Smart Landscape Lighting: What Phone Control Does (and Doesn't) Do
Short answer: the QDot Smart Switch lets you turn your whole landscape lighting system on or off from your phone, set schedules, and control it remotely from anywhere when your phone has internet. It works with Alexa. It does not dim lights or control individual fixtures. It is included in every QDot DIY kit, including the $299 Starter.
What phone control does on a QDot system
| Feature | QDot Smart Switch |
|---|---|
| Turn the system on or off from your phone | Yes |
| Schedules for automatic operation | Yes |
| Remote control from anywhere (phone needs internet) | Yes |
| Works with Alexa | Yes |
| Dimming or brightness adjustment | No |
| Control of one fixture at a time | No |
The Smart Switch controls the whole system, so every fixture on the transformer switches together.
Which kits include it
| Kit | Transformer | Smart Switch | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY Starter Kit | 75W | Included | $299 |
| DIY Pro Kit | 150W | Included | $549 |
| DIY Ultimate Kit | 300W | Included | $699 |
When you do not need phone control
If you only want your lights to come on at dusk and turn off at a set time, a timer and a photocell are enough. QDot transformers include a timer and a receptacle for a standard photocell. Phone control is useful if you want to switch lights on when you are away, change your schedule without walking to the transformer, or turn everything off from the couch.
What phone control will not do
Some smart lighting systems offer dimming, zones, scenes or per-light control. QDot's Smart Switch does not. It is an ON/OFF, schedule and remote-control switch for the whole system. If you need those extra features, look at systems built for them, and compare what each one actually lists on its own product page.
Setting it up
Install your kit first: place the fixtures, run the cable, connect each fixture with a waterproof connector and connect the cable to the transformer. Our guide on how to install DIY low-voltage landscape lighting walks through every step. Then pair the Smart Switch by following the instructions that come in your kit. If you get stuck, email sales@qdotlife.com.
More on smart outdoor lighting
See the overview on our smart outdoor lighting page, or compare all three DIY landscape lighting kits. To size a transformer for your fixtures, use the transformer size guide.
Warranty
QDot fixture bodies have a lifetime warranty and LED modules have a 5-year warranty. Fixtures are IP67 waterproof rated. See the warranty page for the full terms.
Frequently asked questions
Can I control QDot landscape lights from my phone?
Yes. Every QDot DIY kit, including the Starter Kit, includes a Smart Switch. From your smartphone you can turn the system on or off, create schedules, and control it remotely from anywhere when your phone has internet.
Does QDot work with Alexa?
Yes. QDot smart kits work with Amazon Alexa. Follow the pairing instructions in your kit, or email sales@qdotlife.com if you get stuck.
Can I dim QDot lights or control one light at a time?
No. The Smart Switch turns the whole system on or off and runs schedules. It does not dim lights or control fixtures one at a time.
Do I need smart control at all?
Not always. QDot transformers have a timer and a receptacle for a standard photocell, so you can already set lights to run automatically without a phone. The Smart Switch adds phone control, schedules and remote ON/OFF on top of that.
Which QDot kits include the Smart Switch?
All three: Starter ($299), Pro ($549) and Ultimate ($699).