Fantastic! I have a Teckin smart plug from Amazon that just arrived. Simple enough to set it up but no Alexa instructions. Your video was just what I needed. Thanks!
Best review out there of this product - quick, straight to the point and you went through all the steps instead of just talking about the steps.. nice :)
Thank you so much! Very clear and efficient video. I followed all easily and worked great. The only blip I had was for whatever reason I could only set them up with slow blinking light with no idea how I got there. In the end I followed your instructions and everything went smoothly. A very happy viewer! 🥰
Download the Smart Life skill for Alexa, and you can set it up directly through Alexa/Alexa app. Also supports 5Ghz routers, as mine is 5Ghz only, no matter what the instructions say. Timers work, etc, and when you call them "Lights" in Alexa, they operate a little quicker.
OMG You made better sense than any other video on these plugs. High five! I can now show this to my granddaughter and together we can do this. Hip Hip Hooray. Awesome job!
Your video was an extreme help to me once I got a problem with the router sorted out. I believe most modern routers have a duel band of both 5ghz and 2.4. My sky router (UK) was on 5ghz mode. If you are not tech savvy, getting the router to work in 2.4ghz mode is not easy, but it is well worth the effort. The smart plugs from Teckin are as you say, a quality product. Thanks for taking the time out to do the video
had a power cut had the fan off and the lamp on at the time when the power come back on the fan was still off and the lamp come on after about 15 seconds so yes it keeps the last state but it's not instantly.
What an excellent vlog so easy to follow, so much better than the unboxing vlogs one gets from across the pond! It was clear and too the point 🙏 thanks, now I’ll have a go with my plugs!
Yes you can Ian. Watch the video from 7:22. I demonstrate how to add a schedule for a socket. To stop the schedule watch from 7:44. Just de-select each day of the week and the schedule will not operate the switch. The schedule will not work, but you can turn the socket on and off via the app or Alexa. I hope this helps. :-)
Fantastic and easy to understand video. Thank you! There is a facility to turn on sockets and sunset/sunrise etc. Do you have instructions on how to do this?
I cannot see that function on the app Paul. It is easy to set a schedule for the light to switch on and off, so you could set it every week or two to coincide with sunrise and sunset. All of my lights are on schedules. :-)
good video mate. just wanted to ask the ghz my wifi is both 2.4 and 5. if I change the router to 2.4 and get them connected can I change it back to 5gz?
Hi Asad, your router should transmit and receive in 2.4 and 5 Ghz and software should determine which frequency to use for each device. I have a BT Home Hub that uses both frequencies and I did not have to do anything to the router before connecting the plugs. Others have said that they found it necessary to turn off 5Ghz, connect the plugs on 2.4 and then turn it back on again. My advice would be to connect the plugs as near to the router as you can. Once they are connected they are very reliable. :-)
I have just carried out an experiment Peter. I plugged a heater into one of my smart plugs and turned it on using the app. With the heater running, I switched off at the socket. Obviously, the heater stopped. I checked the app and it was still indicating on. I left it for a minute or so and then switched on at the socket. The smart plug initially was off, but switched on after a second or so and the heater started. I then tried it with the smart plug switched off on the app. The heater stayed off once I switched on at the socket again. Another discovery I made was that I could not change the setting of the smart plug using the app if it was not switched on at the mains. If it was selected to 'on' on the app I could not select 'off' or vise versa. As far as I can tell, the smart plug will return to the setting it was at before the power cut when the power comes back on again. I am pretty sure this is because the app setting is stored on the online server and that is why they ask you to register with them during the set up process. I hope this helps! :-)
thanks that was "easy" to watch...just wondering if you know...I have 23 lights in my passage. The app seems to find them all but does not download them all within the blinking time...can you advise what I should do? thanks
One question. I've checked through the thread and can't find anything about grouping appliances. I want to be able to turn on several lamps at the same time. Is it possible to group or can you give them all the same name? Great video by the way.
There is no answer to the first question, it depends on the construction of your house, it will travel further if your internal walls are not solid brick. You can get a good idea by taking a mobile phone to the location you want to site the plug and see if it gets a WiFi signal. As for the Air Conditioner, it depends on how much current it draws. The plug is rated for 2300W. :-)
Russell Platten thank you sir 🙏 for responding, I mean if I use if for external use in my house with socket, and maximum its can use with 2300w means we can’t use it for heavy water pump which is above 2500w
Wish these would have the option to switch the plug ON without being connected to wifi.. i want to be able to switch on/off the very router it depends on.. suppose I’d have to get a Bluetooth plug in this instance? Cheers
can I use same app to control plugs in different cities (on different wifi's? or would I have to set up a second copy of the app conencted to the wifi in the second city?
Hey mate cheers for the content was just wondering if these plugs have power dimming capabilities and do they also read how much watts are being used cheers
Thank you so much for your review. I just installed 2 Teckin smart sockets. The idea was to have 2 night stands lamps on a schedule to turn on and off at a certain time. I am able to turn the lights on and off on my phone, however they don't turn on and respectively off based on the schedule I've created. Not sure why and what to do, Any help would be much appreciated (The Smart sockets are SP 10, and I have installed the Smart Life app on and android phone).
