Serial number already in use? - Troubleshooting / Tech Support - Rachio Community
Serial number already in use?
post by jaduckett on May 3, 2018
I am trying to set up my controller and the app says the controller is already in use and to contact support for assistance. I can’t seem to get ahold of support so I am turning to you all. Hoping to get answers before my garden dies from lack of water!
post by mitchell on May 3, 2018
Hi @jaduckett,
We can definitely get you setup and taken care of! Would you mind sending a picture of the Serial # on your controller? Was this a controller you purchased used or inherited with a new home?
post by Bioreef on May 3, 2018
I just had the same problem. I had to close out my app and restart the app on my phone, then from the app I went to more then controller settings and then had to reset up my WiFi access for the controller.
post by mitchell on May 3, 2018
Hey @Bioreef! You should only receive the error message that your Serial # is already in use if you attempt to add the controller to your Account. It sounds like you may have performed a Wi-Fi Update to get your controller back online, which is a different process..
If I can be of any further assistance please let me know!
post by foxhound1421 on May 9, 2018
I am also trying to add my controller to my account but it says the Serial # is already in use. I recently just plugged in the Rachio Gen 2 after leaving it unplugged all winter. I tried to do a wifi reset and factory reset with no help.
post by mitchell on May 9, 2018
What is the Serial # of your controller?
post by highcountrytech on May 21, 2018
“This controller is already in use” problem / Support is terrible / why is this an account issue in the first place, the user should be able to reset the whole system themselves, purge - connect - reconnect / Dear Rachio, how about some straight forward answers … Please?
post by franz on May 21, 2018
We’ve seen issues where the controller was actually stolen.
There is nothing that we are hiding, if the controller wasn’t properly removed from the system (user’s account) it is still associated with someone’s account.
Do you have a controller that you need removed from the system?
post by highcountrytech on May 21, 2018
New build Richmond home, have never set it up, the home was completed in December, system was shutdown all winter, time to see if it works … let’s get my account associated with the controller installed on our wall serial# VR0718644, what else do you need, user name-highcountrytech : )
post by franz on May 21, 2018
Looks like the person that installed the controller (builder) associated it with their account. I’ve removed it from that account so you should be good to go. I would also do a factory reset to make sure there are no residual WiFi credentials on the controller.
post by Jrichcharm on May 22, 2018
Hi i have this same issue, i purchased a controller on Ebay. I need help
post by franz on May 22, 2018
Please PM me a photo of the serial number. Thanks.
post by Hlove on May 24, 2018
I’m having the same problem. I tried to log in and it would not let me log in. I tried to reset the password it would not let me reset password. I reset the system, I reset my Wi-Fi, I uninstall the app and reinstall the app still nothing. Then I opened up a new account put the serial number in and it says the serial number is already in use. I bought the system about a year and a half ago and had no issues until now, when I tried to restart my system. I can do it manually but I cannot do it from the app.
post by DLane on Jun 9, 2018
Same issue here!
post by franz on Jun 9, 2018
Also looks like your email is incorrect. I’ll PM you the one to use.
post by MrClear on Jun 18, 2019
I need help because on the app it doesn’t show my controller and when I try to add the controller back it gives me the error that it’s already in use
My serial number is ac6578899
post by DLane on Jun 18, 2019
Did you just move into a house with a Rachio or buy a previously owned Rachio or …?
Have the steps in this article been followed?
post by DLane on Mar 10, 2020
this is a request that Rachio technical support needs to handle - community members can’t solve this. Email support at Rachio, or call.