How to Set Up Your SmartThings Smart Outlet

Beginner 5-10 minutes

What You Will Need

  • SmartThings Smart Outlet
  • SmartThings Hub v3 (already set up and online)
  • SmartThings app (iOS or Android) with a Samsung account
  • A standard electrical outlet

Step 1: Plug In the Smart Outlet

  1. Remove the SmartThings Smart Outlet from its packaging.
  2. Plug it into a standard 120V electrical outlet. The LED on the outlet will begin blinking, indicating it is ready to pair.
  3. Do not plug any devices into the smart outlet yet. Complete the setup first.

Step 2: Add the Smart Outlet in the SmartThings App

  1. Open the SmartThings app and tap the + icon, then select Add Device.
  2. Tap SmartThings, then select Smart Outlet (or Smart Plug).
  3. Choose your SmartThings Hub as the connecting hub.
  4. The hub will enter pairing mode and search for the outlet via Zigbee.
  5. If the outlet does not appear, unplug it, wait 10 seconds, and plug it back in. If it still does not pair, press and hold the button on the side of the outlet for five seconds to force pairing mode.
  6. Once discovered, name the outlet (e.g., "Desk Lamp," "Fan," "Space Heater") and assign it to a room.

Step 3: Connect Your Device

  1. Plug the device you want to control (lamp, fan, coffee maker, etc.) into the SmartThings Smart Outlet.
  2. Make sure the connected device is turned to its ON position. The smart outlet controls power delivery, so the device itself must be set to on for the outlet to effectively turn it on and off.
  3. Test the outlet by tapping the on/off button in the SmartThings app. The connected device should turn on and off.

Step 4: Set Up Automations

The SmartThings Smart Outlet can be automated in many ways through the SmartThings app:

  • Schedules — Turn a lamp on at sunset and off at bedtime. Tap Automations in the app and create a time-based routine.
  • Motion-based control — Pair with a SmartThings Motion Sensor to turn on a light when someone enters a room and off after no motion is detected.
  • Arrival/departure — Turn on a lamp when your phone's location indicates you are arriving home, and turn it off when you leave.
  • Voice control — Control the outlet with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Samsung Bixby by linking your SmartThings account to the voice assistant.

Step 5: Monitor Energy Usage

The SmartThings Smart Outlet includes energy monitoring capabilities. In the SmartThings app:

  1. Select the outlet and view the power consumption data.
  2. See real-time wattage being drawn by the connected device.
  3. Track usage over time to identify energy-hungry devices.
  4. Create automations based on power consumption — for example, send an alert if a device draws more power than expected, which could indicate a malfunction.

Tips for Best Performance

  • The Smart Outlet communicates via Zigbee and also acts as a Zigbee repeater, extending the range of your SmartThings mesh network. Placing outlets throughout your home strengthens connectivity for all Zigbee devices.
  • Do not exceed the outlet's power rating (typically 15 amps or 1,800 watts). Do not plug in high-draw appliances like space heaters or air conditioners unless the outlet's rating supports it.
  • The physical button on the outlet can be used to manually toggle the connected device on or off without the app.
  • If the outlet stops responding, unplug it for 10 seconds and plug it back in to reset the connection.
  • The Smart Outlet is indoor use only. Do not use it in outdoor or wet locations.

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