I wanted another one of my switches on a timer, but didn't want to go through the effort of installing another Wemo Light Switch. I saw the Switchmate on sale and decided to try it out. It is pretty much a "plug-and-play" type of gadget. I did run into one problem where the Switchmate kept going with a timer I set, even though I had disabled it (the app also showed it as being disabled). Since I don't need the Switchmate running all the time, I have gotten into the habit of taking it off the switch and only using it when I really need it. I wouldn't necessarily call this a "smart" gadget, since it doesn't really integrate well with other platforms, but I do appreciate it for what it is: a timer.
This is an awesome product. I don't have to worry about rewireing anything. It is a snap to install. And it works every time I need it too. There is reason I only gave it 4 out of 5 stars. When there is more than one switch on the same plate, you can't fit more than one Switchmate on them. The Switchmate is too wide for two or more to fit. I still love this product.
The installation is super easy you literally just put it on top of your switch and you're done. it's great for controlling a group of lights. for example if you have a chandelier with multiple lights . Some of the cons are if you do not have a Wink hub 2 this is not truly a smart device it really is a local only Bluetooth switch that relies on your phone for it to be "smart " and in my opinion that is not really make it smart switch. Another con is there is a delay when turning on the switch using the app or if connected to your Wink hub and using the Wink up app but it's only about a 1 to 2 second delay. The biggest deal breaker for most is they claim Switchmate said it integrates with Amazon Echo or Eco Dot. That I did not see but maybe I missed it or maybe it was removed from product description. This DOES work with Echo and Echo dot...provided you have a Wink hub 2. One last minor issue can be pairing to Wink Hub 2 is painfully long I'm sure with future firmware updates it will get better but as of this writing it took my almost 10 minutes from start to finish to get my Wink Hub 2 to discover the Switchmate. As for the Pros Where this device has true potential and where it truly shines is if you have a Wink hub 2 which has Bluetooth low-energy (LE) . with a wink hub 2 it truly makes this device a smart device because your wink hub will connect to your switchmate switch via Bluetooth then you from the Wink app you can control the switch anywhere in the world! To make this even better if you have an Amazon echo or Amazon echo dot you can then use voice controls and your Wink hub 2 to control the switch ! I can set this to auto turn on once my Wink Hub 2 detects I'm home, I can put it on a schedule, I can have a robot or Trigger set , so when my back door Ring Doorbell detects motion to turn the lights on so any would be bad guys things i'm up. and home. With Wink Hub 2 the possibilities are endless. It also saves me Money! Smart connected bulbs run from $15 each and up. So if I wanted to control a multi-light fixture with say 4 lights that is $60! Why do that when I can pay $26 for Switchmate and use those bulbs in other single light fixtures. Bottom line As a stand alone the Switchmate is very limited. When connected to other True smarthome tech it is an amazing product. Lastly I leave you with this due to all the bad reviews I read...Do Your Research before you buy a product and always remember to Read the Manual, and understand just because the device is a Smart device does not make the user any smarter and does not mean setup is always easy. Always contact MFR for support or use google or youtube or Amazon to ask questions. A lot of reviewers like myself are happy to help!
This is quite simply the best little gadget I've purchased in a long time. I don't understand all the negative feedback here. It works exactly as advertised (for my use cases) and works great with no bugs (I've used it for a month now). Perhaps the earlier versions were buggy, I don't know. The (toggle-type) Switchmate I received is running firmware 2.21 and the (ios) app version is 2.5.1 (2504). Setting timers via the app work great (I don't do this often) and the light toggles on/off very reliably. Bluetooth connects *every single time*, even from 15 feet away (I do this very often to manually control the switch and it has never failed). The manual button is heavily used as well and works great. I love this device. I even use it as a "light alarm" and naturally wake up to a bright light, instead of an annoying sound.
I love that it fits over the light switch, so it's portable. pretty easy to set timer. It does lose connectivity about once every couple of months. It comes with three... one on porch light, and garage other I saved for one going not to work which is today. Approximately one year.....
I would not put in a place that has alot of traffic since if you knock into it will will fall off. easy to put on but still will fall..
Feature Product
- Instantly snaps over existing light switches
- Automatically turns on lights as you arrive home or enter rooms
- Timers- turns lights on/off automatically even when you're away
- One-second install: no tools or wiring
- Phone & Wall switch control
- Portable - take it when you move
- Customer service number: 1-800-736-7948
- Hours 8AM to 6 PM Central Time
Description
Switchmate automatically turns on lights as you arrive home or enter rooms and is installed through a simple one-second installation, so everyone can enjoy the many benefits of smart lighting without the hassle of complicated set ups. It is the first smart home product that can be use with absolutely no configuration, tools, wiring, or wifi. Switchmate instantly attaches magnetically to existing toggle or rocker switches and is controlled through the free app on your smart phone. Always makes it look like you are home for enhanced security with Switchmates timers that automatically turn your lights on/off, and function even when you’re away from your home. Switchmate instantly modernizes old, outdated light switches and transform in-home décor, which can be conveniently moved around the home or taken when you relocate. Just snap, tap, and start enjoying smart lighting simplified with Switchmate.
I just wanted a timer to shut outside lights on and off when we are away and it's perfect for that. Have it set for sunset and sunrise and works flawlessly so far.
This is a great product. The classroom that I teach and has a light switch all the way on the other side of it so every time I screen of video I have to walk across the room. This saves a lot of time. However when you open the app it takes about a minute for it to load and connect to the switch. So you have to preemptively open app in order to turn the light switch on and off. And then when it's on even when you wake up your phone it takes a few seconds as well to connect again to the switch. I've been using this for over a year now I highly recommended it.
Love this now I can turn on and off the lights whenever I want to from my phone. So if my husband forgets to turn off the lights I just go and turn it off for him. Works as expected. My phone won’t even tell me if I’m running low on battery. Have had it for two years works perfect only had to change the batteries once
Works very well and easy to install / setup, the magnets are stronger than expected. You also don't have to fumble around the bluetooth settings in your phone/tablet either, you just download the app and click the button on the device. I just use this for a timer on my front porch / garage lights, since I'm too lazy to walk over to the switch, so I'm not using the 'welcome home' feature everyone is complaining about. The only reason I'm giving it 4 stars is because of the looks, it's a bit over sized, but I love what it does for me.
Pros:
It's a cool gadget. Easy to install. Nifty to be able to turn a switch off or on without getting up. I want a few more of them.
Cons:
Wish I could get the timer to work on my phone. It doesn't seem to kick on and off when it's supposed to. I will keep trying to see if I can change some additional settings to make it work.
It would be cool to have a way to program a timer on it for when we are away from the house. I guess it would have to be wi-fi for that to happen.
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