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How to Replace a Sensor

Replacing a Spiio soil sensor ensures continuity in monitoring critical soil data without losing your existing settings.

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Written by Lauren Hudson
Updated over 2 weeks ago

Diagnosing Sensor Issues

Before initiating a replacement, it’s important to determine whether your sensor is defective. Follow these guidelines:

  1. Check for Physical Damage: If the sensor shows visible damage, it likely needs replacement. Take clear pictures to document its condition.

  2. Monitor Performance: Sensors that are reset-prone, appear ‘dead,’ or fail to power on after multiple attempts are deemed defective and eligible for replacement.

  3. Remote Diagnostics: Sensors that seem functional during a remote check may still require replacement if they do not power on when on-site.Steps to Replace a Sensor

Scenarios for Removing or Replacing a Sensor

Not every situation requires a new sensor. Here are the most common scenarios:

  1. Removing and Reinstalling the Same Sensor (No Replacement Needed)

    • If you are just removing the sensor from the ground and plan to place the same sensor back in the same location, do not put the green magnet back on.

    • Simply reinsert it into the soil. The sensor will remain linked with the same name and area in the app.

    • If you did place the magnet back on, but are not swapping it for a new sensor, just remove the magnet, let it reboot with a green light and return the sensor to the ground.

  2. Replacing with a New Sensor (Defective Sensor or Upgrade)

    • Always use the Replace Sensor feature in the app - not the “initial install” workflow.

    • This ensures your sensor history, thresholds, and area setup are preserved.

    • The new sensor will take over the name, location, and settings of the old one.

  3. Finding a Buried Sensor

    • If you cannot locate a sensor from your install notes and pinned location in the sensor tab, you can use a metal detector to help track it down.

    • Once found, you can either replace it or reinsert it depending on your situation.

Steps to Replace a Sensor (with a new one)

  1. Open the GreenCast Connect App

    1. Launch the app on your mobile device.
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  2. Select the 'Sensors' Tab

    1. Identify and select the area where the sensor to be replaced is located.
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  3. Choose the Sensor to Replace

    1. Find the sensor you want to replace in the list and tap on it to open its details.
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  4. Edit Sensor Settings

    1. Tap the pencil (edit) icon in the upper right corner to access the sensor settings.
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  5. Remove the Existing Sensor

    1. Tap Replace Sensor.

    2. A prompt will appear instructing you to find and physically remove the sensor from the soil.
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Activating the Replacement Sensor

  1. Prepare the New Replacement Sensor

    1. Ensure the green magnet strip is still on the new sensor.

    2. This keeps the sensor in an inactive state until you're ready to activate it.

  2. Scan the QR Code

    1. Use the app to scan the QR code on the new Spiio soil sensor.

    2. Once scanned, the app will link the new sensor to the same name and place as the one being replaced.


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  3. Remove the Green Magnet Strip

    1. After scanning, remove the green magnet strip from the new sensor.

    2. The sensor should begin to blink white, indicating that it is trying to connect.
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4. Wait for the Connection

  1. Wait until the sensor flashes green, confirming a successful connection.

  2. This process may take up to 3 minutes.
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5. Confirmation Message

  1. Once the connection is established, the app will display a message:
    ​“Congratulations! We will notify you when we have received the first data confirming a successful installation.”

Post-Replacement Information

  • The new sensor will automatically appear in the Sensors tab with the same name and place as the replaced sensor.

  • You can update the location pin, add an image, and include notes in the sensor settings for easier future identification.

  • No changes are required to the area or place setup, ensuring continuity in data collection.

  • The replaced sensor’s history and thresholds will remain intact, so you can continue monitoring without interruption.

  • If storing an unused sensor, keep the green magnet on until next use.

Important Notes

  • Make sure to keep the green magnet strip on the new sensor until instructed to remove it during activation.

  • Allow up to 3 minutes for the sensor to establish a connection.

  • If the sensor does not flash green after 3 minutes, ensure it has a strong signal and repeat the process.

  • Once connected, the app will notify you when the first data has been received, confirming a successful replacement.

  • If there are no plans to use the replaced sensor and it is not damaged, please follow Sensor Storage guidelines.
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  • If a sensor is visibly damaged, take clear pictures to document its condition and use them when requesting replacements.

  • Sensors that frequently reset, appear ‘dead,’ or fail to power on should be replaced promptly, even if they pass remote diagnostics.

  • Defective sensors should not be returned; instead, recycle them responsibly according to local electronic waste disposal guidelines.

This guide ensures a smooth process for replacing a Spiio soil sensor while maintaining consistent data reporting.

For further assistance, please contact support through the Help tabs in the Settings section on the app.

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