Is the Tuya app saying that your smart plug is offline? This can be frustrating, especially if you need help figuring out what to do about it. Well, there is nothing to worry about when you can fix it.
The smart plug is a must-have device. Considering that it efficiently works with other devices such as Alexa and Google Assistant, you want it in top shape. The convenience of merging functions such as voice control can make your life easy. You should act quickly when the plug refuses to connect and shows that it is offline when it shouldn’t.
First, understand the possible causes of this recurring error. It is possible that the smart plug is not powered on and needs to. You must also check the WiFi strength and ensure its signal is stable and strong throughout. Also, ensure the WiFi password is correct and verify that the firmware app is updated with the latest updates.
In the worst-case scenario, factory reset the smart plug, then uninstall and re-install the app and try to connect it again. As mentioned, several reasons can cause your smart plug to appear offline. Find out more below.
Why is Tuya Smart Plug Offline?
1. The Device Isn’t Powered and Isn’t Ready to Connect
The Tuya smart plug must be plugged in and powered to work like other smart plugs. This is the only way it can begin the connection process. This means the app will not be discoverable if the device isn’t on. This is the first possible reason that the device may appear offline.
Therefore, before troubleshooting, confirm that the device is powered on. This is the only way to tell if the device is ready to connect.
Fix – Check that the Device is Powered on
- Verify that the device is powered/ on and is connection-ready
- Next, you need to press and hold the power button for some seconds until it begins to blink rapidly
- This blinking shows that the device is ready to connect. Therefore prepare for set up in the next 30 to 60 seconds before time out. In the end, it will only lead to connection failure.
- If the smart plug is powered on and ready to connect, yet it still indicates offline, you must try other troubleshooting measures.
2. Poor or Weak WiFi Strength
If you have weak network strength, you can be sure your device will not be detected. The Tuya needs robust network connectivity to detect the smart plug device. In case it struggles to connect, make sure to verify the strength and stability of the connection before attempting to reconnect.
Fix – Check for Network Strength
- Confirm that the network strength is as it should be. Make sure the strength is not low
- Find the router if the network strength is low. Make sure to move the router closer to the smart plug
- In case this does not work, you need to reset the router again.
3. Wrong WiFi Password
While the offline issue may not be directly affected by the wrong WiFi password, the connection may fail if you use the wrong WiFi password. The app and device will fail to connect when the connection is affected. Ensure you key in the right password if you have forgotten the correct password.
Fix – Change the Password
- Make sure to always key in the correct password for the WiFi
- If you have forgotten the password, reset the old one. Make sure to note the new password and ensure to record it somewhere for future reference.
Basically, to change the WiFiyou must reset the plug and then set it up anew before trying to connect again.
This should be your move if the other options fail to fix the not connecting error. Unfortunately, there is no option to do this within the app so you have to reset the device before you can reconfigure it.
4. Too Many Devices Connected to the WiFi
You may have a strong internet connection or WiFi, but this could struggle because of the number of devices connected. Too many devices will interfere with the network stability and cause it to weaken over time.
Always verify that you have the maximum number of devices connected to your WiFi router at any given time. If the devices exceed the expected number, you can disconnect some.
You may not have reached the maximum number of devices allowed for your WiFi network. However, having too many devices on the network can be disadvantageous. The problem with too many devices on the network is that they can affect the connection negatively. Your Tuya Smart plug will indeed suffer significantly if this happens.
Fix – Reduce the Number of Devices on the WiFi
- To ensure the connection has the most minor interference, minimize the number of devices on the router. This means that you have first to restart the router.
- Next, you have to power off the plug and then power it back on.
- Wait at least 2 to 4 minutes before rechecking the app. Make sure that the device is now back online.
Note that you can also fix the device to a pairing mode. To do this, you must first plug it into a power outlet. Make sure that this outlet is on. Follow up by pressing and holding the power button to the side of the device.
This should take a few seconds. Do this until the lights blink rapidly. Usually, the blinking of the lights is an indication that the plug is already in pairing mode. You may have to do it a few more times before it eventually accepts to pair. Sometimes it may happen instantly.
5. The Plug’s Firmware is Outdated
When all the already mentioned troubleshooting solutions fail to work, your next move is to consider the firmware. Make sure that the plug’s firmware is up to date. Keep up with updates by checking the app for prompts. Always ensure you update the firmware as soon as new updates come up.
Fix – Keep Up with Firmware Updates
- Check the app for new updates often
- Tap on the Home icon, then tap on the device icon, which you then follow by tapping the typo right button
- Next, select the Firmware updates that come up
- You may also have to confirm the Tuya app that you are using. You may need to uninstall and install the latest version, especially if you are not getting the relevant updates.
- Once the necessary updates have been made, your next move should be to connect the device to see if it works.
6. The Device is not Set Correctly
Sometimes even with all the other troubleshooting techniques, your device will still appear offline. When nothing else seems to work, you need to reset the device altogether. Note that factory resetting the device should be your last option when everything else fails.
While it will fix everything, there is also the fact that it restores all settings to what the device was when it was new. All preset connections will be lost as the glitches are resolved.
Fix – Factor Reset the Device
- To reset the Tuya smart plug, plug the device into an outlet that works. Confirm that this outlet has received power.
- Next, you need to press and hold the power button for at least 5 seconds
- You should see the light blinking continuously. Usually, this blinking light signifies that the device has been successfully reset
- Try to restart the connection process. Ideally, everything should return to normal since all glitches have been resolved by resetting the system. Make sure to set new connections since those that existed before were all erased with the factory reset procedure.
Your Tuya smart plug is one device that offers convenience when working optimally. Unfortunately, this may not always happen because of different interferences. The fact that the device may appear online despite being connected is a big red flag.
Such indications show that something wrong needs to be fixed quickly. Fortunately, several troubleshooting techniques can help restore the optimal function of the device. If none work, you can opt to contact Tuya Support for help.
They will know what to advise and which action to take. Sometimes the device is defective from the manufacturer, and in such cases, no solution exists except returning it.
You may need to replace the device, primarily if it has been used for a long time since the constant wear and tear could affect it negatively. The bottom line is that the smart plug device can be fixed, and there is no need to panic each time the offline error occurs.
Note that the biggest problem with your Tuya smart plug being offline is the fact that there is a poor internet connection. This can be fixed a lot easier if you ensure to maintain a stable and steady internet connection. Forget about overloading the WiFi with numerous devices as this will make the internet connection unstable. Make sure the internet works throughout if you want to enjoy the services of the plug.