The Lutron Caseta is a set of smart switches and dimmers that make the lighting in your home fully customizable. You can also create certain schedules so that your lights will automatically turn on and off. With all these smart features, you might be wondering if your Caseta switches always need an internet connection to work properly.
Once you have the Caseta set up, you won’t need an internet connection for your scheduled scenes and lighting to work. You can adjust lights and dimmers manually from the switch or Pico Remote. However, to use the Lutron Caseta Smart Bridge, you will need an internet connection.
Below, we’ll cover the features you can use with your Lutron Caseta without internet, as well as features you can access when connected.
Can I Use Lutron Caseta Without Internet?
You do have the option to set up your switch or dimmer without internet, but you would only be able to use the device as a standard switch if you take this route.
If you want to use smart features, an internet connection is required when first setting up your Lutron Caseta. Once you set up the device, you will be able to use your settings to change lights and dimmers even without the internet. You will also need to be connected to the internet if you want to perform the following functions:
- Update the firmware on the dimmers and switchesUse the Lutron App to control lightsChange settings and schedulesSync the Caseta when there is a time changeConnect new dimmers and switchesUse voice assistants such as Alexa or Google Assistant
You can always disconnect the Lutron from the internet and then reconnect it when you want to change a setting or add a new device.
Can You Use Lutron Caseta Bridge without Internet?
The Lutron Caseta Smart Bridge is an excellent addition to any Lutron Caseta switches and dimmers because it allows you to control your home more efficiently. However, the bridge will need to be connected to the internet to sync with your switches. (Additionally, you cannot connect the bridge via Wi-Fi; you will need to plug it directly into your router using an Ethernet cable.)
However, if internet connectivity is an issue, you can still use your Lutron Caseta dimmers and switches without the bridge and control these features:
- Schedule light settingsPico remotesDimmersLight switches
Note: Even though you can use the Caseta without the Smart Bridge, you will need the bridge when you first buy the Caseta products and set them up for the first time. Once they are set up, though, you can control the above features without needing the bridge.
Remember that you will need to use the Smart Bridge (and, therefore, the internet) to use any third-party connections with your Caseta. You will also need the Smart Bridge connected to the internet to use voice commands.
For the following products, make sure your Smart Bridge is on and working:
Can You Use the Pico Remote without Internet?
The Pico remote works by controlling the Lutron Caseta dimmers with just one touch of a button. You can install the remote directly over the remote or use it as a handheld device.
If your internet or Wi-Fi stops working, you will still be able to use the Pico remote. The dimmer and the Pico remote can still effectively communicate without an internet connection. If you want to use the Pico remote with the bridge or the Lutron app, though, you will need an internet connection.
Pairing the Pico Remote without Internet
To pair the Pico remote using the Lutron App, first, ensure that all the dimmers and the switches you want to pair with the Pico remote are already on the app. Then follow these steps:
- Select Settings.Choose Add Device.Select Pico remote.Press and hold the Off button for about 10 seconds.Wait until the screen changes and prompts you to give the device a name.
If you are placing the Pico remote in a separate room, choose Device Menu, then Edit Device, then Devices. Select all the devices you want to add to the Pico and then choose Save.
You can also pair the Pico remote to your dimmers and switches without the bridge by following these steps:
- Press and hold the off button on the Caseta dimmer for 6 seconds.Check to see that the LED light on the Pico remote is flashing.Press and hold the off button on the Pico remote for 6 seconds.If the light bulb blinks three-time, you know the pairing was successful.
In Summary
The Lutron Caseta can be used without internet once you have it set up and all your settings are in place. If you want to change settings, though, you will need internet. You also need the internet to use the compatible Smart Bridge.