Orvibo Smart Wifi Plug

I have had 2 Orvibo smart sockets installed in my house for about 2 years now, and they have worked without any problems and they were easy to set up with the WiWo app. They were very good value to buy from Banggood in China and they seem well made. So, when I wanted to expand my smart sockets I ordered a new Orvibo socket from Amazon at a very good price - better than I could get from Banggood. When the socket arrived I could not pair it with my router. I spent more than two hours trying to configure the socket but I just could not get it to work, and if I checked with Fing to see what was connected to my network, it could not be seen. I checked on Youtube for help videos, but all were telling me how to set up with the WiWo app, which I was already using. Because of my failure to configure the device, I've sent the socket back to Amazon, and they have very promptly issued a refund. Amazon's return service now via Pass My Parcel is, I think, absolutely brilliant.Since returning the Orvibo socket I have investigated further on the internet because I had faith in these Orvibo sockets as a good reliable value for money solution for the modern home, and I had plans to buy more in the future. One thing about the Orvibo sockets is that the boxed instructions are virtually non-existent. Now via another internet forum I have found out that the B25 sockets, which have replaced the S20 sockets I already own, do not work with the WiWo app so I now know the way I was trying to pair my new B25 socket with my pre-existing and well used app wasdoomed to failure. For the B25 sockets it is necessary to use an app called HomeMate: the S20 sockets do not work with HomeMate and the B25 sockets do not work with WiWo. I did consider the HomeMate app when trying to configure the S25 socket but was put off by it asking for permission to access certain files, such as photographs which I consider personal, on my tablet. The S20 and B25 sockets look identical and I don't think Orvibo make it sufficiently clear that they are, in essence, incompatible because they require different apps for their control. I wish I had discovered what I know now before returning my B25 socket, but I see other have had compatibility issues when configuring the B25 sockets.In summary, if you purchase the B25 sockets - they are excellent value and hopefully they work as well as the S20 sockets; so why not - make sure you use the HomeMate app for control, and not the WiWo app used for the S20 sockets.

UPDATE - Sunday November 29th 2017 - I have downgraded my review to 1 Star because of the number of times I have had to reactivate and reauthorise this devices skill in Alexa. This device relies on a connection to a third party server/website which has been unavailable on a number of occasions. Last night I was unable to use this device yet again and the server has now been down for about 12 hours. Until either the supplier or Amazon resolves this I can no longer recommend this device.Brilliant. This was very easy to setup following the same manual method as the Echo(dot). Once setup it is very easy to use. You do need to pair your Alexa account with the app account for this socket but that is all. I have a lamp plugged in to the socket which I have called 'light' and so I just say 'Alexa switch light on' and 'Alexa switch light off' its as simple as that.If like me you had to go through the manual setup with your Echo then follow the same procedure with this. Press the button until the blue light flashes, go to the WiFi settings on your phone and select its WIFi, you will then be prompted to accept the connection with no Internet, click yes and then go back o the app where you should be able to continue with the pairing and setup.

This device has so many applications I can’t buy enough! With these plugs and the App I can now turn off hair straighteners when I panic I’ve forgotten, I can turn the oven on the pre-heat before I get home, I can switch switch off whole extensions leads of electronics to save power and even turn a lamp on before I get in with my hands full.Pros- Takes 60 seconds to set up- High quality materials and good looks- Small and unobtrusive- The app is modern and very simple to use- Hassle free on and off/time schedule power from the app from anywhereCons- I want them for EVERYTHINGIf you’re looking for something that feels really well made and modern in a sea of cheap wifi plugs, this covers all the bases - it’s small, convenient, easy to set up, the app looks and feels really simple and modern and mainly, it just gives you hassle free convenience to turn anything you like on or off remotely, I need to buy one for everything!

Works well when you finally get it hooked up to your WiFi - follow the instructions carefully and you wont have an issue. Can turn the connected load on/off from anywhere and not just inside your own WiFi network. No timer functions though, would of been handy to be able to set on/off times and not just a counter for activation to happen - hence only three stars. If all you need is a remote on/off though its not a big issue.

Very reasonably priced and works a treat. The App is a little tricky to set up but once done it's a doddle to use. I'm looking for more places where I can use these. I'm presently using one on the TV and other assorted A/V equipment to turn off at night rather than leaving everything on Standby (the mains socket is out of reach). I also like the 'time clock' feature, though I haven't used it yet. I intend using this feature to turn on the A/V equipment for when I get home after work and turn it off after I've gone to bed. Then I won't need the App to turn on and off.It's a shame they don't do a version built into a standard wallplate and another as a fused spur.The App is designed for other Home Automation products but these may not be available in the UK. That would be a shame :o(

This device was easy to set up and worked well - for about a week. Then Alexa couldn't recognise it. One of my IT sons set it up again with some difficulty and it worked well again - for another week. It is rubbish and I would like to return it but I am one day outside the return date. It aleays seems to work with my i phone though.

Now have two of these working with lamps that can't use smart bulbs. Straightforward setup. No problems working with Echo+/Alexa.

Excellent product. Online support useful for connecting to Alexa. If only they would make a light switch too.