Litter Robot 5 error codes and how to fix them
Litter Robot 5 error codes show up as named messages on the LCD and in the Whisker app, not as numbers. Whisker lists 7 yellow attention messages and 16 red error messages, and this page gives the fix for each.
Researched by Riley Hart · updated Oct 15, 2026 · How we research
The Litter-Robot 5 shows named messages instead of number codes. A yellow light means attention: the robot still cycles (drawer almost full, litter low, filter due). A red light means an error: the robot cannot cycle until you fix the cause and press Cancel. Most red errors come from too much litter, debris under the globe, or a bonnet that is not latched.
| Message | Light | What it means | Fix from Whisker |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drawer almost full | Yellow | Waste drawer nearing capacity; cycling continues | Empty the drawer soon |
| Litter low | Yellow | Litter below the recommended level | Fill to the MAX line inside the globe, then press Cancel to zero the scale |
| Disconnected | Yellow | Robot is not on Wi-Fi | Wait for reconnection, check the router, or use Settings, Update Network in the Whisker app |
| WiFi chip fault | Yellow | Robot cannot check in with its Wi-Fi module | Unplug for 30 seconds and plug back in; contact support if it returns |
| Cat detected / Cycle interrupted | Yellow | Presence detected during a cycle | Clear the area inside and around the robot |
| Replace filter soon / New filter required | Yellow | Carbon filter or OdorTrap pack near end of life or due | Hold Cancel 3 seconds to rotate the globe to the filter position, then follow the screen |
| Drawer full | Red | Waste drawer is full | Empty the drawer, then press Cancel |
| Power fault | Red | Robot is not getting stable power | Use the original Whisker adapter, check both connections, try another outlet |
| Motion in drawer | Red | Motion detected in the drawer; globe waits at dump position | Press Cancel, or the robot returns Home on its own after 5 minutes |
| Obstruction | Red | Something blocks globe rotation | Remove the bonnet, clear debris from globe, base and pinch bars, press Cancel |
| Motion in globe | Red | Movement inside the globe while at Home | Make sure no pet or object is inside |
| Board fault | Red | System board issue | Hold Power for 6 seconds to hard reset; contact support if it returns |
| Motor fault | Red | Motor met resistance while rotating | Check for jams and anything blocking movement |
| Bonnet removed | Red | Bonnet not seated | Align the hinge, make sure both latches click, press Cancel |
| Hall Effect fault | Red | Robot cannot detect globe movement reliably | Confirm the globe is installed and turns freely; contact support if it returns |
| Position fault | Red | Globe position not found after 3 attempts | Reseat the globe, power on, press Cancel, then Cycle |
| Refill litter | Red | Litter critically low | Fill to the MAX line, press Cancel |
| Function unavailable | Red | Action blocked while robot is in a restricted state | Clear active errors or wait for ready |
| Extended scale activity | Red | Scale activity lasted over 30 minutes | Check the globe and under the base for objects or an uneven floor, press Cancel |
| Overloaded globe | Red | Globe meets resistance while rotating | Seat the carbon filter cover, check seal strips, remove litter above MAX, press Cancel |
| Laser board fault (code 0x0B) | Red | Dust, fur or litter blocking the sensors at the globe entrance | Wipe the lens with a dry microfiber cloth only, hold Power 6 seconds, wait 60 seconds |
| Scale not calibrated | Red | Factory scale calibration lost | Contact Whisker support |
Messages and fixes from Whisker's Litter-Robot 5 Attention and Error Messages support article, checked October 15, 2026. The 5 Pro also has camera indicator lights that this list does not cover.
If the same code comes back after the fix, contact Whisker support first, especially under warranty. Out of warranty, compare the repair quote with a new robot's price and 3 year cost.
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Yellow light vs red light
Whisker splits Litter-Robot 5 messages into two groups. Yellow attention messages warn you about something, like a nearly full drawer or a filter due for replacement, and the robot keeps cycling. Red error messages stop the robot until the cause is fixed.
After most red errors, the last step is to press Cancel. That clears the message and, for litter messages, zeroes the SmartScale. Then press Cycle to run a test cycle. A solid white light means the robot is ready.
Fixing Overloaded globe and Position fault
These two errors share most causes, according to Whisker. Too much litter is the first thing to check: extra weight can slow the globe enough to trigger either fault. Remove litter until it sits just below the raised MAX fill line and level it.
If the fault comes back, Whisker's steps are to turn off and unplug the unit, open the bonnet, remove any fence or accessories, and lift out the globe while holding the globe key. Then check the globe for cracks, deep scratches or loose seams, confirm the carbon filter cover is fully seated, and check that the globe magnets are present and the right way round.
- Vacuum litter from the base where the globe rests and from the dump port area.
- Check that the seal strips lie flat and both glider buttons are attached.
- Make sure the motor cover screws are tight and the drive gear does not spin freely on its shaft. Whisker says a loose gear means the motor assembly needs replacing.
- Reinstall the globe at Home, latch the bonnet, press Cancel, then Cycle.
Fixing WiFi chip fault
Whisker's first fix is a hard power cycle: unplug the power supply from the base rather than using the power button, wait 15 seconds, and plug it back in. You can check firmware by holding Cancel and Connect for 3 seconds. If the IoT firmware shows 0.0.0, power cycle again, and contact support if it still shows an invalid version.
When to contact Whisker support
Contact Whisker if Board fault, Hall Effect fault or Laser board fault returns after a hard reset, if Scale not calibrated appears at all, or if Position fault or Overloaded globe keep coming back after you have cleaned the base and checked the globe. Whisker support is at 1.877.250.7729, Monday to Friday 9 AM to 9 PM EST and weekends 9 AM to 5 PM EST.
Have the serial number ready. It is on the sticker on the base near the power inlet and starts with LR5-01. The Litter-Robot 5 and 5 Pro come with a 1 year WhiskerCare warranty that can be extended to 3 years, plus a 90 day in home trial.
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Questions people ask
How do I reset a Litter-Robot 5?
Whisker's hard reset is to hold the Power button for 6 seconds. For Wi-Fi problems Whisker instead recommends unplugging the power supply from the base for 15 seconds and plugging it back in.
Why does my Litter-Robot 5 say Overloaded globe?
The globe met resistance while rotating. The most common cause is litter above the MAX fill line. Whisker also lists an unseated carbon filter cover, peeling seal strips, litter in the base and a loose motor gear.
What is Laser board fault code 0x0B on the Litter-Robot 5?
Dust, fur or litter may be covering the sensors at the top of the globe entrance. Wipe the lens with a dry, soft microfiber cloth only, with no liquids, vacuum or compressed air, then hold Power for 6 seconds and wait 60 seconds.
Does the Litter-Robot 5 use number error codes?
Mostly no. Whisker's list uses named messages on the LCD and in the app. The only number on the list is code 0x0B, shown with Laser board fault.