Are you looking for how to connect Lutron switch to the app?
You are about to find out that it all depends on some factors, such as which Lutron switch you have, which Lutron protocol you are using, and which app.
The steps to connect a Lutron switch to an app will depend on what system you are using. There are currently five Lutron systems with app support divided into three different apps, and all of them require a smart hub to bridge the switch and the app.
We understand if it sounds overwhelming that there are so many Lutron systems and apps, as well as different smart hubs/bridges.
However, the guide below will clear everything up, helping you find the apps that match your devices correctly.
How To Connect Lutron Switch To App?
The first thing we must clear out of the way is that Lutron employs different system protocols designed for varying environment sizes.
Only a few of those protocols can be used along with an app, and currently, Lutron offers three different apps.
The protocols with app support are Caseta, Maestro, Vive, RadioRA 2, and Homeworks QS.
- Caseta and Maestro connect to the Lutron App;
- RadioRA 2 and Homeworks QS are supported by the Lutron Connect app;
- Vive has an app called Lutron Vive.
Methods To Connect Lutron Switch To An App
How to connect the Lutron dimmer switch to the app? Each app works a bit differently when pairing with its designated switches.
However, what is common to all apps and switches is ensuring your phone is connected to the correct Wi-Fi frequency.
That means connecting your phone to your router’s 2.4GHz broadband.
Connecting to 5GHz will preclude your app and switch from establishing a connection.
Option #1: Connect Caseta/Maestro Switches
When you are looking to buy a Lutron switch, there are plenty of models, and “Caseta” or “Maestro” will be on the product’s name or description.
That is because those devices are the most friendly to set up.
Once the Caseta/Maestro switch is installed in your room, you must pair the Lutron Smart Bridge with the app.
Pair The Smart Bridge
The procedure is necessary because Lutron switches do not have a frequency readily recognizable by phones.
So instead, they can communicate with the Smart Bridge, which then sends the signal to your phone.
- Connect the Smart Bridge to your router via an Ethernet cable;
- Plug it into a power source (ensure a green LED light up)
- Open the Lutron App;
- Tap on “Add a device”;
- Select your Smart Bridge model;
- Follow the prompts to include the Bridge on your home network;
- Next, the app will search for the Bridge and pair to it;
Include The Switch Into The Network
Once the Smart Bridge is ready, it is time to pair the Lutron switch too:
- Hold the Bridge’s back button until its LED starts blinking;
- Open the Lutron app;
- Tap on “Add a device”;
- Select “Switches”;
- Hold the “on” button on the switch for 6 seconds until the LED starts blinking quickly
- Click “Next” on the app
- The app will discover your device
- Choose your device
- Name the switch
That’s it! Now your Lutron switch is controllable from the app. That way, you can use all of its functions remotely and even more.
Option #2: Connect Radio RA2 Switches
While Maestro and Caseta switches require the Lutron Smart Bridge, the Radio RA2 Switches require the Connect Bridge.
It is important to note those are not the same device, although the names could be misleading.
Set The Connect Bridge Up
So the first step is figuring out how to put the Connect Bridge to work:
- Plug the Lutron Connect Bridge into a power source;
- Use an Ethernet cable to connect the Bridge to your router;
- Open the Lutron Connect app on your phone;
- Tap on “Add a Device”;
- Select “Connect Bridge”;
- The Bridge will first connect to your Wi-Fi;
- Next, the app will add the Bridge as one of its accessories.
Connect The Radio RA2 Switch
Now you have everything you need: the switch, the Bridge, and the Lutron Connect app.
So it is time to add the switch to the system:
- Open the Lutron Connect app;
- Tap on “Add Device”;
- Select “RadioRA 2”;
- Select “Switches”;
- Enter your switch’s code (written on the switch or found on its box/user guide)
- Now the switch is paired
Option #3: Connect Homeworks QS Switches
Connecting switches that work with Homeworks QS requires the Connect Bridge too. That being said, you can check the section “Set The Connect Bridge Up” above.
However, that’s not the only thing: these switches require the Lutron Homeworks QS processor.
Set Up The QS Processor
The QS processor will make the network recognize the signal from the QS switches.
It is necessary to install the processor in the correct location (according to the guidelines in its user guide) and then do the following:
- Connect the processor to your router via Ethernet;
- Download and install the Homeworks QS software into a computer;
- Launch the software;
- Select “Connect to a processor”;
- Enter the processor’s IP (written on it and its box);
- Define a name for the device, timezone, and any other settings;
- Choose “save” and “backup.”
Connect The QS Switches
Although setting up the QS processor involves more work than any of the previous systems, the rest is very easy.
You can now connect your Lutron switches to the Lutron Connect in a few steps:
- Launch the Lutron Connect app;
- Tap on “Add Device”;
- Select “Homeworks QS” from the list;
- Follow the on-screen instructions;
- Enter the device’s serial number or scan its barcode;
- It will take a few seconds and be ready for use.
Option #4: Connect Vive Switches
The Lutron devices under the Vive protocol have their app called Lutron Vive, as well as a special hub called the Vive Wireless Hub.
Thus, before connecting your Vive switches or dimmers to the app, you must connect the hub to the app.
Set Up The Vive Hub
Remember to note down its SSID number when installing the Vive Hub on a wall or ceiling. It is found on the hub’s label.
It will be necessary for the steps below:
- Ensure the hub is connected to your network via Ethernet;
- Download the Lutron Vive app;
- Enter your Lutron credentials;
- Tap the “+” sign;
- Select “Add a new location”;
- Give the location a name;
- Enter the hub’s SSID number;
Once the SSID is inserted, the app can take a few seconds to recognize the hub's frequency.
- The app will discover the hub;
- Click on the hub icon to add it to the app;
- Follow the finishing prompts.
Add Vive Switches And Dimmers
Once the Vive Hub is ready, you can add Vive switches and dimmers to the Vive app.
Here is how:
- Open the Lutron Vive app;
- Select the location where the switch/dimmer is installed;
- Tap the plus sign in the top left corner;
- Select “Add Device”;
- Choose between a switch or dimmer;
Put Into Pairing Mode
After the preparation on the app, you must put the switch or dimmer into pairing mode:
- Hold the power button on the switch;
- A LED should start blinking;
- Let go of the power button;
Ensure The Connection
Ensure that the LED keeps blinking. The LED must blink rapidly.
Now you can go back to the app:
- The app will scan for available devices (it can take a few seconds);
- When the switch/dimmer is discovered, select it;
- Name your device with a name that separates it from the rest;
- Assign the device to a room to interact correctly with other Vive devices.
Note that the Vive system is designed to house multiple (dozens) devices.
Therefore, you will have to perform the steps above for each switch or dimmer.
Tip: You must give each device a practical name that makes it easy to identify which one is being controlled. It is also helpful when something goes wrong.
What We Learned
How to connect Lutron switch to the app is a matter of learning which system your switch supports.
Each system will have a companion app (if any) and then requires a smart hub/bridge to make the connection work.
The guide above has all the info to connect to the existing Lutron apps.
