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Red Blinking Light

Amazon Smart Plug

Severity: Minor

Source: OnlyErrorCodes.com — Every error code. One place.

Amazon Smart Plug Red Blinking Light — Setup Failure Fix

What Does This Error Mean?

Red blinking light on the Amazon Smart Plug means setup failed or the plug lost network connection.
Hold the small button on the side for 12 seconds to factory reset — light goes red, then blue.
Open the Alexa app, tap Devices → +, choose Plug → Amazon, and walk through pairing again.
Make sure your phone is on 2.4GHz WiFi during setup; the plug doesn't support 5GHz.

Affected Models

  • Amazon Smart Plug (1st gen)
  • Amazon Smart Plug (2nd gen)

Common Causes

  • Setup interrupted before completion
  • WiFi password changed since pairing
  • Router on 5GHz-only band (plug needs 2.4GHz)
  • Alexa account credentials changed
  • Plug lost paired state after firmware update

How to Fix It

  1. Hold the side button for 12 seconds.

    The button is small, on the side of the plug, near the bottom.
    Use a fingernail or pen tip.
    Hold steady — light goes red, then to alternating blue/red, then to solid blue.
    That's factory reset complete.

  2. Open the Alexa app.

    If you don't have it: download Amazon Alexa from your phone's app store and sign in.
    Tap Devices in the bottom bar.

  3. Add a new plug.

    Tap + (top right) → Add Device → Plug → Amazon → Amazon Smart Plug.
    Follow prompts.
    The app uses Bluetooth to find the plug nearby — keep your phone within 5 feet of the plug.

  4. Switch your phone to 2.4GHz WiFi.

    If your home WiFi has separate 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks, connect your phone to the 2.4GHz one before setup.
    The plug only joins 2.4GHz, and the app passes WiFi credentials from your phone.

  5. Enter WiFi password if prompted.

    Some setup flows ask for your WiFi password.
    Type carefully — special characters and spaces matter.
    The app verifies the connection at the end of setup.

  6. Wait for solid blue light.

    Successful setup ends with a steady blue light, then off.
    The plug is now in the Alexa app and ready to use.
    Test by saying 'Alexa, turn on (plug name)'.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the light keeps going back to red after setup?

Red after a setup attempt usually means the WiFi credential failed.
Either the password was wrong, your phone was on 5GHz, or the router refused the plug.
Reset and try again with phone on 2.4GHz and the password typed carefully.