TREATLIFE Smart Dimmer Plug Outdoor Smart Plug Works with Alexa and Google Home, Light Dimmer APP Remote Control, Max Power 400W, IP44 Waterproof for Dimmable Outdoor Lights, Floor Lamp, Table Lamp

Ordered this dimmer for outdoor string lights I recently purchased for our patio. It took me a few tries to sync it up to my WiFi and pair to my Alexa device, but once I did, it works like a charm. The app is great, too. Several options for automation and timers. Certainly exceeds my expectations.

The design and function is perfect so far. Using this to control the decorative string lights for our backyard. We needed something remote control because the only suitable plug to use is behind some bushes near the A/C unit. I wish I could have found a good outdoor zigbee or z-wave unit, but wifi is unfortunately becoming all too popular for smart home controls. That being said, my biggest complaint about this unit is that I had to create an account just to setup a plug. This is the only product from Treatlife that I own, but I have a real issue with creating an account just to tell a device my home network SSID and password. Not very secure or private to me. Even my multiple wifi cameras have ability to setup over ethernet or wifi through a web browser and do not require an account even if the app is used. Not sure what the permissions were, but all the info is there such as location, IP address, SSID, password. Seems like a security risk. Without providing any other info to sign up they already know exactly where your house is, your address, and network credentials.

Purchased for patio not sure how to utilize with Alexa plug

Overall, this is a good dimmer switch. I have it hooked up to an outdoor LED strip and i can control light setting using the app, Google, and voice via Google. It goes from 10% to 100% brightness. My only complaint is that when switched to off theres a tiny bit of current going to the LED strip. Its enough to cause them to glow and is barely noticeable but I worry the effect on LED lid so I unplug when Im not using it. This somewhat defeats the purpose of a switch.

I have Alexa upstairs and downstairs and she controls the same set of patio lights, if Im on the balcony or the patio with ease.

I love the functionality of the smart switch. I had an issue with one of the units I bought and contacted customer service and they addressed my issue quickly and efficiently. I would definitely buy more of these smart switches.

Ok, lets start with the good. It definitely works with SmartThings It definitely works with Google Assistant Now that I have it installed and have my patio covered in string lights, I love it. Now the bad: Last night when I was trying to get it working with SmartThings, I was not loving it... at all. It you have SmartThings and want to use this Treatlife outdoor dimmer, read this first. Setup an account with Smart Life first, download the app. It looks like a little house with a blue background and two waves on the roof. This is the first hurdle, it is in the app store from Volcano Technology. I kept looking for it under Tuya, thats who used to make the app. Add the device as a dimmer switch wifi. The picture wont match the device, plug in the adapter to an a/c outlet, the light should blink. Now let the app search for it, now it will add a device that looks like what you are trying to use. Now go into SmartThings and add the device, search by brand for Smart Life (two words), then choose outlet. Youll see a message compatible but not certified in United States click on the Smart Life icon, select your location and room. It will all you for your account info, this is why you set up the account earlier, you cant do it here. If everything goes ok, it should say successfully connected to Smart Life. Now the device can be configured in SmartThings, and used like any other device. If you have SmartThings linked to Google, have Google update devices and it should show up in the Google home app. I hope this saves you the hours I spent putting these pieces together.

My outdoor fountain flow rate was strictly a manual and difficult operation. While this dimmer is made for lights, I can tell you that it works great to control the flow rate using my phone, instead of digging in the rocks for the valve.

I’d like it because it’s exactly what I needed for a plug-in with remote control. I just couldn’t figure out how to use Alexa on it with my phone because I’m too old!

It is great being able to run this from your phone. The app has a lot of options and is easy to use once you play with it a bit to understand the interface. Be aware though, that if you are going to use this with lights that have their own control box, it may nor work. I tried using it with Philips 70 mini lights - 8 color and motion effects. Even with the dimmer set to 100% these lights would not turn on at all. On Standard and LED Dimmable strands though, they work well.