Smart Plugs That Work With Google Home

As our homes become smarter, integrating various devices has become a seamless part of our daily lives. Smart plugs are one of the simplest yet most effective ways to enhance our home automation. They allow us to control non-smart devices using our smartphones, voice assistants, and more. In this text, we are going to dive deep into the world of smart plugs that work with Google Home, exploring their benefits, essential features, top options on the market, and how to set them up effectively.

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What Are Smart Plugs?

Smart plugs are devices that connect to your regular electrical outlets, enabling us to control plugged-in appliances remotely via smartphones or voice commands. By turning any device into a smart one, we can automate everyday tasks, monitor energy consumption, and enhance our overall convenience at home. They connect to our Wi-Fi networks, allowing them to communicate with compatible smart home systems, including Google Home.

Benefits of Using Smart Plugs With Google Home

Integrating smart plugs with Google Home comes with a plethora of benefits.

Voice Control: When paired with Google Assistant, we can turn devices on or off simply by speaking commands, making our lives hands-free and hassle-free.
Remote Access: Through the Google Home app, we can control our appliances from anywhere. Whether we’re at work or on vacation, we can ensure that our devices are running or off as needed.
Energy Monitoring: Many smart plugs provide insights into energy consumption, helping us understand which devices consume the most power, potentially leading to energy savings.
Scheduling: We can set schedules for devices, ensuring they operate only when needed. For instance, we can schedule lamps to turn on at dusk or our coffee maker to start brewing first thing in the morning.
Scene Control: With Google Home, we can create scenes that combine multiple actions. For example, we can set a “Goodnight” scene that turns off the lights and powers down devices with just one command.

Top Features to Look For in Smart Plugs

When selecting smart plugs that work with Google Home, we should consider several key features to maximize our experience:

Compatibility: Ensure the smart plug explicitly states its compatibility with Google Home and supports Google Assistant.
Energy Monitoring: Look for models that monitor energy usage so we can track consumption and help reduce utility bills.
Multiple Outlets: Some smart plugs offer multiple outlets, which is perfect for managing several devices in one spot.
Scheduling Options: Check if the smart plug allows us to create schedules or timers for devices, enhancing convenience.
Size and Design: Consider a compact design, especially if we have a crowded outlet: some plugs can block adjacent sockets.

Best Smart Plugs Compatible With Google Home

We’ve evaluated some of the best smart plugs available that work seamlessly with Google Home:

TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug (HS103): This plug is easy to set up, compact, and supports energy monitoring, making it our top pick for overall value.

Features: Voice control, scheduling, and remote access through the Kasa app.

Amazon Smart Plug: While it’s branded by Amazon, it works with Google Home too. It’s simple to install and operate.

Features: Schedule appliances, control with voice, and integrates seamlessly with Google Assistant.

Wemo Mini Smart Plug: Known for its reliability, the Wemo Mini is a great choice for budget-savvy users.

Features: Compact design, away mode, and works with both Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit.

Meross Smart Wi-Fi Plug: This plug is affordable, easy to use, and features energy monitoring capabilities.

Features: Remote control, voice commands, and supports multiple devices.

Gosund Smart Plug: This plug comes with 4 in a pack, providing excellent value with plenty of features.

Features: Energy monitoring, voice control, and scheduling functions.

How to Set Up Smart Plugs With Google Home

Setting up smart plugs with Google Home is straightforward. Here’s how we can do it:

Download the Manufacturer’s App: Begin by downloading the app associated with your smart plug. For example, Kasa for TP-Link plugs.
Create an Account: Open the app and create an account if you don’t already have one.
Plug the Device In: Insert your smart plug into a wall outlet, then plug in the device you want to control.
Connect to Wi-Fi: Follow the app’s instructions to connect the smart plug to our Wi-Fi network. Most apps will guide us through connecting the plug to our home network.
Enable Google Assistant in the App: Navigate to the integrations or settings tab in the app to link it with Google Assistant. This usually involves selecting Google Home and following the prompts to sign in.
Use Google Home App to Discover Devices: Open the Google Home app, tap the plus sign (+), then choose “Set Up Device” and “Works with Google”. Find and select the smart plug’s manufacturer.
Assign the Device to a Room: This step helps in managing multiple devices quickly. After setting it up, we can command Google Assistant to control individual devices according to the room they’re assigned to.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even though setup is typically smooth, we may encounter issues. Here are some common problems and fixes:

Device Not Responding: Ensure the smart plug is properly connected to Wi-Fi and the device it’s controlling is plugged in and turned on.
Google Assistant Can’t Find the Device: Reopen the Google Home app and sync devices by saying, “Hey Google, sync my devices.” If that does not work, try unlinking and relinking the smart plug’s app in Google Home.
App Connection Issues: Ensure our smartphone is running the latest version of the app. Uninstalling and reinstalling may also help.
Network Instability: If the smart plug often disconnects, look into your Wi-Fi coverage. A weak signal can cause disconnects, so consider moving closer to the router or using a Wi-Fi extender.