Apple (iPhone, iPad, Macbook) Accessory Setup

Last Update:Feb 10 2022 2:49pm • Est. Read Time:Est. Read Time: 2 MIN

If your controller didn’t connect to your Wi-Fi network and you have a different Apple device, such as an older iPhone, an iPad, or even a Macbook, we can connect the controller using a different method. This article has instructions on how to connect your Rachio controller using the Accessory Setup option in your Apple device. This is most commonly used when your controller gets stuck at Light 2, flashing yellow/orange. 


You can follow these steps to get the unit connected:

1. Factory Reset your controller by unplugging it and plugging it back in after 10 seconds. Then, press and hold the Stop Button (upper part of the white, round button). You’ll see the light bar filling up in yellow. Once it is completed, it will flash blue and you can let go of the button. 

2. Wait for the second light to start flashing yellow. Then, from your Apple Device (make sure it is connected to your Wi-Fi Network), open the Wi-Fi Settings, where you can see all the available Wi-Fi networks that you can connect to. There, you should see a “network” named RACHIO-XXXXXXX (in place of the X’s will be the last 6 digits of the controller's MAC address.). 

3. Just tap that “network” in order to connect to it (it should say Accessory Setup). The app will guide you through the process. It is not necessary to download the Rachio app.

Please note that this method is only possible from Apple (iOS) devices.



Wi-Fi 6


Newer devices, such as the iPhone 11, 12, or 13, are equipped with Wi-Fi 6. Check the Manufacturing Date of your Rachio controller, if it is prior to June 2020, it will need to be connected with an older device (iPhone 10 or older), since Wi-Fi 6 was released after that controller was manufactured. After you put it online, the controller will update its Firmware and you won’t have this issue anymore. iPads and Macbooks shouldn’t be affected by this.



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