It is difficult to say what the issue is Mihaela. First, make sure that the power is switched on at the wall. If the switches can be turned on and off manually using Smart Life then the switches are set up correctly. Then go into the Smart Life app and select one of the sockets. Select "Schedule" - Bottom right of the screen. Select "Add". To set the 'ON' Time: scroll to set the hour and minute that you wish the socket to turn on at. Then select "Repeat" to open up the days of the week and select the days that you want the light to turn on. If you select all of them when you leave that screen the schedule will show 'Every day' next to the Repeat target. You do not need to enter anything for Note or to select Notification. Then on the last target select "On". Click on "Save", top right of the screen. Then go through the same process to set the 'OFF' time. You need to select "Add Schedule" at the bottom this time before going through the set up steps. Make sure that you select "Off" on the last target instead of On, and save. You should see two selectable targets for the switch, one for the On time and one for the Off time. Ensure that you have them selected on the toggle switches at the right hand side and that should be it. I hope this helps you, if not, I am not sure what the issue is and it may be worthwhile contacting Teckin for technical help. Good luck with your issue! :-)
That must be expensive. We have to use a 4g router on our boat, but the majority of the UK is on WiFi, even the hard to reach areas. I hope they are working towards connecting you all up in the near future. It took years for us to get decent WiFi here, but it is reasonable now. :-)
I am interested in using Mycroft rather than Alexa. Unfortunately, I am having issues finding a Smart Life skill for Mycroft. Any suggestions/tutorials I might access? Thanks.
Really random question, would this work if you said "switch ***** on" as opposed to "switch on ***** " . Not that it makes any difference I'm just curious
I have some ECOplugs in use. I wanted to try Smart Life App. If the ECOplugs I have are already working with the ECOplug app do I still have to go through the setup by pressing the button on the ECOplug so the Smart Life App will find it? I am concerned once I do that with the ECOplug, or any other device that is already working with its app, it will loose the capabilities to be used with the mfg app and I will have to start all over again should the Smart Life app not work. Thanks,
Hi Ken, unfortunately, I do not have any experience with ECO. I think the Smartlife app will need the button pressing. I am not sure though. Try contacting the manufacturer's support team, they should be able to help you. :-)
Stupid question if I use this smart plug for my kettle will it flick the on switch to boil the water or do I need to leave the switch down for it to work
I don't think there are any problems with them Andrew. I had a quick look on Google and couldn't see anything. If you are worried, have a look online yourself to put your mind at rest. :-)
@@RussellPlatten I just bought one on Prime and I've got it today, set up and working. Works great, however it does seem to be a big smart plug and slightly covers my socket's on/off switch, leaving a small gap between the plug and socket itself. Not sure how unsafe this could be but I seem satisfied at the moment.
@@andrew.thorne I have been using mine constantly and life is much easier. I use mine with Alexa and I also have all of the lights set on schedules. I change the time they switch on every now and then. They are brilliant! I hope you like yours. :-)
BTW NOWHERE in the smart life instructions do I see mention of TUYA....the only BRAND on the purchase and box is TECKIN ....WTF? WHY is the information hidden from buyer? Why not put "Tuya" on the box and instructions? MADDENING!
Teckin make the plugs : Tuya is a third party app that controls a huge number of devices from different manufacturers. What I like about these devices is you don't need a hub and the response time is therefore very quick.
Thanks for the review and tips. I have Virgin router and could not get a connection. Ended up going in to the router settings and disable 5mHz then set to 2.4mHz only. Then followed your instruction all four connected and workng.
Great video but ater days of trying with smart life no luck The problem could be The BT Smart Hub2 on quick set or AP mode Have you heard of problems with this hub?
@@RussellPlatten Tried everything Russell. I'm sure its my BT smart hub2. BT have tried and am now awaiting an engineer visit. Yours is the first response on this hub that proves it can work so I will be asking for a replacement hub. Did you switch off 5 Ghz band or have to make other changes to the hub. Your review of the Teckin was excellent and I am not giving up yet ! I will keep you informed. I am not alone on this fault by far but BT say they have had very few similar problems. Thanks.
@@RussellPlatten Thanks you have suceeded where all else has failed by using my Ipad as you instructed. You are right... what a performance, now lets see if its worth it!
They seem to be pretty good. Better than other equipment I have. I would still only plan on using them where you get a reasonable signal from your router. :-)
Aha! Now Russ, we are in my game (still using the evolution saw by the way. Cut up a very sturdy couch yesterday. Brilliant). Very, very many of the smart plugs are operated via the Smart Life app, there is also a near identical app that is used by many plugs too called Tuya. It seems that the plug makers all buy a license to use these 2 apps. I have 19 devices running through Smart Life at the moment. It's not perfect though and does have bugs. Unlike your good self though, we don't do Alexa, we are a Google assistant home. P.S. Why the hell don't Evolution do a reclamation saw? Cheers ol' bean.
