Whisker Litter-Robot 5 troubleshooting
8 problems the manual covers, with the cause and the fix it gives.
The Whisker Litter-Robot 5 is a rotating globe box. The steps below are the manufacturer's own; if a step involves opening the unit, check the warranty first.
LED blinks yellow
Why: Attention needed: waste drawer almost full, filter due, or WiFi connection lost.
What to do: Check the LCD screen; empty the drawer or replace the filter, then press Cancel. After a WiFi outage the unit reconnects by itself.[1]
LED blinks red and the robot stops cycling
Why: The waste drawer is full (detected on three cycles in a row) or the drawer was removed.
What to do: Empty or reinstall the drawer, press Cancel to clear the alert, then short-press Cancel to zero the SmartScale.[1]
False 'drawer full' warning
Why: The liner rides above the drawer sides, or a dark bag or white/translucent litter confuses the sensor.
What to do: Push the bag below the rim, use a white bag, avoid translucent or white litter.[1]
Globe stops and backs up during a cycle
Why: An obstruction at the chute pinch bars, or the Globe is jammed or overloaded.
What to do: The unit retries by itself. If it stays blinking red, power off, remove bonnet and Globe, check the gears, keep the pinch bars free of litter and do not overfill.[1]
Unit does not cycle
Why: Debris (fur, dust) on the bezel blocks the curtain sensor.
What to do: Wipe the bezel and curtain sensor lens with a clean, dry microfiber towel.[1]
Cat visits are not detected
Why: Weight sensors were not zeroed after adding litter, emptying or moving the unit, or the cat is too light.
What to do: Short-press Cancel at the Home position to zero the SmartScale; use semi-automatic mode for kittens.[1]
Globe will not rotate
Why: The bonnet is not installed or not latched.
What to do: Reseat the bonnet until both latches click.[1]
Error stays after power off/on
Why: Firmware or electronics state.
What to do: Hard reset: hold Power 6 s. Factory reset: hold Cycle and Cancel together 3 s and confirm on the screen.[1]
Sources
- Litter-Robot 5 Instruction Manual (Whisker; covers LR5 and LR5 Pro), p. 3, 8, 16-17, 19-24, 29, 31-32, 34-35, 41-43, 48, checked Oct 8, 2026