3-way light switch control

[covert spire]

I am planning to install smart switches to control lights with a 3-way switch. I plan to get the Kasa Smart 3 Way Switch HS210 KIT. The kit comes with two switches and they seem to instruct you to install both. But it seems to me I should only need one smart switch (with one manual switch) per set of lights. Since one smart switch should be able to control the lights, why would I need two smart switches for the same lights? Am I missing something?

[twilit spruce]

I think you're missing the point of what is 2 or 3 way switch?

[sterile nimbus]

my general advice would be to avoid tplink (kasa/tapo) stuff
but it depends how stuff is wired.
if you don't need 2 switches then a kit with 2 x 3-way switch is not the thing you want to buy

also honestly if your asking this type of question then you should probably not be doing this yourself and should seek advise from an electrician.

[covert spire]

I have had good luck with Kasa devices. I plan to install this for two three-way Circuits, so I guess the real question is do I need one or two kits.

[covert spire]

I've done plenty of electrical work over my 50 years of adulthood. No worry there.

[sterile nimbus]

kasa stuff used to be fairly good but the issue is that its starting to come more locked down. so you may have issues integrating it.

my advice isnt that you need to get rid of kasa stuff, but mostly that you should not get any more.

how are your 3 ways wired? do you have neutrals? etc...

[covert spire]

Yes, Neutrals are present and I have a number of smart switches that use them.

[covert spire]

And what would that point be?

[sterile nimbus]

i just looked up the kasa site for the switches in question. they don't seem to actually a wiring diagram at all the quick install guide is "use our shitty app" and the videos are interesting... to say the least.

however to answer your orginal quesiton. it does seem that 1 smart switch and a manual switch should be enough for each circuit. i imagine they guide you through using 2 so they can sell you 2.

although you might find they have set it up in such a way that it doesnt recognise if the light is actually on/off. it instead detects the switch being on/off.

so in practical terms you can still "toggle" but it may report the wrong state

then when you complain they say "oh you need 2 for that to work correctly"

[covert spire]

Your replies are what I was thinking. I expect I will order a pair and install one and see how it goes. I think you may be right about tracking "On" and "Off". If needed, I will probably buy another set, since I have two such lights to do.. I appreciate your time and replies.

[sterile nimbus]

no worries, if it makes any difference. I would buy a shelly relay and stick it behind the existing switches or light (depending on how stuff is actually wired) and it will probably do a better job

[covert spire]

I've never set up a Shelly relay, but I like the idea.

[sterile nimbus]

do you know how the circuit is actually wired with the 2 switches?

there's multiple ways of wiring 2 switch circuits so your options of where to put it depend on the way its done

[covert spire]

I believe I do, based on the wire colors. I'll probably try the switches. When I can, I stick with what I've used before.

[sterile nimbus]

if you draw it out I could suggest an option on that front but for sure can give it a go with stuff you already have.

[covert spire]

Thanks for the offer. I'll give this a try and let you know. It's probably a month or so down the road. I move a bit slower these days.