GE Bluetooth Smart Plug-In Switch 13867 - Works with Alexa & Google Home | Control Lights & Appliances Remotely for Smart Home Automation

This is a rather unique device. I was looking for a way to turn something on WITHOUT using wi-fi. I knew it needed to be Bluetooth, but I couldn't find anything on the market that allowed me to plug something (like my router) into it. Then I came across this unit by GE. Installation is a little tricky (more on that in a bit) but once you get it up and running it works wonderfully. I now have my router plugged into this device and it uses a schedule to automatically turn my router on/off. I can also control the router via an app. All without using any wi-fi.Installation is fairly straight forward, as long as you plug the device DIRECTLY into your wall outlet, and you don't use an extension cord of any kind. How it knows if you're using an extension cord I do not know. I only know that when I originally bought the unit I plugged it into an extension cord and it would not connect properly with the app. I tried all day with the same results. I was, infact, going to return the unit. Then as a last resort I plugged the unit directly into the wall outlet, and it immediately connected. Since they both supply the same 120 volts I do not know how it knows if you're using the extension cord outlet from a wall outlet, but it does, and using this directly from a wall outlet seems the only way the unit will work correctly. Once you learn that trick you will be golden and the device will work correctly. I highly recommend this Bluetooth switch from GE. It's rather uniue but works great.I will rate this 4 stars mainly because it is good value for money but frustrating to use because of the companion app.I bought this because I wanted a smart plug that is not WiFi so I can turn on and off my WiFi + router + HiFi system (all connected in the same splitter connected to the wall through this plug). So I have a schedule to stop everything at night time and turn it back on in the morning. This can be achieved with a timer plug, but I needed the ability to turn it back on from time to time, for example when I need to work a little more in the night or wake up earlier in the morning.Range is pretty good for bluetooth, I can use this between floors (wood house) and even from outside the house.Problems are with the companion app:1. you can accidentally turn the plug on or off when you want to check the schedule or to set a timer2. sometimes the app does not connect to the plug, even from 2 feet away3. sometimes the app does not read the actual state of the plug (the plug is ON but the app shows it as OFF)4. there is a "PRO" version of the app that enables essentials like Favourites and groups... and it's not even clear how much it costs, there's only a trial of 90 days. Seriously, GE???I bought, tested and returned this device. So far as I could tell, everything works correctly though it's not straightforward to use. It's mainly the app which hinders...I wanted a programmable outlet which can cycle off/on our network modem/router, and this is able to do the job. Scheduling is done via the app and is stored in the outlet device, so therefore it is not lost or disabled when WiFi is powered off. The app is somewhat difficult to decipher, however, and I could find NO help for it. With persistence, it's possible to figure out.Unfortunately, the scheduling is limited to 15-minute blocks. I only need 1 or 2 minutes between off and on, but 15 is the minimum with this device. Again, all of the programming is a bit clunky and hard to figure out, but if 15-minute resolution so far as on-off times is OK then this will do the trick.So far as remote-control usage is concerned, one must be within Bluetooth range. Our Samsung SmartThings setup is far more versatile so far as switches, remotes, timers, etc., but the WiFi network needs to be running in order for everything to work. It can't be used to restart the WiFi and Modem...Great product for a great price.I use this Bluetooth device to control power to my cable modem. Wifi devices can control cable modem power shut downs but then are unable to power them back up because the cable modem turns off internet connectivity. I’ve tried a digital timer which does work on a schedule but not ad hoc. This Bluetooth controller is beautiful and allows control of my cable modem power even when internet is down. This saves me from walking two flights of stairs to cycle power. Even though Bluetooth, it works through two flights of house. I’m technically within spec of 33ft but the floors walls were a concern of mine. I don’t recall reading it was Bt 5.0 but performs like it is. I highly recommend. I’d use in other situations if I didn’t already have wifi devices. If I was starting again, I’d buy these. Wifi can be finicky.Very disappointed with this product. It no longer connects to any phone. Not even a year!. When it tries to connect, it switches the power off. Now I have an expensive manual on/off switch. Stay away.I use it to turn Internet and WIFI off and then turn them on (even when WIFI is still off).Works great. Found it useful for what I needed it for. Was well packed and intact.A bit expensive but easy to use and so far problem free.