Troubleshoot my Popur X5

Top case

Häufig gestellte Fragen

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The automatic lid or trash bin is acting up.

This Q&A entails all malfunctions regarding the automatic trash can lid, including:

  • Lid doesn’t open/close itself;
  • Blinking trash box emoji;
  • Bin icon dimmed;
  • Bin icon flashing white;
  • Bin icon flashing red;
  • Bin icon solid red, a.k.a. premature full alert;
  • Already full but no alert, a.k.a. absent full alert;
  • Trash dumped onto the lid, a.k.a. false dump;
  • Whirring motor sound;
  • Lid keeps trying to close itself.

Same as the first Q&A, typically, a new lid will fix the hiccup. Kindly take these initial steps to establish a clear starting point.

  • Ensure the unit is clear of walls, and not hindered by trash bags or any obstructions.
  • Inspect both the USB port & plug to rule out any potential connection failures caused by dirt.
  • Upgrade your firmware to version 4.1.9 or above in the Popur App, if applicable.

Next, please help conduct a simple but effective test:

  1. [Connection Check] Plug in the automatic lid—verify the bin icon dims or displays as solid white.
  2. [Comms Check] Hold the button for 3 seconds—if the lid can flip up, leave it open but unplug everything.
  3. [Function Check] Power on just the litterbox (the round port, not the USB), then press the button to start cleaning—the cycle should complete.

To clarify, the unit will continue to dump waste when the lid remains unplugged the entire time. This diagnosis helps confirm that the unit works independently and communicates correctly with the lid. If indeed so, the issue can be swiftly resolved by replacing the lid. And if you need to use the product during the interim, let the lid stay open but disconnected as a non-automated part, or simply remove the lid.

Please contact us for a replacement lid under the one-year warranty, or order a new lid if the warranty has expired.

My unit doesn't work.

This description is too vague for us to provide a specific and effective solution. Please refer to this comprehensive guide that helps you identify a corresponding pattern. Then, you may locate a formalized suggestion in the succeeding Q&As. If nothing matches your observation, kindly reach out to us at support@popur.com and throw light on the issue with visual aids.

My unit doesn’t self-clean.

This description is somewhat vague for us to provide a corresponding solution. Please refer to this thorough guide that helps you identify a matching pattern. Then, you may locate a formalized suggestion in the succeeding Q&As.

Alternatively, in our experience, these three issues are the most common reasons.

  1. The automatic lid is defective. Please go to the first or second Q&A atop of this list.
  2. The cat sensors need to be adjusted. Please go to the next Q&A.
  3. Your latest firmware upgrade in fact failed without a hint. In this case, a special recovery can be easily conducted.

Here are the special recovery steps:

  • Unplug everything.
  • Hold the button, and plug in the round port (not the USB).
  • The device will reboot and start the recovery saying UPDATE. Then, release the button.
Inaccurate cat detection, or cat not being detected.

Please perform a quick experiment on the cat sensors by gently waving your hand above the litter bed, which mimics a cat's movement. You should see a cat face emoji with ears wagging being displayed on the screen. When the ears stop wagging, it indicates that a cleaning cycle will follow.

Also, to clarify, when the Curious Cat function is enabled in the Popur App, the litterbot temporarily disregards the cat's activity for about 2 minutes after a cleaning cycle. The sensor's sensitivity can be adjusted to better suit your environment—decrease the number if your pets aren't being detected consistently (say, from 48 to 25), or the other way around (say, from 48 to 60). Kindly refer to this video guide to help with the adjustment.

My unit will not power on.

Please look into four aspects concerning the power supply issue.

  1. If you can hear a short beep after the machine is plugged in, but the display remains dim, you actually have a dysfunctional display. To clarify, the display in the front is a standalone component meant solely for visualization. You should be able to initiate a cleaning cycle by pressing the button, although the display doesn’t work anymore.
  2. Otherwise, try a different outlet.
  3. Try a compatible power adapter if available. Our adapter is 12V/2A. But as long as your adapter has a voltage between 3V to 12V, it won't harm the device.
  4. If still no luck, we recommend using a new motherboard. Please contact us at support@popur.com for the replacement parts. Kindly refer to this quick guide for replacement. Make sure the pins are firmly locked during installation.
LED display dimmed or blurred.

