Litter Robot 4 weight tracking not working? 85% of weight sensor errors fixed with cleaning and recalibration in under 15 minutes. Complete troubleshooting guide.
Litter Robot 4 Weight Tracking Error - Complete Fix Guide
Your Litter Robot 4 displays a weight tracking error, shows incorrect cat weights, or fails to detect your cat entering and exiting. The Whisker app shows error messages or missing data.
The weight tracking system on Litter Robot 4 uses sensors to monitor cat activity, health trends, and litter levels. When these sensors malfunction or get dirty, you'll see weight tracking errors.
Good news: 85% of weight tracking errors resolve with cleaning and recalibration in under 15 minutes. Most require no replacement parts.
Covers Litter Robot 4 and Litter Robot 4 Connect weight sensor issues, including weight not tracking, incorrect weights, and cat detection failures.
What Causes Weight Tracking Errors?
| Cause | Frequency | Fix Time |
|---|---|---|
| Dirty weight sensors | 40% | 10 min |
| Sensor needs recalibration | 25% | 5 min |
| Cat avoidance behavior | 15% | Varies |
| Litter level affecting sensors | 10% | 5 min |
| Hardware sensor failure | 10% | Service needed |
Quick Fix (Try This First) - 3 Minutes
- Power cycle the unit - Unplug for 30 seconds, plug back in
- Check litter level - Not too full, not too empty (fill line)
- Open Whisker app - Go to Settings > Recalibrate
- Wait for calibration - Let unit complete empty cycle
- Test - Have cat use the unit, check if weight tracks
Success Rate: 30% of weight tracking errors clear with simple recalibration.
Complete Weight Tracking Error Fix Guide
Step 1: Clean the Weight Sensors
Time: 10 minutes
The weight sensors are the #1 cause of tracking errors:
Locate the Sensors:
- The Litter Robot 4 has weight sensors in the base
- Turn off and unplug the unit
- Remove the globe (waste drawer first)
- Look at the base platform where the globe sits
Clean the Base:
- Wipe the entire base platform with damp cloth
- Pay attention to the sensor areas (contact points)
- Remove any litter dust buildup
- Check for stuck litter clumps affecting level
- Dry completely before reassembling
Clean the Globe Bottom:
- Wipe the bottom edge of the globe
- Clean where globe contacts the base
- Remove any dried waste or litter cake
- Ensure smooth contact surface
Step 2: Check Litter Level
Time: 3 minutes
Incorrect litter level causes sensor issues:
Proper Fill Level:
- Fill to the MAX line (inside the globe)
- Not above the line (too heavy affects sensors)
- Not below MIN (too light affects readings)
Litter Quality:
- Use clumping clay litter (recommended)
- Lightweight litters may need adjustment
- Avoid non-clumping or crystal-only litters
After Adding Litter:
- Spread litter evenly
- Run one empty cycle
- Check that sensors recalibrate
Step 3: Recalibrate Weight Sensors
Time: 5 minutes
Proper calibration is essential:
Through Whisker App:
- Open Whisker app
- Select your Litter Robot 4
- Go to Settings (gear icon)
- Find "Recalibrate" or "Calibrate Sensors"
- Follow on-screen prompts
- Unit will cycle and calibrate
Manual Calibration:
- Turn unit off
- Remove globe from base
- Turn unit on with globe removed
- Wait 30 seconds
- Turn off, replace globe
- Turn on - unit will recalibrate
Step 4: Reset Cat Weight Profiles
Time: 5 minutes
Corrupted weight profiles cause tracking errors:
In Whisker App:
- Go to Pets section
- Select the affected cat profile
- Delete the current weight history
- Let the system relearn your cat's weight
- It may take 3-5 uses to establish accurate baseline
Multi-Cat Households:
- Ensure each cat has a separate profile
- Weight differences help distinguish cats
- Similar-weight cats may have more tracking issues
Step 5: Check for Physical Issues
Time: 5 minutes
Base Level:
- Place unit on flat, level surface
- Use a level tool to verify
- Carpet can cause uneven readings
- Consider hard floor placement
Globe Seating:
- Ensure globe sits properly on base
- Rotate globe slightly to reseat
- Check that all contact points touch
- Look for debris preventing proper seating
Cat Entry/Exit:
- Observe how cats enter and exit
- Cats jumping in/out quickly may miss detection
- Very light cats (<5 lbs) may have detection issues
- Very heavy cats (>20 lbs) check weight capacity
Weight Tracking Still Not Working?
