Smart Bulb / Smart switches clarification (Italy)

This is a very common question and you have correctly identified the major issues. :sunglasses:.

We have a community FAQ that should help if you decide you do want to use smart bulbs. However, we do need to know what country you are in as the device selection does vary.

So…first the short answer.

For existing lights that have a wall switch, it is almost always easiest to use a smart switch with dumb bulbs. Also less expensive. And as @Paul_Oliver noted, you can get a smart dimmer switch which will work fine with dimmable dumb bulbs.

But you might want smart bulbs either for their color features or to divide a room into multiple zones. In that case you need to get a smart switch specifically designed for smart bulbs. It will control the bulbs by sending a radio signal, not by cutting the current, so the smart bulbs will still be able to hear the next “on” command.

This kind of smart switch can either be wired into mains power similar to a regular dumb switch or it can be battery powered and positioned next to or over the top of the existing dumb switch.

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Again, though, the specific devices available will depend on the country you are in.

Here is the FAQ with more details

FAQ: Looking at a good Wall Switch for my Hue Bulbs (2020 Short FAQ) ( also applies to other brands of smart bulbs)