How to Use Amazon Smart Plug with Alexa

Smart plugs are famous home automation gadgets. When you plug the Amazon smart plug into a wall socket, it will turn whichever device that will be connected to it into a smart unit. For example, if you use your heater with the smart plug, you will have automatically turned the heater into a smart unit. You can operate the unit with a voice control application known as “Alexa.”

The big puzzling question, however, is how do you use the Amazon smart plug with Alexa? If you are thinking of automating your home and want to learn how to use this gadget with Alexa, then you are in the right place. A smart plug is a power receptacle. For you to unlock its full potential, you must first plug it into a traditional electrical outlet.

Any device that you will plug into the smart plug can be controlled from an application in your smartphone or with your voice, but through a virtual assistant.

How to use Amazon smart plug with Alexa

First off, before you use the Amazon smart plug, you must be sure to have all the necessary pieces of equipment at your disposal. You will need the Amazon smart plug, the Echo device, a smartphone or tablet, and an electrical appliance to test for functionality.

1. On your smartphone or tablet, download the Amazon Alexa application.
2. Ensure that you are seated next to a traditional wall socket and then plug in Amazon’s smart plug.
3. This step will prompt a notification on your smart device, informing you that a new plug has been found. It even gives you directions on how to control it using Amazon Alexa.
4. In case your echo doesn’t discover Amazon’s smart plug straight away, you will have to do it manually.
5. On your smartphone or tablet, open the Amazon Alexa application and select the devices option at the bottom of the screen. At the top right, you will see a plus sign, press it, move back down, and press the first option, “Add Device.” You will then be asked the kind of device that you are setting up. Choose the plug option.
6. You will then see a message on your screen informing you that the Alexa application might require permission to access your mobile device. It can either be through your camera or Bluetooth. Press allow.
7. Locate the next tab at the bottom of your screen. From here, you will be asked to locate the 2D barcode for your plug.
8. Unplug your Amazon smart plug and turn it over. You will see the bar code on the left-hand side. The barcode can also be accessed in the quick start guide that is normally packed with the smart plug.
9. In the application, press the option that has been marked scan bar code then your phone’s camera to scan the barcode. Once it has been scanned, you will see a notification on the app indicating that it is looking for the barcode.
10. Plug the smart plug back into the electrical wall socket, and wait for it to be recognized and shown on the application.
11. If the plug is not recognized, search for the action button on the sides of the smart plug. Hold it for a few seconds until you see an LED light on top of the smart plug, blinking red and blue.
12. There are occasions where it might fail to pick up the smart plug. If this happens, you have to explore other possible hindrances. For example, check to ensure that your phone or tablet has Bluetooth turned on and that the application in use can use Bluetooth and a camera.
13. At this point, the integration process is complete, and you can press done. You will be redirected to the device’s screen.
14. When you notice a new option for plugs, you should look for your plug. Press on its name and then press the settings feature. Once you do this, you will be provided with the option of naming. For easy operation, you will have to enter the name of the device that you will be plugging into the smart plug.
15. Now that the set-up is complete, you will try to control the device with your voice. Ensure that the connected device has been switched on. For example, if you will be connecting a lamp, ensure that it is in the on position. When you voice your command, it will be picked by the echo, and the necessary action will be initiated.

What are some of the devices that can be connected to the Amazon smart plug?

Home automation encompasses almost all electrical appliances. Some of the devices that will function with this gadget are your microwave, blender, heater, air conditioner, printers, scanners, and Wi-Fi modems.

How to ensure the security of your Amazon smart plug?

Smart plugs can expose sensitive data to hackers. Consider taking steps that can shield your smart plug from hackers. For instance, you can create a secure Wi-Fi network. Use strong passwords that have at least eight characters. You should mix uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters when creating such passwords.

Conclusion

If you have decided to invest in a smart plug, you should follow the steps above so that you can use it with Alexa. Turning your home into a smart home is a gradual process that requires one to completely understand how the various devices integrate with the control application. For example, did you know that you could ask Alexa to do more than one task at a go?

FAQ’s

Can I use the Amazon smart plug with Google Assistant?

No, you cannot use Amazon smart plug with Google Assistant. The unit is a dedicated Alexa only.

Are smart plugs going to inflate my power bills?

No, smart plugs don’t consume a lot of power. On average, they use about 1 watt of power when in standby mode, which translates to about 8.76KWh within the year.