Factory Reset
If calibration doesn't help:
- Open Whisker app
- Go to Settings
- Select "Factory Reset" or "Reset to Default"
- Confirm the reset
- Reconfigure unit from scratch
- Re-add cat profiles
- Let system learn weights over several days
Firmware Update
Outdated firmware causes sensor issues:
- Check Whisker app for update notifications
- Go to Settings > Firmware/Software Update
- If update available, install it
- Let unit restart and recalibrate
- Updates often fix sensor accuracy
Contact Support Triggers
- ❌ Weight sensors don't respond at all
- ❌ Readings are wildly inaccurate (10+ lb difference)
- ❌ Error persists after all troubleshooting
- ❌ Physical damage to sensor areas
- ❌ Unit is under warranty
Whisker Support: support.whisker.com or in-app support
Understanding Weight Tracking Data
What Weight Tracking Shows:
- Individual cat visit weights
- Weight trends over time
- Usage frequency per cat
- Potential health indicators
Normal Variations:
- ±0.5 lb variation is normal
- Weight changes throughout day (before/after eating)
- Wet litter on paws can affect readings
Concerning Patterns:
- Consistent weight loss over weeks
- Significant weight gain
- Sudden usage frequency changes
- Consult vet if health concerns
Preventing Weight Tracking Errors
Daily:
- Keep litter at proper level
- Empty waste drawer before it's full
Weekly:
- Wipe down base and globe contact areas
- Check for litter buildup on sensors
- Verify proper globe seating
Monthly:
- Deep clean entire unit
- Check sensor areas thoroughly
- Verify all cat profiles are accurate
- Update firmware if available
Every 3-4 Months:
- Complete litter change (not just topping off)
- Deep clean and recalibrate
- Review weight trend data accuracy
Common Questions
Why does my Litter Robot 4 show different weights for the same cat?
Weight variation of 0.5-1 lb is normal due to sensor precision, litter on paws, timing (before/after meals), and hydration levels. Consistent variations larger than 2 lbs indicate sensor issues or calibration problems. Try recalibrating and ensure unit is on level surface.
Can weight tracking distinguish between cats of similar weight?
The Litter Robot 4 struggles with cats within 1-2 lbs of each other. For similar-weight cats, the system may sometimes misattribute visits. There's no perfect solution - consider it a limitation for households with same-size cats. Usage timing may help distinguish visits.
My cat is too light/heavy for accurate tracking. What can I do?
Very light cats (under 5 lbs) may not consistently trigger sensors. Very heavy cats (over 20 lbs) should verify they're within unit specifications. For light cats, ensure litter level is at MAX to improve detection sensitivity. Contact Whisker support for specific weight range issues.
Does the type of litter affect weight tracking accuracy?
Yes. Clumping clay litter works best. Lightweight litters may require recalibration after each fill. Crystal litters can affect readings. Avoid mixing litter types. If switching litter brands, recalibrate after the change.
Why did weight tracking stop working after moving the Litter Robot?
Moving the unit changes its level and sensor baseline. Always recalibrate after moving. Ensure new location is flat and level. Different flooring (carpet vs. hard floor) affects readings. Give the system 24-48 hours to stabilize readings after relocation.
Written by the RoboFixHub Technical Team
We specialize in robot vacuum troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair — helping users solve problems with fast, reliable DIY fixes across all major brands and smart home devices.