Having issues getting your Wemo smart plug to respond in HomeKit? You’re not alone. Many Wemo users have reported connectivity and responsiveness problems when trying to control their smart plugs through Apple’s Home app. Don’t worry – in most cases, this can be fixed with some targeted troubleshooting. Here are the main things to try if your Wemo smart plug is not responding in HomeKit:
#1 Isolate if the Issue is With HomeKit Specifically
First, open the Wemo app and confirm you can still control the smart plug through the app itself. Toggle the plug on and off in the Wemo app. If it works normally through the Wemo app, the issue is specifically with the HomeKit integration. But if the Wemo app also can’t control the plug, then there may be a more general connectivity problem.
Testing direct Wemo app control helps identify where the breakdown is occurring—either between the Wemo service and the plug or somewhere between HomeKit and Wemo. Troubleshoot accordingly once you isolate the problem area.
#2 Try Rebooting the Smart Plug.
Often, simply rebooting the Wemo smart plug can resolve temporary glitches and get things working normally again. Unplug the Wemo plug from power for 15-20 seconds, then plug back in. Wait a few minutes for it to reconnect to WiFi, and try controlling it in HomeKit. Rebooting forces the device to restart fresh, re-establishing connections.
While rebooting, take the opportunity to inspect the physical smart plug hardware. Make sure it’s fully seated in the outlet. Confirm the outlet is working by plugging in another device. Check for any loose wiring issues that could prevent proper operation.
If the plug is having trouble automatically reconnecting to WiFi after a reboot, you may need to set it back up through the Wemo app again manually. The reboot usually fixes problems, but follow up if the device can’t reconnect.
#3 Update Firmware to the Latest Version.
Check in the Wemo app settings to see if any pending firmware updates are available to install for your smart plug. Keeping the firmware up-to-date will ensure you have the latest bug fixes, performance improvements, and HomeKit compatibility.
Wemo periodically releases new firmware versions with patches for connectivity issues, stability, and integration with platforms like HomeKit. Installing the latest firmware can prevent many problems controlling the plug from HomeKit.
Make sure to update the Wemo app on your iPhone or iPad to the current version. Old Wemo app versions may not work properly with newer plug firmware. Keep both the app and firmware updated.
#4 Reset and Re-add the Plug to HomeKit
If a simple reboot doesn’t resolve the problem, try resetting the Wemo plug and setting it back up from scratch in HomeKit:
- First, remove the Wemo plug as an accessory in the Apple Home app. Go to Home Settings > Accessories and delete it.
- Next, in the Wemo app, go to device settings and choose “Reset.” This will erase any corrupted pairing info.
- Finally, re-add the Wemo plug as a new accessory in HomeKit. Follow the pairing process to reconnect it.
Resetting often clears up unresponsive issues caused by corrupt or outdated pairings between HomeKit and Wemo. It forces them to re-establish connections from scratch.
#5 Ensure HomeHub is Working Properly
HomeKit relies on an Apple TV, HomePod, or iPad set as a HomeHub to communicate with accessories like Wemo plugs. Ensure your HomeHub is powered on, connected to the WiFi network as the Wemo plug, and has the latest software updates installed.
If you have connectivity issues, rebooting your HomeHub can refresh the network link. Also, consider switching to a different HomeHub, like an Apple TV, for redundancy. Verify your main HomeHub is fixed.
You may need to completely rebuild your HomeKit home from scratch if the Wemo plug was previously associated with a different HomeHub. Proper HomeHub setup is key for stability.
#6 Update iOS, HomeKit Software, and Apps
Check that your iPhone or iPad has the latest iOS version installed. Go to Settings > General > Software Update to check for and install any available updates. Updating iOS can resolve HomeKit bugs and improve performance.
Also, update the software on HomeKit accessories like Apple TVs or HomePods. Bug fixes improve connectivity. And make sure you have the latest version of the Home app from the App Store. Reinstalling the Home app can clear up problems.
Keeping all supporting software updated reduces the chance of synchronization issues between devices and HomeKit. Make sure to pay attention to software updates as an easy fix.
#7 Optimize Your Home WiFi Network
HomeKit and Wemo rely on solid WiFi connectivity to communicate. Take steps to optimize your WiFi setup:
- Make sure your router firmware is updated and reboot it if needed. Old firmware can have bugs.
- Confirm the Wemo plug and HomeHub are on the same 2.4GHz WiFi network.
- Improve WiFi coverage and speeds where the Wemo plug is located.
- Adjust router settings like QoS priorities, channels, and bandwidth to improve HomeKit traffic.
- Consider Ethernet wiring the HomeHub and Wemo plug directly to the router.
Taking the time to tweak WiFi performance and router configuration can significantly improve HomeKit responsiveness and stability. Pay attention to networking factors.
#8 Contact Wemo Customer Support
If you still can’t resolve the HomeKit issues after trying all basic troubleshooting, reach out directly to Wemo customer support. Provide detailed information on your setup, iOS/HomeKit versions, network details, and troubleshooting steps attempted.
Wemo Support can help identify any known firmware bugs with HomeKit and verify your hardware model has full HomeKit support. Any diagnostics they provide can pinpoint the cause of the problem.
Phone, chat, and email support are available. Follow up if initial suggestions don’t fix the problem – continued correspondence can resolve difficult issues. Their product knowledge can be key.
#9 Consider Switching to Native HomeKit Smart Plug
As one final option, if you can’t get your Wemo plug working reliably in HomeKit, consider switching to a plug designed specifically for HomeKit. Brands like Eve, VOCOlinc, and ConnectSense make plugs with native HomeKit support built-in.
While more expensive than Wemo, these guaranteed HomeKit-compatible plugs should provide a smoother experience within Apple’s ecosystem. Look for the Works with Apple HomeKit logo when buying.
Native HomeKit accessories use Apple’s MFi chip for automatic pairing. If you’ve tried everything, a dedicated HomeKit plug may be worth the investment for convenience and stability.
Conclusion
With focused troubleshooting like isolating the issue, rebooting devices, resetting and re-pairing HomeKit connections, updating software, optimizing WiFi settings, and contacting Wemo Support, you can get your unresponsive Wemo plug working properly again in most cases. Switching to a native HomeKit plug is always an option if problems persist. Don’t give up!