Yes Dean I have both apps on my system. I do get the odd glitch, but most of the time everything works well. As for Alexa, she gets a fair bit of abuse from me from time to time, but I love the way it all ties together and we all have a laugh here when I quiz her about certain things. I have not even looked at Google Assistant. I have a few requests of my own for new gear from Evolution but they ignore them! I reckon they will expand their product range over time. They do sell a reciprocating saw which could be used for reclamation. :-)
So good to hear someone admit that it is not as easy as some Techies pretend it it to do these things, and you have made it much easier to follow. However, if my Router is more than 2.8 Ghz how can I change it to control these plugs?
If your router is dual band, ie. 5Ghz and 2.4Ghz, it will work with the switches. My router is a dual band and I did not have to do anything to the router to connect to them. If your router is single band 5Ghz, it simply will not be able to connect to the switches so do not buy any equipment that is stated as 2.4Ghz. :-)
@@RussellPlatten Thank you so much for that. Now I will have to look for some plugs that will work with 5Ghz, if there are any on the market to do the job.
Most routers/modems have both 2.4 and 5 available. Most devices, by default will connect to 2.4. However, new Android devices ( I can't say for ios because I don't own one) auto connect to 5G. Simple fix is to access your modem on your computer and disable the 5G. This forces your device to connect to 2.4. Long story short, ALL devices have to be on the same 2.4 network to pair. I do agree that these plugs should work with any config, but this is what's needed to make these work. After they are paired and working, you can re-enable the 5G.
There simply is NO EXCUSE for companies not providing complete and CLEAR instruction ....NO EXCUSE whatsoever! PLEASE take the time and trash review results on any product where they fail to take the effort
I am looking for a way to register the Smart Life App. I have downloaded it through Alexa. However, I cannot enable it without a password which I do not have and cannot create.
Hi James, I am not sure what your issue is. Try watching the video from 1:50 and see if you are doing something differently. You must have at least one capital letter in your password or it will not be accepted. I have lower case letters, capital letters and numbers. I could not create a password until I added upper case letters. I hope this helps. :-)
@@RussellPlatten Just ordered these and it would not accept my password with a capital letter at the start. I had to use all lower case and numbers. Wow, beyond belief.
I’m having an issue with the app. I’m trying to reinstall my devices but in the “reset device” , when it says to confirm that light is blinking, the confirm button is not highlighted. Preventing me from continuing to instal my devices. So frustrating! I’ve tried everything. Even using my wife’s phone thinking my phone wouldn’t update the app. Nothing worked. Any suggestions?
I had a similar issue with mine when I changed my router. I could not get past the set up procedure as the lights did not show the plugs were connecting. It turned out that the devices were already working on the new WiFi password. I cannot remember what part of the process I had reached when it stalled. It took me a long time to work out what was happening and I am sorry I cannot be more specific. Try operating the switches with the app and see of they are working. :-)
I have used these a while now. I have tried everything to make them consistent but I can't. The majority of time when I am not on my home wifi, the devices are marked as offline and I can't do anything.
That is very strange. I have had no issues with mine at all. We have been away from home twice and they worked no problem at all. I could check them on my home security system to make sure. I have all of mine on the Alexa app and cannot say that I have even looked the Smart Life app whilst away. I can see at a glance that they are on on the Alexa app as I have several other different makes of sockets and lights in my home. We set up schedules for them to come on and off and just forget about them. These schedules are always in operation for example out living room lights switch on as it starts to get dark every day. I just adjust the schedule as the nights get lighter. That way, when we go away we are confident that everything is working without any interference from us. of course Alexa makes that easier, because we can easily turn off what we do not want on. The schedule just picks up from where it was switched off, the next time it is due to come back on again. It sounds as if your phone is not connecting to your app. Try contacting Teckin on: support.eu@teckinhome.com and see what they say. Please let us know if they sort it out for you and if so, what you had to do. Sorry for such a long reply. I hope you get to the bottom of it! :-)
Dear friends, I am a seller of Teckin. What problems have you encountered? Our products have a 12-month warranty Please contact me at support.eu@teckinhome.com. We will provide the best after-sales service. And solve your problem. Alice
Hi there, I have linked my plugs in to the teckin app and linked to Amazon all good, but when I asked Alexa to turn on socket 1 for example she says, sorry I didn’t find a device named socket 1, but if I open the app on my phone and ask Alexa on my phone she does it.? Can you advise or anyone.. thanks in advance
Sounds strange. All I can think of is a typo on the name of the plug in the app. If not, i would try changing the name of the plug as an experiment. :-)
Perfect video with clear instructions, the company should be paying you lol..too bad for me it says "connection timed out", driving me nuts.. simply not registering the plug. Anyone else facing the same?
One viewer said that he had disabled the 5GHz wifi on his router and it sorted out this problem. Once the sockets were connected he enabled it again. He thought that it was due to the fact that his phone was connected to the 5 GHz side of the router. Not sure if this will work, but it may be worth a try. If you figure out what is happening please let us know. :-)
When I search devices in the alexa app it doesn’t find my plus even though they are set up and working fine in the smart life app and I’ve added the smart life skill in alexa and it’s linked the alexa and smart life apps. So annoying
I am connecting the switches to a BT HH6 on the video. You need to set them up close to the router and ensure 2.4ghz is switched on on the router homepage.
