Last month, popular smart home accessory manufacturer iDevices launched Instant Switch, a Bluetooth switch that pairs with other iDevices products like outlets and switches to provide an additional point of manual control.

idevices instant switch parts
For example, it can be paired with a hard-wired Wall Switch to provide control at another convenient place in the room without the need for wiring a second switch. Alternatively, it can be paired with a Switch or Outdoor Switch to provide convenient control of a switched outlet located in a hard to reach place behind furniture or outside.

While the Instant Switch itself doesn't directly support HomeKit, it is indirectly compatible as it pairs with other iDevices products that are part of the HomeKit ecosystem.

The Instant Switch runs on a CR2032 coin cell battery that lasts up to two years, and it can be mounted in a variety of configurations, including stuck anywhere you wish with an included 3M Command Strip, screwed into empty space in an existing electrical gang box, or even stuck stuck next to an existing gang box to make it look like an integral part of a multi-gang setup.

idevices instant switch disassembled

Instant Switch without faceplate (left) and disassembled to access battery (right)

The Instant Switch comes with a narrow white magnetic faceplate for a clean look, or you can use your own single or multiple rocker faceplate for a customized look. A built-in level in the Instant Switch makes it easy to ensure you're mounting it correctly.

Installation is simple, and iDevices includes several parts to help with the process. An included manual walks you through the steps, which include removing the battery pull tab to power up the switch, using the iDevices Connected app to pair the Instant Switch to an existing iDevices product (which may require a firmware update if you haven't kept up to date), and mounting the Instant Switch in your preferred location.

App setup is dead simple, as the Instant Switch automatically enters a pairing mode for 30 minutes after you activate the battery and the app will automatically spot the Instant Switch as an available device to add. The app asks you to place the Instant Switch in the location where you want to mount it in order to ensure a good wireless connection to the paired switch, and then it takes about a minute to complete the pairing process.

idevices instant switch setup 1
At that point, you can mount the Instant Switch and you should be ready to go. My Instant Switch did go through a software update as soon as I was done setting it up, but a status light on the Instant Switch that can flash or shine solid in a variety of colors lets you know what it's doing and whether there are any problems.

idevices instant switch setup 2
The most complicated installation scenario involves installing into an existing gang box within the wall. The Instant Switch is a standard size, so it will fit easily mount into the box, but you will have to attach an included ground wire assembly and connect it to the existing ground within the box.

If you're not installing in a gang box, things are even easier, and iDevices includes two 3M Command Strips to allow you to stick the Instant Switch securely to any surface. If you want to install it next to an existing gang box, just get a faceplate cover that's one switch larger than the box, and you can easily attach the Instant Switch in the extra faceplate slot for a cohesive look. iDevices recommends against using metal faceplates, as they can interfere with the wireless signals, but I've never experienced any problems with the metal ones I use throughout my house.

idevices instant switch single gang

iDevices Instant Switch (left) mounted to a double-gang faceplate and paired with an iDevices Wall Switch (right) installed in a single-gang box

The clever design of the Instant Switch makes it easy to mount and use, with an outline on the back of the switch making it easy to see where to stick the Command Strip, a ball level to ensure the switch is in proper position before sticking it to the wall, and a breakaway tab at the bottom of the switch that lets you get to the Command Strip for removal. The rocker switch itself can also be removed by squeezing a pair of tabs on the switch, letting you access the battery for replacement.

idevices instant switch command strip

Rear of switch with 3M Command Strip attached (left) and switch mounted on wall (right)

I've spent a couple of weeks using the Instant Switch paired alternately with a Wall Switch and a Switch, and while this is a fairly straightforward product that performs one simple switching task, it can be a handy addition to your smart home — if you're already part of the iDevices ecosystem. Unlike other some switches and buttons like the Logitech POP that are directly compatible with HomeKit and can be used to control any other HomeKit devices including entire scenes, the iDevices Instant Switch is limited to extending a single iDevices switch or outlet at a time.

idevices instant switch installed

Finished installation with magnetic faceplate

In one of my testing scenarios, I mounted the Instant Switch at an entry to my living room to create a 3-way setup. The room has a ceiling light controlled by an iDevices Wall Switch at one entry, so it's nice to have a second point of control at the other entry without needing any dedicated wiring. The Instant Switch operates similarly to the company's Wall Switch in that you have to press the top portion of the switch to turn on the light and the bottom portion to turn it off, with the switch returning to its neutral position once you release the switch. There is a very brief delay upon activating the switch as it communicates with the paired device, but it's barely noticeable.

The Instant Switch also offers dimming capabilities when paired with a supported product like the iDevices Dimmer Switch. A single press on the Instant Switch turns the paired switch on or off, while pressing and holding will increase or decrease brightness. A double press quickly adjusts brightness to maximum or minimum.

I also tested the Instant Switch paired with a Switch tucked behind a couch that controls a table lamp in my living room. Without the Instant Switch, I'd have to use Siri, the Home app, or the iDevices app on one of my iOS devices to control the lamp, as the button on the Switch is inaccessible due to its location. With the Instant Switch, I can give that switch manual control from any location I choose within the room.

