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Belkin Wemo discontinuation of service: Difference between revisions

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Belkin Wemo smarthome devices require cloud connectivity to work. Belkin is closing that Cloud on January 31 2026<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=2025-07-10 |title=Belkin Official Support - Wemo Support Ending – What You Need to Know |url=https://www.belkin.com/support-article/?articleNum=335419 |access-date=2025-07-13 |website=Belkin Official Support - Wemo Support Ending – What You Need to Know}}</ref>, disabling remote access & automation functionality to most Wemo branded smarthome devices, while still having these items for sale on their Amazon WeMo store <ref>{{Cite web |title=Amazon.com: Wemo Smart Plug with Thread - Smart Outlet for Apple HomeKit - Smart Home Products, Smart Home Lighting, Smart Home Gadgets - Homekit Smart Plug - Tech Gifts - Works W/ Apple iPhone, Easy NFC Set Up : Tools & Home Improvement |url=https://www.amazon.com/Wemo-Smart-Plug-Thread-Products/dp/B09T4S3QKC |archive-url=https://archive.is/wip/ORa4X |archive-date=2025-07-13 |access-date=2025-07-13 |website=Amazon.com: Wemo Smart Plug with Thread - Smart Outlet for Apple HomeKit - Smart Home Products, Smart Home Lighting, Smart Home Gadgets - Homekit Smart Plug - Tech Gifts - Works W/ Apple iPhone, Easy NFC Set Up : Tools & Home Improvement}}</ref> and advertising them as working with Google, Alexa, & more.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Amazon.com: Wemo |url=https://www.amazon.com/stores/Wemo/page/E33F6EA2-93FC-48CD-8BF6-EE10D5398795 |archive-url=https://archive.ph/wip/TBvNl |archive-date=2025-07-13 |access-date=2025-07-13 |website=Amazon.com: Wemo}}</ref>
Belkin [[Wemo]] smart home devices require cloud connectivity to work. On July 10, 2025, Belkin announced the shutdown of cloud services supporting most Wemo devices, effective January 31, 2026.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=2025-07-10 |title=Belkin Official Support - Wemo Support Ending – What You Need to Know |url=https://www.belkin.com/support-article/?articleNum=335419 |access-date=2025-07-13 |website=Belkin Official Support}}</ref> These devices remain for sale on Belkin's Amazon WeMo store <ref>{{Cite web |title=Amazon.com: Wemo Smart Plug with Thread - Smart Outlet for Apple HomeKit - Smart Home Products, Smart Home Lighting, Smart Home Gadgets - Homekit Smart Plug - Tech Gifts - Works W/ Apple iPhone, Easy NFC Set Up : Tools & Home Improvement |url=https://www.amazon.com/Wemo-Smart-Plug-Thread-Products/dp/B09T4S3QKC |archive-url=https://archive.is/wip/ORa4X |archive-date=2025-07-13 |access-date=2025-07-13 |website=Amazon.com: Wemo Smart Plug with Thread - Smart Outlet for Apple HomeKit - Smart Home Products, Smart Home Lighting, Smart Home Gadgets - Homekit Smart Plug - Tech Gifts - Works W/ Apple iPhone, Easy NFC Set Up : Tools & Home Improvement}}</ref> and advertising them as working with Google, Alexa, & more.<ref name=":02">{{Cite web |title=Amazon.com: Wemo |url=https://www.amazon.com/stores/Wemo/page/E33F6EA2-93FC-48CD-8BF6-EE10D5398795 |archive-url=https://archive.ph/wip/TBvNl |archive-date=2025-07-13 |access-date=2025-07-13 |website=Amazon.com: Wemo}}</ref>


According to Belkin, after January 31, 2026, devices from Wemo plugs, switches, light dimmers, sensors, in-wall devices & more will no longer be usable via
This shutdown will disable remote access and automation functionality for 27+ device models sold between August 2015 and November 2023, affecting thousands of customers who purchased these devices as permanent smart home solutions. The incident is one example of a broader trend of IoT device abandonment & [[software tethering]] practices that enable manufacturers to remotely disable purchased products.
 
