How to Fix Basic Issues with Ikea Tradfri Devices

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

In This Guide

You'll Learn:

  • How to resolve basic issues with the Ikea TrÃ¥dfri smart home devices.

2. OS Choice

To continue, we need to know what Operating System your smartphone or tablet has.

There are 2 main Operating Systems for smartphones currently available, Android and iOS.

Android SmartphoneiOS SmartphoneAndroid smartphones are produced by multiple companies, such as Samsung, LG, Motorola, HTC, and OnePlus.Apple is the only company that makes iOS smartphones.

Example Android home screen.
Example iOS home screen.

3. Check App Updates

  1. Open the Play Store.
Play Store.
  1. At the top, choose the three bars on the left of the search line.
Menu option highlighted in Google Play.
  1. Choose My apps & games at the top.
My app & games option highlighted in Play Store menu.
  1. Choose Update All.
Update All option highlighted in Play Store Updates.

4. Update

To get the most out of your Ikea Trådfri devices it is recommended to keep them up to date. Updating their firmware can improve your devices by adding new features or fixing existing issues.

  1. Launch the Ikea Trådfri app on your mobile device.
Ikea Trådfri.
  1. If there is an update available, you will be notified right away and the update will be performed automatically. Tap OK to accept and wait for the update to complete.
OK option highlighted on update notification in app.
  1. If you want to perform an update manually, tap Settings in the top right corner.
Settings icon highlighted in Ikea Tradfri app.

  1. Then go to TRÃ…DFRI version.
TRÃ…DFRI version option highlighted in app.
  1. And tap Check for updates.
Check for updates option highlighted in app.

5. What's next?

6. Check App Updates

  1. If an app has an update available, the App Store will show a number in a red circle next to it.
iOS screen with app icon highlighted
  1. Choose the App Store on your home screen.
  2. Choose Updates at the bottom, then choose Update All on the top-right.
iOS App Store Updates screen

7. Sync Light Bulbs

Turning on and off the light bulbs from the main power can cause them to become out of sync. Whether they no longer turn on and off at the same time, don't have the same brightness when turned on or they are of different colors, you can re-sync the light bulbs using the remote control.

To Sync On/Off or Brightness

  1. Make sure all the out of sync light bulbs are turned on from the main power.
  2. Increase the brightness using the remote control, until they all have shine the same.
Brightness increase button highlighted on remote control.
  1. Turn them all off with the remote control
Power button highlighted on remote control.
  1. Wait a few seconds and turn them back on with the remote control.

To Sync Color

  1. Turn on all the light bulbs that you want to have the same color.
  2. Press and hold the power button on the remote control for about three seconds.
Power button highlighted on remote control.
  1. The lights will turn off and then back on.
  2. Release the power button.

8. Reseat/Replace Batteries

To reseat or replace the batteries for your steering devices, you have to perform the same steps:

The Ikea Trådfri steering devices run on CR2032 batteries.

For a Remote Control

  1. Use a screwdriver or a similar tool to remove the battery cover of the remote control.
Back cover being removed from remote control.
  1. Reseat or replace the battery with the positive side outward.
Battery inserted in remote control.
  1. Replace the battery cover.
Back of remote with cover in place.

For a Wireless Dimmer

  1. Press the wireless dimmer against the palm of your hand and turn the cover counter clockwise then lift it to remove it.
Dimmer cover being removed.
  1. Use a screwdriver or a similar tool to detach the dimmer body from the base.
Dimmer body being removed from base.
  1. Flip the dimmer body on the other side and reseat or replace the battery with the positive side outward.
Battery being replaced in dimmer.
  1. Reattach the dimmer body into the base.
Dimmer body attached to base.
  1. Replace the cover and turn it clockwise to secure it.
Dimmer cover being replaced.

For a Motion Sensor

  1. Use a screwdriver or a similar tool to remove the battery cover of the motion sensor.
Back cover being removed from motion sensor.
  1. Reseat or replace the batteries with the positive side outward.
Batteries inserted in motion sensor.
  1. Replace the battery cover.
Back of motion sensor with cover in place.

