Setting up a Broadlink SP4L-UK Smart Plug

 SP4L-UK is a smart switch that can be controlled by hand phone via WIFI. It is compatible to Google Home. This model is suitable for Singapore home because it uses the same 3 pin plug configuration commonly used in Singapore. 

Now before you could do anything, make sure that your home wifi is set at 2.4G because this device is not a 5G compatible device. Most home network have both 2.4G and 5G wifi connection. You handphone will auto switch between two wifi connection automatically anyway. Only problem is that you need to specifically connect to your 5G network manually. While setting up, you must turn on bluetooth and use a 2.4G network on your phone.

Download BroadLink-Universal TV Remote app. Android users need to make sure no screen overlay app is running when setting up the app. You cannot turn on/off screen overlay if one is already running.

After setting up user login, follow the following steps.

1. Plug the smart switch into the power socket. You will notice the LED on the switch blinks continuously.
2. Click add device. 
3. Choose "Wi-Fi Devices" 
4. Select "Other Wi-Fi Devices". 
5. Choose "Smart Setup" and click "Next". 
6. Click "Done" ignoring all the information on the screen. 
7. It will prompt you to enter your wifi login information. The SSID will be automatically chosen. Just enter password accordingly.
8. After a while your device will be set up properly. The LED on the switch should go off.
9. Set up the Name and room information for the device and you will be done.

In the even of error the LED blinking rate will go much slower. You need to reset it by pressing and hold the button near the IR sensor at the end furthest from the three pin socket. Wait till it blinks at a faster rate. It will be ready for you to try again. 

You may wonder why I choose a smart plug that is using only 2.4G wifi. Actually, there is not much choise. Furthermore, the range of the wifi is wider than a 5G wifi. Most manufacturer choose to use 2.4G wifi over 5G wifi. 

You can use your 5G connection to control the devices as they are all on the same router connection.

Android Screen Overlay Switching Greyed Out

Screen Overlay is one facility on Android to have some app hovering over all apps so that user can quickly access the app anytime.

One thing Google never tell you is that once an app is run with Screen Overlay, You cannot turn on Screen Overlay mode. To turn on or off you need to go to to Settings then click on the wheel on top left of the screen then choose "Draw over other apps" after that slide on "Permit drawing over other apps". The selection is greyed out.

The only way to enable the "Permit drawing over other apps" setting is to completely close the app that does Screen Overlay then make the changes before enabling the Screen Overlay app again.