IR Scheduling is far more complicated than Smart Plug Scheduling — inconsistent UX
Model: H110 Smart IR & IoT Hub
Firmware: 1.4.4 Build 251031 Rel.111523
App Version (Android): 3.16.185
App Version (iOS): 3.17.103
Hello @Solla-topee and @Wayne-TP,
I would like to report a major UX inconsistency between how TAPO handles scheduling for IR‑controlled devices (AC) versus Smart Plugs (P110/P100).
This is not a minor preference issue — it is a structural inconsistency that makes IR scheduling unnecessarily complex and confusing.
1. Smart Plug Scheduling — Simple, Clear, One Tap
Smart plugs have:
- A dedicated “Schedule” button on the main device screen
- A clean list of schedules
- Swipe‑to‑delete
- A simple “Add Schedule” screen (Time → On/Off → Repeat → Save)
This is intuitive and consistent with modern smart‑home UX.
2. IR Scheduling — Hidden, Deep, and Over‑Engineered
To create a simple ON/OFF timer for an IR AC, the user must:
- Open the AC device
- Open Device Settings
- Open Smart Actions
- Tap +
- Choose Automation
- Configure Effective Time
- Add Trigger
- Add Action
- Tap Create (or lose everything)
This is the same workflow used for advanced multi‑device automations, not simple schedules.
3. Deleting an IR schedule is also inconsistent
- Smart plugs: swipe left → Delete
- IR devices: open the automation → scroll to bottom → Delete
Again, two completely different UX patterns for the same concept.
4. Why this matters
- It breaks TAPO’s otherwise consistent design language
- It makes IR scheduling feel hidden and overly technical
- It increases user error (especially forgetting to tap “Create”)
- It makes IR devices feel like a different ecosystem inside TAPO
IR scheduling should be as simple as smart plug scheduling.
5. Request
Please forward this to the UX/app development team.
IR devices need a dedicated “Schedule” button and a simplified scheduling interface, consistent with the one used for smart plugs.
This would greatly improve usability and reduce confusion for all users who rely on IR blasters for AC control.
Thank you for your attention.
Best regards,
John
Thank you for starting this discussion on a dedicated scheduling feature for IR devices. We’re actively monitoring feedback like this to help prioritize our product roadmap.
To ensure we fully understand your needs, we encourage everyone interested in this feature to:
• Vote up this post to indicate your support.
• Share details in a comment to help us evaluate the scope and use cases. When commenting, please consider mentioning:
- Which specific IR devices you have connected via the Tapo H110 Hub.
- Which of those devices you would most want to schedule.
- What kind of scheduled actions you need (e.g., basic on/off, mode changes (for AC), etc.).
Your detailed input is invaluable for our planning. We appreciate your participation and will keep the community updated on our progress.