Table of Contents
- What is a WiFi heated towel rack?
- Can I use it without a smartphone?
- What extra features do I get with the app?
- What’s it like using the rack with or without a phone?
- How do I install the app and connect the rack?
- Can I control it with my voice?
- What if something goes wrong?
- How can I save energy with it?
- Do I really need a smartphone for this?
- Who is Ace Decor?
- Common questions answered
- Explore more articles
The smart bathroom fixtures of tomorrow are here today and they're in the home. At Ace Decor we often get asked:
"I bought your 17x31 WiFi Heated Towel Rack—do I need a phone to operate it?”
Short answer: No, you don't.
But for all of the features like timers, being able to control things remotely or scheduling it, I think a smartphone lets you tap a lot of what's possible.
This article isn't marketing fluff. It's a hands-on, practical guide for real users, whether you're a tech minimalist or a smart home enthusiast. At the end, you'll learn exactly how to use your towel rack, fix any problems and determine whether using a phone is right for your life.
What Is a "WiFi Heated Towel Rack”?
Let's start with clarity. A "WiFi heated towel rack" doesn't require the internet to heat your towel. What it means is:
| Function | Without WiFi | With WiFi/App |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Heating | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Manual On/Off | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Temperature Control | ✅ (limited) | ✅ (precise & adjustable) |
| Timer Function | ❌ (or basic) | ✅ Fully customizable |
| Remote Access | ❌ | ✅ From anywhere |
| Voice Assistant Control | ❌ | ✅ Alexa, Google, Siri (if linked) |
| Energy Tracking | ❌ | ✅ In-app statistics |
Consider WiFi a "bonus layer.” Not necessary — but having thing is very nice if you're interested in scheduling, automation or remote access.
2. No Smartphone? Here's the Full Process of Using the Rack Manually
But even if you have no interest in downloading apps or connecting to WiFi, you can still achieve full warming performance.
Step by Step: How to Manually Operate.
- Easy to plug in 110-volt outlet.
- Locate the power button. (Normally at the side or below the rack.)
- Press once to turn it on. The red LED indicator will come on.
- Press the button for 2-3 seconds to change the heat setting (or Low-Medium-High on select models).
- To turn it off, press and hold the button again for 2 seconds.
Built-in Timer?
Some Ace Decor models also include a 2 hours or 4 hours auto-off safety timer activated by pressing down for a longer time. If your unit is turning off too early, verify if a countdown mode was unintentionally triggered.
3. Have a Smartphone? Here's What You Gain
On the app (or Smart Life/Tuya Smart on some models), you have far deeper control.
App Features Include:
- Set heating times (e.g., 6:30-7:00 AM every day)
- Operate from bed, car or office at push of a button
- Custom temperature settings
- Statistics on use & energy monitoring
- Works with Alexa/Google Assistant/Siri Support
4. Real Use Cases: Phone vs. No Phone
Let's consider some real-life examples.
| Scenario | Manual Use (No Phone) | App/WiFi Use |
|---|---|---|
| "I get up at 6:30 and I would like a hot towel.” | Wake up early to press the button | Schedule heat using app 6:00–7:00 |
| "I went away and forgot to shut it off.” | You can’t do anything remotely | Open the app, turn it off remotely |
| “My guests don’t use apps.” | Easy — just press the power button | Still works without requiring a login |
| "I want to program it to auto-warm when I turn the shower on.” | Not possible | Define automation in Alexa/Google routines |
5. How to Download and Install the App (Step by Step)
First-Run App Configuration (10–15 minutes at the most)
Before you begin:
- You'll need a 2.4GHz WiFi network (most routers are dual band with 2.4 and 5GHz—connect to the 2.4 one)
- Keep your phone in hand with Bluetooth ON
Step-by-step:
- Download the app: Smart Life/Tuya App depending on model as on packaging or user manual)
- Create an account.
- Insert the towel rack into the power outlet and keep pressing the power button for 5 seconds until the LED flashes. This places the unit in pairing mode.
- Open the app → Add Device → Small Home Appliances → Towel Rack.
- Follow directions to connect to WiFi.
- Give your device a name (such as "Master Bath Rack") and press save.
- You are now all connected and ready to schedule when you want your toaster oven on, off and more.
6. Want to Use Voice Control? Here's How
If you're already using Amazon Alexa, Google Home or Apple Shortcuts at home, you'll be able to connect the rack through your smart home hub.
Example Voice Commands:
- "Alexa, I want the towel rack on.”
- "Hey Google, set the towel warmer to 40 degrees.”
Note: You will still need the app initially to connect the device with your smart home platform.
7. Frequent Problems and How to Solve Them
| Problem | Likely Cause | How to Fix It |
|---|---|---|
| Can’t connect to WiFi | Router not 2.4GHz / Wrong password | Switch to 2.4GHz, double-check login info |
| App doesn’t detect rack | Bluetooth off / Device not in pairing | Turn on Bluetooth, long press power to reset |
| Rack shuts off too quickly | Timer mode activated | Disable timer in app or adjust manual setting |
| Voice assistant won’t work | Skill not linked | Link Ace Decor/Smart Life skill in app |
| Power button not responding | Power surge or firmware error | Unplug for 10 seconds, plug back in |
8. Energy Efficiency Tips
- Don't leave the towel rack running 24/7.
Instead, arrange it for 30–60 minutes prior to using.
- Automatically turn off using app automation—up to 70% in energy savings compared to a manual switch.
- Monitor the energy consumption in the app on a weekly basis. Fuelled as cheaply as it can be, a lot of others are surprised how cheap it really is!
9. Bottom Line: Do You Need a Phone?
No—you don't.
But if you care about:
- Convenience
- Energy savings
- Remote access
- Automation
From there, taking advantage of the app is what makes what might be a "nice to have" a legitimate lifestyle upgrade.
10. About Ace Decor
We make stuff for real people (you vague real-person types) whether you're fully smart home integrated, or still into good old-fashioned buttons. Our 17 x 31 WiFi Heated Towel Rack works for people with a smartphone, and let's not forget about grandma and grandpa for whom this is ideal.
If you ever get stuck, we're here to help. Reach out via our customer support—no chatbots, no nonsense.
FAQ Time
1. Can I put the towel warmer cordless, only the white cable shows?
Yes. It arrives as a plug-in unit, but the towel rack can also be professionally hardwired for a clean, cordless appearance. Just be sure the installation complies with local electrical codes — preferably by a licensed electrician.
2. What if my WiFi is down, Can the towel rack still work?
Yes. WiFi only required for App and remote features. The rack everything works in it, I can still power on by holding the physical power button etc. whether there is or isn't internet.
3. Is it safe to run your rack over night?
It is secure, with built-in thermal protection, but less than perfect. For energy efficiency and towel maintenance, we suggest setting the towel warmer time to automatically turn off after 1–2 hours.
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Eager to take your smart bathroom setup to the next level? Take a look at these informative articles to learn more about capabilities, install tips, and maintenance guidance.
