Skip to main content
    TekSure
    Step 1 of 5
    Smart Home
    Beginner
    2 min read 5 stepsApril 16, 2026Verified April 2026

    How to Use Smart Plugs to Automate Your Home

    Control any lamp or appliance with your phone or voice using an inexpensive smart plug — no rewiring needed.

    In this guide (5 steps):

    1. 1.Buy a smart plug
    2. 2.Plug it in and download the app
    3. 3.Connect the smart plug to your WiFi
    4. 4.Control it with the app
    5. 5.Create a schedule
    1

    Buy a smart plug

    ~17s
    Smart plugs are available for $10 to $20 each at Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, and Target. Popular reliable options include the Kasa Smart Plug (TP-Link), the Amazon Smart Plug (works with Alexa), and the Wyze Plug. Make sure it is compatible with your smart speaker if you have one.
    2

    Plug it in and download the app

    ~15s
    Plug the smart plug into a standard outlet. Download the companion app — Kasa uses the Kasa app, Wyze uses the Wyze app. Create a free account with your email address.
    3

    Connect the smart plug to your WiFi

    ~17s
    Open the app and tap "Add device" or "+". Follow the on-screen instructions to connect the smart plug to your home WiFi network. The process takes about 2 to 3 minutes and usually involves pressing a button on the plug while the app sets it up.
    4

    Control it with the app

    ~17s
    Once set up, you will see the smart plug in your app. Tap the power button icon to turn it on or off from anywhere. Plug a lamp into the smart plug and test it — you should see the light turn on and off when you tap the app.
    5

    Create a schedule

    ~17s
    In the app, tap your smart plug and find "Schedule" or "Automations." Set it to turn on at sunset and off at 10 PM, for example. You can also add it to Amazon Alexa or Google Home to control it by voice: say "Alexa, turn on the living room lamp."

    You Did It!

    You've completed: How to Use Smart Plugs to Automate Your Home

    Need more help? Get Expert Help from a TekSure Tech

    Smart plugs are one of the easiest and most affordable ways to start automating your home. You plug one into any standard outlet, then plug any device (a lamp, a fan, a coffee maker) into the smart plug. You can then turn that device on or off using your phone or your voice — and set schedules so things happen automatically. Popular brands include Kasa, Wyze, and Amazon Smart Plug.

    Rate this guide

    How helpful was this guide?

    smart plug
    smart home
    kasa
    alexa
    home automation

    Official Resources

    Amazon Alexa HelpGoogle Nest HelpHow-To Geek — Smart Home

    Sources used to create and verify this guide. View all sources →

    ← Previous

    How to Set Up a Smart Doorbell — Ring and Nest

    Next →

    How to Set Up a Smart Thermostat

    Still stuck? Let a pro handle it.

    Our verified technicians can fix this issue for you — remotely or in person.

    Book a Verified Tech How It Works

    Related Guides

    How to Set Up Amazon Alexa (Echo) from Scratch

    Unbox and set up your Amazon Echo speaker — connect to WiFi, personalize settings, and start using voice commands.

    2 min read

    How to Set Up Google Home (Nest Hub)

    Set up your Google Nest speaker or display — connect to WiFi, link accounts, and start using Google Assistant.

    2 min read

    How to Set Up Amazon Fire Stick

    Plug in and set up your Fire TV Stick to stream movies, shows, and live TV on any television.

    2 min read

    How to Use Smart Plugs to Automate Your Home — Step-by-Step Guide | TekSure