Kasa Smart HS100 WiFi Smart Plug, Classic 1-Pack, White
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Outside the Box
> 3 dayWow, I got this thing installed in less than 5 minutes. The app was very user friendly and detail with step by step setup instructions, except they got the App name wrong on the manual, it did not match the name in the App Store, however the icon was correct. So make sure you look at the app icon, not the name and install the correct version. To test it I have tried to unplug it and it relinked with my router within seconds. So far very reliable, after testing a few events and the power all turned on and off at the right time. For those who are unfamiliar with setting up schedule using the concept of events, just remember to program the ON event first followed by creating a second event to turn the power OFF, total of 2 events needed to turn you light on and off, otherwise it would just stay ON all the time. One event does one action On or OFF but not both. The smart plug works as follows: When it is powered and connected to the Wifi, it awaits an event signal ON or OFF and memorizes schedule(s) set with the App even when unplugged. but if there is no Wifi signal it will not be able to execute the event signal and the device will be at the state it was before the Wifi is disconnected. So for example, if you scheduled an ON event at 9am and an OFF event at 10am but if there was a power failure at 9:50am and came back at 10:05am, it would not have received the OFF commend at 10am and therefore would have remained in the state of ON until it receives the next OFF command. If you are going to use this to power appliance that are dangerous if left on, this can not be a fool prove solution. This model is for up to 15A about 1500W device and it costs about $7 more compared to the mini one which handles only 10A at about 1000W.
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daddyO
Greater than one weekI purchased the Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug (not the mini) to power a hot water recirculating pump in my basement. I received it in one day with Amazon Prime in a very sturdy box. The Kasa smart plug came with a quick start guide card with very clear, straightforward instructions. I downloaded the Kasa iPhone app (which has outstanding reviews) and I set up the smart plug in my office only a few feet away from my Verizon 2.4 GHz router. The app walks you thought the set-up process quickly and without a hitch. During set-up you will name the smart plug for future identification. I used a night light plugged into the smart plug to test it out. There is a button in the app that you touch to turn the smart plug on or off and it worked the first time. Then I moved the smart plug to the basement where I was going to use it. The new location was one level down and approximately 50 feet away from the router. After plugging in the smart plug into the basement outlet, the smart plug blinked several time and then turned green and worked the first time. Next, I launched my Google Home app on my iPhone. In the upper left hand corner of the home page there are three horizontal lines. Tapping those lines bring up a menu. Tap on the Devices in the menu and follow the directions to add a new device. Google Home identifies this smart plug as TP-Link Kasa so scroll down until you see this device. Once set-up I simply said Hey Google turn on <smart plug name given during set-up> Google Home turned on the smart plug and confirmed that it was turned on. There are other nice features on the TP-link app that allows you to set-up a schedule for on-off and a timer that will turn off the smart plug after the count down. So far, I am extremely happy with my new smart plug on my first day of use. Should anything change, I will update my review.
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K. Carlsen
> 3 dayI have been using this product after experiencing a lot of difficulty with a competitors product. I started with one basic, over sized switch and was impressed with its ease of setup and use as well as the features for the price. I then added a wall switch (great price for a similarity easy to use and function product), and then a mini switch. The mini was where I had issues, but I think they are easily resolved. More on that in a moment. I also tried the over sized energy monitoring switch and it worked great as well. Easy setup and easy to use, with a basic set of features I would expect for the price. So for the minis. I tried one and had the same 24 hour reset issue several people are noting. I thought maybe it was a bad switch, so I tried two more since I have been automating my home anyway. Same issue. I contacted customer support and they provided me a quick tool to upgrade the firmware. After completing that step (and upgrading my router, which was a separate issue that most will not experience if you only have a couple devices on your network), the issue appears to be resolved. I would recommend that if you have an issue with the switch dropping off the network, get the tool to upgrade the firmware to at least 1.0.0 or higher (all my switches that were working originally were 1.0.0 or higher, all the minis were less than 1.0.0). Now I have no issues. I think if you have more than say 15-20 devices on your network and your relying on the standard cable company modem/router, you may need to look into upgrading. I started having a lot of issues with devices on my network with my cable company provided equipment past about 20 devices (cable company said really 16 is the max), but now that I have upgraded (in addition to the firmware fix), everything is running very smoothly. Four stars because I think this switch should have some sort of energy monitoring for the price, but the ease of use and functionality still makes it worth purchasing. I have purchases several more.
