D Link DCH S150 Smart Plug Resetting After Power Outages

Introduction

Power interruptions are an inevitable part of modern life. When the electricity drops out, many smart home devices simply resume operation once power returns. Some, however, exhibit unexpected behaviour that can be frustrating for users who rely on them for automation, safety, or energy monitoring. The D‑Link DCH‑S150 Smart Plug is a popular choice for controlling lamps, heaters, coffee makers, and other appliances through a mobile app or voice assistant. Owners occasionally report that the plug “resets” after a power outage, losing its Wi‑Fi connection, scheduled timers, and sometimes even its on/off state.

Understanding why this happens, how to restore normal operation, and what steps can be taken to prevent recurrence is essential for anyone looking to keep their smart home running smoothly. This article walks through the inner workings of the DCH‑S150, the typical symptoms after a blackout, and provides a detailed, step‑by‑step guide to troubleshooting and resetting the plug.

How the D‑Link DCH‑S150 Smart Plug Works

Before tackling the reset issue, it helps to know the basic components and software logic that keep the plug online.

• Hardware Core – The plug contains a microcontroller, a Wi‑Fi module, a relay that switches the load, and a small amount of flash memory that stores firmware and user settings.
• Firmware – The embedded software handles communication with the D‑Link Home app, processes commands, and manages the internal clock for scheduling.
• Cloud Integration – When the plug is linked to a D‑Link account, it registers with the cloud platform. This allows remote control from any internet‑connected device and enables voice‑assistant integration.
• Local Network – The plug also keeps a persistent TCP/IP connection to the home router. This connection is the primary path for commands and status updates.

The plug’s flash memory retains the firmware and certain user data even when power is lost. However, the Wi‑Fi credentials and the dynamic IP address assigned by the router are stored in volatile RAM. When the power supply is interrupted, the RAM contents disappear, forcing the device to re‑initialize its network connection the next time electricity returns.

What Happens During a Power Outage

A typical outage follows this sequence for the DCH‑S150:

1. Loss of AC Power – The relay cuts power to the connected appliance immediately, but the internal electronics also shut down.
2. RAM Erasure – All volatile memory, including the Wi‑Fi SSID, password, and current network session, is cleared.
3. Restart on Power Return – As soon as the mains voltage is restored, the plug powers up, runs a self‑test, and begins the Wi‑Fi association process.

If the router is back online and broadcasting the same SSID and password, the plug usually reconnects within a few seconds. If the router is still booting, the plug may enter a “searching” state for a longer period. In some cases, the plug fails to reconnect automatically, leading to what users describe as a “reset.”

Common Symptoms After an Outage

Users frequently report a combination of the following behaviours:

• The plug appears offline in the D‑Link Home app, showing a gray icon or “disconnected” status.
• Previously programmed timers no longer fire, or the schedule list is empty.
• The on/off state of the plug reverts to “off” regardless of the previous state before the outage.
• The plug’s LED indicator blinks in a pattern that differs from the normal steady green when connected.
• The app prompts for a “setup” process as if the plug were brand new.

These symptoms indicate that the plug’s network session was lost and that some user‑specific data stored in RAM was not retained.

Step‑by‑Step Troubleshooting

Below is a systematic approach to diagnose and resolve the reset issue. Follow each step in order; most problems are solved early in the process.

Verify Power and LED Indicators

1. Ensure the plug is firmly seated in the wall outlet.
2. Check that the LED on the plug is lit. A solid green usually means the plug is powered and connected, while a blinking amber can indicate a connection attempt.
3. If the LED is off, try a different outlet to rule out a faulty socket.

Confirm Router Status

1. Make sure the home router is powered on and broadcasting the same Wi‑Fi SSID as before the outage.
2. Verify that the router’s DHCP server is active so the plug can obtain an IP address.
3. If you recently changed the Wi‑Fi password or SSID, note that the plug will not reconnect automatically.

Check the D‑Link Home App

1. Open the app and navigate to the device list.
2. If the plug shows as “offline” or “setup required,” tap the device to view details.
3. Look for any error messages, such as “Wi‑Fi not found” or “authentication failed.”

Force a Reconnection

If the plug is powered but still offline, you can trigger a manual reconnection without a full reset.

1. Unplug the device from the wall.
2. Wait 10 seconds. This ensures that all capacitors discharge and the plug’s RAM is cleared.
3. Plug the device back in.

Watch the LED; it should blink rapidly, indicating it is searching for a network. Within a minute, the plug should connect and turn the LED solid green.

Re‑Enter Wi‑Fi Credentials

If the plug fails to reconnect after a manual power cycle, you need to re‑enter the Wi‑Fi credentials. D‑Link provides a “smart config” method that uses the app to transmit the network details over a temporary Wi‑Fi hotspot.

