PetKit PuraMax 2 error codes: screen and app alerts explained
PetKit PuraMax 2 error codes are not numbers. The litter box shows short text prompts on its screen and sends alerts to the PETKIT app. This guide lists each prompt and alert PetKit documents for the PuraMax 2 and the original PuraMax, what it means and PetKit's fix.
Researched by Riley Hart · updated Oct 21, 2026 · How we research
The PuraMax 2 has no number codes. Its screen shows text prompts such as waste bin full, insufficient litter, side cover or upper cover not closed, and device failure, which tells you to check the PETKIT app for details. For a false cat inside alert, PetKit says to update the app and firmware, check the waste bin and bag, wipe the sensors, then unplug for 15 seconds and double click OK.
| Screen prompt or alert | What it means | Fix from PetKit |
|---|---|---|
| Waste collection bin is full, please empty | The 7 L waste bin is full | Empty the bin and fit a new bag |
| Insufficient cat litter, please add more | Litter level is low | Add litter up to the max line, then double click OK so the box calibrates |
| Magnetic side cover not closed | Side cover is not seated | Refit the magnetic side cover properly |
| Upper cover not closed | Top cover is open or loose | Close the upper cover |
| Device failure, check the details in the app | A fault was detected | Open the PETKIT app to see what the fault is |
| Cat entered during operation | A cat stepped in while the drum was turning | Nothing. The drum pauses and restarts after the cat leaves |
| Cat approached detection zone | A cat is near the entrance | Nothing. Let the cat finish |
| Cat inside alert with no cat in the box | False detection by the sensors | Update the app and firmware, check the waste bin and bag, wipe the sensors, unplug for 15 seconds, then double click OK |
| Paused by the safety sensors | A sensitive sensor stopped the cycle | Double click OK to resume |
| Odor eliminator reminder in the app | The odor eliminator refill is near the end of its life | Replace the refill |
| No clean after the cat leaves | Auto clean off, cat too light, box not calibrated or poor placement | Turn on auto clean, calibrate with a double click on OK, update firmware, move it to a hard floor away from the wall and wipe the entrance sensors |
| Box fails to scoop | Foreign object, too much litter or a blocked sensor | Remove the object or excess litter and clear the sensor |
| Strange noise or sparks | Possible electrical or mechanical fault | Turn the power off right away and contact PetKit support |
Screen prompts from the PETKIT PuraMax 2 user manual; fixes from PetKit's PuraMax 2 help sheet, its safety and usage guide, the PuraMax 2 product page FAQ and two PetKit help center articles for the original Pura Max, checked October 21, 2026. The manual lists the prompts but no number codes, and the exact fault behind device failure is shown only in the app.
If the same code comes back after the fix, contact PETKIT 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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How the PuraMax 2 reports problems
The PuraMax 2 has a small OLED screen on top. Instead of number codes it scrolls short text prompts, and it shows icons for total visits, network connection and child lock. The PETKIT app adds alerts for cat visits, a full bin, low litter and odor eliminator life.
When the screen says device failure, the box itself does not say what failed. PetKit's manual tells you to open the app, which shows the details. The original PuraMax uses the same OK and Menu buttons, and the PetKit help center articles quoted here were written for it.
Fixing a false cat inside alert
This is the alert owners ask about most. PetKit's help center gives these steps in order.
- Update the PETKIT app and the device firmware to the latest version.
- Pull out the waste bin and see if the alert clears. If not, check that the waste bag sits below the orange rubber part.
- Wipe the two waste level sensors and the four anti pinch sensors on the bottom of the unit.
- Make sure the box stands on a hard, stable floor with at least 5 cm of space around its sides.
- Unplug the power adapter for 15 seconds, plug it back in and double click the OK button.
- If the alert still shows, run one automatic clean from the app, film it along with how and where the box is set up, note the serial number and the time, and send it all to [email protected].
When the PuraMax 2 does not clean
PetKit lists several reasons a box skips a clean after a visit: auto clean is switched off in the app, the cat weighs under 3.5 lb, the box was not calibrated after filling, the firmware is old, the box stands on a mat or carpet, it is too close to a wall, or the entrance sensors are dirty. Fix each one, and calibrate by filling to the max line and double clicking OK.
Kitten Protection Mode also stops cleaning on purpose. PetKit says it turns off auto and periodic cleaning, and recommends it when a kitten under 1.5 kg (3.3 lb) shares the box with adult cats.
Reset, maintenance mode and buttons
Long press Menu to turn the box on or off. Short press Menu to move between functions and press OK to run the one shown. The Reset function returns the drum to its starting position.
Maintenance Mode turns the drum so its opening faces up for adding litter or cleaning. PetKit says it exits on its own after 15 minutes, or you can press OK to leave it sooner. For a wider restart, unplug the adapter for 15 seconds, plug it back in and double click OK.
When to contact PetKit
Contact PetKit if a device failure alert keeps coming back, if a false cat alert stays after all the steps above, or straight away after strange noises or sparks. Email [email protected] with the serial number, the exact time of the fault and a video of the box and its setup.
For leaks and smears, PetKit's advice is about litter and settings: use fast, tight clumping litter, lengthen the wait time before cleaning, use less litter and turn on Waste Covering Mode.
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Questions people ask
Does the PetKit PuraMax 2 have error codes?
Not number codes. The box shows text prompts on its screen, such as waste bin full or device failure, and the PETKIT app shows the details of any fault.
Why does my PuraMax 2 say a cat is inside when there is no cat?
The sensors are giving a false reading. Update the app and firmware, check the waste bin and bag, wipe the waste level and anti pinch sensors, then unplug for 15 seconds and double click OK.
Why is my PuraMax 2 not cleaning after my cat uses it?
Check that auto clean is on, the cat weighs over 3.5 lb, the box was calibrated after filling, the firmware is current, and the box stands on a hard floor away from the wall with clean entrance sensors.
What does device failure mean on the PuraMax 2?
The box found a fault but the screen does not name it. Open the PETKIT app to see the details, and contact PetKit support if it keeps coming back.
How do I reset my PetKit PuraMax 2?
Use the Reset function on the panel to return the drum to its start position. For a restart, unplug the adapter for 15 seconds, plug it in again and double click OK.
How do I get out of maintenance mode?
Press OK. If you leave it, PetKit says the box exits maintenance mode on its own after 15 minutes.