*Wemo app
*integrated with google home
*amazon alexa


==Background==
==Background==
Wemo is a smart home product line developed by Belkin, first made in 2011. It includes smart plugs, light switches, motion sensors, dimmers, & connected appliances like coffee makers & humidifers These devices were marketed as one time purchases with cloud features, app control, and integration with Alexa/Google Home/Apple Homekit.
Wemo is a smart home product line developed by Belkin, first launched in 2011. The product line includes smart plugs, light switches, motion sensors, dimmers, and connected appliances like coffee makers and humidifiers. These devices were marketed as one-time purchases with cloud features, app control, and integration with voice assistants including Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit.
 
Wemo became popular for convenience, ease of use, and integration with a wide variety of voice assistants & cloud automation programs.
 
==Belkin 2025 shutdown announcement==
[[File:Email from belkin about wemo shutdown.jpg|alt=email from belkin about wemo shutdown[1]|thumb|email from belkin about wemo shutdown]]
On July 10th 2025, Belkin created a support page & began emailing customers informing them that most Wemo devices would stop working on January 31, 2026.<ref name=":2" />


The company said it had made a "difficult decision" to shut down cloud services for Wemo products & that any feature requiring cloud connectivity, such as app control& voice assistant support, would stop functioning.  
Wemo gained popularity for its convenience, ease of use, and broad compatibility with voice assistants and cloud automation programs. Devices were sold with '''no disclosed end-of-life timeline for cloud functionality'''.


'''Tech details:'''
==2025 Shutdown Announcement==
[[File:Email from belkin about wemo shutdown.jpg|alt=Email from Belkin about Wemo shutdown|thumb|Email notification sent to Wemo customers about the January 2026 shutdown]]


*Devices will still work locally if they were configured with Apple homekit PRIOR to the shutdown
On July 10, 2025, Belkin created a support page and began emailing customers informing them that most Wemo devices would stop working on January 31, 2026.<ref name=":2" /> The company described this as a ''"difficult decision"'' to shut down cloud services for Wemo products, stating they needed to ''"focus our resources on different parts of the Belkin business."''
*Other remote functionality will no longer work.
*Wemo app will not be updated after January 31, 2026.
*Out of warranty users are being told to take them to an e-waste recycling facility


===Partial list of devices affected:===
The shutdown affects any feature requiring cloud connectivity, including:
*Wemo app functionality
*Amazon Alexa integration
*Google Home integration
*Remote access capabilities
*Automation and scheduling features
*Technical support


*Wemo Smart Plug
===Devices Affected===
*Wemo smart light switches
This shutdown impacts 24 different device models spanning smart plugs, switches, specialty appliances, and sensors sold between August 2015 and November 2023, including:
*Wemo inwall dimmers & switches
*Wemo Smart Plug (multiple generations)
*Wemo applianes like smart crockpots, air purifiers, coffeemakers & humidifiers
*Wemo Smart Light Switches
*Wemo motion sensors & LED lighting kits
*Wemo In-Wall Dimmers and Switches
*Wemo connected appliances (smart crockpots, air purifiers, coffee makers, humidifiers)
*Wemo Motion Sensors and LED lighting kits
*Wemo Outdoor Smart Plug
*Wemo Mini Smart Plug
*Various specialty devices and older models


===Belkin tells customers to throw them away===
Only four Thread-based models will continue functioning through Apple HomeKit after the shutdown date, and only if configured prior to January 31, 2026.
Belkin recommends throwing away devices that could otherwise function at an e-waste facility; which is controversial as some of these devices are screwed into the walls of customer homes. <blockquote>''For any Wemo devices you have that are out of warranty, will not work with HomeKit or if you are unable to use HomeKit, we recommend disposing of these devices at an authorized e-waste recycling center.'' </blockquote>


