Litter-Robot EVO: Why is my Litter-Robot not cycling?

Litter-Robot EVO might not be cycling if:

The waste drawer is full
Litter-Robot is in sleep mode
Excess weight or the litter level is too high
The cat sensor is dirty or malfunctioning
The unit is not on a level surface or placement is incorrect
There is a mechanical issue with the motor or gear mechanism

If your Litter-Robot EVO is not cycling as intended, the notifications in the Whisker app or on the LCD screen will help you determine what the issue is.

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Why is my Litter-Robot EVO not cycling?

If your Litter-Robot EVO is not cycling, stops mid cycle, or is stuck upside down, it could be due to excess weight, cat sensors, or various other settings. Here’s how to troubleshoot when your Litter-Robot EVO won’t cycle.

Wait time settings

The default Cycle Delay is 7 minutes after the weight sensors detect when a cat exits the unit so ensure that time has elapsed.

To cancel the wait time countdown, short-press the Cancel button.

You may also change the wait time setting for 3, 7, 15, 25, or 30 minutes. This can be done in the Whisker app by tapping on your device card > Controls > Cycle Delay.

Sleep Mode

During the sleep period, the unit will monitor for a cat using the unit but will not perform a clean cycle.

The Whisker app offers customizable Sleep Mode programming options.

Blinking green light

If your unit’s status indicator light is blinking green, this indicates that the cat sensor has been triggered (a cat has entered the globe). The unit will cycle once the cat exits the globe and the cycle delay countdown is up or if you press the Cancel button.

Excess weight detected

If your Litter-Robot EVO displays an Extended Scale Activity notification in the Whisker app or on the LCD screen, this indicates that the scale has been triggered for more than 30 minutes.

If your unit displays an Overloaded Globe notification in the Whisker app or on the LCD screen, the weight scale could be detecting additional weight in Litter-Robot EVO. If you’ve recently moved the unit or added too much cat litter it could cause Litter-Robot to think a cat is inside.

Remove excess litter if it's above the fill line.
Ensure the automatic litter box is not on a litter mat, a power cord, in a grout line, or touching any walls.
From the Home position, short-press the Cancel button to zero the weight scale.
If your unit is stuck during a cycle, short-press press the Cancel button to continue the cycle.

Incorrect placement

Place the unit on a level surface. The Litter-Robot EVO has a built-in carpet tray, but it’s best to avoid uneven flooring for accurate weight measurements.

If using a litter mat, place your litter mat completely in front of the unit, not partially underneath.
All sides of the robot should not touch any walls or other surfaces.
Check that all four feet can move freely and clear any litter or debris that may be stuck in or around the feet.
Check that none of the four feet are resting on top of a cord or in a grout line.

Cat sensor

Debris (dust, waste clumps, etc.) can interfere with the sensors in the waste drawer. This can cause the unit to inaccurately measure the waste drawer level and cause false cat detections.

Motor fault

If your Litter-Robot EVO displays a Motor Fault notification in the Whisker app or on the LCD screen, there is an issue with the motor, which affects the rotation of the globe.

Make sure the device is plugged in and connected.
Confirm your firmware is up to date in the Whisker app.
Ensure the motor is securely connected.

Globe position

If the globe does not turn, or the Whisker app or the LCD screen displays a Globe Position fault, the globe placement likely needs adjustment.

When the globe is properly seated on the Litter-Robot, the cylindrical end of the globe will be centered below the retaining bracket mounted to the rear of the base.
Holding the globe by the rib at the top of the globe entrance, angle the globe end so it is centered below the retaining bracket. Place the globe on the base in the approximate Home position.
Ensure the back of the globe end is below the retaining bracket, the globe is sitting flush in the rear bearing pocket, and the gear track is engaged to the motor gear.