How to Fix Amazon Smart Plug Provisioning Failure? (2023)

When it comes to smart technology, smart plugs provide some of the most exciting possibilities. These little gadgets serve as a bridge between modern technology and the technology of the past. A few additional features are a requirement for the home automation expert.

That’s not to suggest technical difficulties do not plague them. What technology isn’t? When it comes to Amazon’s smart plugs, there are a few recurring issues. An error message that may be quite aggravating to get from this device is addressed here in a step-by-step manner.

Any time you see an error message such as “provisioning failure,” this means one Amazon smart plug is experiencing issues reconnecting to your WiFi network. A soft resetting of your power adapter is the quickest way to fix the problem. After that, we’ll go through troubleshooting your WiFi and the various fault codes that Amazon uses.

Get to Know the Amazon Smart Plug

This smart plug from Amazon is the tech giant’s reaction to the increasing smart plug trend. You can give any old electrical gadget some basic smart tech abilities by using these little devices. Alexa will be able to respond to your voice requests and set up routines when you plug in the device and the connection to the socket:

Amazon’s smart technology ecosystem is the only place where this smart plug may be used. This smart plug requires Alexa and also an Echo device to work properly. The smart plug has a few glitches, but none are as frustrating as a failure to provide.

What is the “Provisioning Failure” Error in the Alexa app?

Because your smart plug isn’t connecting to the WiFi network it’s designated, a “provisioning failure” error number indicates that this device cannot connect. Really. This is the most straightforward of all of the examples I’ve seen so far. It’s a drawback because resolving this problem requires more time and effort since there are several issues that all share the identical “provisioning error” error message.

So, how do we remedy this?

Let’s Fix This Provisioning Failure Amazon Plug

However, despite the vagueness of the provisioning error notice, there are many practical approaches to remedy this issue.

Refreshing the WiFi settings or a simple reboot is generally all that is needed to cure most smart tech problems. More complicated fixes are required for several of these remedies. We’re getting ready to start with both the fundamentals and continue our journey up to more complex solutions. Those error numbers are a good place to start.

Amazon Smart Plug Says Provisioning Failure

Amazon Smart Plug Error Codes

As a result of an Amazon smart plug’s provisioning failures, you’ll see an accompanying number code. Amazon’s customer service team uses this information to assist you in resolving any difficulties you may be having with your device. For the sake of time, here are a handful of the most common errors that appear in provisioning failure notifications.

-1:-3:-1:-1

This error number tells you that an Alexa defect is generating the situation. Indeed, the Amazon team has already been aware of this issue. Going to wait for Amazon to address an internal problem is the most common solution in this article. A device reset may be beneficial in certain cases, and Amazon’s support sites outline the procedures. As a result of an Amazon smart plug’s provisioning failures, you’ll see an accompanying number code. Amazon’s customer service team uses this information to assist you in resolving any difficulties you may be having with your device. For the sake of time, here are a handful of the most common errors that appear in provisioning failure notifications during a factory reset.

2:-1:-1:-1

To connect to a WiFi network, you must use SoftAP, a software-based method of joining a wireless router (WAP). If the WiFi network is overcrowded or the smart plug is malfunctioning, this may be the cause.

3:16:0:1

This error number tells you that there is an issue with our scan list. Any time the smart plug attempts to connect, it cannot do so due to the network being unavailable. This might be prompted by a poor WiFi signal or other related problems.

3:5:0:1

If the portable charger could connect to the WiFi network but couldn’t access the internet, this error number indicates that it could connect. Many factors might be at play. ISP troubles, firewall settings, or WiFi network issues might all be reasons why your smart plug isn’t connecting to the internet.

3:11:500:3

This is a very generic error number, and it usually indicates that the device and Alexa app were previously linked and operating well, but something went wrong. Deleting the Ecommerce Smartthings from either the Smartthings application and after that re-adding, it is necessary for this scenario. (after performing a factory reset) usually fixes the problem.

General Steps for Fixing WiFi Issues

I wanted to look into some of the best methods to ‘repair’ these WiFi difficulties when most of the abovementioned errors are WiFi related.

Distance to the Router

This issue often triggers this error message. The Amazon smart plug won’t remain connected if it is too distance away from your WiFi network. Using a WiFi repeater or a more powerful router will allow you to rapidly resolve this issue by placing the network and plug closer together.

Understand that your WiFi signal will diminish fast when it passes through more solid items like windows and ceilings, as well as soft objects like sofas and chairs. Difficulties with your WiFi will also be addressed in the next section of advice.

WEP (WiFi) Password

It’s usually a good idea to start with the fundamentals. IT workers have used the question “Is it plugged in?” as a joke for decades.

The provisioning failed error message may appear if you typed your WiFi password incorrectly. Make sure to double-check your WiFi password to ensure that the simplest repairs are addressed first. Signal frequencies are an important part of a more advanced WiFi scheme.

WiFi Frequency

The Amazon smart plug supports only 2.4 GHz WiFi. Since the smart plug is only compatible with WiFi networks running at 5GHz, this implies that you won’t be capable of connecting the device to your WiFi network.

The solution here is straightforward. In most 5 GHz routers, there is also an option for 2.4 GHz (which should be turned on by default). Once your router is configured on a 2.4GHz channel, you’re all set. Another thing you should do is make sure your Modern routers are visible to other devices.

Hidden Networks

Network cloaking Spies aren’t the only ones capable of such a thing. This is becoming more and more true as WiFi is being available in more and more places, from houses to petrol stations.

Reduced clutter and traffic congestion are two of the benefits of a concealed network. This prevents your WiFi from showing up in the list of available networks when you try to connect to a new one. Everything from security to convenience to performance is affected by this.

Some smart gadgets may have trouble detecting hidden networks if you want to go that route. One example is the Amazon Smart Plug. A non-hidden WiFi network may be an option if previous techniques fail. You can always reboot your router if everything else fails.

Reset Your Router

It is possible to reset your network’s WiFi router in one of two methods. In comparison to the first, the second may take a long time.

Unplugging and re-plugging your Network extender for 10 seconds is the first step to solving the problem. That’s all there is to it. If you’ve been experiencing issues connecting new devices to your WiFi, this is essentially a “soft reset” for your network.

The second option would be to do a thorough router reset. This can be fixed by resetting the router to its factory settings. However, each router is different. The Amazon smart plug may not be enough for you if you’ve been experiencing issues. Reconnecting all your gadgets may be tedious, but it’s preferable to dealing with a poor internet connection. Let’s now examine the plugin in more detail.

Do a Factory Reset of your Amazon Smart Plug

The soft reset is a good place to start. Resetting the device to factory settings should do the trick. To begin, unplug the gadget from Alexa.

For 12 seconds, depress the button of the plug. When it’s been reset, a red Light source should flash can let you know. Just s everything with Alexa, and you’re ready to go! Go to the Smartthings application and choose “Devices,” then “Add New Device.” This device’s final repair is already the simplest method for correcting small faults.

Unplug the Smart Plug

The title of this post is rather self-explanatory. Your troubles may be fixed if you unplug and re-plug this wireless charger for ten seconds. Restarting the device is all that is required. In certain cases, it may fix problems that are keeping it from communicating to WiFi.

-our editorial board has reviewed this article and has been approved for publication according to our editorial policy.

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Last update on 2025-03-21

Lance Ulanoff is a renowned tech journalist, commentator, and on-air expert with over 36 years of experience. He has held esteemed positions including Editor in Chief of Lifewire and Mashable, where he delved into the impact of technology on daily life. Lance's expertise has been featured on major news programs globally, and he has made appearances on Fox News, CNBC, and the BBC.