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GrinnolaAlum
> 3 dayLove this for use at home or traveling. I primarily use these smart plugs for lamps also for some kitchen appliances. It makes it easy to turn off lights if I forget and I am in a different part of the house using Alexa or set the coffee pot up and set the smart plug to turn it on in the morning. I can also turn lights on and off when I am away or from home using the Kasa app and check to make sure the coffee pot is off. TP-Link has a section on how to connect your smart plug and use it with Amazon Echo. It requires downloading and using the Kasa app and it is easy if you follow the directions posted on their website. You can name each plug so that you know where and what it controls this is especially helpful if you are using it for a lamp. The Kasa app also has a feature to randomly turn on your lights when you are traveling and it works well. I had neighbors express surprise that I was not home when I used this feature while traveling. These work well I had one smart plug lose the connection I reinstalled it and no more issues. Nothing works perfectly but this has worked well and as expected since I purchased and installed them. The information on TP-Links website is a big help with setup and to learn how to use this with Echo. A useful item that makes things a bit easier for busy people.
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Ken
> 3 dayI bought three of these when they went on sale a while back. It took a while to figure out the correct way to get them set up. I wasnt aware you still had to go online and set up the app on the Kasa web site before you could us it through the internet or Alexa. You can do this with a smart phone or Ipad, it didnt work with a PC. Once I found that out, it went smooth from then on. I first used my Ipad to locate and set them up, no problems here, I could turn them on from anywhere in the house or outside, I havent tried them from another location yet, but it says they will work away from home. Whats keeping me from giving five stars is that its so hit or miss with Alexa. I have two Echos, one in my house and another in my moms house and they both have the same issues. The first issue with Alexa is range. I cant put these farther than 7 feet from the Echo. I can get about 10 feet away in my moms house. Weird thing is that I tell it to turn on a light and it says OK and nothing happens if its over 7 feet away. I tried it with all three units. Keep in mind that it works fine through the internet app and my Ipad. Sometimes, Alexa cant seem to locate one or more of these devices and I have to reset them and set them up again. Also, if you plan on using Alexa, sometimes, you have to say your words a certain way to make her happy. I can say turn on the living room light and Alexa sometimes responds I cannot locate a device called Living Room Light. Then I say turn the living room light on, and Alexa says OK and it happens if Im in range. If you just plan to use your smart phone or Ipad to control these, you should have no problem, they seem to work fine every time.
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J. Isaac
Greater than one weekThis has been working well so far, and since its able to interface it with both Alexa and IFTTT, its extremely flexible to automate! I do wish it came with an Ethernet port to set it up though, because for me, the wireless setup was very frustrating! In order to supply your routers credentials to this outlet, setup requires you to connect a wireless device to a temporary Wi-Fi network with the plug. Doesnt sound too difficult, but it took me several dozen attempts to successfully connect to the outlet! After a failed connection, youre given the option to set up manually, which consists of manually switching your network to the one supplied by the outlet. However, my connection kept telling me that I was in fact connected to the device, with no internet connectivity. Great, I wouldnt expect internet, but if Im connected, why does the setup keep telling me that Im not connected. The setup also helpfully states that maybe you should try again while being closer to the outlet. I literally had my phone resting on the device! So, I tried various outlets throughout my home in case I just happened to be trying to set it up in a wireless black hole, but to no avail. The only other wireless device that I have that I could use to set it up is a Kindle Fire tablet. Unfortunately, for some reason, the TP-Link Kasa app, that is used to setup and control the device, doesnt exist on the Amazon marketplace... Just when I reached my limit after dozens of setup attempts and was going to box the outlet back up and return it, it finally allowed me to input my routers credentials and connect it to my home network! Since attaching to my network, Ive had no issues whatsoever with the outlet! So while I like the device itself, and it works great, Im subtracting a star because the setup was beyond frustrating... If this device worked well, I was planning on purchasing some more. At this point, I dont know if Ill do that because while Im satisfied by the way the outlet is working, Im literally dreading trying to set another one up.
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Sandy C
> 3 dayAs with nearly every Amazon purchase Ive made, this arrived timely. I was able to install the Kasa app on my Samsung Galaxy S5 without any trouble, but activating the plug wasnt frustration-free. Following the instructions on my Samsung, I was able to complete all but the last installation step. After three unsuccessful attempts to connect the plug, I contacted customer service. The recording assured me I was number one in line for a representative but I still waited a few moments for someone to speak with me. I clearly explained my difficulty (unable to connect to Wi-Fi) and the steps Id taken. The rep asked me to reset the plug, and then I was met with silence. After six minutes, I disconnected and called back (hallelujah! I was number one in line again!), and repeated what had happened on my first call. The rep dug through some instruction sheets, had me repeat the same steps for the fourth time, then said that my best option was to return the plug for a replacement. I persisted on my own and found a tip: link the smart plug while its in an outlet near your Wi-Fi router, then move it to your desired location. I did that, and voila! installation complete. Next step: go into the Alexa app, select Smart Home and then your device links and enable the plug. No problems there, either. Absolutely yes, it works with the Echo device. So why four stars and not five? First, customer service was not helpful. I easily found the tip that resulted in success, it seems that customer service could have done the same instead of suggesting I exchange the plug. And second, regardless of the March 10 comment from Kasa (see Earthlings review), the smart plug DOES block the second outlet. As much as Id enjoy having the majority of my electrical devices on a smart plug, I dont like the idea of blocking two outlets with one device.
