What to Do If Your Tapo or Kasa Smart Plug or Switch Won't Control Your Appliances

This guide addresses a specific issue: when the smart plug or switch powers on and off, but the connected appliance does not respond. If you experience a TP-Link switch not working, or a smart plug not working with an appliance, follow the troubleshooting steps for each device type.

Key Takeaways

• For smart switches: start by testing whether the appliance can be turned on or off manually using the switch's hardware button, then test with a different device.
• For smart switches: if wiring is suspected as the cause, consult a professional electrician before proceeding.
• For smart plugs: try the plug in a different power socket and test with a different device before resetting.
• For smart plugs: gently tapping the side of the plug against a level surface may help resolve the issue.

Troubleshooting Your Smart Switch

Note: If the appliance has the other hardware button, please keep that button in the “On” status.

Use these steps if your smart switch is not turning on/off the lights, ceiling fans, lamps, or other connected appliances:

• Check if you can turn the appliance on/off manually by pressing the hardware button of the switch.
• Try to connect a different device to the switch, like a lamp or a light.
• Make sure the wiring connections are correct and undamaged. If you are unsure, consult a professional electrician.
• Exchange another switch in the same location with the same wiring, or install this switch in the other location to check.

If the issue persists, collect the following information before contacting support:

• A photo of the wiring, with each wire labeled.
• The Model & Power consumption of the device connected to a smart switch.
• The light status on the switch itself.

Troubleshooting Your Smart Plug

Note: If the appliance has the other hardware button, please keep that button in the “On” status.

Use these steps if your smart plug is not turning on/off the lamps, fans, or other connected devices:

• Check if you can turn the appliance on/off manually by pressing the power button on the plug.
• Try the smart plug in another power socket.
• Try to plug a different device into the plug, like a lamp or a light.
• Unplug the smart plug, then gently tap its side against a level surface.
• Reset the smart plug, then configure it again.

If the issue persists, collect the following information before contacting support:

• The Model & Power consumption of the device connected to the smart plug
• The light status on the plug itself.

To learn more about each function and configuration, please visit the Download Center to download the manual for your product.