How to Fix a Failed Kasa Firmware Update
Firmware updates for your TP-Link Kasa smart devices are important. They deliver new features, improve stability, and, most critically, patch security vulnerabilities. While this process is typically smooth and automatic, a firmware update can occasionally fail, leaving your smart plug, bulb, or switch unresponsive. This guide will walk you through the steps to get your device working again.
A failed update can be caused by a number of factors, including a temporary loss of Wi-Fi signal, a brief power interruption, or a glitch in the app. The good news is that the solution is usually straightforward and does not require any special technical skills.
Recognising the Signs of a Failed Update
Your Kasa device might be suffering from a failed firmware update if it exhibits any of the following behaviours:
- Unresponsive Device: The device no longer responds to commands from the Kasa app or to physical button presses.
- Offline Status: In the Kasa app, the device is greyed out and shows an "Offline" or "Local Only" status.
- Abnormal LED Light: The LED indicator light on the device is blinking in an unusual pattern or is stuck on a solid colour like amber or red.
- Frozen Update in App: The firmware update progress bar in the Kasa app is stuck and never finishes.
- Disconnection from Wi-Fi: The device disconnects from your home network and fails to reconnect on its own.
If you're experiencing these issues right after attempting an update, you can be confident that a failed update is the cause.
Step-by-Step Guide to Recovering Your Device
Follow these methods in order. Most issues will be solved with the first one or two steps.
Method 1: Power Cycle the Kasa Device
This is the simplest and most effective first step. A power cycle forces the device to reboot its internal software, which can often clear the error state caused by the failed update.
- Unplug the Device: If it's a smart plug or bulb, remove it from the power outlet or light fitting. If it's a wall switch, you will need to turn off the corresponding circuit breaker at your home's main electrical panel.
- Wait: Leave the device without power for at least 60 seconds. This is an important step to ensure all internal components are fully discharged.
- Plug It Back In: Restore power to the device.
- Observe: Watch the LED indicator light. It should blink for a while and then, hopefully, turn solid green or blue, indicating it has successfully reconnected to your Wi-Fi network. Check the Kasa app to see if the device is now online and responsive.
Method 2: Reboot Your Wi-Fi Router
If power cycling the Kasa device alone doesn't work, the issue could be a communication glitch with your router. Rebooting your router can resolve this.
- Unplug your router from its power source.
- Wait for 60 seconds.
- Plug the router back in and wait several minutes for it to fully restart and establish an internet connection.
- Once your network is back online, check the status of your Kasa device in the app. It may reconnect automatically.
Method 3: Factory Reset the Kasa Device
If the device is still unresponsive, a factory reset is the final step. Be aware that this will erase all your custom settings, including your Wi-Fi details, schedules, and timers. You will have to set up the device from scratch.
- For Smart Plugs and Switches: Find the reset or settings button (often a small button on the side). Press and hold this button for approximately 10 seconds, until the Wi-Fi LED starts to blink amber and green rapidly.
- For Smart Bulbs: The reset procedure is usually performed by turning the light switch that controls the bulb off and on three to five times.
Once the Wi-Fi light is blinking amber and green, the device is in setup mode. Open the Kasa app, tap the '+' icon, and follow the on-screen instructions to add the device to your network again, just like you did when it was new. After setup, the app will automatically check for and install the latest firmware, which should now complete successfully.