@@RussellPlatten Hi. I tried the separate bands, 5ghz off trick, router discovery and different wireless security tricks to no avail. But I did find a fix! The AP setup works fine.
@@Frohicky1 Well done! I'm glad you sorted it out. My switches are still going strong. In fact virtually all of our lighting turns itself on and off on app routines. We have more lamps connected to smart switches than smart bulbs in the ceiling lights. :-)
Good, honest and clear review. You must have been in the Army ...
Fantastic! I have a Teckin smart plug from Amazon that just arrived. Simple enough to set it up but no Alexa instructions. Your video was just what I needed. Thanks!
:-)
Can you set a timer for your outlet with alexa?
I live in the USA... I found your video extremely useful and informative! Thank you!!
:-)
Life saver... I struggled through the installation until I saw this video. Thanks.
Glad I could help. :-)
Best review out there of this product - quick, straight to the point and you went through all the steps instead of just talking about the steps.. nice :)
:-)
Tried to link to Alexa several times and failed dismally. Found you video and got it straight away, thank you!
Glad I could help jane! :-)
Thank you so much! Very clear and efficient video. I followed all easily and worked great. The only blip I had was for whatever reason I could only set them up with slow blinking light with no idea how I got there. In the end I followed your instructions and everything went smoothly. A very happy viewer! 🥰
Glad it helped! :-)
This was my first attempt at getting connected to the Smart world. Your video was very useful and helpful. Many thanks
Glad it helped Mary! :-)
Download the Smart Life skill for Alexa, and you can set it up directly through Alexa/Alexa app. Also supports 5Ghz routers, as mine is 5Ghz only, no matter what the instructions say.
Timers work, etc, and when you call them "Lights" in Alexa, they operate a little quicker.
Thank you. This was the only way that worked for me after I moved house!
Thank you so much for your help. At least I could understand your directions more than the written ones and I got it to work!! Many thanks!
Glad to help Susan. :-)
OMG You made better sense than any other video on these plugs. High five! I can now show this to my granddaughter and together we can do this. Hip Hip Hooray. Awesome job!
Glad it was helpful Nancy! :-)
Your video was an extreme help to me once I got a problem with the router sorted out. I believe most modern routers have a duel band of both 5ghz and 2.4. My sky router (UK) was on 5ghz mode. If you are not tech savvy, getting the router to work in 2.4ghz mode is not easy, but it is well worth the effort. The smart plugs from Teckin are as you say, a quality product. Thanks for taking the time out to do the video
Glad I could help! :-)
When u power cycle these plugs? Do they retain their last state?
had a power cut had the fan off and the lamp on at the time when the power come back on the fan was still off and the lamp come on after about 15 seconds so yes it keeps the last state but it's not instantly.
Thank you Russell. Your's was the only video that worked for me and, the one that explained setting up all the plugs. Excellent and thank you again.
What an excellent vlog so easy to follow, so much better than the unboxing vlogs one gets from across the pond! It was clear and too the point 🙏 thanks, now I’ll have a go with my plugs!
Thank you Colin. :-)
Brilliant review. Simple and straight to the point. Ordered mine
:-)
Very helpful, just one question, is there a way to view, edit or delete schedules that I have created?
Yes you can Ian. Watch the video from 7:22. I demonstrate how to add a schedule for a socket. To stop the schedule watch from 7:44. Just de-select each day of the week and the schedule will not operate the switch. The schedule will not work, but you can turn the socket on and off via the app or Alexa. I hope this helps. :-)
Great video mate, no messing about just straight to the point 👍
:-)
Good clear instructions. Made the complicated easy.
Glad I could help Carole! :-)
Fantastic and easy to understand video. Thank you! There is a facility to turn on sockets and sunset/sunrise etc. Do you have instructions on how to do this?
I cannot see that function on the app Paul. It is easy to set a schedule for the light to switch on and off, so you could set it every week or two to coincide with sunrise and sunset. All of my lights are on schedules. :-)
Nice straight forward explanation. Thanks
:-)
Great tutorial. I kept trying to add device in Alexa under Teckin. Completely frustrating since it didn't work. You said Tuya. Thanks for the tip!!
:-)
Me Too!
Do you need guys app or can you use the smart life app I was directed too via the we code?
Thank you for the video. I was frustrated by getting the thing working and your video was clear and helpful.
Glad it helped Abraham! :-)
Made my installation easier. Thanks!
Glad it helped Salina!
Did you manage to find a way to change the icon for each particular socket
I just changed the name. :-)
Thank you, Russell!!! Mate, I was cussing these plugs for about an hr before I found your help...
Glad I could help. :-)
good video mate. just wanted to ask the ghz my wifi is both 2.4 and 5. if I change the router to 2.4 and get them connected can I change it back to 5gz?