9. Additional Information

To better assist you, please answer this question.

10. Prep Light Bulb

For easier setup, install your smart bulb in an easy-to-move lamp first. Once it has been added to your smart home system, the bulb can be relocated into the fixture you prefer.

  1. Make sure your lamp is turned off.
  2. Remove the existing bulb.
  3. Carefully install the Ikea TrÃ¥dfri bulb.
  4. Turn your lamp on.
Ikea light bulb installed and powered on.

If the light bulb was already linked with a smart home system before, you may need to reset it by turning the light on and off six times in a row.

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12. Prep Control Outlet

  1. Plug the control outlet into a power outlet. If you're using a power strip, make sure it's turned on.
Arrow pointing out reset pinhole on side of control outlet.

If the control outlet was already linked with a smart home system before, you may need to reset it by pressing and holding the button inside the pinhole on the side of the outlet (pointed out in the above image) for at least five seconds.

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14. Ensure Same Network

Your mobile device needs to be connected to the Wi-Fi network emitted by the same router your Ikea TrÃ¥dfri Gateway is connected to.

15. OS Choice

To continue, we need to know what Operating System your smartphone or tablet has.

There are 2 main Operating Systems for smartphones currently available, Android and iOS.

Android SmartphoneiOS SmartphoneAndroid smartphones are produced by multiple companies, such as Samsung, LG, Motorola, HTC, and OnePlus.Apple is the only company that makes iOS smartphones.

Example Android home screen.
Example iOS home screen.

16. Check Wi-Fi

Depending on what device (Smartphone or Tablet) and which generation you have, the menu theme and options might look slightly different on your screen. However, the steps should be similar across all Android devices and generations.

To check if your Android mobile device is connected to Wi-Fi:

  1. Open Settings on your phone or tablet.
Android Settings.
  1. Select Wi-Fi.
Settings with Wi-Fi highlighted.
  1. Make sure Wi-Fi is turned On, then select the Wi-Fi network that says Connected under it.
Wi-Fi settings with Wi-Fi On switch and connected network highlighted.
  1. Here, you'll see the basics of your Wi-Fi connection, with the Wi-Fi network name at the top, and other information such as Signal Strength, Link Speed and the Frequency you're connected at and the Security type of the network.
Wi-Fi Properties.

More Details

  1. To see more information about your connection, select Cancel.
  2. Select the Settings gear in the top right corner.
Wi-Fi Settings with settings gear highlighted.
  1. Here, you'll see a variety of information related to your connection at the bottom, such as the MAC (Media Access Control) address and IP addresses your Android device has been given.
Configure Wi-Fi with MAC and IP address info highlighted.

17. Restart

  1. Hold down the power button on your Android device.
    Depending on the manufacturer and model of Android device you have, the location of the power button will vary.
  2. A prompt will appear on-screen. Select Restart.
Power prompt with Restart highlighted.

If the menu does not pop up, continue to hold the power button, and your Android device will shut off.

  • If you had to shut down your Android device, wait 30 seconds before turning your device back on.

18. Check Ethernet

Ethernet connection with router being checked.


Make sure your device is properly connected to the router with the Ethernet cable by trying the following:

  • Inspect the Ethernet cable ends and device Ethernet ports for physical damage and remove any foreign objects.
  • Unplug it and plug it back in firmly or plug it into another available numbered LAN port on the router.
  • Unplug it and plug it back in firmly into your devices Ethernet port.
  • Alternatively, you can replace the Ethernet cable, if you have a spare.

19. Reboot Router

To reboot a router simply unplug the power cord, make sure that all the lights went off, keep it powered off for 30 seconds then plug the power cord back in.

Router with unplugged power cable

20. Check Gateway

  1. Turn the gateway cover counter clockwise to the unlocked position then lift it.
Cover unlocking indicators highlighted on gateway.
  1. Unplug the two cables from the gateway, wait 10 seconds then plug them back in. Wait for all three indicator lights on the gateway to turn on.
Powered up gateway with LED indicators lit.
  1. Replace the gateway cover with the cables coming out through the hole then turn it clockwise into the locked position.
Cover locking indicators highlighted on gateway.