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Euterpe
> 3 dayI bought this since I liked the idea of automating my home using the existing Wi-Fi network without the need to set up some expensive hub or system. We did not start out on the right foot, however. The electronic outlets in my apartment are placed two in a row, i.e. horizontally instead of vertically - the Smart Plug is so bulky that I can only use one Smart Plug per plate, and I can only squeeze in a smaller plug for the second outlet. Not great at all, particularly since I am already using outlet taps to maximize the number of electric equipment I can use for each outlet. I ended up using these Smart Plugs on extension cords to get around the issue. Another problem I then have is that the Smart Plugs cannot connect to hidden networks. I have one known (password protected) network, and a second hidden network. The hidden network is intended for my equipment, whereas the known network is for friends and visitors. I have to use the known network for the Smart Plugs, and put my phone onto the known network as well for this to work. I can live with it, but not cool. Having said that, once I got past these issues (and I actually started a return before I decided to try it one more time), the Smart Plugs are great. I like the fact that I can switch on a number of lights at once that I would otherwise have to switch on individually. I also like the fact that I can set this to a schedule especially when I am traveling. Already I am thinking that I can link this up to the fan, more lights in other rooms of the apartment and perhaps even my humidifier. Theres a lot of potential in this and overall, Im glad I got these! I got these when they went on sale for around $19.99 each (they are currently $29.99 each), and Ill get more when theres a sale again!
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Matt C.
> 3 dayBefore we get into what I dont like about this, it should be known that I love this plug. We use it on a bedside lamp combined with an Echo, and Alexa turns our light on and off every morning and evening without fumbling for the pull chain. Its great. I just have seen a few ways it could be better. Software can be a bit finicky - has a tendency to reset with a power loss, but not every power loss. And even then you just need to reintialize - all of the data is still saved about the device name. After initial setup, the next one I use will be much easier (already having an account, having the phone app, etc.). Naming was easy, and the app even comes with little icons to remind you what is plugged into the outlet. Biggest issue, and the only reason were not at 5 stars is the plug covers both wall outlets. The housing is too big on the bottom to allow even an ungrounded connection beneath it. You could get short, grounded extension cables (6 or 12) to overcome this, but it starts to become ridiculous. Fortunately the plug we use only had the lamp on it, but its still annoying. Would also be nice if the plug was actually on one of the sides instead of head-in. Naturally, this unit sticks out from the wall, but then once you have your switched device plugged in, the wires extend pretty far. If the switched device plugged into the side, you could avoid the wires coming out several inches from the wall. Maybe thats another reason to get the short extension cord. So plan for this to be in a hidden location where you only need to have one device plugged in, and its a winner.
