How to Automate Your Home on a Budget: A Guide to Using Smart Plugs with Apple Shortcuts
Smart home devices offer great convenience, but they can be pricey. A budget-friendly alternative is the smart plug, which can turn your regular household items into smart gadgets.
One way to enhance your smart plug’s functionality is by pairing it with the Apple Shortcuts app, which opens up numerous automation possibilities. For example, you could set your coffee maker to start brewing when your alarm goes off, or have the air conditioner turn off automatically when you leave the house.
How to Set Up Your Smart Plug
First, you need to connect the smart plug to your Wi-Fi network. This guide uses the TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug as an example, but the steps are similar for most models. Start by plugging the smart plug into an outlet, then download the Kasa Smart app, available for iOS and Android. Allow the app to access your local network.
In the app, tap on “Add Device,” then select “Smart Plugs” and choose your model from the list. The plug should be blinking orange and blue—if it is, tap “Already Orange and Blue.” Next, select your Wi-Fi network (be sure to pick the 2.4GHz band if your network uses multiple bands) and enter the password.
Once connected, you can assign an icon to the smart plug for easy identification. You might also need to update the firmware. After that, your smart plug is connected and ready to use.
Adding the Smart Plug to Your Smart Home
Next, integrate the smart plug into your smart home setup. While the Kasa app offers its own automation options, you might prefer using the Apple Home app for more advanced shortcuts. To do this, open the Home app, tap the plus (+) icon, choose “Add Accessory,” and scan the QR code on the smart plug.
To keep your devices organized, choose a location for the plug and give it a name. Then, decide how you want the plug to appear in the Home app. Now, you can control it directly from your phone with just a tap.
Creating Automations for Your Smart Plug
For more advanced control, you can set up automations using the Shortcuts app. For example, you can create an automation that turns the smart plug off when you leave home, which would also turn off anything connected to it—like a window AC unit.
To set this up, open the Shortcuts app and go to the “Automation” tab. Tap the plus (+) icon or “New Automation.” Select “Leave,” then choose your current location or enter your address manually. Adjust the range so the automation triggers when you exit the selected area, then tap “Done.”
Make sure “Run Immediately” is selected so the automation runs without needing your confirmation. Next, choose “New Blank Automation,” then search for the “Home” app under the Apps tab. Select “Control My Home > Scenes and Accessories,” pick the smart plug, and ensure it’s set to “Turn Off.” Now, when you leave the designated area, your smart plug and connected device will automatically turn off.
There are many other automations you can create. You could have the AC turn on when you’re heading home or switch it off at night. You can also use smart plugs for other devices—like a lamp, which you can control via voice commands or a set schedule. Even a white noise machine can be programmed to turn off when your alarm goes off in the morning. If you have an outdoor smart plug, you can even automate your garden watering system.
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