![]() ![]() All devices will be bound to the one account, and once the devices are set up in Kasa, remote control is automatically enabled. Yes, you will be able to control both devices on the different networks. Your smart plugs (and other Kasa devices) are then registered to this account, and so – like with Alexa and Google Home – you can control the smart plug even when you’re not on the same WiFi network: For example, TP-Link’s Kasa range supports this by getting you to setup a Kasa account. Some smart plugs natively support away-from-home control (also called ‘remote control’). Cool! Solution #2: buy a smart plug that natively supports away-from-home So whilst you still won’t be able to launch your smart plug’s app and control it there, you can use the Alexa app without any issue – wherever you are in the world. This means that when you’re out and on another WiFi network, you’ll still be able to control the smart plug from your Alexa app because you’re still logged into your Amazon/Alexa account. Once you’ve linked this within Alexa (for example), the smart plug will be registered against your linked Amazon account. The ‘Add’ device page of Alexa’s app shows that ‘Plug’ (smart plugs) can be added. On the Alexa app, this is under ‘Devices’ and then ‘Add’ (the little plus icon in the top right): If your smart plug is ‘Alexa enabled’ or ‘supports Google Home’ (or HomeKit, for that matter), then you will be able to go into your Alexa/Google Home app and add your smart plug there. This problem can usually be fixed, thankfully, but it depends on the type of smart plug you own. After all, your phone might be using mobile data, or it’s on public WiFi: but your smart plug will be on your home WiFi network. However if you go out and remember that you left a device on, you might launch your phone app but see that you can’t control the linked smart plug because you’re not connected to the same WiFi network. At this point, you’ll be able to press “on” and “off” on the smart plug (within the app) to control the plug, and ultimately the device that’s plugged into it. Once you’ve plugged your smart plug in, you’ll need to download the accompanying phone app to finish the setup process. ![]() Controlling smart plugs when you’re away from home However some people expect smart plugs to just work after putting them in a wall outlet – they don’t realize that you can’t always easily control them when you’re away from home, hence I wanted to write this article to cover how you can control smart plugs remotely. In this way, smart plugs are a decent upgrade over old style mechanical timer switches. You can also configure the smart plug to go on/off at specific times, or link it to other smart devices in your home via routines (‘if the temperature drops to X, turn on smart plug Y’). via your phone app) which will ultimately turn your device on/off too. You can then turn the smart plug on or off without touching the plug (e.g. They plug into your wall outlet, and then you plug your electrical devices into the smart plug. Smart plugs often aren’t spoken about with the same hype and enthusiasm as smart assistants and lights, but they offer your home a useful smart upgrade nonetheless. Two smart plugs Hue and Kasa side by side
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