Does Amazon Smart Plug Work with Google Home?

The Amazon Smart Plug was originally designed to work exclusively with Amazon Alexa. However, with some extra steps, it can be made to work with Google Home. Let’s break it down:

Background Information

The Amazon Smart Plug lets you control devices plugged into it through the Alexa app or by speaking to Alexa devices. Google Home, on the other hand, is a voice-controlled smart speaker using Google Assistant. Though they come from different brands, you can still get the Amazon Smart Plug to play nice with Google Home with a little workaround.

Compatibility Analysis

• Direct Compatibility: The Amazon Smart Plug won’t directly work with Google Home right out of the box. It doesn’t support Google Assistant natively.
• Indirect Compatibility: You can make it work by enabling the Google Home skill in the Alexa app and linking your Amazon account with Google Home. This way, you can use Google Assistant voice commands to control the plug.

Connection Steps

• Set Up the Amazon Smart Plug: Plug in the smart plug, open the Alexa app, tap “Devices” at the bottom right, hit the “+” icon, choose “Add Device,” and follow the prompts to get it set up.
• Enable the Google Home Skill in the Alexa App: Go to “Skills & Games” in the Alexa app, find the Google Home skill, enable it, and link your Amazon account with Google Home by following the instructions.
• Add the Amazon Smart Plug in the Google Home App: Open the Google Home app, tap the “+” icon, select “Set up device,” choose “Have something already set up?,” look for “Amazon” as the manufacturer, log in to your Amazon account, and let Google Home discover the plug. Follow the on-screen steps to finish linking them up.

Control Methods and Features

• Voice Commands: After linking, control the Amazon Smart Plug with commands like, “Hey Google, turn on the lamp” or “Hey Google, turn off the coffee maker.”
• Scheduling Routines: Set up routines in the Google Home app to schedule the Smart Plug actions. For example, the Smart Plug can turn on devices at 7 AM every morning or off at 10 PM each night.
• Remote Control: Manage the Amazon Smart Plug from anywhere using the Google Home app, as long as you have internet access.

Limitations and Considerations

• Network Requirements: Ensure both the Amazon Smart Plug and Google Home are on the same Wi-Fi network. A weak signal can mess with the plug’s responsiveness.
• Device Limitations: The plug handles up to 1800 watts. Don’t try to push it beyond this to avoid any safety issues.
• Functionality Limitations: Although you can control the plug with Google Home, some advanced features in the Alexa app, like energy monitoring, might not be fully available via Google Home.

Alternative Options

If this setup feels like a hassle, you might want to check out these options:

• Use Smart Plugs Compatible with Google Home: Consider plugs like TP-Link Kasa, iLife, or Gosund. They’re designed to work smoothly with Google Home and don’t require any extra steps.
• Combine Alexa and Google Assistant: You can use Alexa for some devices and Google Assistant for others. Although this means managing two ecosystems, it might work if you’re already invested in both.

Can You Use Amazon Smart Plug with Google Home?

Alright, here’s the scoop: the Amazon Smart Plug plays ball only with Alexa. If you’re trying to get it to chat with Google Home, you’re going to be out of luck. It’s got a thing for Alexa and doesn’t mingle with other home systems like Samsung’s SmartThings or Apple’s Siri. The plug lets you boss your connected devices around with Alexa voice commands, and you gotta have the Alexa app to get the whole setup rolling.

The Catch

Honestly, if you’re planning on hooking up an Amazon Smart Plug in a Google Home setup, it’s a no-go. You’ll need to scout out smart plugs that actually vibe with Google Assistant. Fortunately, lots of brands have got your back here—TP-Link, Gosund, and Teckin are just a few with smart plugs that fit the bill. They play nice with Google while keeping themselves open for business with Alexa too, so you can mix and match without a hitch.

Wrapping It Up

So, here’s the deal: Amazon Smart Plugs don’t jive with Google Home since they’re an Alexa-exclusive bunch. If sticking with Google Assistant is on your agenda, aim for plugs that are upfront about their Google Home compatibility.

