Tp Link Geofencing Not Working? Let's Fix It
Geofencing is one of the most powerful features of the Tp Link Kasa and Tapo smart home ecosystems. It promises a seamless, automated experience: your lights turn on as you pull into the driveway, and your smart plugs switch off when you leave for the day, all without you touching a button. However, when it doesn't work, it can be a source of real confusion. If your 'Away' and 'Home' modes aren't triggering correctly, this guide will walk you through the essential troubleshooting steps to get it running smoothly.
The good news is that the problem is rarely with the Tp Link device itself. More often than not, the issue lies with the settings on the smartphone that runs the Kasa or Tapo app.
## The Core of the Problem: Smartphone Permissions
Geofencing relies entirely on your smartphone's ability to know where it is and to share that information with the Tp Link app. Without the correct permissions, the feature simply cannot function.
### 1. Enable Location Services
This is the most fundamental requirement.
- For iOS (iPhone): Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services. Ensure the main 'Location Services' toggle is ON.
- For Android: Go to Settings > Location. Make sure the main 'Use location' toggle is ON.
### 2. Grant App-Specific Location Permissions
Just because location services are on for your phone doesn't mean the Tp Link app has permission to use them.
- For iOS (iPhone): In Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services, scroll down to find the Kasa or Tapo app. Tap on it and set the permission to Always. This is crucial, as it allows the app to check your location even when it's not open on your screen. You must also enable the Precise Location toggle on this screen.
- For Android: Go to Settings > Apps > See all apps. Find and tap on the Kasa or Tapo app. Go to Permissions > Location. Set the permission to Allow all the time. You should also ensure that Use precise location is enabled.
### 3. Enable Background App Refresh
This permission allows the app to run in the background to check your location. If it's disabled, geofencing will likely only work if you have the app open, which defeats the purpose.
- For iOS (iPhone): Go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh. Ensure it's turned on for both Wi-Fi & Mobile Data, and check that the toggle for the Kasa/Tapo app is enabled in the list.
- For Android: This is usually enabled by default when you grant location permission, but it can be affected by battery saver modes.
## In-App and Connectivity Settings
Once your phone permissions are correct, it's time to check the settings within the Tp Link app itself and your network connection.
### Check Your Geofence Configuration
- Home Location: In the Kasa or Tapo app, navigate to the Smart Actions or Routines section where you configured geofencing. Double-check that the pin on the map for your 'Home' location is set accurately. If it's slightly off, it could cause inconsistent triggering.
- Fence Radius: The virtual 'fence' around your home has a size or radius. If this radius is too small, you might pass through it too quickly for the system to register. Try increasing the radius slightly to see if it improves reliability.
### Stable Internet Connection is Key
Your phone needs to communicate your location to Tp Link's servers.
- Mobile Data: Ensure you have a stable mobile data connection (4G or 5G) when you are away from home.
- Wi-Fi: Ensure 'Wi-Fi' is enabled on your phone, even when you're not connected to a network. Phones use Wi-Fi network information to help determine location more accurately and with less battery drain than GPS alone.
## Disabling Battery and Power Optimisation
Modern smartphones are very aggressive in trying to save battery life. They often achieve this by 'sleeping' or closing apps that are running in the background. This is a major cause of geofencing failure.
### For iOS (iPhone)
- Low Power Mode: If your iPhone is in Low Power Mode (the battery icon is yellow), features like Background App Refresh are automatically restricted. Geofencing will not work reliably in this mode. Make sure your phone is sufficiently charged.
### For Android
This varies significantly between manufacturers (Samsung, Google, OnePlus, etc.), but the principle is the same.
- Battery Saver: Turn off the standard 'Battery Saver' mode.
- Adaptive Battery: Go to Settings > Battery > Adaptive preferences and turn off 'Adaptive Battery' if it's causing issues.
- Unrestricted App Setting: A more targeted approach is to go to Settings > Apps > Kasa/Tapo > App battery usage and set it to Unrestricted. This tells the operating system not to put the app to sleep, making it the most reliable option for geofencing.
By systematically working through these phone-based settings, you can resolve the vast majority of Tp Link geofencing problems and restore the smart automation you expect.