Smart Hose Timer - Connectivity Troubleshooting (WiFi & BLE)

Last Update:Jan 23 2025 4:43pm • Est. Read Time:Est. Read Time: 5 MIN

Is your Smart Hose Timer having connectivity issues? Does it need a firmware update? Is your Smart Hose Timer Hub offline or your Valve disconnected? This article should help you get back up and running.


Contents:

Hub Troubleshooting (Wi-Fi)

Valve Troubleshooting (BLE)

Firmware Update Walkthrough



Rachio Smart Hose Timer Hub Wi-Fi Troubleshooting


If your Smart Hose Timer Hub is having issues connecting to Wi-Fi, you will be able to verify this by checking its light codes. You may also be presented with an error message in the app during the initial setup flow, or because you have the following message on your existing Smart Hose Timer app screen:

  • The two main causes of Wi-Fi issues are distance and/or interference. Make sure the Rachio Hub is located in an area that has a strong Wi-Fi signal, and try minimize object/materials that cause interference such as metal and concrete or other wireless devices that use the 2.4Ghz frequency (such as cordless phones).

  • Make sure your home's Wi-Fi network has a 2.4Ghz frequency available. NOTE: The hub is not compatible with 5Ghz networks.

  • When you connect the Rachio Hub using your phone and the Rachio app, make sure your phone is connected to the network you would like the Hub to connect to. Select the desired SSID (network name) and enter the correct password; click the "eye" icon in the password field to verify you are entering the correct password.


Advanced Hub Troubleshooting


If you are still unable to connect the Hub after performing the above steps, try these steps in order:


  1. Power cycle the Rachio Hub and your router by unplugging them from power for 1 minute; then plug them both back in. Wait for the router to reboot completely before attempting additional steps.

  2. Reset the Wi-Fi on the Rachio Hub by by holding down the hub reset button for 5 seconds. The button can be found on the underside of the Hub. You may need a ballpoint pen or a paperclip to depress the button. Once the Wi-Fi has been reset, you will see the hub flash yellow.

  3. As this point, you can attempt to connect the Hub to your Wi-Fi network once again using your phone and the Rachio app. For a first time install you may need to start over and add the device from scratch, but for an existing device, please tap the "settings wheel" at the top and select Update Wi-Fi Network, or tap any of the Troubleshoot options presented.

  4. If you are still having issues, it's possible that ports 8883 and 80 on your router may be closed. Ensure they are open before attempting steps 1 - 3 again.


Basic Valve Troubleshooting


  • Make sure that your Smart Hose Timer Hub is within range of your Valve. Max range is 200ft, however walls and other obstructions between the valve and hub will reduce the effective range. Move the hub closer to the valve, while keeping it within range of your Wi-Fi.

  • Check the last known status of your battery health on the Valve Settings page. If the last status shows “Replace” or “Low”, try replacing your batteries with a new set.

  • Remove both AA batteries from the Valve, wait 10 seconds, then replace them and fasten door to the battery compartment. Then power cycle the Wi-Fi Hub (unplug for 10 seconds, then plug it back in). 

  • Wait approximately 5 minutes for connection to be reestablished between the valve and hub. You can check the Rachio app to see if a connection has been reestablished; Locate the device in the app, then swipe down to refresh the page. Once a connection has been reestablished, the warning icons will disappear.


If the valve has not reconnected after performing the above steps, you may need to remove the valve from the app and repair it. Try these steps in order:

Advanced Valve Troubleshooting


  1. After power cycling the device by removing and replacing the batteries, reset the Valve by holding the Valve button down (approx. 11 seconds) until the Valve's LED begins Flashing Red. The Valve will flash red once every 2 seconds. It will continue to flash red until the button on the valve is pressed. Press the button (this will open the valve) and then press the button again (which will close the valve).
    NOTE: Before doing this, make sure the spigot is OFF if the valve is still connected to it, otherwise you will get wet when the valve opens!

  2. If still unsuccessful, we'll need to remove the valve from the Rachio app. All schedules and settings on the valve will be lost. To remove a valve, select the valve you wish to remove from your Home's device list.

  3. Tap on the 3 vertical dot icon to the right of the valve name.

  4. Tap Valve Settings.

  5. On the next page, scroll down to the bottom and select Forget Valve.

  6. Carefully read the warning and tap Forget.

  7. Press the button on the valve once to open it and once more to close it

  8. Unplug the Wi-Fi Hub for 10 seconds, then restore power and wait for it to reconnect to Wi-Fi.

  9. You can now pair the valve as a new device by tapping the "+" button on the Homes' screen.


Firmware Update Walkthrough

This section will walk you through downloading and installing the latest firmware available for your Rachio Smart Hose Timer Hub and Valve.


Important Note: You must have the latest version of the Rachio mobile app to download and install the firmware. 


Visit the App Store on iOS or

Visit the Google Play Store on Android


Hub and Valve Update Indicators

When an update is available, the red dot indicators shown below will appear independently. The Hub must be updated first, then any available Valve updates can be initiated. Scroll down to view detailed instructions.



Hub Firmware Update Instructions

Note: Quick Runs and Schedules will not occur while the hub is receiving its firmware update.


  1. If a firmware update is available for the hub you will see a red dot indicator on the gear icon (hub settings) that is located in the upper right corner on the Events, Valves, and Schedules tabs.
  2. Tap the red Dot.
  3. Tap “UPDATE” on “Firmware versions”.
  4. The firmware update will begin immediately.


Valve Firmware Update Instructions

Note: Quick Runs and Schedules will not occur while the valve is receiving its firmware update.


  1. If a firmware update is available for the valve, you will see a red dot indicator on the valve settings (three vertical dots) button.
  2. Tap the red dot
  3. Tap “Update” on “Firmware versions” under “Valve Details”.
  4. The firmware update will begin immediately.


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