How to install Wemo Smart Light Switch 3-Way, WLS0503 to replace an existing 3-way switch

This article will show you how to properly install the Wemo Smart Light Switch 3-Way, WLS0503 to replace an existing 3-way switch.

NOTE: Click here for instructions on replacing a single-pole switch with a Wemo WLS0503.

Before you begin, make sure to have the following:

Tool	Image	Description
Neutral wire		Usually white in color, neutral wires are required to install the Wemo WLS0503.
Phillips screwdriver		These are used to screw or unscrew parts of the switch in place.
Flat-head screwdriver
Pliers / wire strippers		This is used to bend or remove portions of the wire.
Voltage tester		This is used to check for any power in the neutral wires.

QUICK TIP: The pliers/wire strippers and voltage tester are not required, but highly recommended.

IMPORTANT: While the Wemo WLS0503 can be installed easily by anyone, we recommend contacting a licensed electrician if you do not feel comfortable installing it yourself.

Step 1: Turn OFF the power of the switch you’re replacing at your fuse panel or circuit breaker.

NOTE: To confirm that the power is OFF, remove the cover plate from the existing switch and use a voltage tester to test BOTH sides of the switch. You may need to turn OFF more than one circuit breaker/fuse.

Step 2: Unscrew the switch and gently pull it out of the wall. Do not remove any of the wires yet.

QUICK TIP: Take a picture of the wires in your wall to refer back to later.

Step 3: Look for neutral wires then use a voltage tester to check that there is no power in the neutral wires from neighboring circuits. If necessary, turn OFF additional circuits until no voltage is found. You may have a different number of neutral wires compared to what is shown below.

NOTE: If you have a 4-way switch, you cannot proceed with the installation as the Wemo WLS0503 cannot replace a 4-way switch.

Step 4: Disconnect the line and load wires (usually black) from the existing light switch, disconnect the ground wire from the switch (usually bare copper or green), and then remove the wire nuts from the white neutral wires.

NOTE: Your existing switch, wires, and electrical box may look different and have different colors.

Step 5: Grab the cover plate from the top and pull it down to snap it off of the Wemo WLS0503.

Step 6: Loosen the black and red screws on the Wemo WLS0503 with a screwdriver. Peel off the safety sticker from the back of the Wemo WLS0503 to free the five wires in preparation for connecting to your in-wall wiring.

Step 7: Connect the line/load wire from the back of the Wemo WLS0503 to the wire you labeled earlier with the line/load sticker using a wire nut. This will supply power to your Wemo WLS0503.

Step 8: Connect the traveler 1 and traveler 2 wires from the back of the Wemo WLS0503 to the traveler wires in your gang box. Usually, the colors of the traveler wires are red and black but you may have different wire colors in your gang box.

QUICK TIP: If you install a second Wemo WLS0503 into this circuit, take note of which wires you will use to ensure they match the connections on the second light switch. This will ensure the proper operation of your Wemo WLS0503.

Step 9: Connect the neutral wire from the back of the Wemo WLS0503 to the neutral wires in your gang box. The colors of the neutral wires are usually white but you may have a different wire color in your gang box.

NOTE: If you have a ground wire or ground screw in your gang box, it should be connected to the ground wire on the back of the Wemo WLS0503. The ground wire is usually green or bare copper but you may have a different wire color in your gang box. The ground wire is not required so, if you do not have it available, simply cap off the ground wire using a wire nut.

Step 10: Carefully tuck the wires behind the switch and into the box. Screw the light switch into the wall while being careful not to tighten the screws too much.

IMPORTANT: Make sure to insulate any exposed wiring with electrical tape.

Step 11: Take note of the eight-digit setup code on the switch. You may need this during the Home app setup.

Once you've done that, snap the cover plate onto the switch.