Making anything smart requires a degree in itself just to set up. Over the past 6 months I've slowly made my entire home smart. I started with the office as it's much smaller and easier to manage (6 devices vs 40 in the house).
I bought 4 bulbs. 2 internal and 2 external. To manage I use the Philip's Hue system alongside HomeKit as I wanted a pain free experience. And so far, it's pretty much pain free. Only two issues which I address below.


Unfortunately, either Homekit doesn't like it or simply doesn't work (which wouldn't surprise me given how often Apple products underdeliver). That's problem number 1.
This was solved by using Home+ app. Quite expensive but if it works then that is all I want.

Problem number 2, which is the most frustrating of them all are the smart plugs that I bought from Meross.
They worked for a week then simply stopped working. Turning them off and on made them work again for 12 hours or so but because they were controlling the heating it could leave the heating on 24/7. Not so good.
Trying to figure out what had changed was a dead end. I was ready to send them back when I wondered if they needed a dedicated IP address. There were no instructions to do so but read that they were using open source software. I've used a lot of open source software when setting up a wireless broadband network in the village where I live. It was worth the punt. It worked. The Meross Smart plugs have not failed since giving my plugs a dedicated IP via my router. Meross, if you are reading this, please just tell your customers this is what's needed. Don't be suggesting updates, turning off and on, changing routers etc it's just a cop out. You might lose sales as it sounds more difficult than it is but it's so much better being honest! Your plugs are 5 stars. I just hope that if you are having the same issues you get a chance to read this before you spend hours on trying to figure out why they keep appearing as unresponsive.
