TP-Link's Kasa Smart Plug Mini Won't Support HomeKit After All

[Cndnmax]

I use a raspberry PI and Hass.io to emulate a HomeKit gateway. All my smart devices are now “HomeKit” compatible.

 

[SigurTom]

Never buy something for what it “will” support.

 

[gaburke]

Grab yourself a Raspberry Pi and set it up with Homebridge. Took me less than an hour, and it works perfectly with my HS100s with the right plugin.

I did this as well. I’ve been running my HS105 using Homebridge for several months now. Perhaps TPLink’s programmers should study how Homebridge is implemented, as a jumping off point.

 

[sidewinder3000]

Is HomeKit somehow harder to implement, or more expensive to license? Why do so many devices automatically support Alexa and Google, but HomeKit is a side project? After Apple removed the hardware restriction, it just baffles me that every product supporting Google and Alexa do not support HomeKit as well.

I believe it's because HomeKit has much stricter security measures and protocols, with the intent of making it harder for the internet of things to be hacked and wreck your life. Something like that.
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The 47 people who use home kit are infuriated I’m sure!

Millions of people use HomeKit.

 

[HDFan]

Man I’m looking for a HomeKit smart plug

Although it is expensive ($60) I am a big fan of the Satechi dual outlet:

https://satechi.net/products/dual-smart-outlet

I got them during their intro 30% off sale. I have a price search set to get some more when they go on sale again, likely during the Black Friday period.

Does NOT require a separate hub. Installation is easy with a scan of the bar code. Integrates easily with HomePod, Apple TV, etc. You can fit two on a standard 2 plug U.S. outlet, giving your 4 individually controllable plugs. Gives you energy use/cost for each individual plug:



Great support.

I purchased a Wemo Mini

I made a mistake and got a couple from Costco. Only in the fine print does it say that you need a bridge. Setup was a bit of a nightmare as compared to setting up the Satechi.

preferably a three-plug outlet.

a power strip may be best if you have separate plugs.

With dual plugs the Satechi gives you 4 plugs on a 2 plug outlet so it might eliminate the need for a power strip or 3 plug outlet.

Would this work on a space heater as well that requires a click of the on button on the heater to turn on-not just plugging it in?

It is device specific. My portable AC units when powered on are ready to go. Other devices when powered on require you to press the power switch. Simple enough to test. Turn the device on, pull the plug, then plug back in. That's what will happen if you control it with a switch.

I rarely use my speaker to control my house as it is almost always faster to use my iPhone, laptop, iPad, hardware switch or Stream Deck.

For me it's the opposite. Coming downstairs with my hands full I just say "turn on the lights" to my HomePods. Don't have to pull out my phone or anything else.

Costco has Wemo mini 2-paks on sale for $19.99 from time-to-time. They're currently $40 for two.

As above I got one of the Costco two packs and regretted it. I unfortunately opened them and can't return. Will be getting rid of them.

 

[rumormiller]

The IKEA TRÅDFRI range is excellent. While their smart plugs didn't launch with HomeKit compatibility, it was something they promised and ultimately delivered. They're also pretty cheap too, at £12 in the UK. They're not the smallest of gear, but they've been super reliable (not dropping out) and they respond really quickly.

One thing to note, you'll need a driver and bridge to run them, but once you have one of each, it's easy to add more to them. Their bulbs are great too, I've replaced all of my lamp bulbs with IKEA ones.

I'll second this recommendation.They're actually only £10 https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/tradfri-wireless-control-outlet-00364477/ in the UK and work great. You can control smart plugs/lamps/blinds... with your iDevices or IKEA remotes. IKEA stuff uses Zigbee networking so it doesn't interfere with your wifi. I actually prefer spoken commands using Siri to control e.g. "Hey Siri, turn off my bedroom lights." Works great!

 

[MrRabuf]

I didn’t realize anybody still cared about HomeKit. Sorry folks, Apple lost in this area. Just use Google/Amazon/etc (it’s ok, you’re house won’t blow up if you have a non-Apple device in it) or go the DIY route. I use HomeAssistant and really like it. If you’re hanging out on this forum, you’re already somewhat of a techie and can probably handle setting it up.