1. Open the D‑Link Home app and select “Add Device.”
2. Choose “Smart Plug” from the list and follow the on‑screen prompts.
3. When prompted, press the physical reset button on the plug (see next section for details).
4. The app will ask you to select your home Wi‑Fi network and enter the password.

Perform a Full Factory Reset

A factory reset clears all stored settings, returning the plug to its out‑of‑the‑box state. This step is necessary if the plug is stuck in a faulty state or if you have changed your router’s SSID/password.

1. Locate the reset button on the side or bottom of the plug. It is usually a small pinhole labeled “Reset.”
2. Using a paperclip or a similar tool, press and hold the button for 10 seconds. You will notice the LED start to flash rapidly, then turn amber.
3. Release the button. The plug will reboot automatically and enter pairing mode.

After the reset, repeat the “Re‑Enter Wi‑Fi Credentials” steps to add the plug back to your app.

Re‑Create Schedules and Automation

Once the plug is online, you may notice that your previously saved timers are missing. Unfortunately, those schedules are stored in volatile memory and are lost during a hard reset. To restore them:

1. Open the “Schedule” tab in the D‑Link Home app.
2. Manually re‑enter each timer, selecting the desired on/off times and days.
3. If you had complex automation rules (e.g., “turn on when motion is detected”), recreate those in the “Automation” section.

If you use third‑party platforms such as IFTTT or Google Home, you will also need to re‑link the plug within those services.

Preventive Measures

While power outages are sometimes unavoidable, you can reduce the likelihood of the plug resetting unexpectedly.

• Enable Router Persistence – Some routers offer a “static lease” option that always assigns the same IP address to a given MAC address. This prevents the plug from receiving a new IP after a reboot, which can sometimes cause reconnection delays.
• Use an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) – Connecting the plug (or at least the router) to a small UPS provides temporary power during brief outages, allowing both devices to stay online and keep their RAM contents intact.
• Keep Firmware Updated – D‑Link regularly releases firmware patches that improve Wi‑Fi stability and add features like “auto‑reconnect after power loss.” Check the app for updates and install them promptly.
• Document Network Settings – Maintain a record of your Wi‑Fi SSID, password, and any custom router settings. If you ever change them, you will know exactly what needs to be re‑entered into the plug.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you have followed all troubleshooting steps and the plug still fails to reconnect after power is restored, the issue may be hardware‑related. Consider the following scenarios:

• The plug’s LED never lights up after being plugged in, indicating a possible internal power failure.
• The plug repeatedly cycles through reset mode without ever establishing a Wi‑Fi connection, suggesting a defective Wi‑Fi module.
• You notice physical damage, such as scorch marks or melted plastic, which could be a safety hazard.

In these cases, contact D‑Link support or the retailer where you purchased the device. If the plug is under warranty, you may be eligible for a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does the DCH‑S150 keep its on/off state after a power outage?
A: By design, the plug resets to the “off” state when power is lost. This is a safety feature to prevent unintended operation of appliances when the device restarts.

Q: Can I configure the plug to retain schedules after a reset?
A: The built‑in schedule storage is volatile. However, you can use cloud‑based automation platforms (e.g., Google Home routines) that store schedules on external servers, allowing them to be reapplied automatically when the plug reconnects.

Q: Is it safe to use the plug with high‑power devices like heaters?
A: The DCH‑S150 is rated for up to 1800 W (10 A) in regions that follow the IEC standard. Always verify the local rating on the plug and avoid exceeding the specified maximum load.

Q: What does a blinking amber LED mean?
A: A fast‑blinking amber light indicates the plug is in pairing mode, waiting for Wi‑Fi credentials. A slow blink may mean it is searching for a network but has not yet connected.

Q: Will a UPS protect the plug from resetting?
A: A UPS supplies continuous power during short outages, keeping the plug’s RAM alive. This can prevent the loss of Wi‑Fi credentials and scheduled timers, but the plug will still revert to the “off” state if the UPS cuts power.

Conclusion

The D‑Link DCH‑S150 Smart Plug is a reliable component of a modern smart home, but like any Wi‑Fi‑enabled device, it is vulnerable to the effects of power interruptions. By understanding how the plug stores information, recognizing the typical symptoms after an outage, and following a clear, methodical troubleshooting process, most users can restore connectivity and functionality without hassle.

Proactive steps such as keeping firmware up to date, using a UPS for critical routers, and configuring static IP leases further reduce the chances of an unwanted reset. When hardware failure does occur, leveraging the warranty and seeking professional support ensures safety and a quick return to normal operation.

With these guidelines, you can keep your smart plug—and the appliances it controls—running smoothly, even when the lights flicker.