Practical Tips to Boost Home Security with a Smart Plug

Last Updated on: November 11, 2024

Did you know that securing your home can be as simple as plugging in a device and opening an app? Smart plugs are easy to set up, affordable, and can offer surprisingly effective security benefits. Let’s see some practical ways to use a smart plug to enhance your home’s safety.

Control Lights Remotely to Simulate Occupancy

The easiest way to make it look like someone’s home is by controlling your lights remotely. With a smart plug, you can turn lights on and off from your phone, wherever you are. Imagine you’re out for the evening, but want to make it look like you’re still there—just open the app and turn on a few lights.

Tip: Connect your smart plug to living room lamps or porch lights to create a natural look. This way, if anyone is outside watching, they’ll see what looks like normal household activity.

Schedule Timers for Automatic Lighting

Scheduling is one of the smartest ways to use a plug for security. By setting up a routine, you create the impression of a regular pattern, as if someone’s turning lights on and off at specific times every day. Set your lights to turn on in the evening and off late at night, like someone who’s settling down for bed.

Example: Set your porch light to turn on at sunset and turn off at dawn, or have your bedroom lamp turn on at 8 p.m. every night and off by 10 p.m. These schedules add a touch of “normal” activity that helps deter intruders.

Randomize Lighting Patterns for Added Realism

Some smart plugs even have a “randomize” feature, which is excellent for security. Instead of turning lights on and off at exactly the same time, this feature lets you create a more unpredictable pattern. This approach is great for longer trips, as the randomness mimics real-life household habits more effectively than a strict schedule.

Quick Hack: Try setting the randomize feature for your main living spaces like the living room, dining room, or hallway lights, making it look like someone is moving through the house in the evenings.

Control Entertainment Devices Remotely

Want to add an extra layer of “someone’s home” security? Attach your TV or radio to a smart plug. Occasionally turning on a TV or radio creates noise, making it seem like people are actively using the space. This works especially well if you’re gone for extended periods, and it’s an easy way to ward off anyone who might be lurking too close.

Pro Tip: Use a low volume setting so neighbors or passersby can hear sounds without it seeming out of place. You can turn it on for an hour or two in the evening for a realistic effect.

Integrate with Other Smart Home Security Devices

If you have other smart security devices—like cameras, motion detectors, or a doorbell camera—you can enhance your setup by having smart plugs respond to it. For instance, you might set a light to turn on when your security camera detects movement, making it seem as though someone’s responding to the activity.

Monitor Energy Use to Detect Suspicious Activity

Some smart plugs come with an energy-monitoring feature that can help keep track of your devices’ energy usage. While this is generally used to monitor energy consumption, it can double as a security alert. For example, if your lights or devices turn on unexpectedly while you’re away, it could mean someone has entered your home. Say you’re on vacation, and you notice that an appliance is drawing power that shouldn’t be. This feature can alert you to unexpected activity, giving you the chance to contact neighbors or alert the authorities.