Defender Smart Plug WiFi - Alexa & Google Home Compatible Voice Controlled Outlet - Remote Control Timer Socket for Home Automation - Energy Saving Smart Socket for Lamps, Heaters & Appliances

I have just installed 4 of these smart plugs from Defender without any major issues. One plug didn't connect to my router first time but switching it off for 30 seconds and turning it back on by holding the switch down for 5 seconds until the orange light blinked quickly, soon established a wifi connection (this is standard setting up procedure anyway) I used the Smart Life app to initiate the setting up process and Alexa connected automatically once a wifi connection was established. I have other smart plugs (different brand that is no longer sold by Amazon) that also use the Smart Life app without issue It is possible to rename the plugs, set up a timed schedule or establish a countdown timer. Alternatively, simply switch them on and off via the app and Alexa voice activation works too. I have read several one star reviews where users have been unable to establish a wifi connection. In my view, there could be many reasons for this and I won't speculate as to what these may be. Make sure you download the Smart Life app first, follow the setting-up instructions, as supplied or online, and they should work just fine (at least they did for me!) The Defender mini smart plugs come from a UK based stockist (Solon Security) and are sold by Amazon with their excellent back-up and returns service. Solon have a good website with plenty of support and information about setting up procedures etc. Recommended

I I've used four of these since 2023—setup is simple with the Smart Life app and QR code, and they connect with Alexa automatically for easy renaming. I have just bought another two for other plug outlets. They're reliable and offer good value, which is why I keep buying more.

These Smart Plugs are very easy to setup and do exactly as described. Reason for 4 stars instead of 5 is due to their physical size. If you had a 4 plug extension lead as an example, you can only fit 2 of them on it as the size is slightly larger than an actual plug. I set all 4 up within 10 minutes via the Smart Life (Tuya) App. Added the Smart Life Integration to Home Assistant (10 mins / I had already configured Tuya IoT Platform previously), pushed the devices to Apple Home Kit to control from the "Apple Home" app. Personally I prefer the Tuya/Smart Life connected devices to the likes of Philips Hue (which i have as well) which are all inter-connected via Home Assistant for running automations across different smart device manufacturers. Your home WiFi needs to be capable of 2.4Ghz broadcasting. I use bandwidth steering and therefore steer the IoT devices to 2.4Ghz whilst modern devices like iPhones and Android Phones are directed to 5Ghz. I see a few comments for people rating as 1 star. This is because they did not what they were buying and have zero technical knowledge. Albeit only a little knowledge is required. These do work with BT and Virgin hubs. You just need to enable 2.4GHz WiFi to connect them if not already enabled. This is clearly explained in the Smart Life App and in the instructions within the box..

Easy to link with Alex and function very well

Two of the plugs stopped working, not connecting, both making a high pitch noise

A very useful product - here used to control an Electric Blanket > great! Relatively easy to connect providing you use or split the wifi signal into the 2.5GHz band (and not the 5GHz band - the Plug won't connect/find that at all). The Connection TULA Android App works very well and I believe it has been updated recently - before the App used to cause all sorts of difficulties. Can set a variety of timers / 7 days / whatever - or a simple remote on/off; many electric blankets will auto shut off anyway after an hour. Plug also integrates perfectly with Alexa if voice control is your thing. Strongly recommended -- great Device with many alternative uses.

Works easily. The app is very easy to use. Seems very useful. Will probably buy many more.

Connecting was quite painful and you need to know the knack. Auto connect didn't work. Manual connection worked once you realise it's a smart SOCKET not PLUG, ie the second one on the list. Also if you have joint 5GHz and 2.4GHz on the same SSID, you have to go into the router and disable the 5GHz so it only sees 2.4. Then it works. Other than that they seem fine. The software to control is simple. Programming works. All good