===Belkin continues selling devices that they suggest be thrown away:===
===Timing and Warranty Issues===
In spite of the prior statement, Amazon is still making for sale Wemo items on their Amazon, from smart plugs<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Amazon.com: Wemo Smart Plug with Thread - Smart Outlet for Apple HomeKit - Smart Home Products, Smart Home Lighting, Smart Home Gadgets - Homekit Smart Plug - Tech Gifts - Works W/ Apple iPhone, Easy NFC Set Up : Tools & Home Improvement |url=https://www.amazon.com/Wemo-Smart-Plug-Thread-Products/dp/B09T4S3QKC |archive-url=https://archive.is/wip/ORa4X |archive-date=2025-07-13 |access-date=2025-07-13 |website=Amazon.com: Wemo Smart Plug with Thread - Smart Outlet for Apple HomeKit - Smart Home Products, Smart Home Lighting, Smart Home Gadgets - Homekit Smart Plug - Tech Gifts - Works W/ Apple iPhone, Easy NFC Set Up : Tools & Home Improvement}}</ref> to light switches.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |title=Amazon.com: WeMo Smart Light Switch 2ND Gen |url=https://www.amazon.com/WeMo-Smart-Light-Switch-2ND/dp/B07RT8H9WH |archive-url=https://archive.ph/R4swk |archive-date=2025-07-13 |access-date=2025-07-13 |website=Amazon.com: WeMo Smart Light Switch 2ND Gen}}</ref> As of 2025-07-13, The WeMo store still displays the following, while making '''no mention''' '''of support ending on January 30, 2026'''<ref name=":2" />:
Devices with 3-year warranties sold as recently as November 2023 will lose core functionality before warranty expiration. Belkin offers only partial refunds for devices still under warranty after the shutdown date, requiring consumers to wait until their devices are non-functional before seeking compensation.


<blockquote>WORKS WITH:
==Belkin Suggests Disposing of the Devices==
Belkin's official response recommends that customers dispose of out-of-warranty devices at authorized e-waste recycling centers, despite the devices remaining physically functional:<ref name=":2" />
<blockquote>''"For any Wemo devices you have that are out of warranty, will not work with HomeKit or if you are unable to use HomeKit, we recommend disposing of these devices at an authorized e-waste recycling center."''</blockquote>


WORKS WITH Amazon alexa
This recommendation is particularly controversial for in-wall switches and dimmers that are permanently installed in customers' homes. One Ars Technica forum user suggested: ''"I recommend boxing them up and shipping them directly to Belkin corporate headquarters."''<ref>{{Cite web |title=ReaderBot comment on Ars Technica forums |url=https://arstechnica.com/civis/threads/belkin-shows-tech-firms-getting-too-comfortable-with-bricking-customers%E2%80%99-stuff.1508302/post-43842885 |website=Ars Technica}}</ref>


Works with Apple homekit
==Continued Sales of Soon-To-Be-Dead Products==
Despite announcing the shutdown, Belkin continues selling affected Wemo devices through Amazon and other retailers without disclosing the impending service termination.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Amazon.com: Wemo |url=https://www.amazon.com/stores/Wemo/page/E33F6EA2-93FC-48CD-8BF6-EE10D5398795 |archive-url=https://archive.ph/wip/TBvNl |archive-date=2025-07-13 |access-date=2025-07-13 |website=Amazon.com}}</ref> As of July 2025, the Wemo Amazon store prominently displays compatibility claims with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and other platforms that will stop functioning in six months.


Google Assistant
<gallery mode="slideshow">
 
File:Stillsellingdimmer.jpg|Belkin light switch still for sale despite announced functionality loss<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |title=Amazon.com: WeMo Smart Light Switch 2ND Gen |url=https://www.amazon.com/WeMo-Smart-Light-Switch-2ND/dp/B07RT8H9WH |archive-url=https://archive.ph/R4swk |archive-date=2025-07-13 |access-date=2025-07-13 |website=Amazon.com}}</ref>
works with nest
File:Amazonwemostoreworks.jpg|Belkin's Amazon store advertising platform compatibility despite planned termination<ref name=":0" />
 
ifttt </blockquote><gallery mode="slideshow">
File:Stillsellingplug.jpg| Belkin Wemo smartplug still for sale on amazon after Belkin announced that it will be ending support for this product entirely.<ref name=":1" />
File:Stillsellingdimmer.jpg| Belkin light switch still for sale on amazon after they announced that the product will no longer retain full functionality in less than six months. <ref name=":7" />  
File:Amazonwemostoreworks.jpg| Belkin claiming on their amazon Wemo store that their devices work with a wide variety of platforms from Amazon alexa, apple homekit, google assistant, nest, etc. in spite of the fact that they have already announces that they will not work at all six months from now.<ref name=":0" />
</gallery>
</gallery>