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22. Connect to Wi-Fi

Depending on what device (Smartphone or Tablet) and which generation you have, the menu theme and options might look slightly different on your screen. However, the steps should be similar across all Android devices and generations.

  1. From the main screen of your Android device, tap on the Apps button.
Home screen with Apps button highlighted.
  1. Then look for and tap on Settings.
Apps page with Settings icon highlighted.
  1. Go to Wi-Fi.
Settings page with Wi-Fi highlighted.
  1. Make sure the Wi-Fi feature is enabled by flipping the On / Off switch to the On position then wait for the network list to populate and tap on the Wi-Fi network that you want to connect to.
Wi-Fi settings with toggle highlighted with arrow pointing to toggle and list of available networks.
  1. Your Android device will automatically connect to the network if there is no security enabled, or you have connected to it in the past. The Wi-Fi network name will show Connected underneath and the Wi-Fi symbol will fill up in the top right corner of the screen.
Wi-Fi settings page with arrows pointing to connected Wi-Fi network and Wi-Fi symbol in the status bar.
  1. If the Wi-Fi network requires a password, then you will see a small padlock next to the Wi-Fi symbol, which also means the connection is secure. Tapping on a secured Wi-Fi networks name will prompt you to enter the password. Passwords are always case sensitive. Type it in using the on screen keyboard then tap Connect.
Secure and unsecure Wi-Fi symbols shown.

Wi-Fi settings page with arrow pointing to field to type in your security key and another arrow pointing to Connect.
  1. If the Wi-Fi network you are trying to connect to is hidden, then tap the More option which looks like three dots positioned vertically, on the top right corner of the screen, then tap Add network.
Wi-Fi settings page with arrow pointing to the Menu icon.

Wi-Fi settings page with Menu open and Add Network is highlighted.
  1. Enter the Wi-Fi networks name using the on screen keyboard and tap Save if no password is required to connect. If a password is needed to connect to the Wi-Fi network then tap on Security and select the security type. Type in the password, then tap Save.
Wi-Fi settings page with arrow pointing to a manually typed network name and another arrow pointing to the security type dialog box.

Wi-Fi settings page with an arrow pointing to the security key typed in and another arrow pointing to save.

At this point your Android device should be connected to Wi-Fi.

As an alternate way you can also try the following method:

  1. Swipe downwards from the top side of the screen.
Home scree with arrow indicating to swipe your finger down from top of the screen.
  1. Look for the Wi-Fi symbol in the drop down menu and tap on the word below it. If you're not connected to any network, it will say Wi-Fi. If you're already connected to a network, it will show its name.
Quick Menu options with Wi-Fi highlighted.
  1. Make sure the Wi-Fi feature is enabled by flipping the On / Off switch to the On position then wait for the network list to populate and tap on the Wi-Fi network that you want to connect to.
Wi-Fi quick settings with arrow pointing to highlighted toggle and another arrow pointing to the list of available wifi networks.

23. Check Wi-Fi

Depending on what device (iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch) and which generation you have, the menu theme and options might look slightly different on your screen. However, the steps should be the same across all iOS devices and generations.

To check if your iOS mobile device is connected to Wi-Fi:

  1. From the main screen of your device, look for and open Settings.
iOS Settings icon.
  1. With Settings open, look for the Wi-Fi field. This field will display the current Wi-Fi status on the right hand side:
  • Off - the Wi-Fi antenna is currently disabled.
  • Not Connected - Wi-Fi is turned on, but your device is not currently connected to a network.
  • Wi-Fi network name - Wi-Fi is turned on, and the network name displayed is the network your device is currently connected to.
iOS Settings menu with Wi-Fi highlighted.
  • You can also tap on the Wi-Fi field and make sure the Wi-Fi switch is in the On position. The switch should be green in color and will display the network that you are currently connected to directly beneath it with a check mark to the left.
  • iOS Wi-Fi menu highlighting the Wi-Fi switch and the currently connected network.

