A schedule is one of the most useful smart plug features. It can turn lamps on before you get home, shut off a fan overnight, or run holiday lights without daily manual control.
These steps apply to Wi-Fi smart plugs from Kasa, Wyze, Amazon Smart Plug, and similar brands using their own app, Alexa, or Google Home.
Does this affect you?
Use this if you want a smart plug to turn on or off automatically at specific times. Scheduling can usually be handled in the plug’s own app or through the smart-home platform you already use.
Schedule from the plug’s own app
The native app schedule works even if you also connect the plug to Alexa or Google Home.
- Open the plug manufacturer’s app.
- Select the smart plug.
- Tap Schedule, Timer, or a similar icon.
- Tap Add Schedule.
- Choose an on time, off time, or a single action at a specific time.
- Select the repeat days, such as every day, weekdays, weekends, or custom days.
- Save the schedule.
- Add a second schedule if you need the opposite action later.
Most schedules are stored on the device or in the manufacturer’s cloud, not on your phone. The plug should keep following them even when the app is closed.
Schedule with an Alexa routine
Use Alexa if you prefer one place for all smart-home schedules.
- Open the Alexa app.
- Tap More > Routines.
- Tap + to create a routine.
- Under When this happens, choose Schedule.
- Set the time and days.
- Under Add action, choose Smart Home.
- Select the smart plug.
- Choose Turn On or Turn Off.
- Save the routine.
Alexa routines usually use one trigger and one action set, so create one routine to turn the plug on and another routine to turn it off.
Schedule with Google Home
- Open the Google Home app.
- Tap the smart plug tile.
- Open device settings or the three-dot menu.
- Look for Schedules, or use the Automations tab.
- Create a time-based automation.
- Choose Turn On or Turn Off.
- Select repeat days.
- Save the schedule or automation.
Sunrise and sunset schedules are especially useful for lamps and outdoor lights because the actual time shifts through the year.
Avoid schedule conflicts
If a plug is scheduled in its brand app and in Alexa or Google Home, the last command sent wins. That can create odd on/off flipping when schedules overlap, so pick one app as the source of truth.
For travel, look for vacation, away, or randomized schedule options. If the plug app does not offer one, create several Alexa or Google routines with slightly staggered times so lights do not switch at the exact same minute every day.
Basic schedules send an on or off command regardless of the plug’s current state. That is normal and harmless for most lamps, fans, and small devices.
Sources
- Kasa Smart TP-Link Support – Set a schedule for a smart plug (2025)
- Amazon Alexa Help – Create a routine using the Alexa app (2025)
- Google Nest Help – Set a schedule for a smart plug in Google Home (2025)