One Smart Plug Acting Odd

Question

Level 1

64 points

One Smart Plug Acting Odd

I have three SwitchBot HomeKit Smart Plug Mini 15A plugs in my network. Very simple situation. I run a living room lamp, a bedroom lamp, and a coffeemaker through these plugs. The plugs have been dependable for the past 18 months. If they go offline because of a firmware update, a bright little light on the plug will flash until it goes back online. Well, last night one plug, the one with the bedroom lamp plugged into it, went offline, then back online about four times in a row. Then, it stayed online for about a half hour and repeated the pulsing on and off line. The plug did turn off at the preset time via automation, but when I woke up early this morning, the little bright light was pulsing on and off, then pausing for a bit and then repeating. The actual lamp stayed off. This indicated to me that the plug was going offline and on and offline again repeatedly. I have never encountered this behavior.

1) Tips of fixing this? Un plug the plug for a bit?

2) Have you encountered this yourself?

Posted on Aug 14, 2025 09:15 AM

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Answer 1

Aug 14, 2025 02:35 PM in response to NoBite

NoBite wrote:

Well, I have no spare to swap to. But, I do have two other of their switches in use. Same network. Same router. All three installed at the same time over 18 months ago. Two work just fine. This one is acting erratically, in the past day. 🤷🏼‍♂️

I’d assume the switch failed, though signal interference or a marginal signal is a possibility.

But you can swap a working switch into the same location and see if that works.

Or can swap and learn whether the power outlet itself is malfunctioning and frying the switch, too.

Get a spare switch or two, if you’re depending on the switch function.

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Answer 2

6x6

Level 6

18,219 points

Aug 14, 2025 10:43 AM in response to NoBite

Have you tried to reset it: https://support.switch-bot.com/hc/en-us/articles/11322818184727-How-to-Reset-Switchbot-Plug-Mini?

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Answer 3

NoBite Author

Level 1

64 points

Aug 14, 2025 11:13 AM in response to 6x6

Thanks! Okay, just followed those instructions and now the switch is not repsponding to anything in the Home app! The automation is enabled in the app, but the plug isn’t responding even to manually being turned on. 🤷

I’m sure there is a simple fix. I hope.

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Answer 4

NoBite Author

Level 1

64 points

Aug 14, 2025 11:33 AM in response to NoBite

Ok, I removed the accessory and then added it back. Successfully back in the Home app. Added the automation for designated on /off times. And… the erratic behavior is back. I took a video . Not sure I can attach it here, but I will try. Erratic behavior of smart plug

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Answer 5

6x6

Level 6

18,219 points

Aug 14, 2025 12:02 PM in response to NoBite

Not sure what the issue could be.

Try this, though: https://support.switch-bot.com/hc/en-us/articles/9444736794391-SwitchBot-Plug-Mini-is-frequently-offline-what-can-I-do. The article also has instructions on how to contact their support.

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Answer 6

Aug 14, 2025 12:16 PM in response to NoBite

One of the eight Linkind Matter switched plugs received for a project was wonky.

Reset failed. Swapped it for a spare, and it all started working.

If swapping for a spare is working in your case, then you can have a chat with the vendor.

If the spare also doesn’t work, then you’re heading for some network troubleshooting.

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Answer 7

NoBite Author

Level 1

64 points

Aug 14, 2025 01:23 PM in response to 6x6

Yeah, I read that article. Problem is I do not use their app. No where can I find a way to contact their support with the information they suggest in that article. And, the other two switches work properly. Same wifi network and, obviously, same router. This is recent development - in the past 18 hours. Got me stymied.

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Answer 8

NoBite Author

Level 1

64 points

Aug 14, 2025 01:25 PM in response to MrHoffman

Well, I have no spare to swap to. But, I do have two other of their switches in use. Same network. Same router. All three installed at the same time over 18 months ago. Two work just fine. This one is acting erratically, in the past day. 🤷🏼‍♂️

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Answer 9

NoBite Author

Level 1

64 points

Aug 15, 2025 06:40 AM in response to MrHoffman

Yes, I just ordered a new switch. The outlet is used for a nightstand MagSafe charger and works fine. Also, if I simply plug the lamp into the outlet it works fine. Looking at my purchase history, that smart switch was purchased in 2022. But, to were the other two, so I have no idea why this one is acting up. But, we will see how a new one does. Thanks for the suggestions!

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Answer 10

Aug 15, 2025 12:14 PM in response to NoBite

I’ve had better success with the more recent Matter gear, where the older HomeKit gear tended less stable, and tended slower.

The Linkind Matter switches have worked far better than what they replaced, one dead switch aside.

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