Got an Amazon Smart Plug and wondering if it’ll play nice with Google Home? Well, hold onto your hats because there are some roadblocks ahead.

What’s the Issue?

Okay, here’s the deal: Amazon Smart Plug is basically married to Alexa. This means it doesn’t really hit it off with Google Home. Amazon’s in-house stuff gets along great, but when it comes to Google, things are a bit on the frosty side.

Ways to Make It Work

Don’t throw in the towel yet. Even though they’re not besties, there are ways to get them to at least tolerate each other:

1. Get Yourself a Smart Hub

• The Fix: Snag a hub like Samsung SmartThings to bridge that gap.
• How:
  1. First, connect that Smart Plug to Alexa.
  2. Then, hook up Alexa to your smart hub.
  3. Next, make buddies between the hub and Google using the Google Assistant skill from the hub.
• Heads Up: You’ll need extra gear and that might bring in a little delay.

2. Try IFTTT

• Solution: Get clever with IFTTT to create nifty triggers.
• Follow Along:
  1. Create a trigger using Alexa in IFTTT.
  2. Set up a Google voice command to fire that trigger.
• Catch: Advanced features need a subscription, and don’t expect lightning-speed reactions.

3. Indirect Control via Alexa

• Strategy: Have Google Home chat with Alexa for routines.
• DIY:
  1. Get the Alexa skill on Google Home.
  2. Create some routines in the Alexa app, like, “Switch on the lamp.”
  3. Use Google commands to tell Alexa what to do.
• Heads Up: It’s like a game of broken telephone, so not the smoothest ride.

Switch to Compatible Plugs

If you’re all about Google Home, maybe it’s time to check out other plugs that get along with both systems:

• Give These a Go:
  • TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug: Works smoothly with both Alexa and Google Home — no drama.
  • Tapo Smart Plug: Easy voice control with both assistants right out of the box.
  • Tuya-based Plugs: Won’t cost you much and work with cross-platform apps.

Why No Easy Compatibility?

• Brand Rivalry: Amazon and Google keep their gadgets in a turf war to boost sales for their own devices.
• Tech Barriers: Different APIs and certification hoops make it pricey for manufacturers to break the mold.

Real Talk

• Alexa Only: Amazon Smart Plug means sticking with Alexa.
• Workarounds: Hubs, IFTTT, or Google-Alexa chats kinda work — but don’t expect a magic bullet.
• Better Bets: Seriously, if you’re glued to Google Home, try plugs built to do both without the fuss.

If you’re into the Google Home vibe, snagging non-Amazon smart plugs could save you some headaches and keep things just a tap away.

Alright, here’s the scoop: if you were hoping to hook up your Amazon Smart Plug with Google Home, you’re outta luck. These plugs only play nice with Alexa devices like Echo Dot or Echo Show. They depend on the Alexa app for everything, so they won’t be chatting with Google Assistant anytime soon.

But wasn’t there always a workaround? If you’re itching to control your gadgets through Google Home, you might want to check out other brands. TP-Link Kasa, Wemo, and Gosund have smart plugs that are totally compatible with Google Assistant. With these, you’re covered – and they’ll happily respond to your Google-powered commands.

Got your eyes on setting one up? Here’s the quick rundown:

• Get your smart plug plugged in.
• Nab the right app for your device (like Kasa for TP-Link) and follow along with the setup.
• Open the Google Home app, tap that “+” sign, and start adding your gear.
• Choose “Works with Google,” find your plug’s brand, and link it up. Easy peasy!

So, if you’re aiming for a smooth smart home experience with Google Home, picking the right plug is where it’s at. And trust me, it’s worth checking the instructions bundled with your gadget for all the finer details.

Just so you know, I gleaned some insights from Lifewire about how the Amazon Smart Plug doesn’t mesh with Google Home, and the Google Nest Community FAQs helped me with the rest.