Hi Asad, your router should transmit and receive in 2.4 and 5 Ghz and software should determine which frequency to use for each device. I have a BT Home Hub that uses both frequencies and I did not have to do anything to the router before connecting the plugs. Others have said that they found it necessary to turn off 5Ghz, connect the plugs on 2.4 and then turn it back on again. My advice would be to connect the plugs as near to the router as you can. Once they are connected they are very reliable. :-)
Can I ask you, if there was a power cut what state would the plugs be in, ie. Off, on, or where they were before the power cut
I have just carried out an experiment Peter. I plugged a heater into one of my smart plugs and turned it on using the app. With the heater running, I switched off at the socket. Obviously, the heater stopped. I checked the app and it was still indicating on. I left it for a minute or so and then switched on at the socket. The smart plug initially was off, but switched on after a second or so and the heater started. I then tried it with the smart plug switched off on the app. The heater stayed off once I switched on at the socket again. Another discovery I made was that I could not change the setting of the smart plug using the app if it was not switched on at the mains. If it was selected to 'on' on the app I could not select 'off' or vise versa. As far as I can tell, the smart plug will return to the setting it was at before the power cut when the power comes back on again. I am pretty sure this is because the app setting is stored on the online server and that is why they ask you to register with them during the set up process. I hope this helps! :-)
@@RussellPlatten thank you Russell for doing that test for me and taking the time to write a reply. Kind regards. Peter
@@NuttyMan2012 You're welcome Peter! :-)
thanks that was "easy" to watch...just wondering if you know...I have 23 lights in my passage. The app seems to find them all but does not download them all within the blinking time...can you advise what I should do? thanks
I am not sure Leiana. Try adding them one at a time. :-)
One question. I've checked through the thread and can't find anything about grouping appliances. I want to be able to turn on several lamps at the same time. Is it possible to group or can you give them all the same name? Great video by the way.
Yes Steve, I have several groups eg. Livingroom Lamps. :-)
Sir can you tell me for how long distance its can work maximum, and can it work with Air-conditions ?
There is no answer to the first question, it depends on the construction of your house, it will travel further if your internal walls are not solid brick. You can get a good idea by taking a mobile phone to the location you want to site the plug and see if it gets a WiFi signal. As for the Air Conditioner, it depends on how much current it draws. The plug is rated for 2300W. :-)
Russell Platten thank you sir 🙏 for responding, I mean if I use if for external use in my house with socket, and maximum its can use with 2300w means we can’t use it for heavy water pump which is above 2500w
@@waqasanwar122 No, unfortunately you cannot use it for the pump. :-)
Wish these would have the option to switch the plug ON without being connected to wifi.. i want to be able to switch on/off the very router it depends on.. suppose I’d have to get a Bluetooth plug in this instance? Cheers
can I use same app to control plugs in different cities (on different wifi's? or would I have to set up a second copy of the app conencted to the wifi in the second city?
You can operate the sockets away from home so long as you are connected to the internet via someone's wifi or 4G. :-)
Hey mate cheers for the content was just wondering if these plugs have power dimming capabilities and do they also read how much watts are being used cheers
No they cannot be used to dim the lights. :-)
@@RussellPlatten all goods cheers mate I ended up finding one with dimming capabilities cheers though
Thank you so much for your review. I just installed 2 Teckin smart sockets. The idea was to have 2 night stands lamps on a schedule to turn on and off at a certain time. I am able to turn the lights on and off on my phone, however they don't turn on and respectively off based on the schedule I've created. Not sure why and what to do, Any help would be much appreciated (The Smart sockets are SP 10, and I have installed the Smart Life app on and android phone).
It is difficult to say what the issue is Mihaela. First, make sure that the power is switched on at the wall. If the switches can be turned on and off manually using Smart Life then the switches are set up correctly.
Then go into the Smart Life app and select one of the sockets. Select "Schedule" - Bottom right of the screen. Select "Add".
To set the 'ON' Time: scroll to set the hour and minute that you wish the socket to turn on at. Then select "Repeat" to open up the days of the week and select the days that you want the light to turn on. If you select all of them when you leave that screen the schedule will show 'Every day' next to the Repeat target. You do not need to enter anything for Note or to select Notification. Then on the last target select "On". Click on "Save", top right of the screen.
Then go through the same process to set the 'OFF' time. You need to select "Add Schedule" at the bottom this time before going through the set up steps. Make sure that you select "Off" on the last target instead of On, and save.
You should see two selectable targets for the switch, one for the On time and one for the Off time. Ensure that you have them selected on the toggle switches at the right hand side and that should be it.
I hope this helps you, if not, I am not sure what the issue is and it may be worthwhile contacting Teckin for technical help. Good luck with your issue! :-)
@@RussellPlatten Thank you kindly for your answer, and all the information. I do appreciate your help so very much.
You are welcome! :-)
Well done, a very comprehensive and helpful demonstration
:-)
Hi good review, do you know if these will these be appropriate to use on a Ps4?
