Smart home devices are becoming increasingly popular among the population. They can make life a bit easier sometimes and help automate away minimal tasks. They can be fun forsure, but as with any new technology there is a bigger chance for some kinks needing worked out.

A very common problem might be your smart plugs losing connection to your wifi. Maybe its struggling connecting in the first place. Here are some possible problems and solutions regarding your smart plug connectivity.

Your Phone And Smart Plug Are On Different Networks

You may need to check the wireless connection on your cellphone if if you are having issues. Both of your devices need to be connected to the same wifi network if you wish to control if via phone.

While you control via bluetooth, you will still need to be connected to the same wifi network.

Potential Solutions

You should check the following three things to make sure you can properly setup and use your smart plug device.

• WiFi Connection: As stated before check to make sure your phone is connected to your wifi network and not data.
• Bluetooth Connection: Make sure your bluetooth is on and connected.
• Location: Make sure your smart plug has location enabled. This is important if you have time sensitive commands programmed in your device.
• Low Power Mode: If you have low power mode enabled then there is a chance that it will mess with your apps functionality. You can check your settings to exempt your smart pug app when low power mode is on. Otherwise make sure you are using it when you have full functionality. (low power mode off, not 100% battery)

Something to note is if you are using a VPN on your phone, then your smart plug may use the time based on where the IP appears.

Your Outlet Is Dead Or Tripped

Check if you are getting electricity to your outlet. The smart plug needs to be plugged in and have constant power.

If you are in an older home or apartment it is common to have outlets wired to switches. So, if you think you are shutting off a lamp that is plugged in, you might actually be cutting off the power to the outlet.

If your smart plug is not appearing, then check that it is plugged in all the way and that the outlet is properly powered.

Potential Phone Cache Issues

Clear your cache on your phone. It is always nice to have quick data you need saved, but if something becomes corrupted for whatever reason then you may start to see issues with connection or setup.

Your best bet here is to clear your cache on your app. If you are lucky then this is a nice quick fix!

Smart Plug Reset

Depending on the brand of smart plug you have, there may be a chance that it needs reset due to a power outage.

If there happens to be a power surge or outage of any kind, smart plugs can default to off without automatically restarting when the power is restored.

I’m sure you’ve heard it a million time and are annoyed by it, but have you tried restarting it? Sometimes it just works. There is no rhyme or reason behind it. Any smart device with a “computer” can only do what it is programmed to do. Restarting however is pure magic that cannot be explained. I kid. Seriously though, sometimes a simple restart is all you need!

Check For Smart Plug Update

The firmware controls everything about your smart plug. It is the code that tells it what to do. If your firmware is out of date then it may not operate properly.

Usually this would update automatically but again, if there were previous connection issues then it is possible your device missed an update.

If a reset didn’t do anything, you can check the firmware version via the app. Navigate to your settings and find your smart plug app. If the “update firmware” button appears enabled, then touch the button. Wait until the UI indicates the update is finished. You may need to reset your plug after this for the changes to take effect.

Smart Plug To Router Distance

Modern day problems. Your wifi just may not reach all the place you want it to. Use other wireless devices like a phone or tablet and see how good your internet is in the area of your smart plug. If the wifi signal is weak then you may have problems. You can move your smart plug closer to your router to fix this issue.

If you absolutely need the smart plug where it currently is then consider getting a wifi extender or mesh wifi boost your wireless signal in the area of your smart plug.

*it should be noted mesh wifi has the chance to mess with your smart plug as well due to the combination of 2.4 and 5GHz bands. More on that later.

Smart Plug To Hub Compatibility Issues

What type of smart hub do you have? Amazon Alexa, Google Nest, or Apple Homekit? Any others? Not all smart plugs are universally compatible with every other brand.

If you bought an amazon smart plug, then it would make sense that it works with all your alexa enabled devices. This wouldn’t work with a google or apple setup, unfortunately. The reverse is also true.

Check the brand of your device and make sure it is compatible with your whole home setup. You don’t necessarily need the same brand across your house. Some smart plug brands might work with your hub. You just need to double check and make sure that the plug is in fact compatible.

WiFi Settings And Reset

While you may have reset your plug, consider resetting your wifi. There is always a chance that your smart plug connected to the 5GHz band of your wifi. Your smart plug only supports operation via the 2.4GHz band. 5GHz will not allow proper functionality.

This is also why the connection distance is important. As mentioned above you may be a little too far away from your router. The 2.4GHz band has more emphasis on the range rather than the speed, which is what we are looking for smart plug wise.

If you have mesh wifi, then this connection issue is always a possibility as mentioned at the beginning of this article. If you have smart plugs, then you are probably someone with other “smart devices” as well. The same issue applies to any smart home device that operates on the 2.4GHz frequency.

For the mesh wifi the potential solutions are a bit more annoying depending on your ISP. Some don’t split the bands automatically. If this is you, then you may have to set up a separate 2.4GHz band in your house.

For other providers like spectrum, the bands should be separate allowing you to select the proper wifi network when connecting.

Re-install The App

If all else fails during setup. Try to delete then re-install your smart plug app. Bugs happen. Similar to the good ol restart you might have just gotten (un)lucky and discovered a one time issue in the process.

If none of these solutions work then there is always a chance you have a faulty device. Sometimes things slip through quality control. If this is the case, contact your manufacturer and see about getting your device replaced or returned.

Frequent Asked Questions(FAQs)

1. Why wont my Smart Plug connect to the Internet?

Make sure your smart plug and hub are connected to the same wifi network. Check to see if your phone or other paired device is within 30ft of the smart plug when setting up.

2. Should smart devices be on 2.4 or 5GHz?

Smart devices should be on 2.4GHz.

3. How do I reconnect my smart plug to Wi-Fi?

Press and hold the button on your device until you see a red light. The light should flash blue when the device is successfully restarted.

Why do smart devices require 2.4GHz?

Devices like smart plugs are designed to be used across your home. Therefore they require more range than power. 2.4GHz frequency provides maximum range while 5GHz frequency provides more power.

4. Why is my smart plug blinking red?

This is indicative of your smart plug being out of range from your hub.

Why is my smart plug blinking blue and orange?

For a kasa smart plug, this means the software is being set up. Other brands may use the same or different colors.