Controlling Insteon Scenes with Amazon Alexa
Controlling lights with your voice is a fast and easy way to turn lights on, off or set the lights to a dim level. But what happens if you want to control more than one device at a time? And what if you want each device to do different things (Living room light 50%, Ceiling light 25%, Dining room off, etc.)? Using the Alexa app offers a way to group more than one device together and control them using a single voice command (i.e., Alexa, turn on dinner time). However, with Alexa groups you can only choose between turning the devices on or off all together - no ability to set each light to a unique level or state. In addition, Alexa group members are controlled one at a time, which means you'll see lights activated in a sequence over several seconds, creating a popcorn effect (but without the delicious buttery flavor).
For the best possible experience, we recommend using Insteon scenes. They provide a super-fast and instantaneous response across all devices, regardless if it's a scene made up of 2 or 200 devices. And because you can set each scene member to a unique level, you can create incredible lighting effects.
Here's an example video clip showing the difference between Insteon scenes and Amazon Alexa/Echo group control.
To learn how to create Insteon scenes, please see the following support articles:
Things to Keep in Mind When Using Insteon Scenes
If you already have scenes created, there is no need to do anything to start controlling them with Alexa
If a new scene is created you will have to re-run discovery within the Amazon Alexa app, just as you do when adding new devices. Pro Tip: Amazon Alexa does a discovery automatically once an hour or so.
Supported voice control commands: On and Off only. Dim, Bright and Set to % are not supported (of course, you can set these when you create each scene)
Unsupported devices: all access control/security devices (I/O, lock controller, garage control) are automatically suppressed. So if you have scenes that contain actions for any of these types of devices, you will not be able to control the scene with Alexa.
Previously unsupported devices like our ceiling fan controller or the on/off outlet receptacle are now controllable via scenes. If you are an iOS user and have Sonos integrated, you can now activate scenes containing Sonos speakers.
Naming conventions may become an issue. If a scene and device are named the same or are similar, Alexa will have difficulty knowing which one you want to control. The obvious fix is to give scenes and devices unique names.
Amazon Alexa and Supported Insteon Thermostats
Amazon Alexa supports control of several different Insteon Thermostats; you can increase or decrease the temperature and change modes just by asking Alexa. Use the information in this article to identify if you have a compatible Insteon Thermostat.
If you have a supported Thermostat and your Amazon Alexa was configured prior to 18 March 2016, you may need to re-run discovery to identify your Insteon Thermostat. Simply say, "Alexa, discover my devices." Your Amazon Alexa should find your Insteon Thermostats and enable voice control.
Supported Insteon Thermostats
These Insteon Thermostats are compatible with Amazon Alexa and allow full voice control functionality of setting temperature and changing modes.
Insteon Wired Thermostat
- Model 2441TH (Revision 1.1 or later)
Unsupported Insteon Thermostats
These Insteon Thermostats are not explicitly incompatible with Amazon Alexa but are not guaranteed to function as expected.
Insteon Thermostat for Heat Pumps
- Model 2732-242 (Any Revision)
Incompatible Insteon Thermostats
These Insteon Thermostats are incompatible with Amazon Alexa and cannot be controlled.
Insteon Wired Thermostat
- Model 2441TH (Revision 1.0)
Insteon Wireless Thermostat
- Model 2441ZTH
- Model 2441ZTHR
- Model 2732-433
- Model 2732-432
Insteon Venstar Thermostat Adapter
- Model 2441V
- Model 2441VR
Insteon Venstar Integrated Thermostat
- Model 2491T1E
- Model 2491T1ER
- Model 2491T7E
- Model 2491T7ER
Use Groups to Control Multiple Devices Simultaneously with Amazon Echo
If you want to control multiple Insteon lights and appliances with a single voice command or control Insteon devices alongside connected home devices from other manufacturers that are also supported by Amazon Echo, create groups in the Amazon Alexa app.
Add Groups to the Amazon Echo App
Step 1
Launch the Alexa app and tap the “Devices” button in the bottom right corner.
Step 2
Tap the “+” sign in the top right corner to add a device or a group.
Step 3
Tap Add Group
Step 4
Give your group a name and select the devices that you would like to include. When ready, tap Save.
Step 5
Choose the devices you would like to add to your group and then tap on “Save” at the bottom of the screen.