I have an Xbox connected to one of mine, but you still need to use the controller to turn it on. :-)
@@RussellPlatten cheers
Your video was great help.....thank you for your time
Really amazing! We have no WiFi in the PA countryside just yet. Only have the cellular network
That must be expensive. We have to use a 4g router on our boat, but the majority of the UK is on WiFi, even the hard to reach areas. I hope they are working towards connecting you all up in the near future. It took years for us to get decent WiFi here, but it is reasonable now. :-)
I am interested in using Mycroft rather than Alexa. Unfortunately, I am having issues finding a Smart Life skill for Mycroft. Any suggestions/tutorials I might access? Thanks.
I am not familiar with Mycroft. Good luck with your search. :-)
Can't find "electrical outlet". Only "electrical" and then various options for plugs. Choosing the WiFi didn't work.
Was it tuya or trek in you connected as you picked a different name in Alexa. Just bought two and can’t get them to pair whatever I try.
It was Smart Life. :-)
Tuya for the brand. :-)
I ant to say Teckin but predictive text has other ide’s
@@drinternatg6391 So select Smart life for the app in the first bit and Tuya for the brand after that. :-)
@@drinternatg6391 I take it you have set up the smart plugs using the app so that you can control them with Smart Life?
Really random question, would this work if you said "switch ***** on" as opposed to "switch on ***** " . Not that it makes any difference I'm just curious
Yes Chris, I just tried it and "switch on" works. :-)
I have some ECOplugs in use. I wanted to try Smart Life App. If the ECOplugs I have are already working with the ECOplug app do I still have to go through the setup by pressing the button on the ECOplug so the Smart Life App will find it? I am concerned once I do that with the ECOplug, or any other device that is already working with its app, it will loose the capabilities to be used with the mfg app and I will have to start all over again should the Smart Life app not work. Thanks,
Hi Ken, unfortunately, I do not have any experience with ECO. I think the Smartlife app will need the button pressing. I am not sure though. Try contacting the manufacturer's support team, they should be able to help you. :-)
question, tanks in advence, works with HIVE hub ???
They do not work with a Hive hub. They connect directly to your router using WiFi. :-)
Very good presentation , Russel.Before I am gonna buy it.Thanks so much.
Mine are still used daily and I adjust the schedule once every two or three weeks as the sunrise/set changes. :-)
Stupid question if I use this smart plug for my kettle will it flick the on switch to boil the water or do I need to leave the switch down for it to work
You need to leave the kettle button on. Make sure that the kettle is not over 2.3kw. :-)
Russell Platten thank you sir
:-)
Are these a risk at all? Like a fire risk? I know they're on the cheap side, considering getting one if they seem safe enough.
I don't think there are any problems with them Andrew. I had a quick look on Google and couldn't see anything. If you are worried, have a look online yourself to put your mind at rest. :-)
@@RussellPlatten I just bought one on Prime and I've got it today, set up and working. Works great, however it does seem to be a big smart plug and slightly covers my socket's on/off switch, leaving a small gap between the plug and socket itself. Not sure how unsafe this could be but I seem satisfied at the moment.
@@andrew.thorne I do not have that issue with mine, but they almost touch the switch on the socket I show on the video. :-)
Russell Platten just realised I have the square blocky plugs rather than the circular ones you have. I’ll know to buy the circular ones next time!
@@andrew.thorne I have been using mine constantly and life is much easier. I use mine with Alexa and I also have all of the lights set on schedules. I change the time they switch on every now and then. They are brilliant! I hope you like yours. :-)
Can you add these plugs to groups too
Yes, you can do this easily on Amazon Alexa. :-)
Great video this looks like the same one i got from poundland and after watching this video i now know how to set the timer on it. Thank you so much👌
Glad I could help! :-)
BTW NOWHERE in the smart life instructions do I see mention of TUYA....the only BRAND on the purchase and box is TECKIN ....WTF? WHY is the information hidden from buyer? Why not put "Tuya" on the box and instructions? MADDENING!
Teckin make the plugs : Tuya is a third party app that controls a huge number of devices from different manufacturers. What I like about these devices is you don't need a hub and the response time is therefore very quick.
Thanks for the review and tips. I have Virgin router and could not get a connection. Ended up going in to the router settings and disable 5mHz then set to 2.4mHz only. Then followed your instruction all four connected and workng.
Glad you got them sorted! :-)
Great video but ater days of trying with smart life no luck The problem could be The BT Smart Hub2 on quick set or AP mode
Have you heard of problems with this hub?
I just connected 4 to my BT Smart Hub 2 ,but they would only connect via AP mode. :-)
@@RussellPlatten Tried everything Russell. I'm sure its my BT smart hub2. BT have tried and am now awaiting an engineer visit. Yours is the first response on this hub that proves it can work so I will be asking for a replacement hub. Did you switch off 5 Ghz band or have to make other changes to the hub. Your review of the Teckin was excellent and I am not giving up yet ! I will keep you informed. I am not alone on this fault by far but BT say they have had very few similar problems. Thanks.
