How to connect a smart plug to Alexa (and what to do if it won’t pair)

💡 Need to know

• Most smart plugs only work on 2.4GHz Wi-Fi—not 5GHz.
• Your phone, plug, and Alexa device must be on the same network.
• Some plugs require enabling a Skill before Alexa can control them.
• If pairing fails, a full reset usually fixes it.

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If you're trying to cut down your electric bill and make your home a little smarter, a smart plug for your Amazon Alexa™ is a great place to start. It lets you control lamps, fans, and other devices right from your smartphone or Amazon Echo™ speakers. Not sure how to connect your smart plug to Alexa? Here’s how to get it set up.

Asurion Experts help you get the most from your smart devices. Whether you're wondering how to use smart plugs or put Alexa in pairing mode, count on us for guidance you can trust. 

Confirm what Alexa needs to recognize a smart plug

Smart plugs are sold by Amazon™ and third-party sources. If you purchased an Amazon smart plug, it's compatible with Alexa, which is Amazon's smart voice assistant. Alexa is accessible through the Amazon Alexa app and Amazon smart speakers. 

Third-party smart plugs may be compatible with Alexa or other voice software, such as Google Assistant™ and Siri®. Check the plug's packaging to see if you can connect a SmartLife plug to Alexa or other options.

Smart plugs require a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi signal to function properly. This allows smooth communication over large areas, with minimal interference from walls and other blockers. To set up your smart plug, you'll need to sign in to your Amazon Alexa account through a smartphone or tablet.

Connect your smart plug to Alexa

How do you connect a smart plug to Alexa? Start by inserting the smart plug into a wall socket. Then, take these steps in the Alexa app:

1. Log in to your Amazon Alexa account on your phone. Tap the More menu. 
2. Tap Devices > Plus (+) > Add Device.
3. Tap Plug.
4. Follow the prompts to complete the setup. Note the name assigned to your smart plug—you'll need it for voice commands. You can also name the plug by the device it controls, such as a lamp or fan.

Enabling Amazon skills for the smart plug lets you control your device hands-free. Using only your voice, you can turn the smart plug on or off. Here's how to set them up:

1. Open the Alexa app.
2. Tap More > Skills & Games.
3. Search for available skills for your smart plug. 
4. Tap Enable Skill (or Disable Skill to turn it off). 

For example, say you name your smart plug "Kitchen Lamp." Using Amazon skills, your smart plug will respond to voice commands such as:

• "Alexa, turn on Kitchen Lamp."
• "Alexa, turn off Kitchen Lamp."
• "Alexa, set Kitchen Lamp to 50%." 

The last prompt only works for dimmable smart plugs. It's useful if you want to dial down the brightness of connected lights.

Fix pairing and control problems

You've faithfully followed the steps to set up a Kasa smart plug, but no joy. The smart plug doesn't appear in your device list or respond to your voice commands. Try these troubleshooting steps to get your smart plug working properly.

Verify that you have the latest Alexa software

Outdated software can prevent Alexa from recognizing a new device. Make sure you have the latest version of the Alexa app installed on your smartphone before trying to connect the smart plug.

If you're using an Amazon Echo for voice commands, say "Alexa, check for software updates." The Echo will automatically update Alexa software if it's connected to Wi-Fi.

Check the Wi-Fi connection

Smart plugs work best on a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi signal. If you're not sure what GHz your router uses, review its instruction manual for guidance. 

Verify that the smart plug, Alexa device, and smartphone are all connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If they're on different Wi-Fi networks, the devices won't be able to communicate.

Place paired devices near the smart plug

Smart speakers like the Amazon Echo must be within 30 feet of the smart plug to transmit voice commands. If the speaker is too far away, the smart plug may not respond to spoken instructions.

Reset the smart plug if problems continue

Still have issues with connection or voice recognition? Reset the smart plug to its factory condition. Amazon smart plugs have a small reset button you can press. Simply hold it for at least 12 seconds, then start the setup process again. If you're using a third-party smart plug, check its user manual for guidance on resetting the device.

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FAQ

Why won’t my smart plug connect to Alexa?

Incorrect Wi-Fi frequency, different network connections, or outdated Alexa software are common causes.

Do smart plugs work on 5GHz Wi-Fi?

Most smart plugs only work on 2.4GHz networks.

How do I reset an Amazon smart plug?

Press and hold the reset button for at least 12 seconds, then set it up again in the Alexa app.