Smart Pet Feeder or Tracker Not Connecting

Common Causes

• The pet feeder has lost its WiFi connection
• The WiFi network password or name has changed
• The feeder is connected to a 5 GHz network instead of 2.4 GHz
• The food dispensing mechanism is jammed
• Power supply is interrupted or the adapter is faulty
• The Aqara Home app notifications are disabled, so feeding confirmations are not received

Fix 1: Check the Power Supply

1. Verify that the power adapter is plugged securely into both the feeder and the wall outlet.
2. Try a different outlet to rule out a dead socket.
3. Check the power cable for damage. If the cable is frayed or bent sharply, replace it.
4. The feeder's indicator light should be visible when it has power. If the light is off, the feeder is not receiving electricity.

Fix 2: Reconnect to WiFi

The Aqara Smart Pet Feeder C1 connects directly via WiFi and does not require a Zigbee hub. If your WiFi network has changed or the feeder has dropped its connection:

1. Open the Aqara Home app and check the feeder's status. If it shows "Offline," the WiFi connection has been lost.
2. Ensure your router is broadcasting a 2.4 GHz network. The feeder does not support 5 GHz.
3. If the WiFi name or password has changed, you need to reset the feeder's network settings:
   • Press and hold the button on the feeder for 5 seconds until the indicator blinks rapidly.
   • Remove the feeder from the Aqara Home app and add it again.
   • Select your 2.4 GHz network and enter the updated password.
4. If the WiFi signal is weak at the feeder's location, move the router closer or add a WiFi extender.

Fix 3: Clear a Food Jam

If the feeder is connected and responding in the app but food is not dispensing:

1. Remove the food container lid and inspect the dispensing chute for stuck kibble.
2. Remove any lodged pieces with your fingers or a utensil. Kibble larger than 12mm in diameter or irregularly shaped pieces are more likely to jam.
3. Check the dispensing wheel or auger inside the chute. Rotate it manually (if accessible) to clear any obstruction.
4. Reattach the food container and try a test feed from the app by tapping Feed Now.
5. If jams happen frequently, switch to a smaller or more uniformly shaped kibble.

Fix 4: Verify Feeding Schedules

If the feeder is online but not dispensing at the expected times:

1. Open the feeder's device page in the Aqara Home app and check Feeding Schedules.
2. Verify that each schedule is enabled (toggled on) and set to the correct time and days of the week.
3. Check that the portion size for each schedule is set correctly. If portion size is set to zero, nothing will dispense.
4. Confirm the feeder's time zone matches your actual location. An incorrect time zone will cause scheduled feeds to happen at the wrong time.
5. Note: If the feeder temporarily loses WiFi, saved schedules should still execute using the internal clock. However, extended WiFi outages may eventually cause clock drift.

Fix 5: Enable Notifications

If you are not receiving feed confirmations or low-food alerts:

1. Open your phone's Settings > Notifications and ensure the Aqara Home app has permission to send notifications (banners, sounds, lock screen).
2. In the Aqara Home app, go to the feeder's settings and enable all relevant notifications: feeding completed, low food level, food container removed, and power disconnected.
3. On Android, check that the Aqara Home app is not being restricted by battery optimization. Set it to "Unrestricted" in battery settings.

Fix 6: Re-Pair the Feeder

If the feeder remains unresponsive after trying the above steps:

1. Remove the feeder from the Aqara Home app (Settings > Remove Device).
2. Unplug the feeder for 10 seconds, then plug it back in.
3. Hold the button on the feeder for 5 seconds to enter pairing mode.
4. Add it again through the app, connecting to your 2.4 GHz WiFi network.
5. Recreate your feeding schedules and notification preferences.

Maintenance Tips

• Clean the food tray and container weekly to prevent stale food odors and bacterial growth.
• Inspect the dispensing mechanism monthly for stuck food particles.
• If the feeder includes a desiccant pack in the food container, replace it regularly to keep kibble fresh.
• Keep the feeder in a dry area away from water bowls and dishwashers to prevent moisture damage to the electronics.

When to Contact Support

If the dispensing motor does not run at all (no sound when a feed is triggered) despite confirmed power, or if the feeder powers on but never enters pairing mode after a factory reset, the hardware may be defective. Contact Aqara Support for warranty service.