The WeMo Smart Outlet (Smart Home Series, Part 5)

The WeMo Alexa-Compatible Smart Outlet,  Part 1
(Smart Home Series, Part 5)
Building a Smart Home with Alexa and WeMo

Learn to Set Up Your Wemo Smart Outlet
And Voice Control It, Using your Amazon Echo or Dot

This is part 5 in a series about building an Alexa-Powered Smart Home without breaking the bank.  It is a continuation of our in-depth course on using Alexa and the Amazon Echo family of devices.  Our last three parts discussed using the Alexa app, discovering all it can do, and setting it up to best work for you. (Links to the previous parts of this series can be found in the sidebar.)  Now, we are going to talk about using Alexa to control third party devices, starting with Smart Outlets.  And today, we're specifically going to talk about the WeMo Family of Smart Outlets. We'll walk you through setting up a WeMo Mini Smart Outlet, and pairing it with Alexa and your Echo device.

What is a Smart Outlet?

Simply put, a Smart Outlet is one that can be controlled remotely.  Early Smart Outlets came with their own remote controls, and using that, you could toggle the outlet state. As technology developed, they through WiFi into the mix. Now, you can still find outlets that come with their own remotes. But they are of little utility in a modern Smart Home.  Today, you want an outlet that can be controlled via WiFi or Cellular Data, from either inside or outside your house. It is this type of Smart Outlet we will be discussing in this post.

So in other words, Smart Outlets add WiFi and Remote control to standard outlets, and by extension, to your existing appliances.  Whatever you plug into a Smart Outlet becomes a Smart Device, capable of being controlled remotely, from your couch, car, or office. And if that device is a WeMo, it means you've added Alexa voice control to that device as well.

What is WeMo?

WeMo is a family of Alexa-Compatible Smart Devices made by Belkin. This includes a line of Smart Outlets, Smart Switches, Wall Switches, and other Smart Lighting products. The line is growing by the day.  Many members of the WeMo family require professional installation, however, the Smart Outlets do not.  The Smart Outlets plug into your existing socket, with no wiring required.

The WeMo Mini can toggle any device on and off.  However, if you pair it with an existing lamp, it can do a whole lot more.  You will no longer need timers, as the app allows you to set schedules far more flexible than a standard lamp timer allows.  It also integrates with the IFTTT (If That Then That) app so you can program routines.  And because it is Alexa compatible, you can control whatever is plugged into the outlet from wherever you are. Inside the house, you can use Alexa and voice commands. Outside the house, you can use the app to remotely control the outlet.
The WeMo family of devices are controlled by a mobile app.  There is no PC version of the app presently.  There is, however, a Fire Tablet version.  You will need the WeMo app to set up the device initially, as well as to set up some of the more advanced features. If you need nothing beyond simple on/off capabilities, you can borrow a phone to set up the plug. Once paired with Alexa, you can then control the WeMo device via voice.

The original WeMo Smart Outlet was larger, and it made it difficult to use both sockets on a standard outlet.  A few months ago, Belkin came out with the WeMo Mini.  It is this Outlet we are going to review and install today.  Other WeMo products follow virtually the same procedure.

What is the WeMo Mini?

The Wemo Mini is the newest in the family of Wemo Smart Devices.  It is rectangular, and a mere 3.8 x 2.4 x 1.4 inches  in size, about the size of a large pack of gum.  It is small enough that two Wemo Minis can fit in a standard two-socket outlet. If you only use one, the other socket can still hold a large, three pronged outlet.

The WeMo Mini installs like a typical outlet expander--you just plug it into an existing three-pronged outlet.  You can even plug it into a Power Strip.  However, the WeMo DOES need a three-pronged outlet to work, and will not work properly with a two-prong to three-prong adapter.

The manufacturer boasts the following features:

• Control from anywhere. Plug in a WeMo Mini Smart Plug, download the free app, control your lights and appliances from your smartphone or tablet. Only needs Wi-Fi. No hub or subscription required. 
• Schedule automatically. Never come home to a dark house. Schedule the fan to turn on before you arrive. Sync lights and devices to sunrise, sunset, or pre-set times automatically.
• Randomize Lights. The Mini Smart Plug protects your home better than a mechanical timer. “Away Mode” will turn your lights on and off randomly to make it look like you’re home even when you’re not.
• Works with Alexa and Nest. Pair with Alexa and control your lights and appliances with your voice. Pair with Nest Thermostat and Nest can sync with WeMo for automatic control. 