I have solved the problem with help from BT and are now connected to the router. Could you tell me now how to link them to Alexa dot. Thanks Russell
Hi John, I demonstrate linking them with Amazon Alex at 9:04 on the video. :-)
@@RussellPlatten Thanks you have suceeded where all else has failed by using my Ipad as you instructed. You are right... what a performance, now lets see if its worth it!
Very honest and detailed review thanks
Thank you! :-)
Excellent review, many thanks.
:-)
Great honest review Russell. Do you know what range these will work to?
They seem to be pretty good. Better than other equipment I have. I would still only plan on using them where you get a reasonable signal from your router. :-)
@@RussellPlatten thanks for getting back to me
@@md20120 :-)
Ha ha. I find myself back here again for the third time in as many years........this upload is a savour!!!!!
Great and helpful video. Saved time and frustration
:-)
Excellent review...so clear and well presented. Cheers. 👍
Thank you. :-)
Love your video good job am now going buy 4 of them smart plugs
:-)
Great informative and honest video Russell, so much more intuitive that the American version. Cheers!
Thank you! :-)
Loved your video thank you helped me out a lot 👍
Glad I could help Lillian! :-)
Aha! Now Russ, we are in my game (still using the evolution saw by the way. Cut up a very sturdy couch yesterday. Brilliant). Very, very many of the smart plugs are operated via the Smart Life app, there is also a near identical app that is used by many plugs too called Tuya. It seems that the plug makers all buy a license to use these 2 apps. I have 19 devices running through Smart Life at the moment. It's not perfect though and does have bugs. Unlike your good self though, we don't do Alexa, we are a Google assistant home.
P.S. Why the hell don't Evolution do a reclamation saw?
Cheers ol' bean.
Yes Dean I have both apps on my system. I do get the odd glitch, but most of the time everything works well. As for Alexa, she gets a fair bit of abuse from me from time to time, but I love the way it all ties together and we all have a laugh here when I quiz her about certain things. I have not even looked at Google Assistant.
I have a few requests of my own for new gear from Evolution but they ignore them! I reckon they will expand their product range over time. They do sell a reciprocating saw which could be used for reclamation. :-)
Where in Yorkshire are you?
I live down south. I am originally from Hull. :-)
do they fit next to each other
Yes they do on a UK double socket. :-)
your video was very helpful thank you
:-)
So good to hear someone admit that it is not as easy as some Techies pretend it it to do these things, and you have made it much easier to follow. However, if my Router is more than 2.8 Ghz how can I change it to control these plugs?
If your router is dual band, ie. 5Ghz and 2.4Ghz, it will work with the switches. My router is a dual band and I did not have to do anything to the router to connect to them. If your router is single band 5Ghz, it simply will not be able to connect to the switches so do not buy any equipment that is stated as 2.4Ghz. :-)
@@RussellPlatten Thank you so much for that. Now I will have to look for some plugs that will work with 5Ghz, if there are any on the market to do the job.
Hi. How many smart plug can u have on a device.
I am not sure, but I suspect you could connect as many as you need. :-)
OK. Thank u. Il get a set of 4 first & c how it goes. Our Internet is called 3 network. Thank u.
Most routers/modems have both 2.4 and 5 available. Most devices, by default will connect to 2.4. However, new Android devices ( I can't say for ios because I don't own one) auto connect to 5G. Simple fix is to access your modem on your computer and disable the 5G. This forces your device to connect to 2.4. Long story short, ALL devices have to be on the same 2.4 network to pair. I do agree that these plugs should work with any config, but this is what's needed to make these work. After they are paired and working, you can re-enable the 5G.
Thanks for that Stephen, I was not aware that the phone had to be on 2.8 GHz too. That explains why a lot of people are not able to connect them. :-)
There simply is NO EXCUSE for companies not providing complete and CLEAR instruction ....NO EXCUSE whatsoever! PLEASE take the time and trash review results on any product where they fail to take the effort
Great review thanks !
:-)
I am looking for a way to register the Smart Life App. I have downloaded it through Alexa. However, I cannot enable it without a password which I do not have and cannot create.
Hi James, I am not sure what your issue is. Try watching the video from 1:50 and see if you are doing something differently. You must have at least one capital letter in your password or it will not be accepted. I have lower case letters, capital letters and numbers. I could not create a password until I added upper case letters. I hope this helps. :-)
@@RussellPlatten Just ordered these and it would not accept my password with a capital letter at the start. I had to use all lower case and numbers. Wow, beyond belief.
@@FOGDaheee can't even find a way to register a new account! It only gives me an option to sign in.
3:47 and we're done
Thank you sooooo much
That helped me a lot
Glad it helped! :-)
@@RussellPlatten
♥️♥️♥️😍😍😍
I’m having an issue with the app. I’m trying to reinstall my devices but in the “reset device” , when it says to confirm that light is blinking, the confirm button is not highlighted. Preventing me from continuing to instal my devices. So frustrating! I’ve tried everything. Even using my wife’s phone thinking my phone wouldn’t update the app. Nothing worked. Any suggestions?
