Personally I use it as it gives me one app that can link to and control virtually any smart home device. It can also be used to automate things. For example, what you are attempting to do is trivial...

but this one never does and the plug never turns on even when all conditions are satisfied. However, I can manually turn the plug on by toggling it in the devices list within SmartThings.but this one...

Home bridge with kasa smart plugs and this outdoor outlet have worked flawless for me over the last few years. Home Kit lineup with new Kasa outdoor smart plug and in-wall light switches.

I was on the right one. Made sure the bulb is blinking before attempting to connecting and during. Tried messing with my firewall, but was unclear if/how that was needed. One thing that seems odd is...

This is a review and unbox about smart plug wifi tp-link tapo!! loss to a tplink smart plug possible to alertfor power?