Summary

Already have your Generation 1? The video and step-by-step guides below will have you up and running in no time! Be ready to install your controller and set it up in the app.

Generation 1 Controller Installation Steps & Tips 

App Setup 

Prepare

1. Test your system
   Confirm each zone's functionality with your current controller prior to installing the Rachio controller. Find and repair any irrigation issues prior to installing your Rachio.

2. Check W-Fi signal
   Check the signal strength at the location of your controller. We recommend a signal of at least 2 bars on your phone.

3. Unplug the power
   Disconnect power from your old controller.

4. Take a picture
   Photos of your current wiring are important for reference when you are wiring the Rachio

5. Remove your old controller
   It's time for smart watering, with Rachio!  

Install 

1. Anchor to Wall
   Install the Rachio Wall Mount to the wall using the two screws included.

2. Wire it Up
   Reconnect the wires to the Wall Mount terminals.
   
   Required Wiring
   Common Wires: Insert into either white terminal slot. If you have more than one common wire, we suggest entering one in each common slot (left and right).
   Zone Wires: Install in the green terminal slots.
   Master/Pump Valve Wire (if present): Install in the blue terminal slot, and enable in Advanced Settings within the app.
   Click wiring label for more WIRING TIPS

Connect

1. Download the  Rachio app.

2. Create a Rachio account.

Connect the controller to Wi-Fi via the app.

Steps for Blinkup:

• Make sure the Rachio is powered on.
• The Wi-Fi light should be blinking amber or red. If your Wi-Fi light is not blinking, please power cycle your controller.
• Ensure your smartphone/tablet is connected to a  2.4GHz or dual band network  . Rachio cannot connect to a dedicated 5GHz network, and blended networks are not recommended.
• Once the countdown begins, position screen face down and flush against the photosensor. Leave your phone there while the screen is blinking. This should take approximately 10-15 seconds.
• Once connected, the Wi-Fi light will blink green for one hour. After one hour, the Wi-Fi light will go gray (turn off).

Tips for Connecting:

• Turn auto brightness all the way up on your smartphone/tablet.
• > Hold your smartphone/tablet as still as possible during BlinkUp
• If you are in a brightly lit area, ambient light may impede the Blinkup process. We suggest a dark room.

Configure

1. Set up your zones
   You can configure each zone’s vegetation, soil, shade, nozzle, and slope types.
2. Create  watering schedules
   Choose from 4 schedule types; Rachio will recommend an optimal watering schedule based upon the zone attributes selected. 

Control

1. Run Zones
   Use the Remote to run any zone on-demand.

2. Run Schedules
   Click on a Schedule (Edit screen) to run it on command.

3. Share Access with others
   Complete Access(default sharing setting in the mobile app) Limited Access(accessible via the  web app only) both of them can be found in this link.

Troubleshoot

1. Blinkup
   There will be a short green flash at the end of the blinkup, this indicates that your Rachio is responding to the signal codes that are being sent. No short green flash? Please reattempt blinkup. 
   
   If blinkup fails more than twice, power cycle your Rachio and your smartphone/tablet. 
   
   Wi-Fi light not blinking green flash after blinkup? Take note of the Wi-Fi light code and cross-reference the error against the  Light Codes found HERE

2. Master Valve
   Do you have a master valve, but forgot to enable it? No sweat, it's an easy fix! Refer to  Advanced Wiring for instructions.

3. Pump Valve
   Your Rachio is designed to operate a pump start relay. Please reference  Advanced Wiring  AND the user manual for your pump start relay for wiring instructions.

4. Not Running
   When the Rachio is watering, the status light should be lit blue. If the status light is not blue, double-check that the valve in question is wired to the wall mount correctly.
   
   Assuming the wiring is correct, double-check to make sure that your sprinkler valves have 24V AC solenoids.

Want a paper copy of the Quick Start Guide?

We understand sometimes things are easier to read on paper. Download & print a copy of the Quick Start Guide here:  Rachio

 Controller, Generation 1

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.

Summer Hours (April-September)

7am-5pm (MST), 7 days a week.

Winter Hours (October-March)

8am-5pm (MST), Monday - Saturday. We are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day.