Key Points<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Kasa is a division of their parent company, TP-Link<\/a>, which also makes other internet, or smart devices, such as Wi-Fi extenders. Kasa\u2019s smart home devices also come in a wide range of options. Their line includes devices such as smart plugs, switches, bulbs, and even cameras! <\/p>\n\n\n\n All these devices from Kasa work using a Wi-Fi connection<\/a>. This allows the devices to connect to the Kasa application. It\u2019s to be noted, however, that the majority of Kasa products only work with the 2.4 GHz band<\/a> of Wi-Fi. So even if you use a network with multiple bandwidths (i.e. dual-band or tri-band network), make sure you only use the 2.4 GHz band for your Kasa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To control your Kasa product, you’ll usually<\/em> need the Kasa app. This is where you can set up your Kasa devices, as well as configure their different functions. You can also create lighting schemes and schedules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kasa is also compatible with different smart hubs such as Amazon\u2019s Alexa, Google Home, and Samsung Smart Things. This allows you to have your Kasa devices work in harmony with your other devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So now that your interest is piqued, you may want to try out a Kasa device for yourself. If so, how do you set one up? Do you really need the Kasa app?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Setting up a Kasa device is relatively simple using the most common method – the Kasa app.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To do it this way, you\u2019ll first need to download the Kasa app from the Google Play<\/a> or Apple\u2019s App Store<\/a> – depending on your operating system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Next, if you don\u2019t have one already, you\u2019ll have to create an account in the Kasa app<\/strong>. This will make sure all of your settings will be saved, even if you have to log in from a different location or device.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you open the app and begin to use it, make sure that your smartphone or other mobile device is connected to a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network<\/a>. After this, you then connect your new device to a power source. For example, if you\u2019re trying to set up a Kasa smart plug, you\u2019ll make sure to plug it into a power strip outlet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then, from your Kasa app, select Devices, then Add a Device. From the list, choose the device you\u2019d like to set up (i.e. Kasa smart plug). Follow the on-screen instructions and prompts to finish setting up your device.<\/p>\n\n\n Some people, however, don\u2019t like the idea of using the Kasa app to set up their Kasa devices. There are two common reasons for this: firstly, they don’t want to create an account with TP-Link, and secondly they don\u2019t want to give Location permission to the Kasa app. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But is it possible to use another method to set up your Kasa device?<\/p>\n\n\n\n If the Kasa app isn\u2019t your thing, some have used Home Assistant, with mixed success, in order to set up their Kasa devices. During setup, many Kasa devices broadcast their own local network to facilitate the setup process<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because of this, some smart home owners use Home Assistant<\/a> to connect to this network, in order to complete setup. To do this, however, you\u2019re going to need a decent amount of technical expertise. Like – a lot. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This is because it involves some coding<\/a>, as well as running scripts. You\u2019ll essentially be using a downloaded Python code, in conjunction with Home Assistant in order to connect your home\u2019s Wi-Fi directly<\/em> to the Wi-Fi coming from the Kasa device, like their smart plug for example.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alternatively, some users have tried connecting to the device directly with Python scripts from Github. You can see their attempts here<\/a>, but in general people haven’t had consistent success with this approach either.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because of the many steps it would take, if you aren\u2019t tech-savvy to this degree, it may be more trouble than it’s worth. For that reason alone, many have decided to just use the Kasa app for the initial setup<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But now, what about daily use? Do you absolutely need<\/em> the Kasa app for that as well?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Initially setting up your Kasa device in the Kasa app is highly recommended, mainly because of its simplicity, especially if you aren’t tech-savvy. Everyday use, however, is a different story. Integrations with smart home hubs have made it possible to use your Kasa devices in many ways<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, you can add your Kasa device to the Amazon Alexa app and use it in smart home integrations with your Echos. You can even create Routines<\/a> that involve your Kasa devices – all without even having to touch the Kasa app!<\/p>\n\n\n The same goes for other smart home hubs<\/a> such as Google Home, Home Assistant, and Samsung SmartThings. Kasa has even recently introduced Apple HomeKit<\/a> support with their smart plugs. These are, thus far, the only Kasa products that can be integrated into the Apple Home ecosystem. So how do<\/em> you use Kasa with your smart home hub?<\/p>\n\n\n\n As with most devices and Alexa, once you\u2019ve set up your Kasa product in the Kasa app, you\u2019ll need to add it to your Alexa app.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You do this by going to your Alexa dashboard, then to Devices at the bottom of the screen. <\/p>\n\n\n You\u2019ll then tap on the plus sign (+) in the top, right-hand corner of the screen. This enables you to begin the process of adding a new device to your Alexa app.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most of the time, if you already use Alexa and the Echo, when a new device is set up on your Wi-Fi network, Alexa will detect and automatically add it<\/strong>. If it doesn\u2019t, or you just want to do so manually, though, you can.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once the device is set up, for proper functionality, you\u2019ll need to download the Kasa Skill. You’ll start by going into More, at the bottom of the Alexa dashboard, then to Skills & Games.<\/p>\n\n\n You’ll then search for and Enable the TP-Link Kasa skill. This will enable you to link your Alexa and TP-Link\/Kasa accounts<\/a> so that your devices work together seamlessly.<\/p>\n\n\n After this is done, you can go ahead and start using Alexa, even with voice control commands via the Echo, to use your Kasa devices however you please.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another popular smart home ecosystem that\u2019s compatible with Kasa, is Google Home. To connect a Kasa device to Google Home, you\u2019ll first have to open the Google Home app, then go to the plus \u201c+\u201d sign in the top, left-hand corner of the screen to add a device.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On the next page, tap \u201cSet Up Device\u201d. Then, tap on \u201cWorks With Google.