The WeMo mini retails for about $35, but you can regularly find it in the $30 range.

The WeMo Insight Energy Monitoring Smart Outlet

WeMo also offers an energy monitoring plug, called The Wemo Insight.  This offers all the features of the mini, but adds power use monitoring into the mix.

This device provides real-time energy reports to show how much energy your devices are consuming, so you can easily track how much your lights and appliances are costing you.  You can also set schedules so that things turn on and off whether you are at home or not.  Again, these functions are programmed through the Wemo app. This feature, of course, increases the Insight's price.  The WeMo Insight runs in the $50 range.  It is also "more square" than the mini, and is 2.5 x 2.5 x 2 inches in size.

Gen 1 Outlets

Generation one WeMo outlets are still being sold.  If you can pick one up at a discount, by all means do. The Generation One outlets actually had better internal antennae, and are less finicky when connecting to WiFi.  If I saw a Generation One outlet for $20 or less, I wouldn't hesitate to pick one up.  Any more, I'd probably wait for a sale on a Mini. If you install it in the top socket, there still should be enough room for a smaller two-pronged plug in the bottom socket.

What Happens if the Internet Goes Out?

One of the biggest issues with Smart Devices is if the Internet goes out, you lose control.  It's a real pain in the you know what, when you say "Alexa, lights off," and she replies "I'm having trouble connecting right now."  It is very important for ANY Smart Device to have some sort of manual override. The WeMo Mini has you covered there.  On the front right of the outlet, you'll find a big button.  This is the reboot button. It will also toggle the switch off and on when the Internet is out.

If you have any WiFi issues, you may want to install this outlet in a spot that is not too hard to reach. My WeMo mini controls my bedside lights.  Frontier has a lot of late night/early morning Internet issues. It is not unusual for me to be able to Alexa my  lights on, but have an outage right after.  My WeMo is installed behind my headboard, under some windows, in a spot that is not very easy to reach. I'll admit, there have been nights I've read another chapter, waiting for my Internet to come back up, rather than trying to reach behind the bed and hit that button. But on the nights I've decided sleep cannot wait, I can hit that button by feel.  The "reset" button is at the very top of a Gen 1 WeMo Outlet, and it's smaller.

What you DO NOT want to do is hit the "Off" switch on the lamp or appliance itself, especially a bedside light. If you do, the next time you issue a voice control, and the appliance doesn't come on, you'll drive yourself crazy trying to troubleshoot.  That is, until you FINALLY remembered you turned the actual appliance switch off.  Remember, your Smart Outlet is really only toggling the power state; it cannot physically operate switches.

With What Types of Networks Does WeMo Work?

Your WeMo needs the following to operate:

• Wireless router supporting the 2.4 GHz wireless band.
• A working internet connection for Remote Access and firmware updates.
• WEP, WPA™ or WPA2™ wireless security.
• Not supported with open Guest networks.
• Not supported on café login style networks.
• Not supported with enterprise style networking equipment.

Setting Up WeMo

Step One: Download the WeMo App

The WeMo app is available for Android, iPhone, and Fire OS.  (If you do own a Smartphone, both the WeMo and Alexa can be run on the cheapest Fire Tablets.  It is NOT compatible with the Gen 1 Kindle Fires.  If you do not have a Smartphone and do not want one, the Fire Tablet is a good alternative for controlling your Smart Home.)

Do yourself a favor, and download the app BEFORE you even open the WeMo box.  Then go ahead and create your account.  Also, make sure you have your WiFi username and password handy. You'll need it.  If you have both 2.4 and 5 GHz networks, you'll want to connect to the 2.4 GHz one.  (If you only have a single WiFi Network, chances are it's 2.4, or dual band. If you don't know what you have, do not worry; chances are it's 2.4 GHz.)

If you have finicky WiFi at all, I'd also suggest you reboot your modem/router before starting setup. If you have issues along the way, unplug the WeMo, reboot your Internet box, then start setup from step 3.

