Summary

If you don't have a WiFi setup nearby the controller but you need the controller to be connected to the internet in order to perform a schedule or app update, you can temporarily connect the unit to a mobile hotspot. This article has instructions on how you can connect a Rachio to a Mobile HotSpot. 

The instructions on how to do so, are here: 

To connect your Rachio using a cell phone's hotspot you will need a second device broadcasting the Wi-Fi signal. This is necessary because to connect the controller you'll need both your phone and the controller connected to the same WiFi network.

So first you will need to enable the Hotspot for the second phone. Simply go to the phone's settings (or the Wi-Fi Settings depending on the model) and select "Personal Hotspot" to enable the cellphone's data. Once you've enabled the hotspot on the second phone, go back to the first phone, go to Settings > WiFi, search for the network name of the hotspot from the second phone, and connect to it.

For Gen 1:

Now you've connected the first phone to the hotspot, turn the faceplate over to locate the photo sensor in the bottom left corner. Open the Rachio app on your first phone, select the Settings Wheel > Controller Settings > Update WiFi Network, and follow the steps to connect the Rachio. Press the BlinkUp button in the app. When the countdown begins, place your phone face-down over the photosensor.

For Gen 2:

Now you've connected the first phone to the hotspot, go ahead and unplug your controller from the power plug for about 10 seconds, then hold down the DOWN ARROW + SELECT buttons whilst you plug it back in, until the light ring fully illuminates, then release both buttons. Once the second light starts flashing, open the Rachio app on your first phone, select the Settings Wheel > Controller Settings > Update WiFi Network, and follow the steps to connect the Rachio.

For Rachio 3:

Now you've connected the first phone to the hotspot, go ahead and unplug your controller from the power plug for about 10 seconds. Plug it back in and hold down the Wi-Fi button until the light bar fully illuminates and flashes blue to confirm, then release the button. Once the second light starts flashing yellow, open the Rachio app on your first phone, select the Settings Wheel > Controller Settings > Update WiFi Network, and follow the steps to connect the Rachio.

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