The Absolute Beginner’s Guide to Smart Plugs

Welcome back to your Getting Started guide to a smarter home! So far, you've learned about the basics of a smart home and its main ecosystems. Now it's time to talk about your very first smart device: the smart plug.

If you've ever wondered how to make a "dumb" device smart, the answer is often a smart plug. Smart plugs are an ideal first step into a connected home, thanks to their simple setup, accessible price, and flexible functionality."

What is a Smart Plug?

Think of a smart plug as an adapter that fits between your wall outlet and an electronic device. It's a regular outlet that you can turn on or off remotely using a smartphone app or a voice assistant like Alexa or Google Assistant.

Essentially, a smart plug gives you wireless control over any device you plug into it. It can turn on and off the flow of electricity, effectively making any standard appliance "smart."

How Do Smart Plugs Work?

Smart plugs connect to your home's Wi-Fi network. They use this connection to communicate with an app on your smartphone. When you tap a button in the app or issue a voice command like "Hey Google, turn on the fan," the app sends a signal over your Wi-Fi to the smart plug, which then either turns the power on or off.

Most smart plugs also have a physical button on the side that you can use to control the power manually if your phone isn't nearby.

What Can I Do with a Smart Plug?

The possibilities are endless, but here are some popular and practical uses for beginners:

Schedule Your Lights:Plug in a lamp and use the app to set a schedule, so it turns on automatically at sunset and off when you go to bed.

Control Appliances Remotely: Turn on your coffee maker from your bedroom in the morning or make sure the straightening iron is turned off after you leave the house.

Create Simple Automations: Combine a smart plug with other smart devices to create routines. For example, when you say "Good morning," the smart plug can turn on your bedside lamp.

Save Energy: Use a smart plug to automatically turn off power-hungry devices (like TVs or desktop computers) when they are not in use, preventing "phantom power" draw.

Enhance Home Security:  Connect a lamp to a smart plug to make it look like someone is home while you're away on vacation.

Why is a Smart Plug the Perfect First Smart Device?

For beginners, smart plugs are a fantastic entry point because they are:

1. Affordable: They are one of the most budget-friendly smart devices on the market.

2. Easy to Set Up:  The setup process is quick and simple.

3. No Hub Required: Unlike many other devices, most smart plugs don't require an extra hub to connect to your Wi-Fi.

4. Versatile: You can use them to control a wide variety of household devices, from fans to holiday decorations.

Getting a smart plug is a low-risk, high-reward way to experience the convenience and fun of a connected home.