I'm looking forward to using an Instant Switch during the Christmas season to pair with the iDevices Outdoor Switch I use to control my exterior Christmas lights. I typically keep the lights on a schedule in the iDevices app, but if I need to manually turn them on or off, I currently have to pull out one of my iOS devices or venture out onto the cold front porch to hit the button on the switch. With the Instant Switch, I'll be able to mount it right by my front door to easily turn the Christmas lights on and off while staying warm.

The Instant Switch proved easy to set up and it was fast and reliable in controlling paired accessories. At $34.95 through Amazon and other retailers, pricing is fairly competitive with similar products, and this is a well thought-out accessory, although it would be nice if it could work outside of the iDevices ecosystem. If you're already invested in iDevices products, this is a great way to expand manual control of these smart home devices.

Note: iDevices provided the Instant Switch and a Switch to MacRumors free of charge for the purposes of this review. No other compensation was received. MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon and may earn commissions on purchases made through links in this article.

Top Rated Comments

luvbug Avatar
95 months ago
"There is a very brief delay upon activating the switch as it communicates with the paired device, but it's barely noticeable."

Barely noticeable? How about some real numbers for the delay instead of platitudes. Latency of more than ~300 msec is unacceptable for lighting controls.
How about being nicer about asking?
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
RogerWilco Avatar
95 months ago
How about being nicer about asking?
Were the cookies and milk "yummy"?

Someone claiming to be a tech journalist should earn their pay. Articles like this one are an embarrassment to MR and a disservice to readers.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
RogerWilco Avatar
95 months ago
"There is a very brief delay upon activating the switch as it communicates with the paired device, but it's barely noticeable."

Barely noticeable? How about some real numbers for the delay instead of platitudes. Latency of more than ~300 msec is unacceptable for lighting controls.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
vipergts2207 Avatar
95 months ago
Too bad it’s not directly HomeKit compatible, it would be far more useful.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

apple tv 4k new orange

New Apple TV Expected Later This Year With These New Features

Saturday July 12, 2025 3:09 pm PDT by
A new Apple TV is expected to be released later this year, and a handful of new features and changes have been rumored for the device. Below, we recap what to expect from the next Apple TV, according to rumors. Rumors Faster Wi-Fi Support The next Apple TV will be equipped with Apple's own combined Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. He said the chip supports ...
Apple Watch Ultra 2 Complications

Apple Watch Ultra 3: What to Expect

Sunday July 13, 2025 10:30 am PDT by
The long wait for an Apple Watch Ultra 3 is nearly over, and a handful of new features and changes have been rumored for the device. Below, we recap what to expect from the Apple Watch Ultra 3:Satellite connectivity for sending and receiving text messages when Wi-Fi and cellular coverage is unavailable 5G support, up from LTE on the Apple Watch Ultra 2 Likely a wide-angle OLED display that ...
iPhone 17 Pro in Hand Feature Lowgo

iPhone 17 Pro Coming Soon With These 16 New Features

Friday July 11, 2025 12:40 pm PDT by
Apple's next-generation iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are only two months away, and there are plenty of rumors about the devices. Below, we recap key changes rumored for the iPhone 17 Pro models. Latest Rumors These rumors surfaced in June and July:A redesigned Dynamic Island: It has been rumored that all iPhone 17 models will have a redesigned Dynamic Island interface — it might ...
iphone 16 pro ghost hand

5 Reasons to Skip This Year's iPhone 17 Pro

Thursday July 10, 2025 4:54 am PDT by
Apple will launch its new iPhone 17 series in two months, and the iPhone 17 Pro models are expected to get a new design for the rear casing and the camera area. But more significant changes to the lineup are not expected until next year, when the iPhone 18 models arrive. If you're thinking of trading in your iPhone for this year's latest, consider the following features rumored to be coming...
iOS 26 on Three iPhones

Here's When to Expect the iOS 26 Public Beta

Tuesday July 15, 2025 11:07 am PDT by
Apple previously announced that a public beta of iOS 26 would be available in July, and now a more specific timeframe has surfaced. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman today said that Apple's public betas should be released on or around Wednesday, July 23. In other words, expect the public betas of iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, and more to be available at some point next week. Apple will be releasing...
Apple Hornsby

Apple Store Near Sydney Permanently Closing Later This Year

Monday July 14, 2025 6:14 pm PDT by
Apple today said its store at the Westfield Hornsby shopping mall, in Hornsby, Australia, will be permanently closing in October. Apple Hornsby In a statement shared with Australian tech news website EFTM (via Reddit), Apple said that it has decided not to renew its lease at Westfield Hornsby. Apple said all affected retail employees will be given the opportunity to work at Apple's nearby...
iPhone 14 Pro Dynamic Island

iPhone 17 May See 'Significant' Dynamic Island Changes

Monday July 14, 2025 12:11 am PDT by
The iPhone's Dynamic Island experience is set to undergo "significant evolution" over the next few years, according to a new rumor. Earlier this month, a report suggested that the iPhone 17 lineup will feature a redesigned Dynamic Island user interface, but little else was explained about the software changes. Now, the leaker known as "Majin Bu" appears to have corroborated this, commenting ...