How to install your Wemo WiFi Smart Light Switch, WLS040

The Wemo® WiFi Smart Light Switch, WLS040 can replace existing single-pole light switches. If your light can be turned ON from two or more switches, use the Wemo Smart Light Switch 3-Way, WLS0403.

For your convenience, watch the video below for a step-by-step guide on how to install your Wemo Light Switch.

IMPORTANT: While the Wemo Light Switch can be installed by anyone, it is recommended to consult a professional electrician if you do not feel comfortable working with or you are not familiar with electrical wiring.

What you need

You will need the following:

Phillips screwdriver
Standard screwdriver
Pliers
Wire stripper
Voltage tester

Before you begin

To install your Wemo Light Switch, you will need to work with your home electrical wiring. When working with electrical wiring, there is always a risk of electric shock. Before removing any existing light switches, shut OFF power to the circuit powering your light switch, the main circuit breaker panel, or the fuse panel of your home.

Also, more notes before installation:

Make sure there are NEUTRAL wires in the electrical box of your existing switch. You need them to install the Wemo Light Switch.
Install your Wemo Light Switch where you have a strong Wi-Fi signal.
Be sure the mobile device you’re using to set up your Wemo Light Switch is close to the Light Switch until setup is complete.
Keep in mind that your existing wires may be different colors than those shown in the drawings.

Once you have verified these, you can begin removing your existing light switch and installing your new Wemo Light Switch.

Removing the existing light switch

Step 1: Remove the faceplate of your existing light switch. Using your voltage tester, confirm that your existing light switch has no power by testing the wires connected on both sides of the switch. If your voltage tester reads positive for voltage, you may need to turn OFF more than one circuit breaker or remove more than one fuse panel.

Step 2: Use your screwdriver to remove two screws that are securing the light switch to the gang box in your wall. Once the screws are removed, gently pull out your light switch to detach it from the wall. Do NOT remove any of the wires yet.

Step 3: Confirm that you have neutral wires in your gang box. These are typically white and are not connected to the light switch. A neutral wire is required to install your Wemo Light Switch. If the neutral wire is not present, STOP the installation and consult a professional electrician.

NOTE: A ground wire is optional.

Step 4: Use your voltage tester to confirm that there is no power in the neutral wires from any neighboring circuits. If your voltage tester reads positive of voltage, you may need to turn OFF additional circuits at your breaker panel or fuse panel.

Step 5: Disconnect the LINE and LOAD wires from the Light Switch. These wires are usually black but, depending upon the wiring used, you may have a different wire color in your gang box.

QUICK TIP: Included in the package of your Wemo Light Switch is a quick start guide with a black LINE/LOAD sticker which can be used to label the wire for future reference.

Step 6: Disconnect the GROUND wire from the wires in the wall. This is usually bare copper or green. Any wire nuts that are connected to the wires such as the grounding wire or the neutral wire should be removed.

Installing the Wemo Light Switch

Step 1: Remove the included faceplate from the Wemo Light Switch. Peel off the safety sticker from the back of the Wemo Light Switch to free the wires.

Step 2: Use a wire nut to connect the red LOAD wire on the Wemo Light Switch to either the LINE or LOAD wire in the wall. Use a wire nut to connect the black LINE wire to the remaining LINE or LOAD wire in the wall.

Step 3: Use wire nuts to connect the white NEUTRAL wire from the Light Switch to the NEUTRAL wires (usually white) in the wall. Connect the green GROUND wire from the Light Switch to the GROUND wires (usually bare copper or green) in the wall.

Step 4: Almost done! Tug on each wire to make sure wire nuts are secure. Carefully tuck wires behind the Light Switch. Screw the Light Switch into the wall and snap on the faceplate. Be careful not to over-tighten the screws.

QUICK TIP: If you will be using an iOS device such as an iPhone® or iPad® to set up your Wemo Light Switch, take note of the Apple® HomeKit™ code before securing it to the gang box.

You can also find the HomeKit code in the following locations:

at the front panel of the Wemo Light Switch
in the Quick Install Guide

Step 5: It's now time to turn ON your Wemo Light Switch. Return to your circuit breaker panel or fuse panel to turn the power back ON to the circuits you turned OFF before installation.