and the option to lock a category by long-pressing it.
Laaker
New member
You need to clarify whether NFS works in your Android. If not, then you will be enough to program so that you can easily manage your lamps. And in general, why do you need it? Personally, I ordered a lamp with the help of https://www.amazon.com/smart-light-bulb-bulbs-colorb-bulbs-color/dp/b0922q43ly/. All you need to manage these lamps is your smartphone and an application installed on it. That's all. No need to bother and invent something new. Now I can easily illuminate my dark yard when I need it.
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robertbryan
New member
This is a very cool desire, with which you can significantly improve the convenience of people who purchase smart lamps. Surely one of the same enthusiasts was engaged in smart lamps that I ordered using the site https://www.vont.com/product/vont-bulb-color-smart-light-bulbs-smart-bulbs /. Their amazing advantage is that they are controlled remotely. This is really very convenient, considering that it is often too lazy to get out of bed to turn off the light before going to bed. Who uses such lamps?
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