Smart home devices

Smart plug schedule not turning device on or off

Usually a wrong time zone setting, a schedule that didn't save correctly, or the plug being offline at the scheduled time. Double-checking the schedule's exact settings fixes most cases.

Difficulty
Easy
Time
10–15 minutes
DIY cost
$0

Symptoms

  • Device connected to the plug doesn't turn on/off at the set time
  • Schedule worked before but stopped recently
  • Schedule fires on some days but not others
  • Manual on/off works fine but scheduled actions don't

Likely causes

  • CommonIncorrect time zone set in the appA wrong time zone will cause schedules to fire at the wrong actual time or seem to not fire at all.
  • CommonPlug offline at the scheduled timeIf the plug lost Wi-Fi connection right when the schedule was supposed to run, the action gets skipped.
  • PossibleSchedule set for the wrong days of the weekIt's easy to accidentally leave certain days unchecked when creating a repeating schedule.
  • PossibleOverlapping schedule or automation conflicting with itTwo schedules or a manual override close together in time can cancel each other out.
  • Less commonApp or plug firmware bug affecting scheduled actions specificallyScheduling features occasionally have bugs fixed in later app or firmware updates.

What to do

  1. Open the app and verify the device's time zone setting matches your actual location.
  2. Check the schedule's days of the week and confirm the intended days are all selected.
  3. Confirm the plug shows as online, especially checking its status right around the scheduled time.
  4. Look for any other schedule or automation that might be turning the plug back off or on shortly after.
  5. Delete and recreate the schedule from scratch if it appears correctly set but still doesn't fire.
  6. Update the app and plug firmware to the latest versions.
  7. Test a schedule set just a couple minutes in the future to confirm the feature works at all on your plug.

When to call a pro

No professional needed; this is app configuration.

Safety

Generally low risk

Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.

Related guides

Operator provides AI-generated troubleshooting information. It can be wrong. For safety-critical, electrical, gas, structural, medical, automotive safety, or other high-risk problems, consult a qualified professional.