Do WiFi bulbs and switch modules work when internet is down?

[Richel]

This may be a dumb question, but I am thinking about installing some WiFi bulbs and switches and I was wondering if WiFi devices work when internet is down. As everyone knows, Z-Wave and Zigbee (ConBee) devices are all local control and do not depend on WiFi. Thanks. Elliott

[Richel]

Pete:
Thank you very much!
Elliott

[upstatemike]

I believe Lifx bulbs have a local interface that can be used when the Internet is down providing a plugin is written to use it. Lifx is also releasing a switch soon and I would assume (but don't know for a fact) that it will also support local control.

[bsobel]

Petes answer is a bit misleading. The Alexa issues he mentions apply to all devices not just WiFi bulbs.

the wifi bulbs are controlled directly over TCP. The internet comes into play adding a device, removing a device, or if the device is not on the local network where MQTT is used instead.