===Belkin's response===
==Consumer Response and Criticism==


===Immediate Reaction===
Customer response was swift and negative, with users expressing feelings of abandonment and frustration over recent purchases becoming obsolete. The company provided only six months notice for a shutdown affecting 14 years of product sales.


Belkin suggested that some customers may be eligible for a partial refund if they have a proof of purchase & are within warranty. For those who are not in warranty, Belkin recommends disposing of the devices at an authorized e-waste recycling center. <ref name=":2" />
===Technology Community Backlash===
Ars Technica's coverage criticized Belkin's move as reflecting an industry that ''"has grown too comfortable with bricking customers' stuff"'' without offering adequate recourse or transparency.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Scharon Harding |date=2025-07-12 |title=Belkin shows tech firms getting too comfortable with bricking customers' stuff |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/07/belkin-shows-tech-firms-getting-too-comfortable-with-bricking-customers-stuff/ |website=Ars Technica}}</ref>


==Consumer response==
Reddit discussions in r/WeMo revealed widespread consumer anger:
Customers were aggravated to find out that Belkin would not be offering firmware updates or local control options for discontinued products as loss of cloud control defeats the purpose they were purchased for.  
<blockquote>''"They just guaranteed I'll never buy Belkin again. Half the light switches in my house are going to need replacing."<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/WeMo/comments/1lwilvc/comment/n2en9py/ |title=Reddit user argonzo comment |website=Reddit}}</ref>''</blockquote>


The end of cloud support for Belkin’s WeMo products received backlash on forums & technology news sites. Many customers expressed aggravation at the loss of functionality; especially for devices that were still working & previously more expensive in the smart home space.  
<blockquote>''"I figured it's made by a trusted brand so it would be better than using no name Amazon junk. What a joke... Belkin is never getting a dollar from me again."<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/WeMo/comments/1lwilvc/comment/n2et52a/ |title=Reddit user ho_merjpimpson comment |website=Reddit}}</ref>''</blockquote>


===Arstechnica comments===
Users called for firmware updates enabling local control and drew parallels to digital game preservation campaigns, with one noting: "Just like cloud based games & the Stop Killing Games campaign, there probably needs to be something similar for IoT."<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/WeMo/comments/1lwilvc/comment/n2esknt/ |title=Reddit user whitebean comment |website=Reddit}}</ref>


In response to Belkin's recommendation that wemo devices be disposed of at an e-waste recycling center, `ReaderBot` suggested the following:
==Technical Workarounds==
While technical solutions exist for maintaining some device functionality, they require a good amount of technical expertise that most consumers lack:
*'''Apple HomeKit''': Devices configured with HomeKit before the shutdown will continue working through Apple's ecosystem
*'''Home Assistant''': Open-source platform offering local control through UPnP device discovery
*'''Third-party firmware''': Projects like Tasmota enable complete device replacement, though requiring technical modification


<blockquote>
The existence of these workarounds demonstrates that the shutdown represents a business decision rather than technical necessity, as devices can continue functioning locally without cloud services.
" I recommend boxing them up and shipping them directly to Belkin corporate headquarters."<ref>[https://arstechnica.com/civis/threads/belkin-shows-tech-firms-getting-too-comfortable-with-bricking-customers%E2%80%99-stuff.1508302/post-43842885 ReaderBot on Ars Technica forums]</ref>
</blockquote>


