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Litter-Robot 5 & Pro: Attention and error messages guide

Your Litter-Robot 5 and Litter-Robot 5 Pro display clear on-screen messages when something needs your attention or when the robot cannot operate. This guide explains all current Litter-Robot 5 Attention and Error messages and what they mean.

What the indicator lights mean

Your Litter-Robot 5 or Litter-Robot 5 Pro uses both an LCD screen and an LED indicator light to help you understand what the robot is doing. Before reviewing specific messages, here is a short guide to what each light color means:

⚪ White light
Normal operation 		A solid white light means the robot is powered on and ready for use. Many system messages appear while the light remains white.
🟡 Yellow light
Attention required 		A yellow light means the robot needs attention but is not experiencing a critical issue. Examples include the waste drawer nearing capacity or the litter level being low.
🔴 Red light
Error state 		A red light means the robot has detected an error that prevents it from cycling. These messages must be resolved before the robot can operate again.
🟢 Green light
In use or cycle delay 		A blinking green light means the robot has detected weight inside the globe—usually a cat entering or exiting. After the cat leaves, the robot enters a Cycle Delay countdown before beginning a Clean Cycle. The light remains blinking green until the countdown finishes.
🔵 Blue light
Setup or connectivity 		A blue light is used during onboarding, network setup, or other configuration steps. You may see a blinking blue light when connecting the robot to WiFi or updating settings.

Attention messages

These messages indicate that your Litter-Robot 5 needs attention but can still function normally. Take action soon to prevent unexpected interruptions.

🟡 Drawer almost full The waste drawer is nearing capacity. The robot will continue cycling, but empty the drawer soon to prevent interruptions.
🟡 Litter low Litter level inside the globe is below the recommended amount. Add litter until it reaches the MAX fill line on the inside of the globe. Press Cancel button icon Cancel to zero the weight scale.
🟡 Disconnected Robot is not currently connected to Wi-Fi. If it doesn’t reconnect automatically, check your router and internet connection. You can also update network settings in the Whisker app: select your device → Settings → Update Network.
🟡 WiFi chip fault Robot is unable to check in with its Wi-Fi module. Power cycle the robot (unplug for 30 seconds, plug back in). If the message returns, see WiFi chip fault.
🟡 Replace filter soon Current filter is nearing end of life and should be replaced when convenient. To rotate globe to the filter position, press and hold Cancel button icon Cancel for 3 seconds, then follow on-screen prompts.
🟡 New filter required A new OdorTrap® pack or carbon filter is required. Hold Cancel button icon Cancel for 3 seconds to rotate globe to the filter replacement position, then follow on-screen prompts.

Error messages

These messages indicate that your Litter-Robot 5 cannot operate until the issue is resolved. Action is needed to resume functionality.

