Kasa smart bulb not connecting? Easy ways to fix it

⚡ Fast fix

• First, check your Wi-Fi—it must be 2.4GHz, not 5GHz.
• Restart your router and your phone—it fixes more than you think.
• Open the Kasa app and make sure Bluetooth and Location are on.
• Still not connecting? Flip the switch on and off until the bulb blinks—that’s the reset.

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Smart lightbulbs are often at the top of a smart home checklist. They make it super convenient to dim the lights, set schedules, and even turn your house lights on and off when you’re not at home.

On the flip side, it’s frustrating when you use the voice command, “Dim the lights,” and nothing happens because your lightbulb won’t connect. But don’t worry. Often, you can resolve the issue with just a few steps.

At Asurion, we’ve seen it all when it comes to tech, so we can help you through any issues you encounter. If your Kasa Smart™ bulb is not connecting, follow these troubleshooting tips.

Check Wi-Fi and network requirements

Most smart bulbs need a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network connection to work properly. Kasa bulbs don’t support 5GHz connections, so that could be the issue if your TP-Link Kasa Smart bulb isn't connecting. When you paired the smart light bulbs with Wi-Fi, you may have accidentally connected to a 5GHz band instead of 2.4GHz.

Try disabling the 5GHz Wi-Fi band while setting up the smart bulbs. Make sure your phone is connected to the 2.4GHz band, and reset the Kasa Smart bulb so it connects to the right Wi-Fi network.

You can also try moving your router closer to your TP-Link® Kasa Smart bulb that’s not connecting. Proximity and a stronger connection help bulbs connect to Wi-Fi.

Fix pairing and detection problems

You have to download the TP-Link Kasa Smart app to set up a Kasa Smart plug or smart bulb. Open the settings on your mobile device and view the app’s permissions. Make sure Bluetooth or Location Services are enabled.

If the app shows “device not found” for your smart bulb, try re-adding the bulb. Ideally, you should keep the bulb, router, and your mobile device close together during the process. Being far from the router or experiencing interference can affect the pairing process.

You may also need to turn off your virtual private network (VPN) or other proxy services on your mobile device, as they can interfere with the connection during setup.

Restart your phone and your Wi-Fi router to refresh the connections and help your TP-Link app discover the smart bulb.

Adjust router and device settings

If a Kasa Smart bulb still will not connect, treat this as a configuration issue at the device and network level.

Check mobile device permissions.Enable required location and network permissions for the TP-Link Kasa Smart app in the phone’s settings.

Review router features.Disable Band Steering and Auto-Optimizing. Look for DHCP or IP assignment conflicts that can block new devices.

Update the bulb firmware.Open the Kasa Smart app, select Me, choose Firmware update, and follow the on-screen steps.

Reset the bulb and try again

If none of the other steps resolve the connection issues, you can reset the Kasa Smart bulb and reconnect it.

1. Leave the Kasa bulb screwed in and turn the light switch on and off until the bulb blinks quickly.
2. Open the Kasa Smart app.
3. Under devices, delete the offline smart bulb.
4. Select + and add the smart bulb again by following the in-app prompts.

If you don’t see your smart bulb after trying to reconnect, connect to the bulb’s Wi-Fi network on your mobile device. The network should be named TP-Link_XXXX. Then, go back into the app and try again.

The steps to reset your Kasa Smart plug are different. Press and hold the reset button on the side of the plug until the Wi-Fi light quickly blinks amber.

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FAQ

Why won’t my Kasa Smart bulb connect to Wi-Fi?

Kasa bulbs only support 2.4GHz Wi-Fi networks. If you’re connected to 5GHz, it won’t pair properly.

Why does the Kasa app say “device not found”?

Bluetooth, Location Services, or network permissions may be disabled. Make sure they’re turned on.

How do I factory reset a Kasa Smart bulb?

Turn the light switch on and off repeatedly until the bulb blinks quickly.

Why is my Kasa bulb offline after a power outage?

After outages or router name changes, you may need to reconnect the bulb through the Kasa app.