I had a similar issue with mine when I changed my router. I could not get past the set up procedure as the lights did not show the plugs were connecting. It turned out that the devices were already working on the new WiFi password. I cannot remember what part of the process I had reached when it stalled. It took me a long time to work out what was happening and I am sorry I cannot be more specific. Try operating the switches with the app and see of they are working. :-)
@@RussellPlatten thank you. I tried that as well. Didn’t work.
The issue I’m having is that it won’t even try and connect.
Very easy to set up Smart Life once you have the App ....the hard confusing thing is getting Alexa involved
For me it is the exact opposite. Alexa picks them up in seconds but the damn app takes HOURS.
GREAT VIDEO. THANK YOU.
:-)
I have used these a while now. I have tried everything to make them consistent but I can't. The majority of time when I am not on my home wifi, the devices are marked as offline and I can't do anything.
That is very strange. I have had no issues with mine at all. We have been away from home twice and they worked no problem at all. I could check them on my home security system to make sure. I have all of mine on the Alexa app and cannot say that I have even looked the Smart Life app whilst away. I can see at a glance that they are on on the Alexa app as I have several other different makes of sockets and lights in my home. We set up schedules for them to come on and off and just forget about them. These schedules are always in operation for example out living room lights switch on as it starts to get dark every day. I just adjust the schedule as the nights get lighter. That way, when we go away we are confident that everything is working without any interference from us. of course Alexa makes that easier, because we can easily turn off what we do not want on. The schedule just picks up from where it was switched off, the next time it is due to come back on again. It sounds as if your phone is not connecting to your app. Try contacting Teckin on: support.eu@teckinhome.com and see what they say. Please let us know if they sort it out for you and if so, what you had to do. Sorry for such a long reply. I hope you get to the bottom of it! :-)
Dear friends,
I am a seller of Teckin. What problems have you encountered?
Our products have a 12-month warranty
Please contact me at support.eu@teckinhome.com. We will provide the best after-sales service. And solve your problem.
Alice
yun li any chance off adding a quick on off button like they do with the bulbs?
Thanks you made it very understandable..
Cheers Michael. :-)
Great help thankyou .
Glad I could help! :-)
I need to change my email address in the SmartLife app but it's greyed out. Unable to change my email. Thanks.
Try contacting Teckin support. :-)
Thank you for a great video. You made my life a little easier .. :)
Glad to help Ed. :-)
Hi there, I have linked my plugs in to the teckin app and linked to Amazon all good, but when I asked Alexa to turn on socket 1 for example she says, sorry I didn’t find a device named socket 1, but if I open the app on my phone and ask Alexa on my phone she does it.? Can you advise or anyone.. thanks in advance
Sounds strange. All I can think of is a typo on the name of the plug in the app. If not, i would try changing the name of the plug as an experiment. :-)
Expensive way of adding a timer to a lamp!
Way more useful than a timer! :-)
Do the schedules still work even if your phone/device has no internet/wifi access?
I believe if you created a wifi hotspot to set up schedule and link to plug it should work.
Great video, a big help
:-)
great video . thanks mate
Thank you Alex. :-)
Thank you
:-)
Sorted me out, thanks mate!
:-)
Russell Platten is a time I can I i juju
You don't need to register again, if you press "Log in with an existing account" you can just log in with your email/phone number and password
Great video. Easy to understand the technical aspects.
Cheers Neil. :-)
Perfect video with clear instructions, the company should be paying you lol..too bad for me it says "connection timed out", driving me nuts.. simply not registering the plug. Anyone else facing the same?
One viewer said that he had disabled the 5GHz wifi on his router and it sorted out this problem. Once the sockets were connected he enabled it again. He thought that it was due to the fact that his phone was connected to the 5 GHz side of the router. Not sure if this will work, but it may be worth a try. If you figure out what is happening please let us know. :-)
I have the square version and still don't like where the button is
Mine changed light from biping to steady and never got added
They can be a bit difficult. There is another longer method to connect them in the insyructions. Try using that method. :-)
When I search devices in the alexa app it doesn’t find my plus even though they are set up and working fine in the smart life app and I’ve added the smart life skill in alexa and it’s linked the alexa and smart life apps. So annoying
Are you clicking on the + sign on the top right of the devices screen to add them James?
Thanks Russel!
:-)
My BT Home Hub 6 seems unable to find them...
I am connecting the switches to a BT HH6 on the video. You need to set them up close to the router and ensure 2.4ghz is switched on on the router homepage.
@@RussellPlatten Hi. I tried the separate bands, 5ghz off trick, router discovery and different wireless security tricks to no avail. But I did find a fix! The AP setup works fine.
@@Frohicky1 Well done! I'm glad you sorted it out. My switches are still going strong. In fact virtually all of our lighting turns itself on and off on app routines. We have more lamps connected to smart switches than smart bulbs in the ceiling lights. :-)
big help thanks
:-)
Great. All works now. Thanks
:-)
At £10.00 each I don't think so when I can purchase Sonoff for much cheaper and easier to set up and use but thanks for the video
The Amazon smart plug is way easier to setup. Just plug in to mains and your echo device will pick it up straight away.
Yh but way more expensive