Belkin’s Wemo smart devices will go offline on Saturday
Source: The Verge
Overview
As of Saturday, nearly all of Belkin’s Wemo smart home devices will lose access to cloud services, including features like remote access and integrations with Google Home and Alexa. Belkin will also end app updates for the Wemo app beginning on January 31st. The shut down was first announced in July, with a notice that the company would be “sunsetting” its cloud services.
What’s Affected
- Remote access: Users will no longer be able to control devices when they’re away from their home network.
- Voice assistant integrations: Google Home and Alexa integrations will stop functioning.
- App updates: No further updates will be released for the Wemo app after January 31st.
Devices Still Functional Locally
Even after the cloud shutdown, many Wemo devices will continue to work on the local network. This includes basic on/off control via the app when you’re on the same Wi‑Fi, as well as any automations that rely solely on local communication. However, any feature that depends on Belkin’s servers will be disabled.
What Users Should Do
- Update the app now: If you haven’t already, install the latest version of the Wemo app before the January 31st deadline.
- Switch to local control: Familiarize yourself with the app’s local‑only features, such as scheduling and manual control.
- Consider alternatives: If remote access or voice‑assistant integration is essential, you may need to replace affected devices with products that support those features natively.
Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| July 2023 | Belkin announces the upcoming shutdown of Wemo cloud services. |
| Saturday (date unspecified) | Cloud services go offline for most devices. |
| January 31, 2024 | End of Wemo app updates. |
Community Reaction
Many users expressed frustration on forums and social media, noting that the abrupt loss of remote functionality could disrupt existing smart‑home setups. Some have praised the continued local functionality, while others are already planning migrations to other ecosystems.
Conclusion
Belkin’s decision to discontinue Wemo cloud services marks a significant shift for users who rely on remote access and voice‑assistant integration. While local control will remain, those who need cloud‑based features should evaluate alternative smart‑home solutions before the app update deadline.