Topic(s): PasswordTroubleshooting

Forgotten Controller Passwords

A controller password is needed to change settings or share access. However, Rain Bird WiFi Controller passwords are not stored anywhere except locally in the controller for the best level of security, and are therefore not recoverable when lost. When a controller password is misplaced, it must be reset using one of the two methods below:

1. Reset the controller password while connected to the Rain Bird WiFi controller in AP Hotspot mode.
2. Delete the controller card in the Rain Bird mobile App and reprovision the controller to your mobile device.

METHOD 1:
Reset the controller password while connected to the Rain Bird WiFi controller in AP Hotspot mode.

STEP 1:
Press the Quick Pair button on the LNK WiFi Module or on the controller interface (depending on model) for one second.

• On a LNK WiFi Module, the light will change from blinking green to blinking green and red.
• On an RC2 or ARC8 WiFi Smart Controller, the Quick Pair light will change from solid green to blinking green and red.

STEP 2:
On your mobile device, go to WiFi settings and connect to the Rain Bird network “RAINBIRDXXXXXX”. Wait for your device to establish a WiFi connection with the Rain Bird WiFi Controller.

If the mobile device asks if you want to stay connected to the Rain Bird network even though it does not have internet tap “yes.” After updating the controller password you can re-connect to your regular WiFi network with internet.

STEP 3:
Open the Rain Bird App and press on the controller picture to connect to the controller.

STEP 4:
Open the controller settings by pressing on the 3-gear icon in the bottom right of the Rain Bird Mobile App.

If you are asked for the controller password at this step, it means you are not connected to the controller in AP Hotspot mode. Please go back and repeat steps 1-3, or wait a little longer for the mobile device to connect to the Rain Bird network.

STEP 5:
Press on “Controller Info” down arrow and enter a new password. The password is restricted to letters and numbers, 4-8 digits in length. No special characters.

If a special character is entered, the password is saved without it. Please try the entered password again without the special character if you need to access the controller.

Don’t forget to press “Done” at the top right once the password is entered.

STEP 6:
Change your mobile device WiFi network back to the standard network with internet.

METHOD 2:
Delete the controller card in the Rain Bird mobile App and reprovision the controller to your mobile device.

STEP 1:
To reset WiFi settings, press and hold the Quick Pair button on your RC2 or ARC8 WiFi Smart Controller for ~5 seconds. The STATUS will change from solid green to solid amber, and once rebooted, STATUS will blink blue. 

STEP 2:
Open the Rain Bird Mobile App on your mobile device and select the trash can icon on the controller card that you wish to delete.

STEP 3:
Select “Yes” when prompted with the “Delete Confirmation” pop-up.

STEP 4:
Select “Add Controller” to begin the set-up wizard.

STEP 5:
Select the controller model you wish to pair with your mobile device.

STEP 6:
Verify the STATUS LED on the controller interface is blinking blue and select “LED flashing blue.”

STEP 7:
Select the appropriate controller MAC address (can be found on a label located in the controller wirebay).

STEP 8:
If desired, rename the controller and select “Next.”

STEP 9:
To determine automatic weather adjustments based on the controller’s location, indicate “country,” enter “ZIP/Postal Code” and select “Next.”

STEP 10:
Enter a unique password for accessing the controller. The password is restricted to letters and numbers, 4-8 digits in length. No special characters.

If a special character is entered, the password is saved without it. Please try the entered password again without the special character if you need to access the controller.

When satisfied with your password, select “Next.”

STEP 11:
The Wizard will then ask if you’re ready to set up this controller to your local WiFi network, select “Yes.”

STEP 12:
Verify your network is broadcasting in 2.4 GHZ mode and select “OK.” Enter your WiFi SSID and Password to connect the controller to your local WiFi Network.

STEP 13:
Once a successful connection is made, the Rain Bird Mobile App will then recommend you send yourself a backup via email in the event your mobile device is lost or damaged. This can be done now or at a later time in the app. 

STEP 14:
Congratulations, you have successfully connected your RC2 or ARC8 WiFi Smart Controller to your home’s WiFi Network.