To clarify, the display in the front is a standalone component meant solely for visualization. You should be able to initiate a cleaning cycle by pressing the button even if the display doesn’t work anymore. Please first confirm the unit can still run cleaning. If not, please refer to the above Q&A instead.

If yes, kindly reset the device by holding the button for 10 seconds (do not release until you hear three consecutive beeps), then contact us for the necessary parts based on one of the two outcomes.

  1. If it remains dim, we recommend replacing both the LED module and the control board for full restoration.
  2. If it remains blurry, only the LED module is buggy and we recommend replacing it.

Anomaly & malfunction

Anomaly after firmware update.

The update process was interrupted and in fact unsuccessful. A special recovery needs to be conducted. Here are the quick steps:

  1. Unplug everything.
  2. Hold the button, and plug in the round port (not the USB).
  3. The device will reboot and start the recovery saying UPDATE. Then, release the button.
Error code: 2UXX (any 4-character codes that begin with 2U).

This is a rare incident, indicating the communication between the motherboard and the motor was interrupted. Kindly follow these troubleshooting suggestions first, which usually restore the product. Please let us know the results so we can have a clear idea about the next steps.

  • Empty all cat litter or at least reduce the amount to prevent overloading.
  • Update the firmware in the Popur App to version 4.1.9 or above, if doable.
  • Check if the liner has somewhat got in the sifter's way (see example).
  • Check if the mechanical arm is broken on either side (see example).
  • Check if the sifter mechanism works: hold the button for 6 seconds to open, then press again to close.
  • Inspect the motherboard—all pins should be firmly and securely locked. (reference video)
  • Finally, reboot the device and run a full cycle if possible.
Error code: 3UAE and 3US2.

These codes reveal an interruption in the internet connection. If applicable, kindly update your firmware to version 4.1.9 or above in the Popur App, which has substantially improved the connectivity.

If still no luck after the upgrade, we recommend replacing the motherboard to resolve it for good (video guide for the replacement). Please contact us for the replacement parts. When plugging the cables back on, it's important to make sure the pins are firmly and securely connected.

Error code: 3UD3, 3UF4, 3UG5 and 3UH6.

These codes imply that the motor operation was somehow timed out or interrupted due to litter overload or dysfunctional electronics. Kindly take the following measures first, which typically restore the unit. Please let us know the results so we can decide next steps.

  • Ensure the unit is clear of walls or any obstructions (see example).
  • Empty all cat litter or at least push most litter towards the sifter to prevent overloading.
  • Update the firmware in the Popur App to version 4.1.9 or above, where applicable.
  • Inspect the motherboard—all pins should be firmly and securely locked. (see reference video)
  • Finally, reboot the device and run a full cycle if possible.
Pause sign, either solid or blinking.

This pattern implies litter overloading. Please reduce the amount of cat litter and try again. Alternatively, kindly refer to the "Error code: 3UD3, 3UF4, 3UG5 and 3UH6." Q&A above for a thorough troubleshooting.

Cat face emoji (ears not wagging) while the filter is extended.

This pattern implies litter overloading. Please reduce the amount of cat litter and try again. Alternatively, kindly refer to the "Error code: 3UD3, 3UF4, 3UG5 and 3UH6." Q&A above for a thorough troubleshooting.

The litter tray doesn’t move, or gets stuck in the middle.

This pattern implies that the motor operation was interrupted. Please reduce the amount of cat litter and try again. Alternatively, kindly refer to the "Error code: 3UD3, 3UF4, 3UG5 and 3UH6." Q&A above for a thorough troubleshooting.

The filter doesn’t move at all.

This pattern indicates the filter motor didn’t receive a signal. Kindly refer to the "Error code: 2UXX (any 4-character codes that begin with 2U)." Q&A above for a thorough troubleshooting.

App issue

App or firmware? I'm confused.