Step Two: Unbox the Outlet

At this point, you'll want to unbox the WeMo and choose an outlet for setup. This does NOT need to be the outlet where you ultimately intend to use it. In fact, since you'll need to be seeing it and pushing buttons, find an easy to access outlet, as close to your router as possible.  You can relocate the outlet after initial setup.

Step Three: Plug in the Outlet

Plug your Wemo Mini on a three-pronged grounded outlet. Wait for the light above the power/reset button to turn solid White.

Step Four: Connect the WeMo to WiFi

You will need your Smartphone or tablet. On that device, open settings, then go to WiFi.  Connect that device to the WeMo Network.  The Network Name (SSID) will begin with WeMo, followed by a string of characters unique to that WeMo device. (For example WeMo 7Dq or WeMo mini.2v9.)  DO NOT connect your setup device to your Home Network at this point.

If you are don't see ANY Wemo Network on the WiFi list, you may need to reset your Wemo  to factory defaults.  Press and hold the reset button for 10 seconds, until the light turns from orange to blinking white.  Once the light returns to solid white, refresh the WiFi list.  You should see a WeMo Network.

Step Four: Pair Your WeMo Device with the App

Open your WeMo app. It will walk you through the rest of the process, including connecting to your own WiFi Network. Remote Access will be enabled by default. Leave that on.  Once you've finished that, you'll reconnect your setup device (phone or tablet) to your home WiFi.  (If you have two networks, connect the phone or tablet to the same one the WeMo is using,)  You'll be taken through a couple of "Personalization" screens that will help you rename your device.

You should reach this Personalization screen after you've successfully connected the WeMo to your WiFi.

Step Five: Plug In Your Lights or Appliances

At this point, you'll want to relocate your WeMo to its permanent home. Next, plug in the lights or appliances you want controlled, and set their switches to the "On" position.  You can plug your WeMo into a power strip. Or you can plug an "outlet doubler" into the WeMo, so long as you do not exceed its capacity. In other words, don't use a doubler with "high draw" appliances. I have a doubler on my WeMo so that it controls my bedside lamp and above-bed "Fairy Lights".  (I love those Fairy Lights, but absolutely HATED the crappy remote!  I love them SO MUCH MORE now they are voice controlled!)  

Step Six: Open the WeMo App

 

If you made it this far, you should see your device at the top of the screen when you open the app. To the right of the device's name,(in this case, "Bedside,")  you will see an icon, meant to resemble a power button. Tap this icon to turn whatever you just plugged into your WeMo on and off.

Step Seven: Pair with Alexa

Now it's time to pair the outlet with Alexa, so you can control whatever you just plugged in with your voice.  Now comes the time to test your mettle. Get ready for a multi-step, extremely complex process.

Just kidding. It is an extremely easy thing to do. To pair your WeMo with Alexa, say "Alexa, Find my devices." That's it. Seriously. Could not be simpler.  Wait about a minute, then open your Alexa app. Open the menu and select "Smart Home," then "Devices."  You should see whatever you named your WeMo in the list of devices.

And That's It!  You've Paired your First Smart Device with Alexa!

To operate your device, merely say "Alexa, turn on WeMo!" or "Alexa, Turn Off WeMo."  (Of course replace "WeMo with whatever you named your device. In my case, I say "Alexa, turn on bedside.")

We'll talk about the other options on the "Smart Home" tab, "Groups" and "Scenes" in a later article. (You'll use these sections to make your devices work together. They're of less use if you only have one Smart Outlet paired to the app.)

You do not need to run "discovery" on each Echo device; if your Dot finds your devices, your Echo will learn about them too. You can also run device discovery from within the Alexa app, which is handy if you're installing your outlet where Alexa may not be able to hear you, (a porch light, for example.)  Just go to "Smart Home," "Devices," and tap the "Find Devices button."

The WeMo App and its Settings:

To access the Settings section, tap the gear icon in the upper right corner of the screen.  If you want to be able to operate your WeMo from outside your Home Network, ensure Remote Access is enabled. If you use IFTTT, you can connect to that by tapping the appropriate entry. Likewise, if you have a Nest, you can connect to that here.  Near the bottom of that screen, you'll see a link to tutorials on using your WeMo. 