\u201d From there, go to Search, and look for Kasa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ll see TP-Link\/Kasa show up as a search result. Tap on that option. You\u2019ll soon be prompted to sign into your Kasa account in order to Authorize the connection between the Kasa app and Google Home.<\/p>\n\n\n From there, you\u2019ll be able to see your Kasa device among your other Google Home devices. You can then select a room or area that you\u2019d like to assign the Kasa device to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Samsung Smart Things is also popular with Kasa – but with one limitation. You can\u2019t use the Kasa camera as it doesn\u2019t support SmartThings<\/strong>. This may or may not change in the future. For now, compatibility is mainly with Kasa switches<\/a>, smart plugs, and lights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just as with most smart home hubs, you\u2019ll start by downloading the SmartThings app – most Samsung smartphones already have it installed. The next step is to create or login into your SmartThings account.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On the Home screen, you\u2019ll see a plus \u201c+\u201d sign in the upper, right-hand corner of the screen. Tap on that to begin the process of adding a Device.<\/p>\n\n\n The first thing you\u2019ll be prompted to do is search for the device by brand. Once you\u2019ve searched for and found TP-Link\/Kasa, tap on that. On the next screen, you\u2019ll select the Kasa device that you\u2019re trying to install. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Follow the prompts to sign in and authorize a link between your Kasa app and SmartThings. Once you\u2019re done, and your device is added, you can now add it to the room or group of your choice in the SmartThings app. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Using the Kasa app to setup, and even use your Kasa smart devices daily can be optional. However, the only time when it isn’t<\/em> optional, is when it comes to Firmware version updates<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These are updates to the inner workings of your Kasa devices. Whether it’s a bug fix or a security enhancement, the only way you can keep your Kasa devices updated, is via the Kasa app.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To perform a Firmware update<\/a>, from the home screen of your Kasa app, go to “Me” on the bottom right-hand of the screen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The following screen will show you the option for Firmware Update. Once you tap on that, you’ll see if any updates are needed or available. Perform these updates to make sure your Kasa product stays running with the latest enhancements.<\/p>\n\n\n Skipping out on using the Kasa app entirely is a daring, if not near impossible, feat. Using it for setting up Kasa devices is ideal, and for updates, it’s necessary. Fortunately, though, there are ways to get around not having to use it all<\/em> the time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After setup, using smart home hubs such as Amazon’s Alexa\/Echo, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings can make the Kasa app, at least for daily use, unnecessary.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Kasa\u2019s line of products have been a popular budget option for those seeking affordable smart home devices. These smart devices work the same way as other popular ones from big brands – but at a fraction of the cost. However some people have an issue with the Kasa application: due to concerns over privacy, and … Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":10431,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[83],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smarthomepoint.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10323"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smarthomepoint.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smarthomepoint.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smarthomepoint.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/24"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smarthomepoint.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10323"}],"version-history":[{"count":47,"href":"https:\/\/www.smarthomepoint.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10323\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12915,"href":"https:\/\/www.smarthomepoint.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10323\/revisions\/12915"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smarthomepoint.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10431"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smarthomepoint.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10323"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smarthomepoint.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10323"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smarthomepoint.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10323"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}\n
An Overview of Kasa<\/h2>\n\n\n
![\"Front](\"https:\/\/www.smarthomepoint.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Front-of-a-TP-Link-Kasa-Smart-Plug-555x740.jpg\")
Is The App Required When Setting Up Kasa Devices? (Kasa Devices Without Kasa App)<\/h2>\n\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.smarthomepoint.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/A-Kasa-smart-plug-and-app-with-the-text-can-the-Kasa-app-be-skipped-740x416.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.smarthomepoint.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/The-Add-Device-section-of-the-Kasa-app-with-options-to-add-a-Device-or-Group-333x740.jpg\")
Using Home Assistant Or Local Scripts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Do You Need The App For Daily Use of Kasa Devices?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.smarthomepoint.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/A-Kasa-Smart-Plug-showing-in-the-Alexa-app-333x740.jpg\")
Using Kasa With Amazon Alexa\/Echo<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Devices](\"https:\/\/www.smarthomepoint.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Devices-in-the-Alexa-App-Dashboard-523x740.jpeg\")
![\"Skills](\"https:\/\/www.smarthomepoint.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Skills-and-Games-in-the-Alexa-app-537x740.jpeg\")
![\"TPLinkKasa](\"https:\/\/www.smarthomepoint.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/TPLinkKasa-Skill-in-the-Alexa-app-740x576.jpeg\")
Using Kasa With Google Home<\/h3>\n\n\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.smarthomepoint.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Method1_Step7_Ok-Google-play-song-1200x675.jpg\")
![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.smarthomepoint.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/The-prompt-to-link-your-Kasa-account-with-Google-Home-333x740.jpg\")
Using Kasa With Samsung Smart Things<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Connected](\"https:\/\/www.smarthomepoint.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Connected-Devices-in-SmartThings-App-384x740.jpg\")
When You Need The Kasa App<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.smarthomepoint.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/The-Kasa-app-shows-that-I-have-a-pending-firmware-update-for-my-Kasa-KP115-smart-plug-333x740.jpg\")
Ditching the Kasa App<\/h2>\n\n\n\n