 

[whoknows2597]

Thanks for the answer. The basic space heater I use has only a 2 prong plug but it does have on off and other electronic buttons on a touch screen to operate it that only come on once it’s plugged

When it is first plugged in, nothing happens until you press on. Would this work or be able to be turned on and off with a smart plug?

I don’t want to give you an incorrect answer, as none of my appliances have touch screens, but some of my local retailers like Target have touch screen heaters though they are mostly for larger rooms. Depending on what retailers are in your area and their return policy, I would look around and try out different plugs to see if you find one that is compatible with your heater. If not, then hopefully one company can manufacture a smart plug that can work.

 

[Defthand]

Thanks for the answer. The basic space heater I use has only a 2 prong plug but it does have on off and other electronic buttons on a touch screen to operate it that only come on once it’s plugged

When it is first plugged in, nothing happens until you press on. Would this work or be able to be turned on and off with a smart plug?

Logically, no. To test whether it is a smartplug limitation or not, plug your heater into the wall receptacle itself. Turn on the heater. Then flip the receptacle's circuit breaker off. Wait a few seconds and flip it back on. Does the heater resume working? If not, your heater's digital power switch is the limitation, and a smartplug can't help as it is nothing but a digital breaker.

 

[justperry]

Fair enough mate, just expressing options.

No worrie, I just thinks it's too difficult for most, I know plenty of people which can't even install a TV, let alone Homebridge.

Also its crap? Based on what? Too difficult? Like holy **** they literally have images now you write to the SD card and it boot it up.

https://hoobs.org

As above, most people can't even configure their TV, might even not know what configure means.

I've had it on my Mac, too much time involved to correctly configure, I compare it to Linux, it's for geeks, as with Linux they think it's normal to understand how things are done, they just give you an explanation of doing things but skipping half of the steps...just because they think you know Linux.

People want a device that you plug into the wall and it magically works.
Like a plug with builtin HomeKit support.

 

[Regbial]

Well I have a Homekit iHome smartplug and while it did work, now it doesn't. I go into the Homekit square in my Control Center and it always says "Unavailable".. even though I'm right beside the plug, and both devices are connected to my Airport Extreme. Sloppy technology I guess...

I have to go into the iHome app in order to run it off or on.. Great going.

Outside of the useless Homekit, I will say it's super useful for anyone who has a fish tank or reptile habitat etc..

Edit: uhh I just had to delete it from Homekit and add it again.. Still... I shouldn't have to do that. But whatever.. Let's see how long it lasts now.

 

[kpeex]

Not sure why anyone has trouble with Wemo mini from Costco. The HomeKit firmware update upgraded mine to HomeKit just fine.

Older packages may not have reflected that they are HomeKit compatible. The ones I purchased right after the holidays last year had a sticker on the outside of blister pack. The last 2-pack I bought in June had updated product information inside the package.

https://www.wemo.com/press-releases/wemo-mini-smart-plug-now-compatible-with-apple-homekit.html

 

[sidewinder3000]

Thanks for the heads up! Now I know exactly which smart switch not to buy.

 

[ihackalot]

when the decision makers look at these devices they look at smart speakers as being the controller. In this market Apple is still way behind on market share. In sure Apple also charges a premium to license as well as most likely being more involved coding wise to implement due to the higher security standards. You also have to look at the global market. The US is the main country using newer iOS devices. I was always struck when I’d go to Europe to see the majority of iPhones you see on the street are 3-4 year old models.

Seriously, struck? Not so much when you realize the same iPhone Xr in Europe is about $300 more expensive.

 

[Yuck9]

Would this work on a space heater as well that requires a click of the on button on the heater to turn on-not just plugging it in?

In other words, will smart plugs work on devices that are more complicated then just on when plugged in and off when unplugged?

It will not. I have a A/C unit that needs a button pushed to start unit.