The Amazon Smart Plug is a great way to bring some intelligence to some otherwise “dumb” appliances. Once asmart plugis set up, you can schedule a coffee maker to start, keep tabs on how much power your old TV is using, and turn on your toaster with an Alexa voice command.
Difficulty
What You Need
Amazon Smart Plug
Smartphone with Alexa app installed
How to set up an Amazon Smart Plug
Once you’ve got the Amazon Smart Plug out of the box, getting started is easy.
Step 1:Make sure you have the latest version of the Alexa app from your device’s app store, then open it.
Step 2:Turn on Bluetooth and location services, and grant Alexa permission to them, if needed. Turn off low power mode if it is on.
Step 3:Tap theDevicestab.
Step 4:Tap the+ iconin the top-right.
Step 5:TapAdd Device, thenPlug, thenAmazonand pick the brand.
Step 6:TapScan Barcode, and use your phone’s camera to scan the barcode on the rear of the Amazon Smart Plug.
Step 7:Insert the Amazon Smart Plug into your chosen wall outlet. If the light on it isn’t blinking blue, check the Alexa app to make sure the plug hasn’t already been set up.
Step 8:The Alexa app should pair with the smart plug shortly afterwards. Select or create a group for the Amazon Smart Plug to manage it alongside other smart devices in the room.
Does the Amazon Smart Plug work with Google Assistant or Siri?
Nope! The Amazon Smart Plug works exclusively with Alexa. Guess it’s time to load up onEcho speakers.
How do I rename my Amazon Smart Plug?
Odds are you won’t want to be calling the unit “First Plug” all the time when issuing Alexa commands. you may name the plug whatever appliance it’s connected to, so your Alexa commands start sounding like “Alexa, turn on the Christmas lights.”
Step 1:Open the Alexa app.
Step 2:Tap theDevicestab.
Step 3:Tap your installed plug.
Step 4:Tap the three dots in the upper-right corner and tapEdit Name.
Why is my Amazon Smart Plug not connecting?
Wondering why your Amazon Smart Plug isn’t connecting? You’ll want to verify the Alexa app is fully up-to-date, to start. Then you’ll want to ensure both your phone and the smart plug are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. You’ll also want to ensure you’re within the 30-foot range for your phone to communicate with the Amazon Smart Plug.
When all else fails, just press and hold the button on the side for 12 seconds to reset it.
How to set up Routines for the Amazon Smart Plug
Alexa Routineslet you batch out multiple automatic actions across your smart home, and the Amazon Smart Plug can be a part of that. This way when you say “Alexa, good night,” all of your smart lights can power down, your smart plug can turn off, and your smart lock can activate all at once. You can also set schedules or other triggers to kick off routines.
Step 2:Tap theMoretab.
Step 3:TapRoutines.
Step 4:Tap the+ icon.
Step 5:TapEnter Routine Nameto pick a name for the routine, such as “Bedtime”.
Step 6:TapWhen This Happensto pick your initial trigger, be it a voice command, time of day, when an alarm goes off, or another smart home gadget fires.
Step 7:TapAdd Action.
Step 8:TapSmart Home, tapAll Devices, and select the Amazon Smart Plug you want to include.
Step 9:TapPower, and toggle either on or off as desired.
Step 10:TapNextin the top-right corner.
Step 11:Tap *Save *in the top-right corner.
Step 12:Tap thePlay iconfrom the Routines screen to confirm it’s working.
With that you should be all set with your new Amazon Smart Plug. If you’re still on the fence about getting one, we’re happy to show youwhat smart plugs are all aboutand how they work.
