Ivy Smart Planter App Guide
Ivy Gen 2 connects to the free Smart Life app on iPhone and Android. Here's how to get it set up, what the app can do, and how to fix the most common problems.
Which app does Ivy use?
Ivy Gen 2 uses the Smart Life app. Search for "Smart Life" in the App Store or Google Play and install it, then create an account.
How to set up Ivy in the app
- Charge and power on Ivy. Connect the USB-C cable to a 5V charger. To switch Ivy on, press and hold the rear button for more than half a second.
- Get your phone ready. Connect your phone to your 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network and turn Bluetooth on, which helps the app find Ivy.
- Add Ivy to the app. Open Smart Life and tap Add Device in the top-right corner. Select Add when Ivy appears, then enter your Wi-Fi password.
- Choose your plant. Open your device list and select Ivy. Tap the question mark icon, then swipe through the plant cards and pick yours. There are 60+ plant types to choose from.
- Add water. Pour about 60 ml into the water tank, until the ball rises into the marked zone. Don't go above 80 ml. Then place the inner pot into Ivy.
Ivy only works on 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. 5 GHz networks aren't supported. If your router shows two networks, choose the 2.4 GHz one.
What you can do in the app
- Check your plant live. See your plant's real-time status, including soil moisture, water level, light and temperature.
- View history and trends. Look back over past readings to see how your plant is growing.
- Get care alerts. Receive notifications when your plant needs attention, alongside the expressions on Ivy's screen.
- Add your own photos and videos. Open Ivy from your device list and tap Custom Animations to upload and manage them.
- Review your focus time. Ivy has a built-in Pomodoro timer, and the app keeps the detailed history.
- Connect other devices. Ivy can interact with other devices in the Smart Life app.
Using Ivy without your phone
Once Ivy is set up, you don't need the app open for everyday use. Ivy shows how your plant is doing through its expressions, and you can use it directly:
- Time, date and weather: touch the front button for the time. Then tap the left side for the date or the right side for the weather.
- Pomodoro timer: press the front button repeatedly until the timer appears, then tap the right side to start.
- Your animations: press the rear button once, then use the left and right sides to switch between them.
Ivy does need a Wi-Fi connection to stay up to date. It uses Wi-Fi for software updates, plant data, the weather, the time and date, and downloading your custom animations.
Troubleshooting
The app can't find Ivy
Check that Bluetooth is on, that your phone is on 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, and that Ivy is powered on. Then try adding it again.
How to reconnect Ivy or change Wi-Fi network
You can reset Ivy's Wi-Fi in either of these ways:
- Using the rear button: press it three times quickly, then touch the right side of the screen to confirm.
- From Ivy's settings: go to Settings on Ivy and tap Reset Network.
Ivy will restart in Wi-Fi setup mode. Open Smart Life, tap the + icon, select Add Device and follow the steps.
Ivy runs out of battery quickly
The built-in 2000 mAh battery is meant for short-term use, such as moving Ivy somewhere sunnier for the day. A full charge lasts around 8 to 9 hours, so keep Ivy plugged in for everyday use.
Common questions
Is the Smart Life app free?
Yes, Smart Life is free to download on iPhone and Android.
Do I need the app to use Ivy?
You need it to connect Ivy to Wi-Fi and choose your plant. After that, Ivy shows its expressions and reminders on its own screen, and you can open the app whenever you want more detail.
What if my plant isn't listed?
There are 60+ plant types in the app. If yours isn't one of them, choose the closest match or the General profile.
Still stuck?
Email us at support@smartplantivy.co.uk and we'll help you get set up.