Most smart homes have smart lamps, smart speakers, smart security systems, and smart plugs. A smart plug has lots of appeals, and as they get popular each day, the prices are becoming much more affordable. The TP-Link Smart Plug allows you to control anything electronic from bulbs to air conditioners, to the coffee machine through a tap on your smartphone. It also comes with voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant so that you will only need to voice your commands. The plug works well with Microsoft’s Cortana voice assistant but it lacks Apple HomeKit support. It also gives you the power to develop a schedule for similar devices.
For instance, you can set the lights to turn on and off during the night and day, respectively, when at home and while away to keep burglars away from your property. You could also set the coffee maker to brew you a fresh cup of coffee every morning or evening, so you just need to sit and enjoy. Let’s look at some of these fantastic features in broad terms:
Features of the TP-Link Smart Plug
In order to control the TP-Link Smart Plug, you will need to download the Kasa app from the Google Play or Apple App Store. The main screen provides you with a list of connected devices. You can tap on the plus button at the top right corner to view instructions on setting up third-party integrations or add devices. You will also find at the bottom of the screen different tabs for Activity, Cameras, Smart Actions, and Scenes. Apparently, the Smart Actions and Camera tabs are not useful unless you have a smart home router or a Kasa camera.
You can create custom schedules for various smart devices at the Scenes tab. For instance, you may create a scene for unique activities like turning on lights or music. The Activity tab helps you keep a record of basically what you did. You can also view more details about a connected device through the main screen. Some of the details that you will see include the type of device connected, the duration it has been on, and a power icon to either turn it on or off.
If you want to see the breakdown of how long you have used on a specific device either per day, week, or even month, you just need to tap on the day’s total run time. However, you may never know how much energy has been used as the device doesn’t capture that data. You can activate Away mode, set up timers, and time-based schedules to help you have a smooth-running day. Away mode helps you simulate occupancy in your home to help keep it busy and safe while you are on vacation.
Setup of the TP-Link Smart Plug
Setting up the TP-Link Smart Plug is quite easy. Once you have the Kasa app, you only need to create an account and verify it. Once you have the App in place, next is to plug in your new TP-Link Smart Plug, and there should be a Wi-Fi indicator light that flashes in alternate between blue and amber. Next is to open your phone’s Wi-Fi settings and connect to the plug’s Wi-Fi network and then go back to the Kasa app and enter the password for your home network. This should take you no more than 10 minutes.
Pairing your plug with Amazon Alexa, Microsoft Cortana, or Google Assistant will require a few more steps. You will need to start the Kasa skill and then pair your account info in the specific apps that you would like to use for the voice commands.
The Final Verdict On The TP-Link Smart Plug
The TP-Link Smart Plug is an excellent buy for anyone looking to make their home smart. It is easy to use and simple to install. You also get to enjoy a variety of other smart home integration. Aside from using Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, you can connect with IFTTT and other Nest products. However, the plug cannot work in Apple-centric homes as it does not have an Apple HomeKit support.
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Thumbs Up 👍• Good quality for durability • Affordable • WiFi connection • Compact design • Works with both Google Assistant and Alexa • Accessible on and off manual on the front • Can be controlled from virtually anywhere • Part of a growing smart home ecosystem |
Thumbs Down 👎• The reset button can be accidentally activated • The status light is difficult to read • Does not have Apple HomeKit support |
Get Your TP-Link Smart Plug Now!
“The Kasa Smart plugs are great, I have 3 of them connected to Google Home. They always work perfectly.” – Richard Teta on July 17, 2018
“Easy to setup and works exactly like you would expect. Works great too paired to my google home mini!” – JCS on July 23, 2018
“These are the first smart plugs I have ever used and I must say they are amazing. Very seamlessly connects to your home network and does the job exactly as it says. Pair it with a Google home or Amazon echo/dot to enjoy the wireless connectivity. Best app on play store with minimal interface.” – Shabaz Mohammed on August 3, 2018
“It’s so easy to setup. Works with a lamp and window AC unit. I have had no difficulties in this one year. Just download the Kasa app. Connect TP-Link WiFi. Add skill to Alexa and that is it. Easiest setup.” – Amazonjunkie on July 23, 2018
“I love this thing. I can turn anything that is plugged into this device and turn it on remotely, away from home. I currently have a box fan hooked up to it and before I get home I turn it on to cool off my place. You can use this to turn on your lights. It works with Alexa too! You can setup schedules so it can turn on at different times every day. There are many things you can do with the app that comes with it.” – David Fattal on August 4, 2018
“The new Echo compatibility works very well and allows grouping controllers under a single group name. I just set up three controllers and now I can say “Alexa, turn on the living room lights” and voila, they’re on! Much easier than finding each lamp’s on/off switch on a cord behind a piece of furniture. I can also schedule them to turn on and off when we’re away from home.” – Wayne Tibbit on March 15, 2016
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