  • 24. Restart

    Powering off an iPhone.
    1. Hold down the lock/power button.
    2. Slide to power off when prompted.
    3. Wait until the phone is off.
    4. Hold down the lock/power button until you see the Apple logo.

    25. Connect to Wi-Fi

    Depending on what device (iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch) and which generation you have, the menu theme and options might look slightly different on your screen. However, the steps should be the same across all iOS devices and generations.

    1. From the main screen of your device, look for and open Settings.
    Home screen with setting icon highlighted.
    1. After that, go to Wi-Fi. You will see that this option also shows one of three statuses to the right:
    2. Off - the Wi-Fi feature is disabled
    3. Not Connected - there is no Wi-Fi connection establishe
    4. the Wi-Fi connections name - there is a Wi-Fi connection already established.
    iPhone settings screen with the Wi-Fi option highlighted.
    1. Make sure that the Wi-Fi feature is enabled by flipping the On/Off switch to the green position. Locate and tap the Wi-Fi networks name that you wish to connect to from the list.
    iPhone Wi-Fi menu with the switch set to the on position and a list of available networks underneath.
    1. Your iOS device will automatically connect to the network if there is no security enabled, or you have connected to it in the past. The checkmark and Wi-Fi symbol indicate you are connected.
    iPhone Wi-Fi menu highlighting the Wi-Fi connection icon across the top and a check mark to the left of the Wi-Fi network name the device is currently connected to.
    1. If the Wi-Fi network requires a password, then you will see a small padlock to the right of its name, which also means the connection is secure.
    iPhone Wi-Fi menu highlighting the small padlock to the right of each Wi-Fi network name.
    1. Tapping on a secured Wi-Fi networks name will prompt you to enter the password. Passwords are always case sensitive. Type it in using the on screen keyboard then tap Join on the bottom right corner. If tapping it does nothing, then it means the password you typed in is too short.
    iPhone prompting the user to enter their Wi-Fi password.
    1. If the Wi-Fi network you are trying to connect to is hidden, then tap the Other... option.
    iPhone Wi-Fi menu highlighting the Other option.
    1. Enter the Wi-Fi networks name using the on screen keyboard and tap Join at the bottom right if no password is required to connect. If a password is needed to connect to the Wi-Fi network then tap on Security.
    iPhone other network menu where the user is being prompted to enter their Wi-Fi network name and select a security type.
    1. Choose the type of security the Wi-Fi network has by tapping on it.
    iPhone security menu displaying all selectable security types for your Wi-Fi network.
    1. Finally, type in the required Wi-Fi password and tap Join at the bottom right corner to connect.
    iPhone other network menu displaying the user being prompted to type in their Wi-Fi network password.

    At this point your iOS device should be connected to Wi-Fi.

    26. Additional Information

    To better assist you, please answer this question.

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    28. How to Proceed?

    Please select an option to proceed.

    29. Additional Information

    To better assist you, please answer this question.

    30. What's next?

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    33. Prep Light Bulb

    For easier setup, install your smart bulb in an easy-to-move lamp first. Once it has been added to your smart home system, the bulb can be relocated into the fixture you prefer.

    1. Make sure your lamp is turned off.
    2. Remove the existing bulb.
    3. Carefully install the Ikea TrÃ¥dfri bulb.
    4. Turn your lamp on.
    Ikea light bulb installed and powered on.

    If the light bulb was already linked with a smart home system before, you may need to reset it by turning the light on and off six times in a row.

    34. How to Add a Light to Your Ikea Tradfri Gateway

    Show Me How

    Clicking this button will open a new guide that will provide you with steps to resolve your issue.

    35. Prep Control Outlet

    1. Plug the control outlet into a power outlet. If you're using a power strip, make sure it's turned on.
    Arrow pointing out reset pinhole on side of control outlet.

    If the control outlet was already linked with a smart home system before, you may need to reset it by pressing and holding the button inside the pinhole on the side of the outlet (pointed out in the above image) for at least five seconds.

    36. How to Add a Smart Plug to Your Ikea Tradfri Gateway

    Show Me How

    Clicking this button will open a new guide that will provide you with steps to resolve your issue.