🔴 Drawer full The robot has detected that the waste drawer is full. Empty the drawer and press Cancel button icon Cancel to dismiss the message. Learn more.
🔴 Power fault The robot is not receiving stable power. Ensure the power adapter is the original Whisker adapter and securely connected to both the unit and the wall outlet. Try a different outlet. If the issue persists, a new power supply or base may be needed.
🔴 Motion in drawer Motion was detected in the waste drawer. The robot rotates the globe to the dump position to allow anything inside to exit, then waits for Cancel button icon Cancel to be pressed or automatically returns Home after five minutes. Learn more.
🔴 Obstruction Something is preventing the globe from rotating. Remove the bonnet and inspect the globe, base, and pinch bars for debris or clumps. Clear any blockage and press Cancel button icon Cancel. Learn more.
🔴 Motion in globe Movement was detected inside the globe while the robot was at the Home position. Make sure no pets or objects are inside the globe.
🔴 Board fault A system board issue has been detected. Perform a Hard Reset by pressing and holding the Power button for six seconds. If the message returns, contact Whisker Customer Experience.
🔴 Motor fault The motor encountered resistance during rotation. Check for jams and ensure nothing is interfering with movement.
🔴 Bonnet removed The bonnet is not correctly seated. Align the bonnet hinge and ensure both latches click securely into place, then press Cancel button icon Cancel. Learn more.
🔴 Hall Effect fault The robot cannot reliably detect globe movement during rotation. Check that the globe is installed correctly and rotates freely. If the error returns, contact Whisker Customer Experience.
🔴 Position fault The robot cannot find or maintain the correct globe position after three attempts. Reseat the globe, power the unit back on, then press Cancel button icon Cancel and Cycle button icon Cycle to run a test cycle. Learn more.
🔴 Refill litter The litter level is critically low. Add litter until it reaches the MAX fill line, then press Cancel button icon Cancel to zero the weight scale.
🔴 Function unavailable The requested action cannot be completed while the robot is in a restricted state. Resolve any current error messages or wait for the robot to return to the ready state.
🔴 Cat detected or Cycle interrupted A presence was detected during a cycle. Make sure the area inside and around the robot is clear. Learn more.
🔴 Extended scale activity The scale detected activity for more than 30 minutes. Check inside the globe and beneath the base for objects or uneven flooring, then press Cancel button icon Cancel. Learn more.
🔴 Overloaded globe The globe is encountering resistance during rotation. Ensure the carbon filter cover is properly seated and the seal strips are not catching on the globe, then press Cancel button icon Cancel. Learn more.
🔴 Scale not calibrated Litter-Robot is equipped with a calibrated weight scale to accurately detect when a cat has entered the unit, as well as measure its weight. If this message appears, the unit has lost its factory scale calibration values. Contact Whisker Customer Experience for further assistance.

Litter-Robot 5 Pro: What the camera indicator lights mean

Litter-Robot 5 Pro includes two cameras:

  • A front-facing camera used for Live View and event recordings.

Close up of front-facing camera

  • An internal camera used for monitoring activity inside the globe.

Close up of bezel with circle around inner-facing camera

The camera indicator light applies only to the front-facing camera. This light provides status information related to camera connectivity, onboarding, and cloud communication.

Below is a guide to what each camera indicator light means and what to do next.

⚪ Solid white The front-facing camera is powered on and operating normally. A solid white light means the camera is connected and ready. This light may also appear briefly while the device is starting up.
🟢 Blinking green The front-facing camera is actively recording video. This light may appear when Live View is open or when the camera is capturing an event. This is normal behavior and does not indicate a problem.
🟡 Blinking yellow The camera was unable to connect to the WiFi network.
  • During onboarding, this usually means the WiFi network name (SSID) or password was entered incorrectly.
  • If the camera was already onboarded, flashing yellow typically indicates a temporary network connectivity issue, such as a dropped internet connection.

What to do:
Re-enter WiFi credentials in the Whisker app and confirm the network is available.

🔴 Blinking red The camera lost its connection to the cloud while already onboarded. This is often temporary and may occur during a broader service disruption. When this happens:
  • The robot may still appear in the app.
  • Camera event history and Live View may not be available.

What to do:
Wait for cloud services to be restored. If the light remains red, contact Whisker Customer Experience for more assistance.

🔴 Solid red The camera is undergoing or has just completed a factory reset.
  • The solid red light may appear briefly while the reset is in progress.
  • After the reset completes, the camera module reboots and the light will clear.
  • The indicator will then briefly turn solid white and switch to flashing blue, indicating the camera is ready to be paired again.

What to do:
Follow the onboarding steps in the Whisker app to reconnect the camera.

🔵 Blinking blue The camera is in onboarding mode or completing a firmware update.
  • Blinking blue also indicates the camera is ready to be onboarded and will remain in this state until pairing is completed.
    • Outside of onboarding, a blinking blue light indicates the unit is installing a firmware update. Do not interact with the robot until the light returns to solid white.
  • During onboarding, the robot will chime after successfully reading the QR code.
  • If the camera cannot connect to the WiFi network, the light will change from blinking blue to blinking yellow.

What to do:
Continue onboarding in the Whisker app and ensure the correct WiFi credentials are entered.

Need more help?

Please contact Whisker Customer Experience for more assistance. 

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