What is Remote Access

Remote Access is what allows you to control your Wemo devices when you're away from home. Belkin says:

When accessing Wemo remotely, the Wemo App contacts the Remote Access Server which relays the command back to your Wemo device at home.  The Wemo App sets a response time for communication with the Remote Access Server and if it doesn’t receive a response in the time allotted, it will show the message Not Detected.  It may take some time for the Cloud to communicate with your Wemo device depending upon Wi-Fi congestion.

If you disable Remote Access, you will NOT be able to control your WeMo unless the controller (Echo, phone, or tablet,) is connected to the SAME WiFi Network as the WeMo device.  If the power or Internet is out at home, of course Remote Access will not work.

What Are Rules?

On the bottom of the apps Home Screen, you'll see two icons: one labeled Devices, and one labeled Rules.  "Rules" are how you set up automatic routines with your WeMo, or set up automatic timer functions. For example, you can set a rule for a light to turn on at 5 pm every night, then off at midnight. We'll walk you through setting up rules in a future post.

What Do the Lights Mean?

The following comes verbatim from Belkin:

• Blinking White: When you first plug in the Wemo Mini it will blink white to signify it is starting up.  This should last about 15 seconds.
• Solid White: When your Wemo Mini is configured, working properly and turned on (power flowing through the front outlet) the status light will be lit solid white.
• Blinking Orange:  A blinking orange light signifies that your Wemo has network credentials stored in it (Wi-Fi name and password) but it is unable to connect to your wireless network. Your Wemo will still follow any rules assigned to it but you will not be able to control it with the Wemo App.
• Solid Orange: A solid orange light is meant to show that your Wemo is still connected to your wireless network but is receiving a non-optimal signal.  Your Wemo will still follow any rules assigned to it but you could face difficulties when controlling it with your Wemo App.
• Alternating Orange/White: When the Wemo is finished booting it, will begin to alternate blinking of orange and white.  This means it is in setup mode.
• OFF: When the light is off, it means everything is great with the Wemo and it is functioning normally but it is not turned on (power flowing through the front outlet).
• My power light is (on/off) and when I press it nothing happens.  What do I do now? It sounds like your Wemo might have frozen.  Unplug your Wemo, wait 5 seconds and plug it back in.  After it reboots, try pressing it again. 

How Do I Rename My WeMo Mini?

It's really easy to rename your WeMo Mini. Just tap on the pencil icon,  then on the arrow (>) to get to the "Edit Device" screen. Then just tap on the device name, (Bedside in the example.) This should bring up your keyboard so you can rename your mini. Delete the old one, and type in whatever you've decided to rename it.

What Do I Do if my Mini Loses its Connection to My WiFi?

The mini can sometimes be flaky when it comes to connecting to WiFi.  Rebooting it often fixes the issues.  If rebooting the mini itself does not restore connectivity, try resetting/rebooting your Internet Box.

Do not try to use the mini in any "WiFi dead spots." If your phone or tablet cannot get at least two bars, it's not a good location for the mini. And if you have a router prone to dropping devices, in my experience, the mini will be the first to go. (We'll talk about routers and Smart Devices later in this series. Stay tuned.)  If your phone struggles to connect to WiFi in a certain spot, your mini will really struggle.  But remember, you can always cycle it manually, using the button on the front.

Summary

Continuing our series on an Alexa powered Smart Home, today we looked at pairing a Smart Outlet with Alexa and our Echo or Dot.  We reviewed the WeMo Mini Smart Outlet, and walked through setting it up and pairing it with Alexa.  On a later article, we'll discuss "grouping" it with other Smart Devices, as well as setting up "routines." But first, we must add a couple more smart devices.

Stay with us to learn how to access the advanced features of the WeMo app, as well as how to make different Smart Devices work together in harmony.  We'll also talk about how automating things can improve your life.  And we'll talk about other families of Smart Devices, of course,  helping you to see how you can build your Smart Home gradually and economically.

Questions? Comments? Any thoughts in general?  Want to wish Laurel a Happy Birthday? Hit the Comments section, and let us know what's on your mind.. And as always, thanks for reading.


Note:  Laurel's Birthday is on the First of August, and she's is taking a few days off in honor. We will only be publishing once next week, if at all.