When I first got a smart plug, I used it to remotely turn devices on and off. Soon enough, I had access to detailed energy consumption reports for appliances that were connected to it. It was all I needed at that point: an automation tool for dumb appliances around the house, say portable fans, lights, and more. But then it hit me, if a smart plug could remotely control power, track energy usage, and show the active power draw, it would be more useful as a troubleshooting tool.

Most problems around the house ultimately come down to a device either consuming more energy than usual, not drawing any power at all, or requiring a simple reboot. Even a pretty basic smart plug with a companion app can handle that. So, I added four more down the line, one of which had Wi-Fi + Bluetooth functionality, as this is useful in certain cases. For the past few months, I have been using the five smart plugs for all these purposes, in addition to what I originally purchased them for, and it's been a seamless experience so far.

Troubleshooting a glitchy router is easier than ever

You can even schedule automatic reboots

We have reached a point where your router is no longer just connected to your computer and smartphone. A number of other devices, such as smart TVs, security cameras, and streaming sticks, require constant internet connectivity. I have them all, and now realize how even a few minutes of downtime can be extremely frustrating. In most cases, when I call the ISP for internet-related issues, their first suggestion is to reboot the router. As surprising as it may sound, that works most of the time. Routers, no matter how modern, are still prone to temporary glitches that a reboot effectively resolves in no time.

Rebooting the router is pretty simple. You unplug it to cut off power for 15–30 seconds. But a smart plug simplifies this process. Instead of physically unplugging the router, I can cut off its power from my smartphone and restore it after a few seconds. These quick reboots have saved me from a lot of trouble over the past few months. And it's not just the convenience; it's the speed at which I can fix router-related glitches without even moving an inch. There was one problem, though.

When the router is off, the smart plug fails to respond to any commands since it doesn't have internet connectivity. That's why I got one with Wi-Fi + Bluetooth. When the router is powered off, I can simply connect to the smart plug using Bluetooth and turn the power back on. I have also found a simple workaround for it that negates the need for Bluetooth. Most smart plugs include a scheduling feature in the companion app. I used that and configured my smart plug to power off the router at 4 AM and power it on at 4:01 AM on Tuesdays and Saturdays. I know no one around the house is using the internet at this time. These automatic restarts have largely eliminated those glitches that necessitated a reboot in the first place. So, if you are in the same boat as me, your smart plug can be a real lifesaver.

Detecting faulty components

Checking the power draw sometimes does the trick

Another thing I use my smart plug for is to identify when a device or appliance is malfunctioning. I agree, this is not always accurate, but it at least helps me narrow down the problem. For this, I rely on the smart plug's companion app. All three apps that I have show me how much power the device is actively drawing. Minor fluctuations are normal, but when it reports massive deviations, say a device actively consuming too much power, it's a sign that the device needs to be inspected.

For instance, a smart plug helped me realize my portable fan was malfunctioning. On average, the fan draws between 90W and 95W, but a few weeks ago, I noticed its power consumption had dropped to 82W. I had it checked, and there was actually a faulty component. Upon replacing it, the fan's power draw went back to normal levels.

I will be honest, I am not an expert at it, so I usually call a professional. But acting early based on these signs can save you from a lot of trouble down the line. This is all the more useful for expensive appliances around the house, say your refrigerator, microwave, or washing machine. You can also compare past energy consumption to see when the problem started. My TP-Link Tapo smart plug's companion app shows daily energy consumption for the last three months.

Rebooting devices in hard-to-reach locations

No more crawling behind furniture

The router isn't the only thing that benefits from occasional reboots. There are several other devices, too. But it's not that easy to physically access every one of them. My Amazon Fire TV Stick, for instance, is secured behind the TV and is harder to reach. Even the socket its adapter is plugged into is right behind the TV. I know it's not the best place for it, but that was the only available socket. That's when it hit me: a smart plug could solve this problem.

Similarly, you could have speakers placed over cabinets with sockets right beside them, or even routers in hard-to-reach locations. Many people place routers at a height to keep them out of reach. I agree that's not the best approach for router placement, but if you see no other option, a smart plug really does the trick. I am honestly amazed by how cheap these gadgets are. When used right, these can save you money in the long run, and not just through energy savings.

Smart plugs are far more useful than most people realize

When I got my first smart plug, automation was what I had in mind. Remote control, setting schedules, and monitoring energy consumption are all I used them for. But as I explored, I found that smart plugs were surprisingly good at troubleshooting both smart and dumb devices around the house. I plan to get more soon, at least a couple more, so that I can control and troubleshoot, if required, every daily-use device from the comfort of my couch.