How to Reset a Kasa Smart Plug

Soft or factory reset your smart plug, depending on your needs

What to Know

  • Two options to reset Kasa smart plug; Soft reset (doesn't erase current settings) or factory reset (erases settings returning to like-new condition).
  • Soft reset: Press and hold the reset button for 5 seconds; the Wi-Fi LED light should blink amber and green.
  • Factory reset: Press and hold the reset button (it may be a control button) until the Wi-Fi LED light blinks amber rapidly.

This article provides instructions for how to reset a Kasa smart plug (aka TP-Link Kasa smart plug), including how to do a soft reset and how to factory reset the plug.

How to Reset a TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug

Regardless of the model of Kasa smart plug you have, the process of resetting it is pretty easy, but you have two options for resetting:

  1. Soft Reset: This resets the plug's functionality without removing any of the associated configuration settings. If your plug isn't functioning properly but still shows up in your smart home control system and seems to connect to Wi-Fi, you would use a soft reset.
  2. Factory Reset: This resets your smart plug back to factory settings, meaning you will need to reconfigure and reconnect it once the reset is complete. You will use this option if you're changing ownership of the plug or if the plug doesn't seem to be connecting to your smart home network at all.

How to Perform a Soft Reset on Your Kasa Smart Plug

A soft reset will fix most of the issues you're having with your Kasa smart plug, and it takes just a few seconds to complete.

  1. With your TP-Link Kasa smart plug still plugged into the power outlet, locate the reset or control button. Depending on the model of plug you have, the button may be on the top or the side of the device.

    The reset button on a Kasa HS110 Smart Plug
  2. Press and hold the button for 5 seconds.

  3. The Wi-Fi LED light should blink amber and green. When it does, you can go to the app and follow any prompts you may see there. If there are no prompts, once your smart plug stops blinking, the reset should be complete.

How to Factory Reset Your Kasa Smart Plug

If the soft reset doesn't fix your problem or change ownership of the plug, a factory reset is nearly as simple as the soft reset.

  1. Make sure your TP-Link Kasa smart plug is securely plugged into an outlet.

  2. Press and hold the reset or control button on your Kasa smart plug for about 10 seconds.

  3. When the Wi-Fi LED light rapidly blinks amber, you can release the button and the plug should switch back to factory default settings. You can then install and configure the Kasa smart plug as a new device.

How Do I Change the Wi-Fi on My Kasa Smart Plug

Unfortunately, there is no straightforward way to change the Wi-Fi on a Kasa smart plug from within the app. To change the Wi-Fi, you'll need to perform a factory reset on the device and then set it up again as if it were a brand new device.

Be sure you follow the directions above for factory reset as a soft reset will not erase the existing network data programmed into your Kasa smart plug.

Why Is My Kasa Smart Plug Not Working

If your previously installed Kasa smart plug stops working, there could be a few reasons:

  • Not connected to Wi-Fi: If your smart plug is not connected to Wi-Fi, it won't work properly. A sudden power outage (when the power goes off and comes right back on) could be the cause. Try unplugging the smart plug, waiting a few seconds, and then plugging it back in to see if that gets it going. If not, try one of the reset methods above.
  • Not connected to the right network: Most owners don't realize you must connect your Kasa smart plug to a 2.4 GHz network. A 5 GHz network will not work. Check the network that you've connected your smart plug to ensure it is correct.
  • You haven't set the plug up in the app: Once you install and connect to your smart plug, you'll need to install it in the app, and if you plan to connect to Alexa, you'll need to connect it to the Alexa app as well. Again, the Kasa app should walk you through the process.
FAQ
  • How do I reset my Kasa login in SmartThings?

    If you forgot your password, open the SmartThings app and select I’m a SmartThings user. Enter your email address and select Continue > Forgot your password. Confirm your email address, select Send Recovery Email, and follow the instructions in the email you receive.

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