Some people are not sure whether or not smart plugs have timers—begging the question; do smart plugs have timers? The short answer is YES, these plugs sometimes feature a timer. The point of this feature is to allow you to set the duration over which your appliance(s) that are connected to the plug stays on. This can enable you to save money on your monthly energy bills by making sure your appliance(s) stay on only when it’s necessary
How To Set Your Smart Plug Timer
Setting up your smart plug’s timer is a breeze. However, it entails a good number of steps as you are about to see below. Basically, it depends on your smart plug brand and model, which can be Amazon, Ring, Wyze, TP-Link, or any other.
So, here’s how to do it;
1. Set Timer on Amazon Smart Plugs
Step #1
Synchronize your smart plug with its companion app. For example, if it’s an Amazon smart plug, you should get it synchronized with the Alexa app, which is basically the native app for all Amazon smart plugs.
Step #2
Launch the companion app.
Step #3
Tap the More option shown at the bottom of the screen.
Step #4
Tap “Routines”.
Step #5
Create a new routine by selecting the conspicuous plus icon.
Step #6
Name your routine, for example, “Smart Plug Off.”
Step #7
Tap “When This Happens”, and choose “Schedule.”
Step #8
Tap “At Time.”
Step #9
Enter the time of day you would like your smart plug to turn off. Plus, you can set it up to have this schedule repeated as much as you want.
Step #10
Go to “Next”
Step #11
Tap “Add Action” and click “Smart Home.”
Step #12
Select your device.
Step #13
switch on your Amazon Smart Plug using the toggle.
Step #14
Tap “Next” and confirm your data before clicking “Save”.
2. Set Timer on Ring Smart Plugs
Step #1
Get your smart plug synchronized with its companion app—the Ring app.
Step #2
Select “Set Up a Device.”
Step #3
Tap “Accessories.”
Step #4
Tap “Routines.”
Step #5
Select “Create a New Routine.”
Step #6
Name your routine, for example, “Smart Plug Off.”
Step #7
Enter the time of day you would like your smart plug to perform the specific action. Note: You can set it up to perform this action as repeatedly as you want.
Step #8
Click “Save.”
3.Set Timer on Wyze Smart Plugs
Step #1
Get your smart plug paired with its companion app–the Wyze app.
Step #2
Launch the Wyze app.
Step #3
Go to “Settings.”
Step #4
Tap “Rules” then “Create Rule” and enter name(optional), start time, and end time(optional). You can also choose to make the smart plug repeat the specific timer action by tapping on the S(Sunday), M(Monday), T(Tuesday), W(Wednesday), T(Thursday), F(Friday), and S(Saturday) buttons below. Otherwise, tap on the plus icon next to “Add Action” and enter the action you would like your smart plug to perform, for example, “Turn Off The Lights.”
Step 5
Go to “Next” and select the “Turn On” and “Turn Off” check boxes.
Step #6
Tap “Save.”
3. Set Timer on TP-Link Smart Plugs
Step #1
Make sure your smart plug is paired with its companion app–the Kasa Smart app.
Step #2
Launch the Kasa smart app.
Step #3
Navigate to “Devices.”
Step #4
Find and tap your smart plug.
Step #5
Tap Schedule.
Step #6
Create a schedule by tapping the “+” icon and click “Save” to save the timer and schedule settings. N/B: You can enable or disable these settings by selecting “Start” or “Stop” buttons at the bottom of the screen.
Some Smart Plug Models That Have The Timer Feature
There are plenty of smart plug models from different brands available. It goes without saying that not all smart plug models come with a timer. Only certain models do and these include but are not limited to the following;
Wyze
According to the product page, “the Wyze Plug gives you a simple way to turn on/off any outlet remotely, thanks to its timer among other features. It lets you control lamps, fans, and other devices easily from the palm of your hand. No hub required.”
It’s compatible with Alexa and you can buy it as a pack containing either 2 or 4 plugs for variable prices.
The website shows that this smart plug is even recognized by big blogs such as PCMAG, TECHHIVE, and CNET, all of which publish reviews on consumer electronics globally.
Amazon
Unlike Wyze, Amazon offers several quality smart plug models. Each model offers value for money. These smart plugs come with the timer feature that is easy to set up and benefit from.
Unfortunately, they are designed to pair only with the Alexa app. However there are various ways in which they can be made to work with some select third-party apps such as Google Home.
One way is to use the IFTTT(If This Then That) service, which lets you pair restrictive smart home devices with some third-party apps.
Ring
Ring offers a reliable smart plug that you can use both outdoors and indoors. This smart home accessory comes with an easy to set up timer that lets your smart plug time and schedule functionalities perfectly. It’s one of the smart plugs that’s commonly found in smart homes all across America.
Final Thoughts
Some smart plugs come with a timer. This feature lets them automatically turn devices on/off, depending on your settings. It’s a great way to save on your monthly energy bills as it keeps your appliances from running unnecessarily, otherwise consuming power for no reason. Usually, this feature is easy to set up, using the smart plug’s companion app as shown above. Speaking of which, Ring, Wyze, and Amazon are some of the reputable brands for smart plugs with a timer. If shopping for one, I suggest you go with any of these brands. You might spend more, but it will be worth every extra penny that you part with.