===Reddit backlash===
==Industry Context==
Reddit users posted their frustration in the r/WeMo thread announcing the shutdown:
The Wemo shutdown represents part of a broader pattern of IoT device abandonment affecting millions of devices globally. Similar shutdowns include:
<blockquote>
*Google Cloud IoT Core termination (2023)
"They just guaranteed I'll never buy Belkin again. Half the light switches in my house are going to need replacing."<ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/WeMo/comments/1lwilvc/comment/n2en9py/ argonzo on Reddit]</ref>
*Amazon Web Services IoT service discontinuations (2024–2026)
</blockquote>
*Complete collapse of Insteon's smart home system (2022), affecting 1.3 million customers<ref>{{Cite web |title=Shameful: Insteon looks dead—just like its users’ smart homes - Ars Technica |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2022/04/shameful-insteon-looks-dead-just-like-its-users-smart-homes/ |access-date=2025-07-13 |website=Shameful: Insteon looks dead—just like its users’ smart homes - Ars Technica}}</ref>


<blockquote>
Academic research has identified this phenomenon as ''"regulation by bricking"''<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Tusikov |first=Natasha |date=2019-06-18 |title=Regulation through “bricking”: private ordering in the “Internet of Things” |url=http://policyreview.info/articles/analysis/regulation-through-bricking-private-ordering-internet-things |journal=Internet Policy Review |volume=8 |issue=2 |doi=10.14763/2019.2.1405 |access-date=2025-07-13}}</ref>'','' a form of corporate control where manufacturers retain the ability to remotely disable devices after purchase through licensing agreements and cloud service dependencies.
"At least they did it during Prime Day(s) so you can get suitable replacement (like Kasa) for a relative steal."<ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/WeMo/comments/1lwilvc/ same Reddit thread]</ref>
</blockquote>


<blockquote>
==Consumer Protection and Regulatory Response==
"I figured it's made by a trusted brand so it would be better than using no name Amazon junk. What a joke... Belkin is never getting a dollar from me again."<ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/WeMo/comments/1lwilvc/comment/n2et52a/ ho_merjpimpson on Reddit]</ref>
The incident shows the gaps in consumer protection frameworks for software-dependent devices. Current warranty laws assume hardware failure rather than service termination, creating uncertainty about whether cloud service shutdowns count as defective products.
</blockquote>


Some called for transparency and options:
Consumer advocacy organizations, led by Consumer Reports, have mobilized against IoT device abandonment practices, coining the term ''"software tethering"'' to describe manufacturer control over post-purchase device functionality.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-07-13 |title=Consumer Reports, U.S. PIRG, and 15 other groups call on FTC to create clear guidance for ‘software tethering’ |url=https://advocacy.consumerreports.org/research/group-letter-ftc-software-tethering/ |access-date=2025-07-13 |website=Consumer Reports Advocacy}}</ref> The coalition has petitioned the FTC to address these practices and establish mandatory disclosure requirements for device support timelines.
<blockquote>
"It would be great if they released a firmware update to allow it to be setup/controlled locally at least. Or open source the firmware."<ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/WeMo/comments/1lwilvc/comment/n2eh166/ naturalorange on Reddit]</ref>
</blockquote>


Others drew parallels to digital game preservation campaigns:
==See Also==
<blockquote>
*[[Software tethering]]
"Just like cloud based games & the Stop Killing Games campaign, there probably needs to be something similar for IoT."<ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/WeMo/comments/1lwilvc/comment/n2esknt/ whitebean on Reddit]</ref>
*[[Planned obsolescence]]
</blockquote>
*[[Right to repair]]
 
*[[IoT device abandonment]]
===Technology press commentary===
Ars Technica’s Scharon Harding said the shutdown left "a long list of WeMo products that relied on the app...non-functional" & framed Belkin’s move as a reflection of an industry that "has grown too comfortable with bricking customers’ stuff" without offering recourse or transparency.<ref>[https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/07/belkin-shows-tech-firms-getting-too-comfortable-with-bricking-customers-stuff/ Ars Technica, July 12, 2025]</ref>


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


{{Placeholder box|[[mw:Help:VisualEditor/User_guide#Editing_categories|Add a category]] with the same name as the product, service, website, software, product line or company that this article is about.
[[Category:Belkin]]
 
[[Category:Internet of Things]]
The "Incidents" category is not needed.}}
[[Category:Planned obsolescence]]
[[Category:Smart home devices]]
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