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Retiree15
> 3 dayVery upset that this will not work with my 5.2 router. Why was the product info not clearer that it will only work with 2.4??? Is there one available that WILL work with my router. After 3 kindles and my echo this is the first Amazon product I haver been upset about. I am not smart enough to know how to change my router and am hesitant to do so since I dont want to mess up my computer, my Kindles, my cell phone and two smart tvs. I also have two Dots on order will they work with my current router?? Gosh - I hope so!!!!! Since I am disabled I was really looking forward to telling Alexa to turn on my lamp. Is there another device that will work with my router? How do I go about returning the tp-link. I have the original box but I will have to pay someone to take it to the UPS office. , This is the only product from Amazon that I have ever been disappointed in. I have had 3 Kindles and words cannot express how much I LOVE my ECHO. Since I live alone and have no friends or family anywhere near, it is nice to hear another voice. I learn something new every day to use it for. I am not smart enough to know how to change my router and am hesitant to do so since I dont want to mess up my computer, my Kindles, my cell phone and two smart tvs. I also have two Dots on order will they work with my current router?? Gosh - I hope so!!!!! Since I am disabled I was really looking forward to telling Alexa to turn on my lamp. Is there another device that will work with my router? How do I go about returning the tp-link. I have the original box but I will have to pay someone to take it to the UPS office. , This is the only product from Amazon that I have ever been disappointed in. I have had 3 Kindles and words cannot express how much I LOVE my ECHO. Since I live alone and have no friends or family anywhere near, it is nice to hear another voice. I learn something new every day to use it for. I am not smart enough to know how to change my router and am hesitant to do so since I dont want to mess up my computer, my Kindles, my cell phone and two smart tvs. I also have two Dots on order will they work with my current router?? Gosh - I hope so!!!!! Since I am disabled I was really looking forward to telling Alexa to turn on my lamp. Is there another device that will work with my router? How do I go about returning the tp-link. I have the original box but I will have to pay someone to take it to the UPS office. , This is the only product from Amazon that I have ever been disappointed in. I have had 3 Kindles and words cannot express how much I LOVE my ECHO. Since I live alone and have no friends or family anywhere near, it is nice to hear another voice. I learn something new every day to use it for. I am not smart enough to know how to change my router and am hesitant to do so since I dont want to mess up my computer, my Kindles, my cell phone and two smart tvs. I also have two Dots on order will they work with my current router?? Gosh - I hope so!!!!! Since I am disabled I was really looking forward to telling Alexa to turn on my lamp. Is there another device that will work with my router? How do I go about returning the tp-link. I have the original box but I will have to pay someone to take it to the UPS office. , This is the only product from Amazon that I have ever been disappointed in. I have had 3 Kindles and words cannot express how much I LOVE my ECHO. Since I live alone and have no friends or family anywhere near, it is nice to hear another voice. I learn something new every day to use it for. I am not smart enough to know how to change my router and am hesitant to do so since I dont want to mess up my computer, my Kindles, my cell phone and two smart tvs. I also have two Dots on order will they work with my current router?? Gosh - I hope so!!!!! Since I am disabled I was really looking forward to telling Alexa to turn on my lamp. Is there another device that will work with my router? How do I go about returning the tp-link. I have the original box but I will have to pay someone to take it to the UPS office. , This is the only product from Amazon that I have ever been disappointed in. I have had 3 Kindles and words cannot express how much I LOVE my ECHO. Since I live alone and have no friends or family anywhere near, it is nice to hear another voice. I learn something new every day to use it for. I am not smart enough to know how to change my router and am hesitant to do so since I dont want to mess up my computer, my Kindles, my cell phone and two smart tvs. I also have two Dots on order will they work with my current router?? Gosh - I hope so!!!!! Since I am disabled I was really looking forward to telling Alexa to turn on my lamp. Is there another device that will work with my router? How do I go about returning the tp-link. I have the original box but I will have to pay someone to take it to the UPS office. , This is the only product from Amazon that I have ever been disappointed in. I have had 3 Kindles and words cannot express how much I LOVE my ECHO. Since I live alone and have no friends or family anywhere near, it is nice to hear another voice. I learn something new every day to use it for. I am not smart enough to know how to change my router and am hesitant to do so since I dont want to mess up my computer, my Kindles, my cell phone and two smart tvs. I also have two Dots on order will they work with my current router?? Gosh - I hope so!!!!! Since I am disabled I was really looking forward to telling Alexa to turn on my lamp. Is there another device that will work with my router? How do I go about returning the tp-link. I have the original box but I will have to pay someone to take it to the UPS office. , This is the only product from Amazon that I have ever been disappointed in. I have had 3 Kindles and words cannot express how much I LOVE my ECHO. Since I live alone and have no friends or family anywhere near, it is nice to hear another voice. I learn something new every day to use it for. I am not smart enough to know how to change my router and am hesitant to do so since I dont want to mess up my computer, my Kindles, my cell phone and two smart tvs. I also have two Dots on order will they work with my current router?? Gosh - I hope so!!!!! Since I am disabled I was really looking forward to telling Alexa to turn on my lamp. Is there another device that will work with my router? How do I go about returning the tp-link. I have the original box but I will have to pay someone to take