Smart Home Device Setup: ThirdReality Smart Plug

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In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to set up and pair the ThirdReality Smart Plug using an Amazon Echo device with a built-in Zigbee hub. Whether you’re new to smart home technology or supporting someone who is, this step-by-step guide is here to help. Plus, we’ve included a YouTube video tutorial for extra visual support.

On the left side, a close-up of a ThirdReality Smart Plug with glowing highlight in background. Below it reads: "Where it's AT - The Ability Tools Blog," "Setting Up ThirdReality Smart Plug," and "AbilityTools.org". On the right side, a blurred background with a house icon surrounded by (clockwise): light bulb icon, temperature icon, washer icon, TV icon, lock icon, cloud icon, security camera icon, plug icon. The plug icon is highlighted.

Click here to access full video instructions on the Ability Tools YouTube channel: “Setting Up ThirdReality Smart Plug

Setting up the Smart Plug:

Before setting up your motion sensor, make sure your Echo device has Zigbee hub capability, which is required for pairing. Research which models meet your needs.

  1. Plug the Smart Plug into a working outlet near your Echo device.
  2. The LED light on the plug will begin blinking rapidly, indicating it is in pairing mode.
  3. If the LED stops blinking before pairing is complete, press and hold the button on the plug for at least 10 seconds until the LED starts blinking again. This will restart pairing mode.
ThirdReality Smart Plug plugged into an outlet.

Pairing the Device:

To pair the motion sensor with your Echo device, follow these steps in the Alexa app:

  1. Open the Alexa app.
  2. Tap the “+” icon in the top right corner.
  3. Tap “Device”.
  4. Scroll all the way down and select “Other”.
  5. Tap “Zigbee”.
  6. Tap “Discover Devices”.
  7. It will search for the Smart Plug. This can take up to a minute.
  8. When found, tap “Next”.
  9. Select the area you’ll use the plug in, such as the living room or kitchen.
  10. Tap “Add to Group”.
  11. Tap “Continue”, then “Done”. You will rename it in the next step.

Name and Test the Plug:

Once your sensor is paired, you can rename it and test its functionality using the Alexa app:

  1. In the Alexa app, tap on “Devices” (lightbulb icon in the bottom left).
  2. Tap the name Alexa gave to your new plug.
  3. Tap the “Settings” icon (gear in the top right corner).
  4. Tap “Edit Name” and change it to something easy to remember (e.g., “Living room plug”).
  5. Test with voice commands: “Alexa, turn on [name]” and “Alexa, turn off [name]”.

Creating a Routine:

Example Use: Turning the living room light on every morning at 7 AM.
– Plug your light into the ThirdReality Smart Plug.
– Leave the light switch in the “On” position.
– Create a routine in the Alexa app to turn it on at 7:00 AM every day.

  1. In the Alexa app, tap on “Devices” (lightbulb icon in the bottom left).
  2. Tap the name you gave your new smart plug.
  3. Tap “Create Routine” at the bottom of the page.
  4. Tap the “+” icon in the top right corner to create a new routine.
  5. Under “When”, tap the “+” next to “Add an Event.”
  6. Select “Schedule.”
  7. Tap “At Time“.
  8. To the right of “Repeat,” tap “Every Day.”
  9. Customize the days of the week by unchecking and checking days so the routine is customized to your needs.
  10. Tap “Save
  11. To the right of “At Time,” select the time you want the light to turn on. For this example, set it to 7:00 AM.
  12. Tap “Next.”
  13. Under “Alexa Will,” tap the “+” next to “Add an Action.”
  14. Tap “Smart Home.”
  15. Tap “Plugs.”
  16. Select the checkbox next to your smart plug name.
  17. Tap “Next.
  18. Ensure “Power” and “On” are selected, then tap “Next.”
  19. Tap “Save” to complete the routine.
A lamp plugged into the ThirdReality Smart Plug.

Your routine is now set. Every weekday at 7:00 AM, the smart plug will automatically turn on the light if it’s off.

You can also explore our full Smart AT Home Blog Series for more helpful tips. Be sure to check out the complete Ability Tools YouTube Smart AT Home Playlist for additional how-to videos and resources.