A smart plug is a great device that can help you automate your wired devices.
It comes very handy, especially if you often forget to turn things off!
Best of all, you can time it with the help of a hub such as Google Home.
Here’s how you can set up a smart plug timer on Google Home in 3 steps:
- Install Google Home.
- Set up your smart plug.
- Set your timer through the Routine option.
For an in-depth explanation of these steps, read on.
1. Install Google Home
First things first: you need to get your Google Home program up and running. To do so, you need to make sure that the following are ready:
- WiFi connection. While the 5 GHz band is superior to the 2.4 GHz band, the latter can travel a longer distance. That said, it’s the best option if you plan on placing the plug far away from your device.
- Phone or tablet. Google Home is available for both iOS and Android devices. You can get this on the App Store or the Google Play store.
- Google Account. You can use your current one, or you can create one here.
- Compatible device. You can use Google Home, Home Mini, or Home Max. You can also check out Nest Mini or Nest Audio and Google Nest Hub or Nest Hub Max.
Check out: 4 Ways To Connect Your Smart Plug to 2.4 GHz (How-To Guide)
Once you have all of these, you can proceed with the following steps:
- Connect the device to the outlet. Your Google Home device should light up and let out a chiming sound.
- Install the Google Home program. Follow the prompts.
- Open the app and follow the setup directions. You’ll need to create/choose an account for the device. Likewise, you’ll be asked to select a Home option or create a new one.
- Wait for the app to search for your device. Click on the option and wait for it to make a sound. Tap on the screen to confirm once the device is detected.
- Connect to WiFi. Make sure that your device is connected to your phone or tablet’s network.
- Enable other setup options. You can set up Voice Assistance so that your device can recognize your voice. You can also customize your apps (and the entire experience) through the personal results option.
2. Set Up Your Smart Plug
Now that you have your Google Home device and app installed, you can proceed with setting up your smart plug.
If you don’t have a smart plug yet, here are some devices available on Amazon that’ll connect with Google Home seamlessly:
- Philips Hue Bluetooth: Small and unassuming, this plug can help you automate your devices with relative ease. It’s perfect for homeowners who can’t install their Hue bulbs in certain places. Should you get this product, make sure to create an account in the Philips Hue app first before you proceed.
- GE Lighting On/Off Smart Plug: This smart plug allows you to control your devices via app or voice commands. You can use it with any item in your home, though they’re best for slow cookers, curling irons, or space heaters.
- GE Lighting Cync Outdoor Smart Plug: The Cync smart plug comes in two versions: one for indoor use and another for outdoor equipment. Whatever choice you make, you can control either with your voice or set schedules.
- Kasa Smart WiFi Plug Mini: True to its name, this mini plug is something that’ll look inconspicuous in most places. It’s the true embodiment of the saying ‘small but mighty.’ After all, you get to control it from anywhere through a simple voice command.
- Ledvance Sylvania Smart + WiFi Plug: Compatible with Google Assistant, Alexa, and Siri, this WiFi plug is relatively easy to set up. There’s no need for hubs and accessories to schedule routines, whether it’s for alarm or bedtime purposes.
- Ledvance Sylvania 74582 Smart Plug: This is ideal for devices with EU-standard outlets. Like the Philips Hue smart plug, you must create a Ledvance account before linking the device with Google Home.
Once you have your smart plug ready, let’s proceed with the setup process.
- Plug and turn the device on in the same room where you have your Google Home speaker. Remember: you can freely move the plug once you’re done setting it up.
- Go to your Google Home app on your phone or tablet. For best results, make sure it’s updated to the newest version.
- Click on the plus (+) sign on the top left part of the screen.
- Tap ‘Set up New Device’ (+) then New Device. For plugs such as Ledvance and Philips Hue Bluetooth, you have the option to use the Hue bridge or Google Assistant.
- When using Ledvance or Philips Hue Bluetooth, you’ll need to click on the ‘Works with Google.’ This will divert you to your Philips Hue or Ledvance account. Click on ‘Yes’ to grant Google Home permission to control your smart plug.
- Once you’ve done this, your smart plug should appear on the list of devices. Don’t forget to choose where you’ll put the smart plug. For example, will you have it in the living room or the bedroom?
- Name your smart plug. Type in the name you’d use for your voice commands, but there’s no need to add the room’s name. Instead of writing “bedroom night light,” make it “night light” instead.
- Set your smart plug device. The lights may blink a few times, though this is dependent on the device. Tap ‘Done,’ and you’re good to go!
3. Set Your Timer Through the Routine Option
Once you’ve installed your smart plug, you can set its timer via Google Home’s routine option. Here’s how to do so:
- Open your Google Home app and tap on routines. There are several routines available, and you may choose one if it fits your schedule.
- To create a routine, click on the (+) icon under ‘Routines.’ Tap on the (+) button under ‘Add Starter.’
- Choose the trigger for your Routine. You can add a voice command or activate the routine at your preferred time.
- Once you reach this part, you can set your timer up according to time and day. For example, you may want to turn your plug on every weekday from 7 pm to 10 pm. You can set multiple schedules, such as for different weekend hours you want the device to turn on.
- Tap (+) under the Add action option. Click on ‘Choose Routine Category’ then ‘Choose an Action.’ Hit save.
Further reading: Can You Set Timers on Smart Plugs? 30 Easy Steps + 9 Ideas
Away Mode
If your smart plug has an away mode, you should use it if you need to leave home for a while. This will help you save money since you can turn off your plugs automatically. Likewise, turning your lights off and on at certain times will help deter burglars.
To set your home and away routine, you need to:
- Open your Google Home app. Click on the ‘Set up Home & Away Routines.’
- Choose your smart plug and the routine you want to modify. All you need to do is set the start and end times. You have the option to change the routines regardless of if someone is home or not.
- Choose the device that’ll sense the presence of somebody being home. To set the routine for lights to come on when a person enters the home, click on the device that’ll detect their entrance. You’ll also need to set your phone’s location to complete this presence-sensing feature.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, it’s easy to set your smart plug’s timer – no matter what brand you have.
Just follow the three steps outlined in this article, and you’re sure to save money with your device schedules.
You may also wonder: Do smart plugs use electricity when turned off?