Factory Reset TP-Link Smart Plug
A factory reset erases all settings and removes the plug from your TP-Link account. You’ll need to set it up again from scratch through the Kasa or Tapo app.
- Make sure the smart plug is plugged into a wall outlet and powered on.
- Press and hold the reset button for 5 seconds. On most TP-Link smart plugs, the reset button is on the side of the plug (a small recessed button that may need a pin or paperclip to press).
- The LED light blinks rapidly (usually amber and green alternating, or just rapid blinking depending on the model).
- Release the button. The plug has been reset to factory defaults.
After the reset, the plug broadcasts its own WiFi network again, ready for a fresh setup through the app.
Reset Button Location by Model
| Model | Reset Button | LED Behavior After Reset |
|---|---|---|
| Kasa Smart Plug (HS103, HS105) | Side of plug, recessed | Blinks amber and green |
| Kasa Smart Plug Mini (EP10) | Side of plug, recessed | Blinks amber and green |
| Kasa Outdoor Plug (EP40) | Bottom of unit | Blinks amber and green |
| Tapo P100 / P105 | Side of plug | Blinks green rapidly |
| Tapo P115 | Side of plug | Blinks green rapidly |
If you can’t find the reset button, check the user manual for your specific model. Some models have the button integrated into the power button itself – press and hold the power button for 10 seconds instead of looking for a separate reset button.
Set Up the Plug Again After Reset
- Open the Kasa app (for Kasa/HS series plugs) or Tapo app (for Tapo series plugs).
- Tap the “+” button to add a new device.
- Select “Smart Plug” and choose your model.
- The app guides you through connecting the plug to your WiFi network. You’ll temporarily connect your phone to the plug’s WiFi network, then enter your home WiFi password.
- Name the plug and assign it to a room.
- The plug connects to your WiFi and appears in the app.
Make sure you’re connecting to a 2.4GHz WiFi network. TP-Link smart plugs don’t support 5GHz WiFi. If your router broadcasts a combined network, the plug usually finds the 2.4GHz band automatically, but some routers require you to separate the bands for the initial setup.
Reconnect to Alexa After Reset
- Complete the setup in the Kasa or Tapo app first (previous section).
- Open the Alexa app on your phone.
- Go to Devices, then tap the “+” button, then “Add Device.”
- Select “Plug” and choose TP-Link (Kasa) or TP-Link (Tapo).
- Follow the prompts to link your TP-Link account.
- Alexa discovers the plug. You can now control it with voice commands.
If the Kasa or Tapo skill was already linked in Alexa, just say “Alexa, discover devices” and it finds the newly reset plug automatically without re-linking the skill.
Reconnect to Google Home After Reset
- Set up the plug in the Kasa or Tapo app first.
- Open the Google Home app.
- Tap “+” then “Set up device” then “Works with Google.”
- Search for “Kasa” or “Tapo” and link your account.
- The plug appears in Google Home. Assign it to a room.
Soft Reset (Without Losing Settings)
If the plug is unresponsive but you don’t want to lose your settings and schedules, try a soft reset first.
- Unplug the smart plug from the wall outlet.
- Wait 10 seconds.
- Plug it back in.
- Wait 30 seconds for it to reconnect to WiFi.
This power cycle often fixes temporary connectivity issues without erasing your configuration. If the plug reconnects to WiFi and shows up in the app, you’re good. If it doesn’t, proceed with the full factory reset.
Troubleshooting
Plug won’t connect to WiFi after reset. Verify you’re using a 2.4GHz network (not 5GHz). Move the plug closer to your router for the initial setup. Restart your router. Make sure the Kasa or Tapo app has location permissions enabled on your phone – the app needs this to find the plug’s temporary WiFi network during setup.
Plug goes offline frequently. The plug is too far from the router or there’s too much interference. Move it closer to the router or add a WiFi extender. Check for firmware updates in the Kasa/Tapo app (Device Settings, then Firmware Update). Outdated firmware is a common cause of disconnections.
Plug doesn’t respond to voice commands. Check that the plug is online in the Kasa/Tapo app. If it’s offline there, it won’t respond to Alexa or Google either. Make sure the Kasa/Tapo skill is still linked in your voice assistant app. Try unlinking and re-linking the skill.
LED is solid but plug won’t turn on/off from app. The plug is powered but not connected to WiFi. Check your WiFi network. If you recently changed your WiFi password or router, the plug still has the old credentials – you’ll need to factory reset and set it up again with the new WiFi password.
Will resetting delete my schedules and timers?
Yes. A factory reset erases everything – WiFi settings, schedules, timers, and the connection to your TP-Link account. You’ll need to recreate all schedules after setting the plug up again. A soft reset (unplugging and plugging back in) preserves your settings.
Do I need to remove the plug from my account before resetting?
It’s not required, but it’s cleaner. Open the Kasa or Tapo app, go to the plug’s settings, and tap “Remove Device” before resetting. This prevents a ghost device from lingering in your account. If you’ve already reset without removing it, delete the old device entry from the app manually.
Can I reset the plug without the app?
Yes. The physical reset button works independently of the app. Press and hold it for 5 seconds and the plug resets regardless of whether it’s connected to WiFi or your account. You’ll still need the app to set it up again afterward.
Sources
TP-Link – Reset Smart Plug | TP-Link – Kasa Setup Guide
