Wemo Smart Plug Not Connecting to WiFi or Showing Offline

Wemo smart plugs are reliable devices, but they can sometimes refuse to connect to WiFi or show as offline in the Wemo app. This is especially common after router changes, firmware updates, or power outages. Here is how to get your Wemo plug back online.

Common Causes

  • 5GHz WiFi network - Wemo plugs only support 2.4GHz WiFi
  • Router compatibility - Some mesh routers have known issues with Wemo devices
  • Hidden network name - Wemo has trouble connecting to hidden SSIDs
  • Firmware update issues - Updates can sometimes cause temporary disconnections
  • IPv6 settings - IPv6 can cause compatibility problems

How to Fix It

Step 1: Power Cycle the Plug

Before resetting, try a simple power cycle:

  1. Unplug the Wemo device from the wall
  2. Wait 20 seconds
  3. Plug it back in
  4. Wait for it to reconnect (do NOT reset it)

This often works after firmware updates when the plug just needs to reboot.

Step 2: Verify 2.4GHz Network

Wemo smart plugs only work with 2.4GHz WiFi. They do not support 5GHz networks. If your router broadcasts both bands under one network name, create a separate 2.4GHz-only network for your Wemo devices.

Step 3: Check Network Visibility

Make sure your WiFi network name (SSID) is not hidden. Wemo devices have difficulty connecting to hidden networks. Enable SSID broadcast in your router settings.

Step 4: Factory Reset the Plug

If power cycling does not work, perform a factory reset:

  1. Unplug the Wemo plug from the outlet
  2. Press and hold the power button on the plug
  3. While still holding the button, plug it back into the outlet
  4. Continue holding until the LED flashes white rapidly
  5. Release the button
  6. Wait 60-90 seconds for the reset to complete
  7. The LED will alternate between amber and white when ready to set up

Step 5: Check Router Settings

Some router settings can interfere with Wemo devices:

  • Disable IPv6 if enabled (can cause compatibility issues)
  • Make sure the plug is not on a guest network
  • Check if your router has quarantined the device
  • Verify you are using WPA or WPA2 security (Wemo supports WPA, WPA2, and WEP)

Step 6: Mesh Router Troubleshooting

Users with mesh routers (Eero, Google WiFi, Orbi) sometimes have persistent issues. Try:

  • Creating a separate IoT network on 2.4GHz only
  • Disabling band steering if your router has this feature
  • Placing the plug closer to a mesh node during setup

LED Indicator Guide

  • Solid white - Connected and working
  • Blinking white - Connecting to WiFi
  • Blinking orange - Unable to connect to WiFi (needs setup)
  • Alternating amber/white - Ready for setup after reset