Have you ever settled into bed, only to have that nagging thought, “Did I turn off the living room lamp?” Or perhaps you’ve wished you could get the coffee maker started before you even get out of bed. In our increasingly connected world, these small conveniences are no longer the stuff of science fiction. The Wemo Smart Plug is a simple yet powerful device designed to bring this level of control and automation right into your home, turning your everyday appliances into smart devices.

As a specialist in smart home technology for over ten years, I’ve seen countless gadgets promise to revolutionize daily life. The Wemo Smart Plug, however, consistently stands out for its simplicity, reliability, and seamless integration. It’s the perfect first step for anyone curious about home automation.
What Exactly Is a Wemo Smart Plug?
At its core, a Wemo Smart Plug is a device that you plug into a standard electrical outlet. You then plug an appliance, like a lamp, fan, or coffee maker, into the smart plug. Once connected to your home’s Wi-Fi network, it acts as a remote-controlled switch for that appliance. Using the Wemo app on your smartphone or simple voice commands, you can turn the connected device on or off from anywhere in the world.
This simple function unlocks a world of possibilities for convenience, security, and even energy savings. It’s not just about turning things off and on remotely; it’s about making your home work for you.
Unlocking the Key Features of Your Wemo Plug
Wemo has packed a surprising amount of functionality into its compact smart plugs. These features work together to create a truly intelligent home environment.
Effortless Remote Control
The primary benefit is, of course, remote control. Stuck in traffic and want the lights on before you get home? No problem. Want to ensure the iron is off after you’ve left for work? A quick tap in the app gives you instant peace of mind.
Smart Scheduling and Timers
This is where the real “smart” automation comes in. You can set schedules for your devices to operate automatically.
- Morning Routine: Schedule your coffee maker to turn on at 7:00 AM.
- Evening Ambiance: Have your living room lamps turn on automatically at sunset.
- Holiday Lights: Set your festive decorations on a schedule so you never have to plug and unplug them again.
- Timers: Use a countdown timer to automatically turn off a fan after 30 minutes or limit a child’s TV time.
Hands-Free Voice Commands
Wemo plugs integrate seamlessly with the major smart home ecosystems. Whether you’re team Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit, you can control your devices with a simple voice command. Saying “Hey Google, turn on the bedroom fan” is a small luxury you’ll quickly wonder how you ever lived without.
Secure Your Home with Away Mode
A standout feature for security is “Away Mode.” When activated, the Wemo Smart Plug will turn a connected lamp on and off randomly, simulating that someone is home. This is a brilliant and simple way to deter potential intruders while you’re on vacation.
“The magic of a device like the Wemo Smart Plug is its accessibility,” notes James Chen, a smart home integration specialist. “It doesn’t require complex wiring or a central hub. You can buy one, set it up in five minutes, and immediately see a tangible benefit in your daily routine. It’s the gateway to a smarter lifestyle.”
Space-Saving, Thoughtful Design
Older smart plugs were often bulky, blocking the second outlet. Wemo’s modern design is sleek and compact, allowing you to use both outlets without any issue. It’s a small detail that makes a huge difference in practical, everyday use.
Choosing the Right Wemo Smart Plug for You
Belkin offers a couple of key Wemo models, and picking the right one depends on your smart home ecosystem.
- Wemo Wi-Fi Smart Plug (Model WSP080): This is the most versatile and common model. It connects directly to your Wi-Fi and works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. If you use a mix of devices or primarily an Android phone, this is the plug for you.
- Wemo Smart Plug with Thread (Model WSP100): This model is designed specifically for users deeply embedded in the Apple HomeKit ecosystem. It uses Thread, a newer, more robust mesh networking technology, for an incredibly fast and reliable connection. Important Note: This model works only with Apple HomeKit and is not compatible with the Wemo app for Android or other voice assistants.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up a Wemo Smart Plug
Getting your Wemo up and running is incredibly straightforward. You’ll be controlling your devices in minutes.
- Download the App: First, download the free Wemo app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. If you have the Thread model, you will use the Apple Home app instead.
- Plug It In: Plug the Wemo Smart Plug into a wall outlet. The indicator light will begin to flash, signaling it’s ready for setup.
- Connect Your Phone: Open the Wemo app and follow the on-screen instructions. For most models, you’ll be prompted to temporarily connect your phone to the Wemo’s own Wi-Fi network. For newer HomeKit models, you may simply scan a code.
- Join Your Home Network: The app will then guide you to select your home Wi-Fi network from a list and enter your password. This connects the plug to the internet.
- Name and Customize: Once connected, the firmware may update automatically. After that, you can give your plug a custom name (e.g., “Living Room Lamp” or “Office Fan”) and assign it to a room.
- Start Automating: That’s it! Your plug is ready. You can now control it from the app, link it to your voice assistant, and start setting up schedules.
Quick Troubleshooting for Common Wemo Issues
Even the best tech can have hiccups. If your Wemo plug becomes unresponsive, here are a few simple steps to try:
- The Simple Reboot: The oldest trick in the IT book often works best. Unplug the Wemo from the wall, wait about 10 seconds, and plug it back in. This often resolves minor connectivity glitches.
- Check Your Wi-Fi: Ensure your home’s Wi-Fi router is working properly. Most smart plugs operate on the 2.4GHz Wi-Fi band, so make sure that band is enabled on your router.
- Factory Reset: If all else fails, a factory reset can help. Press and hold the power button on the plug for about 5 seconds. The light will flash, indicating it has been reset to its factory settings. You will then need to go through the setup process again.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need a special hub for my Wemo smart plug?
No, one of the biggest advantages of Wemo is that it connects directly to your home’s Wi-Fi network. You do not need a separate, expensive hub or bridge to make it work.
Can a Wemo smart plug control any appliance?
It can control most common plug-in appliances like lamps, fans, holiday lights, humidifiers, and small kitchen gadgets. However, it is not designed for high-draw appliances like large space heaters, air conditioners, or washing machines. Always check the appliance’s power requirements.
Does the Wemo plug work if the internet goes down?
If your internet connection is lost, you will not be able to control the plug remotely from your phone or with voice commands. However, any pre-set schedules are stored locally on the device and should continue to run as programmed.
Can I use the Wemo smart plug outdoors?
No, the standard Wemo Smart Plug is designed and rated for indoor use only. Exposing it to moisture, rain, or extreme temperatures can be a safety hazard and will damage the device.
The Perfect Start to Your Smart Home
The Wemo Smart Plug is more than just a gadget; it’s an accessible, affordable, and highly practical entry into the world of home automation. It solves everyday problems with elegant simplicity, offering a tangible improvement to your daily life. Whether you’re looking for added convenience, a bit more security, or just the simple joy of turning off the lights from your bed, the Wemo Smart Plug is a small device that delivers big results.