How to Set Up Amazon Smart Plug

This article explains how to set up an Amazon Smart Plug, including directions for initial setup and how to use the Smart Plug once it’s set up.

How to Set up Amazon Smart Plug

There are many third-party smart plugs designed to work with Alexa, but the Amazon Smart Plug is one of the easiest to set up and use. If you chose to have it preconfigured for your account, then setup is even easier. It doesn’t require a hub, additional equipment, or complicated configuration and connects directly to your Wi-Fi network.

Setup is performed in the Alexa app, and you will need to connect the Amazon Smart Plug to your Wi-Fi network and Amazon account if it wasn’t preconfigured for you.

Here’s how to set up your Amazon Smart Plug:

1. Open the Alexa app, and tap Devices.

2. Tap the + icon.

3. Tap Add Device.

4. Tap Plug.

5. Tap Amazon.

6. Tap Next.

7. Tap SCAN BARCODE and use your phone's camera to scan the barcode on the back of the Smart Plug.

   If your barcode is missing or damaged, you can tap DON'T HAVE A BARCODE, press and hold the button on the Smart Plug until the LED flashes red and blue, and detect it in that manner.

8. Plug your Smart Plug into the wall, and wait for the Alexa app to discover it.

9. Tap your Wi-Fi network, and wait for the Smart Plug to connect to your Wi-Fi network.

   If you haven't stored your Wi-Fi network information in your Amazon account, you'll have to enter the network password manually at this point.

10. Tap NEXT.

11. Tap CHOOSE GROUP to place the plug in a smart home group, or SKIP if you don't want to add it to a group.

12. Tap a smart home group.

13. Tap ADD TO GROUP.

14. Tap CONTINUE.

15. Tap DONE.

    To customize your Smart Plug name and make it easier to use, navigate to Devices > Plugs > your Smart Plug > Gear icon > Edit Name, and enter a customized name. You can then say, "Alexa, turn on (custom name)" to use the plug.

How Do I Connect My Amazon Smart Plug to Wi-Fi?

Your Amazon Smart Plug will connect to Wi-Fi automatically if you select the Wi-Fi simple setup option at the time of purchase and have previously stored your Wi-Fi details with Alexa. If it doesn’t, the initial setup process will walk you through connecting your Amazon Smart Plug to Wi-Fi.

If you move your Smart Plug to a new location with a different Wi-Fi network or change your Wi-Fi network for any reason, you can manually connect it to the new network.

Here’s how to connect an Amazon Smart Plug to Wi-Fi:

1. Open the Alexa app, and tap Devices.

2. Tap Plugs.

3. Tap your Smart Plug.

4. Tap the Gear icon.

5. Tap Change next to Wi-Fi network.

6. Tap Next.

7. Push and hold the button on your Smart Plug until the LED flashes red and blue, then tap Next in the Alexa app.

8. Wait for the Alexa app to find your plug.

9. Tap the Wi-Fi network you want your Smart Plug to use.

10. Enter the password for the Wi-Fi network, and tap CONTINUE.

11. Your Smart Plug will connect to the new Wi-Fi network.

How to Set up an Alexa Smart Plug With Other Devices and Electronics

Your Amazon Smart Plug includes a single power outlet. The primary purpose of a smart plug like this is to plug in an appliance or other electronic device with a mechanical switch and doesn’t already have Alexa compatibility. The Amazon Smart Plug then allows you to turn that device on and off with Alexa voice commands through your Echo device or the Alexa app.

To determine whether or not you can use your Amazon Smart Plug to control a device with Alexa, turn the device on, unplug it, and then plug it back in. If the device comes on automatically when you plug it back in, it will work with the Smart Plug.

To use the plug after it’s been set up with a device, say, “Alexa, turn on plug,” or “Alexa, turn off plug.” You can also rename your plug, which is helpful if you have more than one. For example, if you have your coffee maker plugged into your Amazon Smart Plug, you could change its name to “coffee maker.” After that, you would say, “Alexa, turn on coffee maker.”

You can also add your Amazon Smart Plug to Home Groups, use it in Alexa Routines, and activate it with the touch screen of your Echo Show. Use it the same way you would any other Alexa-compatible device.