Rachio Controller Failing to Stay Online

Hello

I’m experiencing issues with my Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller frequently disconnecting from Wi-Fi, even though other devices in the same area maintain a stable connection. This problem started recently, and I haven’t made any changes to my home network setup. :upside_down_face:

The controller sometimes reconnects on its own after a few hours, but at other times, I need to power cycle the device to restore connectivity.

To troubleshoot, I have already verified the Wi-Fi signal strength near the controller, restarted my router, and ensured my router firmware is up to date. My controller is on a 2.4GHz network as recommended. However, the issue persists. I’m wondering if this could be related to specific router settings like DHCP, a potential hardware issue, or interference from other devices. :upside_down_face:

I’d appreciate any advice or guidance from the community on how to resolve this issue. Are there specific router configurations or firmware updates for the controller that could improve stability? :thinking: Checked Controller Offline - Basic WiFi Tips & Troubleshooting okta documentation guide but still need advie .

If anyone else has experienced similar connectivity problems, I’d love to know how you solved them!

Thank you ! :slightly_smiling_face:

@Sienna - what brand of router do you have? If there is a minimum signal strength (RSSI) setting that could impact it staying connected? Likewise, I’ve seen a minimum link speed setting impact other IoT devices.

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Here’s what I got from Robin in Support. Worked perfectly for me!

Your controller seems to be stuck in light 2, we will like to try some steps to update your controller, do you have an old phone or Ipad with you at home?

In case you have an Ipad or an old Iphone, let’s try the following steps:

  1. Unplug the controller from the power outlet for 10 seconds, then plug it back in.

  2. Press and hold the stop button (top part of the big round button) - the light bar will start to fill up in yellow and then it will flash blue, once it flashes blue you can release the button.

  3. Wait until the controller restarts (indicated by white lights shrinking to the middle) and the second quadrant starts to flash yellow.

  4. Open the settings of your iPad/iPhone, then go to WiFi. If you’re on a MacBook, simply open the WiFi list by clicking on the WiFi icon on the top right of your home screen.

  5. On the WiFi settings, scroll down until you can see ‘Rachio’ listed under “Set up new device” (iPad or iPhone) or “Accessory setup” (MacBook).

  6. Click on ‘Rachio’, double-check that your WiFi network is listed and selected on the pop-up screen, and then click ‘Next’.

After that, the controller should proceed to the third and then fourth lights. As soon as the controller presents a solid blue bar it means it is connected to wifi and online. You will then be able to use it with the Rachio app.

In case you have an old android phone you can try the following steps:

  1. Unplug the controller for about 5 seconds

  2. Plug the controller back in and hold down the Stop Button (top of the white circle). The light bar should illuminate orange or white, once it flashes Blue you can release the button.

  3. Wait for the yellow light to connect to wifi again using the app.

  4. On the app, click on your controller > click on the Settings Wheel icon in the right-hand corner>> Controller Setting>> Update Wi-Fi Network >> Choose the network

Please let me know if the steps worked, I’ll be looking forward to your reply.

Best,

Robin R.

Rachio Support

1 Like

Hi, if you are using one single network (1 SSID) to connect both 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz devices or you don’t see or use 2 separate networks at home, you must be using combined 2.4/5Ghz network in one SSID (WiFi network name) and this is not recommended.

Get into the router and confirm/discard if the networks (2.4Ghz and 5Ghz) are separate or combined in one