When to Unplug a Device With a Warning Light

Unplugging can help, but not always

Unplugging a device can clear temporary faults, restart frozen electronics, and reset some connection problems. But unplugging is not always the safest or smartest first move.

Unplug immediately if safe to do so

• The device smells burnt or electrical.
• The device is sparking, smoking, buzzing loudly, or melting.
• A charger, power bank, battery, or power strip is swollen, hot, leaking, or damaged.
• A device near water is behaving strangely.
• A nonessential appliance or electronic device appears unsafe.

Do not delay emergency action

If a smoke alarm, carbon monoxide detector, gas warning, fire warning, vehicle warning, or medical device alert is active, follow emergency or professional guidance first. A website should never delay leaving a dangerous area or calling for help.

When to wait instead

Wait before unplugging if the device is clearly updating firmware, writing data, installing software, or shutting down normally. Unplugging during updates can corrupt settings or cause more problems.

Related next steps

After using this guide, try the Find a Light tool, browse by device type, or check the safety-critical lights hub if the warning may involve risk.