it to the UPS office. , This is the only product from Amazon that I have ever been disappointed in. I have had 3 Kindles and words cannot express how much I LOVE my ECHO. Since I live alone and have no friends or family anywhere near, it is nice to hear another voice. I learn something new every day to use it for. I am not smart enough to know how to change my router and am hesitant to do so since I dont want to mess up my computer, my Kindles, my cell phone and two smart tvs. I also have two Dots on order will they work with my current router?? Gosh - I hope so!!!!! Since I am disabled I was really looking forward to telling Alexa to turn on my lamp. Is there another device that will work with my router? How do I go about returning the tp-link. I have the original box but I will have to pay someone to take it to the UPS office. , This is the only product from Amazon that I have ever been disappointed in. I have had 3 Kindles and words cannot express how much I LOVE my ECHO. Since I live alone and have no friends or family anywhere near, it is nice to hear another voice. I learn something new every day to use it for. I am not smart enough to know how to change my router and am hesitant to do so since I dont want to mess up my computer, my Kindles, my cell phone and two smart tvs. I also have two Dots on order will they work with my current router?? Gosh - I hope so!!!!! Since I am disabled I was really looking forward to telling Alexa to turn on my lamp. Is there another device that will work with my router? How do I go about returning the tp-link. I have the original box but I will have to pay someone to take it to the UPS office. , This is the only product from Amazon that I have ever been disappointed in. I have had 3 Kindles and words cannot express how much I LOVE my ECHO. Since I live alone and have no friends or family anywhere near, it is nice to hear another voice. I learn something new every day to use it for. I am not smart enough to know how to change my router and am hesitant to do so since I dont want to mess up my computer, my Kindles, my cell phone and two smart tvs. I also have two Dots on order will they work with my current router?? Gosh - I hope so!!!!! Since I am disabled I was really looking forward to telling Alexa to turn on my lamp. Is there another device that will work with my router? How do I go about returning the tp-link. I have the original box but I will have to pay someone to take it to the UPS office. , This is the only product from Amazon that I have ever been disappointed in. I have had 3 Kindles and words cannot express how much I LOVE my ECHO. Since I live alone and have no friends or family anywhere near, it is nice to hear another voice. I learn something new every day to use it for. I am not smart enough to know how to change my router and am hesitant to do so since I dont want to mess up my computer, my Kindles, my cell phone and two smart tvs. I also have two Dots on order will they work with my current router?? Gosh - I hope so!!!!! Since I am disabled I was really looking forward to telling Alexa to turn on my lamp. Is there another device that will work with my router? How do I go about returning the tp-link. I have the original box but I will have to pay someone to take it to the UPS office. , This is the only product from Amazon that I have ever been disappointed in. I have had 3 Kindles and words cannot express how much I LOVE my ECHO. Since I live alone and have no friends or family anywhere near, it is nice to hear another voice. I learn something new every day to use it for. I am not smart enough to know how to change my router and am hesitant to do so since I dont want to mess up my computer, my Kindles, my cell phone and two smart tvs. I also have two Dots on order will they work with my current router?? Gosh - I hope so!!!!! Since I am disabled I was really looking forward to telling Alexa to turn on my lamp. Is there another device that will work with my router? How do I go about returning the tp-link. I have the original box but I will have to pay someone to take it to the UPS office. , This is the only product from Amazon that I have ever been disappointed in. I have had 3 Kindles and words cannot express how much I LOVE my ECHO. Since I live alone and have no friends or family anywhere near, it is nice to hear another voice. I learn something new every day to use it for. I am not smart enough to know how to change my router and am hesitant to do so since I dont want to mess up my computer, my Kindles, my cell phone and two smart tvs. I also have two Dots on order will they work with my current router?? Gosh - I hope so!!!!! Since I am disabled I was really looking forward to telling Alexa to turn on my lamp. Is there another device that will work with my router? How do I go about returning the tp-link. I have the original box but I will have to pay someone to take it to the UPS office. , This is the only product from Amazon that I have ever been disappointed in. I have had 3 Kindles and words cannot express how much I LOVE my ECHO. Since I live alone and have no friends or family anywhere near, it is nice to hear another voice. I learn something new every day to use it for. I am not smart enough to know how to change my router and am hesitant to do so since I dont want to mess up my computer, my Kindles, my cell phone and two smart tvs. I also have two Dots on order will they work with my current router?? Gosh - I hope so!!!!! Since I am disabled I was really looking forward to telling Alexa to turn on my lamp. Is there another device that will work with my router? How do I go about returning the tp-link. I have the original box but I will have to pay someone to take it to the UPS office. ,I am not smart enough to know how to change my router and am hesitant to do so since I dont want to mess up my computer, my Kindles, my cell phone and two smart tvs. I also have two Dots on order will they work with my current router?? Gosh - I hope so!!!!! Since I am disabled I was really looking forward to telling Alexa to turn on my lamp. Is there another device that will work with my router? How do I go about returning the tp-link. I have the original box but I will have to pay someone to take it to the UPS office. This is the only product from Amazon that I have ever been disappointed in. I have had 3 Kindles and words cannot express how much I LOVE my ECHO. Since I live alone and have no friends or family anywhere near, it is nice to hear another voice. I learn something new every day to use it for.