The Awair Element monitors five key air quality factors: temperature, humidity, CO2, VOCs (chemicals), and PM2.5 (fine dust). This guide helps you troubleshoot common issues with readings, connectivity, and device behavior.
WiFi Connection Issues
Won't Connect During Setup
- Ensure you're using a 2.4GHz network (Awair doesn't support 5GHz)
- Check that your WiFi password is correct and doesn't contain unusual special characters
- Move the Awair closer to your router during setup
- Restart your phone's WiFi and Bluetooth
- Try setup with airplane mode on, then just WiFi enabled
Keeps Disconnecting
- Check WiFi signal strength—move closer to router or add an extender
- Restart your router and the Awair device
- Check for router firmware updates
- Ensure your router isn't blocking IoT devices (check MAC filtering)
- Some mesh networks cause issues—try connecting to the main router node
Shows Offline in App
- Check that the LED on the device is on (not just the display)
- Power cycle the Awair: unplug for 30 seconds, plug back in
- Verify your internet is working on other devices
- Force close and reopen the Awair app
- Check Awair server status if multiple users report issues
Inaccurate Readings
CO2 Readings Seem Wrong
CO2 sensors require calibration and proper placement:
- Normal outdoor air: 400-450 ppm
- Good indoor air: 400-1000 ppm
- Stuffy room: 1000-2000 ppm
- Poor ventilation: 2000+ ppm
Calibration tips:
- Place the Awair near an open window or outside for 20-30 minutes
- The sensor auto-calibrates over time—give it 1-2 weeks for accurate readings
- Avoid placing near HVAC vents, which can give artificially low readings
- Don't breathe directly on the sensor—human breath is 40,000+ ppm CO2
Temperature Readings Off
- Don't place in direct sunlight—this heats the sensor
- Keep away from heat sources (radiators, electronics, windows)
- Wall-mounting can cause higher readings due to heat from the wall
- Allow 24 hours after moving for readings to stabilize
- Compare with a separate thermometer to verify accuracy
Humidity Readings Incorrect
- Don't place in bathrooms or kitchens where humidity fluctuates rapidly
- Keep away from humidifiers and dehumidifiers
- Humidity sensors can drift over time—this is normal
- Extreme humidity (very dry or very wet) can temporarily affect accuracy
PM2.5 Always Shows High
PM2.5 measures fine particulate matter (dust, smoke, pollution):
- Check for obvious sources: cooking, candles, smoking, vacuuming
- Sensor contamination: Dust can accumulate on the sensor. Blow gently into the vent holes or use compressed air
- Wildfire smoke or pollution: Check outdoor air quality in your area
- Location matters: Near kitchens or high-traffic areas will show higher readings
VOC (Chemical) Readings Erratic
VOC sensors detect volatile organic compounds from cleaning products, paint, furniture, and more:
- New Awair devices need 3-7 days to "burn in" the VOC sensor
- Readings spike after using cleaning products, air fresheners, or perfume—this is expected
- New furniture, carpets, or paint will cause elevated readings (off-gassing)
- Cooking with gas produces VOCs
- Don't place near areas where VOC-producing products are stored
Display Issues
Display Not Turning On
- Check power connection—try a different USB cable and adapter
- Use a 5V 1A (minimum) USB power adapter
- Try a different power outlet
- Check if the display brightness is set to minimum in the app
Display Brightness Problems
- Adjust brightness in Awair app → Device Settings → Display
- Enable "Auto brightness" if available
- The display dims automatically in dark rooms (if auto-brightness is on)
- Some models have physical light sensors—ensure they're not covered
Display Shows Dashes (--)
Dashes indicate the sensor is warming up or unable to take a reading:
- Wait 15-20 minutes after power-on for sensors to warm up
- If dashes persist for one metric, that sensor may need calibration or replacement
- Check app for error messages about specific sensors
App and Integration Issues
App Not Syncing Data
- Pull down to refresh in the app
- Force close and reopen the app
- Check that the device shows online in the app
- Log out and log back in to your Awair account
- Reinstall the app if issues persist
Home Assistant / Smart Home Integration Not Working
- Awair local API must be enabled for local integrations
- Check that your Awair and home automation hub are on the same network
- Verify the device IP address hasn't changed (use a static IP or DHCP reservation)
- Cloud integrations (Alexa, Google) require Awair servers—check internet connection
Historical Data Missing
- Data syncs when the device is online—offline periods won't have data
- Free accounts have limited history—Awair+ subscription provides more
- Data may take a few hours to appear in graphs
Optimal Placement
For accurate readings, place your Awair Element:
- At breathing height: On a desk or shelf, not on the floor or ceiling
- Away from direct airflow: Not next to HVAC vents, fans, or open windows
- Away from heat sources: Not near radiators, sunlight, electronics
- In the room you spend most time: Bedroom or home office
- Not in kitchens or bathrooms: Rapid changes affect calibration
Factory Reset
If problems persist, factory reset the device:
- Press and hold the button on the back for 10+ seconds
- The display will flash, indicating reset is starting
- Wait for the device to restart
- Set up the device again in the Awair app
Note: Factory reset clears the WiFi configuration but historical data is stored in the cloud.
When to Contact Awair Support
Contact support if:
- Sensors consistently show impossible readings after calibration period
- Device won't power on at all
- Display has permanent dead pixels or damage
- Device is within warranty (1 year) and malfunctioning
Awair support: support.getawair.com