TP-Link’s Wi-Fi Smart Plug is a pretty popular option for those who want to turn on lights and fans from their phones, especially since it’s on sale regularly and was even part of Amazon’s Echo promotion over the holidays. Here’s how to do it.

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If you bought a smart plug in the recent past and just wanted the cheapest option from a reputable brand, chances are you bought this TP-Link model or its multipack. You can get it for around $15-$20 when it goes on sale, but if you bought an Amazon Echo over the holidays, you had the option to attach it to your order for as little as $5.

To begin the installation process, you first need to download the Kasa app on your iPhone or Android device. This is the official TP-Link app for their SmartHome devices.

Once installed, open the app and click the «Create an account» link in the bottom left corner of the screen.

Enter your email address, create a password, and then click the «Create Account» button.

You will need to verify your email address in order to continue. Open your inbox, select the email you received, and then click the confirmation link. After that, you can return to the Kasa app and then click the «Continue» button.

You can then choose whether you want to allow the app to access your location. This allows you to set a schedule for the smart plug-in based on sunrise and sunset. If you don’t need to do this, then there’s no reason to include your location.

You will be taken to the main screen. To set up the smart plug, click the «+» button in the upper right corner of the screen.

Scroll through the list and select the device you are setting up. In this case, we will select «Smart Plug».

Now plug the smart plug into an outlet and wait for it to boot up — it only takes a few seconds. The Wi-Fi logo turns orange and then flashes between orange and green. When you see this, double-tap the «Next» button on the app.

Now you need to access the Wi-Fi settings for your phone and connect your phone to the Wi-Fi TP-Link Smart Plug. Once this is done, you can return to the Kasa app.

You will now move on to the name of the smart plugin. Enter whatever you want and then click the «Next» button.

Select the icon you want to use to identify the device in the app. It’s really not that important, but it’s funny. You can even select a photo from your camera for a specific reminder of the device you control. Select an icon (or photo) and then click Next.

Next, the device should connect to your home Wi-Fi network. Enter the password for your network, and then click Next. If you want to use a different Wi-Fi network than the one Kasa first connects to, click the «I want to use a different network» link at the bottom of the screen.

After connecting to the network, the device should receive the latest firmware update from the Internet. Click the Update Now button.

Please allow a few minutes for the update to install. During this time, the smart plug may turn on and off automatically.

When the update is complete, click the «Finish» button.

Click Done again.

Your smart plug now appears on the main screen of the Kasa app and you can press the power button to the right of the device to turn it on and off.

Clicking on a smart plugin reveals more information about how to use it.

Clicking on the «Total run time» figure displays additional information about how long the plugin has been enabled, as well as the total and average values ​​for 7 and 30 days.

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The TP-Link smart plugin provides basic runtime information that is broadly in line with what other smart plugins offer. Unfortunately, the information isn’t as detailed as that provided by Belkin’s WeMo Insight (which can actually estimate energy costs), but it’s certainly better than nothing. Plus the Kasa app is really easy to use.

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