SwitchBot Curtain Not Moving, Gets Stuck, or Motor Issues

Easy 15-30 minutes

If your SwitchBot Curtain isn't moving, gets stuck partway, makes grinding noises, or stops responding, this guide covers the most common causes and fixes from the community.

Perform a Hardware Reset

A hardware reset often resolves unresponsive SwitchBot Curtain devices:

  1. Press and hold the button on the Curtain device for 45 seconds
  2. In the first 15 seconds, the indicator light will blink
  3. The indicator will turn on solid for 1 second
  4. Then the device has been reset
  5. Re-pair the device with the SwitchBot app

Check Weight Limits

Overloaded curtains can cause the motor to struggle or stop:

Maximum weight capacity:

  • Curtain U Rail: Up to 8 kg (17.6 lbs)
  • Curtain I Rail: Up to 8 kg (17.6 lbs)
  • Curtain Rod: 5 kg to 8 kg (11-17.6 lbs) depending on model

If your curtains are heavy, try:

  • Using lighter curtain fabric
  • Removing any blackout liners temporarily to test
  • Using two SwitchBot Curtain devices to share the load

Check for Physical Obstructions

Something may be blocking the curtain track:

  1. Remove the SwitchBot Curtain from the rail
  2. Manually slide the curtain along the entire track
  3. Feel for any spots where it catches or sticks
  4. Clean the track of any dust or debris
  5. Make sure curtain rings/hooks move freely

If the curtain gets stuck at a specific position: "Check if there's an obstruction at that point on the rail. Sometimes a bent section of track or a damaged curtain ring can cause consistent stopping."

Inspect the Motor and Wheels

Motor or gear issues can cause problems:

  1. Remove the SwitchBot Curtain from the rail
  2. Use the app to control the device so the wheels are visible
  3. Watch if the wheels spin properly
  4. Listen for unusual grinding or clicking sounds

"Check the motor and gear mechanism for obstructions or wear. If the bot connects but remains unresponsive, the internal motor or control board may be faulty."

If you suspect a motor issue, take a video showing the problem and submit a support ticket through the SwitchBot app.

Charge the Battery

Low battery can cause weak or inconsistent movement:

  1. Check the battery level in the SwitchBot app
  2. If below 20%, charge the device
  3. Use the included USB cable to charge
  4. Charging takes about 5-7 hours for a full charge
  5. Consider a SwitchBot Solar Panel for continuous charging

Update Firmware

Outdated firmware can cause motor and control issues:

  1. Open the SwitchBot app
  2. Select your Curtain device
  3. Go to Settings
  4. Check the firmware version
  5. If not on the latest version, update it

"Make sure the SwitchBot Curtain is added to the app and the firmware version is up to date. If it is not V4.6 or newer version, submit a feedback ticket to ask for the latest firmware upgrade."

Recalibrate Open/Close Positions

If the curtain doesn't fully open or close:

  1. Open the SwitchBot app
  2. Select your Curtain device
  3. Go to Settings → Calibrate
  4. Follow the prompts to set the fully open and fully closed positions
  5. Make sure to set these positions accurately

Enable QuietDrift Mode (Curtain 3)

If noise is a concern with the Curtain 3:

The QuietDrift feature allows the device to operate at less than 25 dB (measured at 1 meter). Enable this in the app settings if you want silent operation, especially for use in bedrooms.

Note: QuietDrift moves the curtains more slowly.

Check Bluetooth Connection

The Curtain device connects via Bluetooth:

  • Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your phone
  • Stay within Bluetooth range during setup and calibration
  • For remote control, you'll need a SwitchBot Hub Mini or Hub 2

Verify Rail Compatibility

Make sure you have the correct model for your rail type:

  • U Rail version: For C-shaped or U-shaped tracks
  • I Rail version: For I-shaped or straight tracks
  • Rod version: For curtain rods (poles)

Using the wrong model for your rail type will cause movement problems.

Contact Support

If you've tried everything and the device still doesn't work:

  1. Open the SwitchBot app
  2. Go to Profile → Help & Feedback
  3. Submit a support ticket
  4. Include a video showing the issue
  5. SwitchBot support can help diagnose hardware failures

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