Supported Insteon Devices with Amazon Alexa
While Amazon Alexa supports control of many Insteon devices, not all devices are supported, some devices may not support all features, and some of those features are accessible only through Insteon scenes. Use the table below to identify if your device is supported.
Amazon Alexa control requires Insteon Hub (2245-222).
| Device | Supported with Amazon Echo |
|---|---|
| Dimmer Module |  |
| On/Off Module | |
| Outdoor On/Off Module | |
| LED Bulb (A19) |
|
| LED Bulb for Recessed Lights (PAR38) |
|
| Dimmer Switch | |
| Dimmer Switch (1000W) | |
| Dimmer Switch (2-Wire) | |
| On/Off Switch | |
| Dimmer Toggle Switch | |
| On/Off Toggle Switch | |
| Dimmer Keypad (6-Button) | Controls connected light only - scene buttons are voice controllable through Insteon scenes |
| Dimmer Keypad (8-Button) | Controls connected light only - scene buttons are voice controllable through Insteon scenes |
| On/Off Keypad (6-Button) | Controls connected light only - scene buttons are voice controllable through Insteon scenes |
| On/Off Keypad (8-Button) | Controls connected light only - scene buttons are voice controllable through Insteon scenes |
| Dimmer Outlet | |
| On/Off Outlet (2011) | |
| On/Off Outlet (2014) | Controls top outlet only - bottom outlet is voice controllable through Insteon scenes |
| Wired Thermostat | Temperature changes only. Not all revisions support control with Amazon Echo. |
| Wireless Thermostat | - |
| Venstar Thermostat Adapter | - |
| Ceiling Fan Controller | Controls connected light when addressing device directly - fan speeds are voice controllable through Insteon scenes |
| Dimmer DIN Rail Module | |
| On/Off DIN Rail Module | |
| Dimmer Micro Module | |
| On/Off Micro Module | |
| Open/Close Micro Module | - |
| 0-10V Ballast Dimmer | |
| Dimmer In-Line Module | |
| On/Off In-Line Module | |
| 220V Load Controller (Normally Open) | - |
| 220V Load Controller (Normally Closed) | - |
| WiFi Cameras | - |
| Open/Close Sensor | - |
| Hidden Door Sensor | - |
| Motion Sensor | - |
| Leak Sensor | - |
| Smoke Bridge | - |
| IO Module | - |
| Mini Remotes | - |
| Door Lock and Deadbolt Controller | - |
| IR Transmitter | - |
| IR Receiver | - |
| Serial Bridge | - |
| iMeter Solo | - |
| SynchroLinc | - |
Amazon Echo Didn't Control My Devices As Expected
When using Amazon Echo to control your Insteon lights and appliances, you may encounter a situation where Alexa does not perform the expected or desired action. There are several reasons why this may occur.
Your voiced command included contradictory operations
Amazon Echo misheard your request
Amazon Echo heard your request correctly but an issue communicating with Insteon prevented your lights or appliances from operating as expected
Contradictory Commands
When issuing commands to Amazon Echo, ensure that your statements do not include contradictions. Amazon Echo may not respond as expected if you request multiple differing operations (off and brighten, for example) in the same statement.
If the names of your Insteon lights and appliances include words like "on," "off," "bright," "dim," or "set," Amazon Echo may misinterpret the name of your device as your desired action for that device. To avoid this issue, rename your devices using the Insteon app and ask Amazon Echo to discover your devices.
Amazon Echo Misheard Your Request
You can view a transcript of your requests to Amazon Echo. If Echo has misunderstood your request, you can also provide feedback on what you had hoped would happen.
Step 1
Launch the Alexa app and tap the drawer button in the upper left corner
Step 2
Tap Settings
Step 3
Tap Account Settings
Step 4
Tap History
Step 5
This screen shows your Echo’s history. You can sort by Date Range and delete recordings. You can also provide feedback to help Alexa understand you better by clicking on the down arrow by one of your recordings.
Step 6
If the transcription does not match your utterance, tap "No" under Did Alexa do what you wanted. If the transcription does match your utterance but the expected Insteon devices were not controlled, contact Insteon Support and reference this article. If necessary, Insteon Support will create a support ticket to investigate your issue.
