Leviton Decora smart switches and dimmers can sometimes show as disconnected in the My Leviton app or stop responding to commands. This guide covers the most common causes and solutions for getting your Leviton switches back online.
Common Causes
- Weak WiFi signal - The switch location may have poor WiFi coverage
- Band steering issues - Router automatically switching between 2.4GHz and 5GHz
- Outdated firmware - Switch or router firmware needs updating
- Power outage recovery - Devices may not auto-reconnect after outages
- Neutral wire issues - Improper wiring can cause intermittent problems
How to Fix It
Step 1: Check WiFi Signal Strength
Use your phone to check the WiFi signal strength at the switch location. Weak signal is a common cause of disconnections. If the signal is weak, consider adding a WiFi extender or mesh node nearby.
Step 2: Power Cycle the Switch
For dimmers (DH6HD or DH1KD):
- Press and hold the bottom of the dim/bright bar
- Hold until the LED at the bottom turns off
- Wait 5 seconds
- Press the dim/bright bar to resume operation
For switches (DH15S or D215S):
- Go to your circuit breaker panel
- Turn off the breaker for the switch
- Wait 5 seconds
- Turn the breaker back on
Step 3: Update Firmware
Open the My Leviton app and check if firmware updates are available for your devices. Keeping firmware current helps prevent connectivity issues.
Step 4: Fix Router Settings
Several router settings can cause problems with Leviton switches:
- Split your WiFi bands - If your router uses the same name for 2.4GHz and 5GHz, create separate network names. Connect your Leviton devices to the 2.4GHz network.
- Disable band steering - Turn off band steering or node steering features in your router settings.
- Update router firmware - Check for and install any available router updates.
Step 5: Factory Reset the Switch
If other steps do not work, perform a factory reset:
- Press and hold the top paddle of the switch
- Continue holding for 15 seconds
- The LED will begin flashing red and amber
- Release the paddle
- After a few seconds, the LED will flash green
- The switch is now reset and ready to be added to your network again
Step 6: Verify Wiring
If problems persist, the issue may be with the installation. Leviton smart switches require a neutral wire connection. If the neutral wire is loose or not properly connected, the switch may work intermittently or not at all. Consider having an electrician verify the wiring if you are not comfortable checking it yourself.
After Power Outages
Leviton devices should reconnect automatically after power is restored, but sometimes they do not. If your devices show as disconnected after an outage:
- Wait 5-10 minutes for automatic reconnection
- If still disconnected, power cycle each switch
- Check that your router is fully online first