Rachio BlinkUp Tips & Tricks

Are you having issues connecting your Generation 1 controller to your WiFi? This article will help you with some tips and tricks to get you connected. 

IN THIS ARTICLE

• BlinkUp Video
• Step by Step Instructions
• BlinkUp Tips

What is BlinkUp?

Simply put, BlinkUp is a process used to transmit your wireless network's SSID (name) and encryption key (password) to your controller via light. BlinkUp transmits the information to the controller optically by rapidly flashing a mobile device’s screen between maximum and minimum brightness at a fixed rate. A photosensor on the controller reads the data and uses it first to (1) connect the controller to your Wi-Fi network, then (2) seek authorization to access Rachio's cloud servers.

Video

Check out the video below for instructions and tips for the installation and BlinkUp of your controller.

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Step-by-Step Instructions 

1. Download the Rachio app from the Apple App Store or Google Play store. Open the Rachio app and register for an account (account requires name, email address, username, and password).
2. Plug the connected power adapter into the front panel. Once plugged in, the power light should be green and the Wi-Fi light will flash orange. Turn up the brightness on your phone or tablet and ensure that the device is not in energy-saving mode.
3. In the Rachio app, select "Add Controller" and enter the controller's location. When prompted, scan the controller barcode, located on the back of the faceplate, using your phone's camera. Follow the app prompts to begin BlinkUp.
4. Turn the faceplate over to locate the photosensor on the bottom left corner. Press the BlinkUp button in the app. When the countdown begins, place your phone face-down over the photosensor.

   

5. From here you will need to name your controller, put in your zip code, and toggle the Master Valve/Pump option. Once this has been completed, select Continue.
6. Your phone screen will transmit your Wi-Fi information to the controller via a unique light code. The Wi-Fi status light will stop blinking during the Blink Up process, then flash green when it is connected. The Wi-Fi light on the controller will flash green for one hour. If BlinkUp fails, follow the instructions to try again. If your second attempt fails, contact Rachio.com/support
7. When the Generation 1 is online, press the front panel onto the wall mount. Congratulations! Your Rachio Generation 1 hardware is installed and BlinkUp is complete.

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BlinkUp Tips

Every phone has unique screen, battery, and other performance settings that can interfere with the BlinkUp process. Factors such as the number and kind of concurrently running apps, operating system settings, and the use of unauthorized software hacks may hinder the performance of BlinkUp.  Compatibility has been verified using unmodified, as-shipped versions of the Android and iOS mobile operating systems.

BlinkUp Failed?

If you are having problems configuring a controller, attempt the following troubleshooting steps:

• Screen brightness is not set to Auto AND set to maximum
• Disable any Power Saving Mode
• Check the serial number
  • BlinkUp has been continuously improved. If you are unable to get BlinkUp to work with your Android device this is typically because the controller is running an older version of the OS. If you can borrow an iOS device to connect the controller to Wi-Fi, when it connects it will update its OS automatically and improve Android BlinkUp compatibility. This particularly applies to Generation 1 controller's with serial number's starting with   V14  XXXXXX. 

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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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