Best Smart Light Switches for 2024

Yep, the Kasa Smart Light Switch HS200 works with Alexa. According to the manufacturer's product description, it's designed to integrate seamlessly with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. That way, you can use voice commands for easy control. Just a heads up: this switch doesn't do dimming. Our research found that while a lot of folks appreciate how easy it is to install and use, some miss the dimmable feature. The manufacturer kept things simple by focusing on the on/off functionality. But, if you're looking for a smart switch that fits right into your smart home setup and you don't need dimming, the HS200 is solid. Plus, with the Kasa app, you can manage your lights remotely. It even has scheduling and 'away mode' features to automate your lighting, which people find handy for keeping a routine and enhancing security. If dimming is a must-have for you, you might want to check out alternatives like the [Kasa Smart Dimmer Switch](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB07HGSCXB6%3Ftag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20).

Hey there! Installing the Kasa Smart Light Switch HS200 is a nice way to add some cool smart features to your home. Let's walk through the steps together to get you all set up. ### Before You Get Started Make sure you have everything you need before diving into the installation. You'll need to have a neutral wire in your switch box – that's something older homes might not have, so it's worth checking in advance. Also, ensure you have a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network and a phone with the Kasa Smart app ready to go. ### Tools You'll Need - A screwdriver - A voltage tester (this is optional, but it's a good safety measure) - Wire cutters/strippers (also optional but might come in handy) ### Here's How to Install It 1. **Turn Off the Power:** To stay safe, flip off the power at the circuit breaker before you start. 2. **Take Out the Old Switch:** Use your screwdriver to remove the wall plate and then unscrew the old switch. 3. **Identify the Wires:** You should see some wires, typically like this: - **Line (Live):** This one's usually black. - **Load:** This is often black or red and goes to the light fixture. - **Neutral:** Look for a white wire. - **Ground:** This is green or a bare copper wire. 4. **Connect the Wires:** Disconnect the old switch and hook up the wires to the Kasa switch as explained in the manual—live, load, neutral, and ground. 5. **Secure Everything:** Gently tuck the wires back in, and use the screws to attach the Kasa switch. 6. **Attach the Wall Plate:** Make sure it fits nicely before securing it. 7. **Turn the Power Back On:** Flip the circuit breaker back on. ### Setting It Up Now that it's physically in, let's get it running: 1. **Download the Kasa App:** Make sure your phone is on the same Wi-Fi network you want to use for the switch. 2. **Add the Switch:** Open the Kasa app, hit the '+' to add your new switch, and follow the prompts to get it connected. 3. **Voice Assistant Setup:** If you've got [Alexa](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dalexa%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) or [Google Assistant](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dgoogle%2Bassistant%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), tie your Kasa account to them for voice controls. ### Troubleshooting Tips - **Wi-Fi Problems:** Make sure your phone is definitely on the 2.4GHz network while setting it up; this avoids most hiccups. - **App Setup:** We found that if you follow the instructions in the app carefully, you can usually dodge any setup issues that some folks mention. ### Cool Features Once everything's up and running, you can use [Alexa](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dalexa%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) or [Google Assistant](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dgoogle%2Bassistant%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) to control your switch, no extra hub needed! It's pretty convenient to manage your lights remotely or schedule them with the Kasa app. Plus, the 'away mode' is a neat way to keep your place looking occupied when you’re out. And there you go! With a little effort, you're all set to enjoy having smart lighting in your home.

If you're thinking about setting up the Kasa Smart Light Switch HS200, there are a few things to watch out for, but don't worry, we've got some tips to help you through it based on our research. **Wiring Requirements**: One big thing to keep an eye on is the wiring. The HS200 needs a neutral wire, which isn't something older homes always have. The manufacturer makes a point of mentioning this in the product description, so it's really worth checking your home's electrical setup before making a purchase. **Wi-Fi Connectivity**: Connecting to Wi-Fi could be another hiccup. The HS200 only works with 2.4GHz networks, according to the manufacturer's specs. So, if your phone is hooked up to a 5GHz network, you might hit some snags. Make sure you're on the right Wi-Fi band when setting it up using the [Kasa app](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dkasa%2Bapp%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20). **App Setup and Pairing**: When you're using the [Kasa app](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dkasa%2Bapp%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) to set things up, some people have found they need to scan for available Wi-Fi networks a few times or reset the device if it doesn’t connect right away. Our research suggests that pressing the reset button on the side of the switch puts it back in pairing mode—a blinking light will tell you it's ready. It also helps to check for firmware updates after connecting; they usually happen automatically but can take a bit, so a little patience helps here. **Integration with [Alexa](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dalexa%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20)**: If you're looking to hook this up with [Alexa](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dalexa%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), the initial setup is usually straightforward, but make sure all your devices, including the Alexa speaker, are on the same network at first. This is key for Alexa to find and connect with your Kasa switch, so you can use voice commands smoothly. While these might sound like a few hoops to jump through, many folks have mentioned that once it's all set up, the HS200 works like a charm with both the Kasa app and [Alexa](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dalexa%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20). It brings the ease of smart lighting control without much fuss once you've got everything in place. So, if you hit a bump along the way, try not to stress. A bit of retrying can go a long way in getting these smart devices up and running reliably. According to our feedback, with a bit of persistence, you’ll usually sort things out and enjoy your new smart switch just fine.