Firmware is the computer program embedded inside the physical litter box. It instructs the hardware device to run based on preset settings, and can be upgraded in the Popur App. The Popur App is a smartphone application that provides a few more functionalities and flexibilities. The App is optional and can be updated in the application stores. The firmware and the App have their own versions independent from each other.

How to upgrade the firmware?

Open guide

I don’t have the verification code to sign up for the App.

The verification code is provided by email. Please hit Send after typing your email address. An email with the code will be sent automatically. The code will be valid for 10 minutes. Please check your junk folder in case the email is spammed. Also, please agree to the policies by tapping the preceding circle.

My WiFi password contains a space, but the Popur App doesn’t allow me to input it.

You may copy & paste your password into the app. Alternatively, you may put the digit/letter after the space first, and then move the cursor back to add a space in.

My device cannot connect to WiFi, or is somehow disconnected.

The device is designed to function properly without relying on Wi-Fi. Check out this quick guide to understand the meanings of different info displayed. By default, a cleaning cycle is set to start 5 minutes after your cat has left, and to level the litter 3 times, while the center area of the screen is set to dim during standby.

Here are a few tips regarding connectivity (or watch the video guide):

  • Reset Wi-Fi by holding the key for 10 seconds until you hear three consecutive beeps.
  • Avoid choosing the hotspot named "Popur-xxxx" in your Wi-Fi settings—this isn't a valid network.
  • Ensure you're using a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network.
  • Enable Bluetooth and Location Services on your smartphone, and allow Popur App access to both.
  • If Wi-Fi isn't available, you can use the personal hotspot of another phone as an alternative "Wi-Fi" network. This method has always worked at every attempt, and afterwards, you may personalize the settings which the device will memorize permanently.
I cannot update the firmware in the Popur App.

Please allow us to join as a family member so we can help upgrade the device. With such permission, we will be able to troubleshoot your device. See this illustration, or follow this path: Family > My Family > Add Member > Copy Code, and tell us the code.

The display shows a wrong time.

Your phone sends the time zone information to the device at the time they are paired, but it could have failed. Also, the time zone won’t automatically change between standard and daylight times. To correct this, please reset the WiFi by holding the key for 10 seconds until you hear three consecutive beeps, or remove the device from in the Popur App. Then, connect your device to allow it to fetch the time zone again.

Repair & replace

Motherboard.

Self-cleaning litter boxes operate in a harsh environment. Sometimes the electronics might decay faster than expected. For certain issues, we recommend replacing the motherboard for a permanent resolution and a full restoration. This is a quick video to assist you with the replacement.

Please remove the white glue on the connectors. It’s used to reinforce the pins during transportation instead of daily use. The pins have locks themselves. It’s important to make sure the pins are firmly and securely locked when reconnecting the cables.

Creak noise.

Dust accumulates on the filter mechanism over time, making the hinges between metal and plastic components less lubricated. Please use a spray lubricant with a slim straw to apply the lube at the moving junctions as indicated in the picture. This should effectively address the noise.

Squeak noise.

The accordion shield makes contact with the support bracket. Over time, the lubrication between them may have worn off. Please use a spray lubricant with a slim straw to apply the lube at the junctions shown in the picture. This should effectively eliminate the noise.

Clunk noise.

It sounds like a clunk caused by two objects colliding. Please let us know which of the three scenarios best matches your situation, or if it's something else.

Frame damaged.

Please contact us for an upgrade if the following cracks are found. Replacement parts will be provided. Please refer to this handy video for guidance. Note that this is only applicable to some of the early batches prior to 2023. Kindly send us a picture for warranty recordation.

Mechanical arms damaged.

Please contact us for an upgrade if the following cracks are found. Replacement parts will be provided. Please refer to this handy video for guidance. Note that this is only applicable to some of the early batches prior to 2023. Kindly send us a picture for warranty recordation.

Fence or top-entry wall (i.e., the front guard) keeps falling.

The front guard might be dislodged during transportation. It should be secured on the tray and you may lift the litter box by grabbing it. Try pressing it hard, which produces a firm clutch sound as heard in this video. Otherwise, we suspect it’s not in a proper shape and you may send a picture for us to inspect.