With the D-Link mydlink mini Wi-Fi Smart Plug DSP-W118 you can control attached electrical appliances remotely, by a schedule, by geofencing, by IFTTT, by voice or via the free mydlink app for Android or iOS.
Place a $39.95 mydlink mini Wi-Fi Smart Plug DSP-W118 in the socket, and you have several ways to remote control power.
We put the mydlink mini Wi-Fi Smart Plug DSP-W118 to the test
What is the mydlink mini Wi-Fi Smart Plug DSP-W118 good for?
Now you may wonder about schedules.
Well, it could be to turn an [energy efficient] lamp on at specified times to make it look as if you are home.
Or you could use it to schedule the use of an appliance when energy prices are lowest #stop the energy rip off (note the appliance must be able to perform the desired action when powered up).
You can use it to control devices left on standby that consume a modicum of power. For example, the router, PC, printer, TV, stereo (and aren’t the power points always hard to get to?). Or to turn off the kids Intern
Now you may wonder about convenience.
Well, every year the Xmas tree goes up, and the tree obscures the powerpoint behind it. Or the outdoor Chrissy lights never turn on because you forget. Well use the app or… but wait there is more to the mydlink mini Wi-Fi Smart Plug DSP-W118.
It works with Voice assistants. “Hey Google, turn on the Chrissy tree”
And it is IFTTT compatible so you can get it to interact with other smart home devices – “If the front door camera activates arm the electric fence (hehe – get tough on crime).
And it also allows geofencing
When you leave/return the Wi-Fi zone, the device can turn off/on an appliance. No more wondering did I leave the iron on?
Specs – D-Link mydlink mini Wi-Fi Smart Plug DSP-W118
- Wi-Fi N 2.4Ghz
- 240V, 10A – that means 2400W of connected devices, so a heater or toaster if fine
- Indoor use only but should be fine in protected areas under eaves, in carports etc.
- Voice assistants include Google Home and Alexa and link to mydlink
- Mydlink is a D-Link app that requires a login and password and supports other D-Link products like cameras
- Website here
Setup
- Download the mydlink app and set up an account. It needs location privilege to use geofencing
- Make sure your smartphone is on the Wi-Fi network you want to connect the plug to and turn off mobile data when setting it up
- Add the device and follow the wizard setup that includes scanning a 3D barcode to add the device
- Name the plug, e.g. Chrissy Tree and allocate it to a room
- Add it to Google Home or Alexa
- Enable push notifications if you want to know what is happening while you are away
- Enable geofencing if you want to enable it to act as you leave/come home
The plug has a manual power button if you need to use it (doubles as a reset button if you want to remove it from the network). The LED should glow green when setup.
My only criticism and it’s a big one – literally!
I was all excited as I watched the YouTube video (end of the article). It says you can fit two into a side-by-side double power socket. The only problem is that you cannot, at least with the standard Aussie Clipsal and HPM sockets I tried! Bad D-Link for getting my hopes up.
Now I must laugh because I have read many other reviews that obviously drank the ‘Kool-Aid’ and did not test this claim – or the product. Bad reviewers, but then what do you expect from scum-of-the-earth bloggers, often paid to write
When will someone make a smart plug small enough to place two in a standard two-outlet plate? D-Link – you could have had 5-out-of-5 if mydlink mini Wi-Fi Smart Plug DSP-118 did.
The plug is 58mm square and 43.5mm deep. You cannot fit two plugs into a standard, double, side by side powerpoint (the maximum width of a plug is 45mm). I will partially forgive D-Link here as the plug handles 2400W (240V/10A) and the typical double point is 2400W in total.
#Stop the energy rip off
GadgetGuy has been helping the #Stop the energy rip off campaign (these articles are worth reading if you consume electricity and want to save lots of money).
These plugs play an essential part in #stop the energy rip-off in that they give added control to you to use energy more wisely. That can save you a few hundred dollars a year even if you are on rip-off energy plans.
GadgetGuy’s take – mydlink mini Wi-Fi Smart Plug DSP-W118 is well priced and well made
It does everything you need and has the added advantage of voice assistance. But as for design and stretching the truth about leaving the other power socket unobstructed – 0-out-of-5 bringing this back to a 4-out-of-5 rating.
Absolutely agree. Great plug but can barely squeeze small USB plug into second power point. Can’t believe they have such a basic design flaw.