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How to Set Up a Smart Plug

Follow these steps in order to set up your smart plug.

  1. Plug the smart plug into an outlet

    Plug the smart plug into a wall outlet and confirm it powers on.

  2. Install the maker's app or a hub app like Google Home

    Install the manufacturer's dedicated app, or open an all-in-one smart home app such as Google Home.

  3. Connect it to your Wi-Fi network

    Follow the in-app instructions to connect the smart plug to your home Wi-Fi network.

  4. Name it and control it from the app

    Give it a clear name like "Floor Lamp" so you can turn it on or off, or schedule it, directly from the app.

  5. Why is this useful?

    Without buying new appliances, plugging an old one into a smart plug lets you switch it on or off with your phone or a voice command, easing the worry over whether you left something running.

The cheapest way to start a smart home

You don't need to replace your appliances with expensive smart versions. Plugging a fan, humidifier, or lamp you already own into a smart plug is one of the cheapest ways to try out what a smart home actually feels like.

Pairing smart plugs with schedules and routines

A smart plug becomes even more useful once it's connected into automated routines β€” for example, having a lamp turn on automatically at sunset, or having every plug in a room switch off together when you say "good night." Many models also report power usage, which is worth checking if you want to spot appliances that quietly draw a lot of standby power.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a smart plug show me how much power a device is using?

Some smart plugs support power monitoring, letting you check a device's energy consumption directly in the app.

Does it turn back on automatically after a power outage?

Most smart plugs remember their last state before an outage and can be set to return to that same state once power is restored.