IKEA TRADFRI Outlet and Motion Sensor Not Working

The IKEA TRADFRI Control Outlet and Motion Sensor are Zigbee devices that work with the DIRIGERA or older TRADFRI Gateway. This guide covers connectivity and functionality issues.

Common Outlet Symptoms

  • Outlet not turning devices on/off
  • Outlet showing offline in app
  • Connected device flickering or not receiving power
  • Manual button on outlet not working
  • Outlet not responding to automations

Common Motion Sensor Symptoms

  • Lights not turning on when motion detected
  • False triggers or constant activation
  • Sensor not appearing in app
  • Delayed response to movement

Outlet Troubleshooting

1. Check Physical Connections

  • Ensure outlet is plugged securely into wall socket
  • Verify device plugged into outlet is working (test in regular outlet)
  • Check outlet LED indicator status
  • Try pressing the manual on/off button on the outlet

2. Verify Power Load

TRADFRI outlet has load limits:

  • Maximum load: 10A (2200W at 220V, 1100W at 110V)
  • Don't use with space heaters or high-draw appliances
  • Avoid using with inductive loads (motors) when possible

3. Re-Pair Outlet

  1. Remove outlet from IKEA Home Smart app
  2. Press the reset pin hole (use paperclip) for 5 seconds
  3. LED will flash to indicate reset
  4. Add device in app > Smart plug
  5. Keep outlet near hub during pairing

Motion Sensor Troubleshooting

1. Check Battery

  • Motion sensor uses 2x AAA batteries
  • Replace if sensor is unresponsive
  • Check battery orientation when installing

2. Adjust Sensor Placement

  • Mount sensor 2.4 meters high for optimal detection
  • Point sensor toward area to monitor
  • Avoid pointing at heat sources (radiators, windows)
  • Detection range is approximately 5 meters

3. Configure Sensitivity

In IKEA Home Smart app, adjust motion sensor settings:

  • Set detection duration (1, 5, or 10 minutes)
  • Adjust light level threshold for triggering
  • Configure which lights respond to motion

4. Re-Pair Motion Sensor

  1. Remove sensor from app
  2. Open sensor cover and press pair button 4 times
  3. LED will flash
  4. Add as new device in app

Zigbee Mesh Issues

Both devices need strong Zigbee signal:

  • TRADFRI outlets act as Zigbee repeaters—add more to extend mesh
  • Move DIRIGERA hub to central location
  • Avoid large metal objects between devices and hub
  • If mesh seems unstable, power cycle the hub

Setting Up Automations

To connect motion sensor to outlet:

  1. In IKEA Home Smart app, go to Automations
  2. Create new automation
  3. Set motion sensor as trigger
  4. Add outlet as action (turn on/off)
  5. Set duration and conditions as needed

When to Contact Support

Contact IKEA support if:

  • Outlet makes buzzing or clicking sounds
  • Outlet overheats during normal use
  • Devices won't pair after multiple reset attempts
  • Physical damage to outlet or sensor