Kasa Remote Control Not Working or Showing Local Only in the Kasa App: Troubleshooting Guide

Remote access lets you control your Kasa smart devices — including smart plugs, switches, bulbs, and cameras — from anywhere, even when you're away from home. This page covers three troubleshooting steps for when the Kasa remote control is not working or shows "Local Only" in the Kasa app.

Note: The Remote Control function of a Kasa device is enabled automatically once the device is configured and connected to the internet. On the Device Settings page, the Remote Control option may not be visible for all models.

Key Takeaways

• Remote control on Kasa devices is enabled automatically once the device is configured and connected to the internet.
• If the device shows "Local Only," check for a Remote Control toggle in the Device Settings page of the Kasa app and enable it.
• If the device shows "bound to another account," sign in to the previous Kasa account and remove the device, or perform a factory reset.
• Error messages such as "Cloud send cmd failed" or "Another cmd is running" can often be resolved by resetting and reconfiguring the device.

Kasa Remote Control Troubleshooting Steps

Step 1: Upgrade Your Kasa Device To The Latest Firmware

To upgrade the firmware of Kasa smart devices, please refer to: How to update firmware of Kasa smart devices | TP-Link

Step 2: Turn on the Remote Control

On the Kasa app Home page, tap the device card, then tap the gear icon in the top right to open Device Settings. Turn on the Remote Control switch (if available). If you see an error when enabling it, follow the steps below to troubleshoot.

Error Message: It’s Bound to Another Account

• Check whether you have registered another account previously. If yes, please sign in with your previous Kasa account and delete the device from the list. After that, sign in to your new account and reconfigure the smart device.
• If you forget your previous account, please hard reset the device as per the User Guide/Quick Installation Guide for a try. And then configure it again with your new account.

Error Message: Cloud send cmd failed / Another cmd is running / other error messages

• Reset the Kasa device to factory default settings as per the User Guide/Quick Installation Guide, then reconfigure it.
• Turn off the firewall on the modem/router and then reboot it.
• Change the DNS server of the modem/router to 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.

Step 3: Reset and Reconfigure the Device

Reset the Kasa device to factory default settings as per the User Guide/Quick Installation Guide, then reconfigure it. If the issue persists, contact TP-Link Support with the device's MAC address.

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