If Alexa or Google Assistant says your smart plug is not responding, this guide covers the common causes and fixes that work for most smart plug brands.
Why Smart Plugs Stop Responding
- Plug lost WiFi connection
- Voice assistant skill needs to be relinked
- Plug firmware is out of date
- Name conflict with other devices
- Plug needs a reset
How to Fix an Unresponsive Smart Plug
Check the Plug's WiFi Connection
Open the manufacturer's app (like Kasa, Smart Life, or Wemo) and see if the plug shows as online. If it shows offline, the plug lost its WiFi connection.
Power Cycle the Plug
- Unplug the smart plug from the wall
- Wait 10 seconds
- Plug it back in
- Wait 30 seconds for it to reconnect
Relink the Voice Assistant Skill
For Alexa:
- Open the Alexa app
- Go to More then Skills and Games
- Find your smart plug skill
- Tap Disable Skill
- Enable it again and sign in
- Say Alexa, discover devices
For Google Home:
- Open the Google Home app
- Tap the + button then Set up device
- Select Works with Google
- Find your smart plug brand
- Unlink then relink the account
Rename the Device
Voice assistants can get confused if device names are too similar or too long. Try renaming your plug to something short and unique like Office Lamp or Fan Plug.
Update Plug Firmware
Open the manufacturer's app and check for firmware updates. Outdated firmware can cause voice control issues.
Check Your WiFi Network
Most smart plugs only work on 2.4GHz WiFi. If you recently changed router settings or got a new router, you may need to reconnect the plug to your 2.4GHz network.