Smart Plug Turning On at Night With No Schedule? Here’s Why
If your smart plug turns on randomly during the night — even without a schedule or scene — you’re not alone. This issue is common with brands like TP-Link Kasa, Gosund, Tuya, and Meross.
Top 5 Reasons Why Your Smart Plug Activates Unexpectedly
- 1. Forgotten Scenes or Routines: Some routines may be cloud-synced from Alexa, Google Home, or SmartThings.
- 2. Power-On State: Many smart plugs allow you to set a “Power-On Behavior” — often defaulting to “ON” after a power loss.
- 3. Cloud Sync Errors: If your plug syncs with multiple assistants, conflicts can cause false triggers.
- 4. Firmware Bugs: Outdated firmware can cause the plug to reset or misbehave.
- 5. Shared Control: If someone else shares access (e.g., spouse, child), they might be triggering it unknowingly.
How to Fix a Smart Plug That Turns On by Itself
- Check Linked Services: Open Alexa, Google Home, or SmartThings and verify if the device is in a routine or automation.
- Adjust Power-On Settings: In your smart plug’s app, set “Restore Last State” instead of “Always On.”
- Update Firmware: Open the plug’s app > Device Settings > Firmware > Check for updates.
- Unlink Unused Platforms: If the plug is linked to platforms you no longer use, remove them.
- Check Access Permissions: In the app, check who has shared control and remove unknown or inactive users.
Bonus: Enable Activity Logs (If Available)
Some smart plug apps let you view activity logs or “Last triggered by…” notifications. This can help you pinpoint the cause of unexpected activations.
Conclusion: Your smart plug may be turning on at night due to invisible routines or default power settings. With a few tweaks, you can take back full control of your smart home.