How to Set Up Your GE CYNC Outdoor Smart Plug

What You'll Need

• GE CYNC Outdoor Smart Plug
• CYNC app (iOS or Android)
• GE/CYNC account
• 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network
• Outdoor GFCI-protected outlet

Step-by-Step Setup

1. Plug into an outdoor GFCI-protected outlet. Verify the GFCI is working by pressing the test button, then pressing reset to restore power.
2. Open the CYNC app and sign in.
3. Add the device:
   • Tap "+" to add a new device
   • Select "Outdoor Plug" from the list
   • Wait for the LED to indicate the plug is in pairing mode
4. Connect to Wi-Fi by selecting your 2.4GHz network and entering the password.
5. Name each outlet. The CYNC Outdoor Plug has two individually controlled outlets. Give each a clear name for easy voice control.

Key Features

• Weather-resistant housing for outdoor use
• Two independently controlled outlets
• Alexa and Google Assistant voice control
• Sunrise/sunset scheduling that adjusts automatically with the seasons
• CYNC ecosystem integration with GE smart bulbs and switches
• 15A total capacity

Sunrise/Sunset Scheduling

One of the best features for outdoor plugs is sunrise/sunset scheduling. Here is how to get the most from it:

• The CYNC app uses your phone's location to calculate sunrise and sunset times, so make sure location services are enabled.
• You can offset the schedule. For example, set lights to turn on 30 minutes before sunset so they are already on when it gets dark.
• Each outlet has its own schedule, so your landscape lights can run from sunset to midnight while pathway lights run from sunset to sunrise.
• The times adjust automatically as days get longer or shorter through the year.

Practical Outdoor Use Cases

• Front porch lighting: Keep your entry well-lit from sunset to sunrise for safety, while decorative accent lights on the second outlet run only until 10pm.
• Garden and water features: Run a garden fountain during daytime hours and switch to landscape lighting in the evening, all on automatic schedules.
• Seasonal decorations: Holiday lights and displays on independent schedules. No more climbing behind bushes to plug and unplug things manually.

Outdoor Installation Tips

• Use the weatherproof covers on unused outlets to keep moisture out.
• Route cords so water cannot run down them into the plug connections.
• Check that the total load on both outlets combined does not exceed 15A.
• Position the plug where it gets some protection from direct rain when possible.

Troubleshooting

• Poor Wi-Fi outdoors: The biggest challenge with outdoor smart plugs is getting reliable Wi-Fi. A mesh Wi-Fi system or a dedicated outdoor access point can make a big difference. Even a Wi-Fi extender placed near an interior window facing the outdoor outlet can help.
• GFCI keeps tripping: This is a ground fault, usually caused by moisture in a connection or an overloaded circuit. Check all cord connections for water, and reduce the load if needed.
• Only one outlet visible in the app: Both outlets should appear after setup. If only one shows, remove the plug from the CYNC app and set it up again from scratch.
• Factory reset: Press and hold the button until the LED flashes in a reset pattern. Release and wait for the plug to restart in pairing mode.
• Schedules not running: Make sure the CYNC app has location permissions so sunrise/sunset times calculate correctly. Also verify your phone's time zone is set correctly.