SwitchBot Device Not Showing Up In The SwitchBot App

You open up the SwitchBot app on your smartphone, and you can’t find your devices anymore. Or at least, a few devices seem to be missing. It’s really frustrating, but also a common issue and usually pretty easy to fix. 

In this quick guide, I’ll walk you through some simple troubleshooting steps to fix your SwitchBot device not showing up.

It might be as simple as restarting your device, or it might require a factory reset, and in rare cases, a replacement. So let’s get into it. 

Why is my SwitchBot device not showing up in the SwitchBot App?

Your SwitchBot device may not be showing up in the app due to a variety of reasons. This includes connectivity issues, apps being outdated, battery problems, and some device-related glitches. The key is to go step by step and check everything. 

Don’t stress. It may take a little bit of effort to find out the root cause, but once you do, it’ll probably be quick and easy to get your SwitchBot running again. 

Detailed Steps to Fix the SwitchBot Device and App 

Follow these steps in order, and you should be able to get your SwitchBot to show up on the app again: 

Step 1: Check Your Device's Connection

Your SwitchBot device not being connected to your phone is often the simplest and most overlooked reason behind this problem.

To check your connection, make sure that your device's Bluetooth is turned on and that it's in close proximity to your SwitchBot device:

1. Go to your phone settings. 
2. Look for the Bluetooth settings and ensure it's turned on.
3. Make sure the phone is paired to the SwitchBot. 
4. Bring your phone close to the SwitchBot device.
5. Check if the device shows up in the app now.

Remember, Bluetooth operates best within a range of about 30 feet (or 10 meters). Having walls and obstacles between you and the device reduces this even further.

If your phone is far from your SwitchBot device, it might not show up in the app. 

You should also check your phone permissions; SwitchBot needs access to location and nearby devices to be able to connect.

Sometimes your phone’s OS may automatically withdraw permissions, so you will have to re-enable them from the settings. 

Step 2: Update the SwitchBot App

Sometimes, the issue could be with the app itself. Make sure you're using the latest version of the SwitchBot app by updating it:

1. Open the Google Play Store/Apple App Store on your phone.
2. Search for the “SwitchBot” app.
3. If there's an update available, you'll see an “Update” button next to the app. Click on it to update the app. If no update is available, skip this step. 

Once the update is complete, open the app and check if your SwitchBot device is now visible. 

Running the latest version of the app will also provide you with access to the latest features and improvements, along with other bug fixes.

Make sure to turn on auto-update on your respective App Store and check for updates regularly. 

You should also try restarting your phone and then checking the app again. 

Step 3: Re-Add the Device to the App

Next, you should try re-adding your device. This refreshes the connection between the app and your device, which might solve the issue. To re-add the device: 

1. Open the SwitchBot app on your device.
2. Remove the existing device. 
3. Tap on the “+” icon > ‘Add Device’ on the upper right-hand corner of the screen.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to add your device again.

Make sure your phone is in close proximity to your device during the process.

If the device is unable to be added again because it’s not being detected, move to the next step. 

Step 4: Check Your SwitchBot Hub

If you’re using a SwitchBot Hub, then sometimes that may cause an issue too. If not, you can skip this step. Here’s how to check:

1. Make sure the Hub is connected to your Wi-Fi network and online. 
2. Check the Hub’s firmware and if it needs any updates. 
3. Try turning off the Hub, and connecting to the device directly. 

If you’ve turned off the Hub and can’t connect to the device directly, that indicates the device itself is likely the problem. 

Step 5: Disconnect Batteries from the Device to Reboot

If the previous steps don’t work, rebooting (restarting) your device might help. It's a simple process and can often resolve minor technical issues: 

1. Disconnect the device from any power source if it has one.
2. Remove the batteries from the device.
3. Wait for about 30 seconds. This allows any residual power to drain from the device, so it’s turned off.
4. Reinstall the batteries into the device.

After you've rebooted your device, open the SwitchBot app and see if your device is now visible.

If you haven’t changed your battery in the last six months or so, it’s a good idea to replace them during this process. 

Step 6: Reset the Device

Now, if you’re still not seeing the SwitchBot in the app, it’s time to reset the device. This can help clear any glitches, but it also removes any settings and schedules you may have made. Here’s how to reset it:

1. Locate the reset button on your device. It's a small, indented button on the side or bottom of the device, often near where the battery is placed. Check your device manual if you’re not sure, as it differs for each SwitchBot model. 
2. Use a pin or a small pointed object to short-press the reset button. Do not long press it; this may lead to a firmware recovery mode in some models.
3. When you press the reset button, the device's indicator should flash as a confirmation of the reset.

Once you’ve reset the device, try adding it to the app again, like in Step 3. 

Note, if you've accidentally long-pressed the reset button, you’ll need to remove and reinstall the battery. Then, short-press it again to reset it. 

Step 7: Try Firmware Recovery or Repair

On some SwitchBot models like the Bot, there’s a firmware recovery mode. This is useful in extreme cases where the device is not responsive at all and you’re unable to do anything. To do this: 

1. Remove the battery from your SwitchBot device.
2. While the battery is removed, press and hold the reset button.
3. Reinsert the battery while still holding the reset button.

Next, navigate to Profile > Firmware Recovery inside your SwitchBot app, and check if the device shows up. If it can be fixed, just follow the on-screen instructions. 

Step 8: Contact Support

When you've tried everything and your SwitchBot device still isn't showing up in the app, it can’t be repaired, and you’re at your wits' end, it's time to contact SwitchBot's customer support.

SwitchBot's support team is well-equipped to help you troubleshoot further and find a solution to your problem.

You can contact them through the ‘Support’ section of the app, by submitting a help ticket online, or by sending them an email at the address listed on the ‘Contact Us’ page. They're usually quite prompt and should get back to you within a few hours or a day. 

Just describe your issue as best as you can, including all these steps you’ve already done, so they can check and help you out. Being detailed in your support ticket may help eliminate some back and forth as you’ve already completed the basic troubleshooting. 

If your SwitchBot device is under warranty and the issue is caused by a defect, hopefully you’ll be able to get a replacement. 

Important Notes about SwitchBot Device Not Showing Up In App

1. Interference from Other Devices: Other electronic gadgets or Wi-Fi networks can sometimes interfere with the Bluetooth connection. If possible, try to turn off the number of active devices around the SwitchBot while troubleshooting the above steps.
2. Environmental Factors: High temperature and humidity for a prolonged period can sometimes damage the device’s internals.
3. App Permissions and Settings: Always check your phone's permissions and settings, as they may change after an OS update. Ensure that SwitchBot has all the necessary permissions to function properly, like Location & GPS, Bluetooth, etc. 
4. Network Instability: If your SwitchBot is connected through a Hub, which relies on Wi-Fi, make sure your internet connection is stable. Network fluctuations can sometimes affect the visibility of devices in the app. 
5. Update Firmware Regularly: This is a general good habit you should follow. If you see any firmware update for any SwitchBot device, try to get it done as soon as possible. Outdated firmware is prone to more security risks and failures. 

FAQs

Conclusion

I hope this guide helped you resolve the issue and get your SwitchBot running again. Tech issues like these can be frustrating, but they're usually solvable with a bit of patience and the right know-how.

If you still face any difficulties, it’s best to reach out to SwitchBot support. I’ve contacted them multiple times, and they’ve always been prompt and helpful.