# Connect Rachio 3 to WiFi Using a Laptop or Older Mobile Device
> You may have a new router or wi-fi network and now your controller is stuck on the light 2 flashing yellow. Are you a new owner? Have you tried to update the...
Source: https://support.rachio.com/en_us/connect-rachio-3-to-wifi-using-a-laptop-or-older-mobile-device-HJIBvLyFv
Last updated: 2026-04-25T17:25:40.474Z
## Summary
Newer iOS and Android devices may have difficulty completing the initial Wi-Fi connection with some Rachio 3 controllers. This article covers alternative methods for getting the controller online, including using an older mobile device or a Mac, Windows, or Linux laptop.
## Connectivity Issue Overview
Controllers with a manufacture date after June 2020 should not be affected by this issue. Only older controllers that have never been connected to WiFi, or have had their firmware restored to factory settings by holding the Wi-Fi reset button for an extended duration may be impacted.
Depending on your phone's settings and Wi-Fi module, the controller may stall during connection with the second quadrant light continuously flashing yellow.
To fix the issue permanently, we'll need to get the controller online so the firmware can be updated to the latest version. You'll find several different methods to try below. You can attempt to use an older mobile device to connect your Rachio, as well as a Mac or Windows 10/11 laptop.
# Connecting with an Older Mobile Device
The quickest way to resolve this issue is to use an older smartphone or tablet (released before early 2019). If you still have an older iPhone or iPad, you can try connecting your controller to Wi-Fi directly through your device’s settings instead of using the app.
1. Open your iPhone/iPad Settings and go to Wi-Fi.
2. Scroll down until you see “Rachio” listed under Set Up New Device.
3. Tap “Rachio”, confirm that your Wi-Fi network is displayed and selected in the pop-up, then tap Next.
Once the controller connects to Wi-Fi through this device, it will receive the latest firmware update, and you shouldn’t experience further issues getting online.
# Connecting with a Laptop
#### Note
The Serial Number, SSID, and password are case sensitive; let's make sure we don't have any incorrect typos. Also, in case you have a VPN service, please make sure to turn it off during this process.
### **If you’ve got a Mac**
#### video guide
Make sure your Rachio controller is showing the orange second quadrant blinking. Open up the WiFi settings on your Mac, and you should see the Rachio network listed under the networks (usually named Rachio, followed by the last 6 characters of the MAC address). Click on your Rachio, and a new window will pop up asking you what network you’d like to add the Rachio to. Click next once you’ve selected your network, and it should get your controller online.
### **If you’ve got a Windows 10 or 11 PC**
#### **V**ideo guide
At the bottom of this page is a link to download a file titled _Rachio Connect.bat._ Please download this file and double-click to open it. Make sure your Rachio controller is showing the orange second quadrant blinking. Follow the instructions in the video to connect your controller
### **If you’ve got a Linux PC**
At the bottom of this page is a download link titled rachio\_linux\_connect.sh. This is a bash script that you can run to connect your Rachio 3 to WiFi using your Linux computer.
## [Rachio Connect.bat](https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/support-files.rachio.com/Rachio+Connect.bat) - Windows PC
## [rachio\_linux\_connect.sh](https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/support-files.rachio.com/rachio_linux_connect.sh) - Linux OS
### **Installing for the first time?**
At the end of the connection process, the controller will go online automatically. However, if you are installing for the first time, the controller will keep flashing on the 4th quadrant, like the image below:
But don't worry! Just reach out to our Support Team via the form below, and we'll help facilitate your connection.
## **Do you still need help?**
We have a chat support team ready to assist you! You can submit a support request by selecting the chat icon in the bottom right of this page, and a member of the support team will contact you live.
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