Sometimes a sensor reports a value that clearly isn't real. If your sensor shows any of the following, something is preventing it from taking a good measurement:
- A temperature stuck at -40° (Fahrenheit or Celsius) together with 0% humidity
- A temperature of about -52°F (-46.8°C) on an HT1
- Extremely large numbers, such as millions of degrees
- Humidity stuck at 100% when the air around the sensor isn't that damp
- Sudden spikes that jump far away from the real conditions and back again
On the HTP.xw, the barometric pressure reading often keeps working normally even when temperature and humidity are wrong, because pressure is measured by a separate part of the sensor.
Here's what to try, and what to do if it doesn't help.
1. Check the Battery
A weak, low-quality or poorly seated battery is the first thing to rule out, especially if the problem started soon after a battery change.
- Remove the battery, wait about a minute, and put in a fresh CR2477 from a reliable brand such as Panasonic or Murata.
- Double-check that the battery is facing the right way. See Why is my sensor not working after I changed the battery? for how to tell.
- Open the app near the sensor and give it a few minutes to send new readings.
2. Let It Dry Out
If the sensor has been somewhere very humid, wet or close to freezing, moisture may have condensed inside the case. This can happen even with the water-resistant HT.w and HTP.xw, because the air itself can condense on any surface that's slightly cooler than it. Bring the sensor indoors and let it sit at normal room temperature for a day, then check the readings again.
You can learn more about which environments are hard on sensors in Can I use SensorPush sensors outdoors?
3. If You See "Security check failed"
If the app shows "Security Check Failed" (on Android, "Security check failed.") when you try to add or reconnect the sensor, restart your phone and try adding the sensor once more, as the message suggests. If you see the message again, please contact us as described below.
A Note About Alerts
Readings like these can set off temperature or humidity alerts even though nothing is wrong with the space you're monitoring. If you're getting alerts from a sensor that's showing impossible values, let us know so we can help you get it sorted out quickly.
Still Not Right? We'll Help
If the readings still aren't right after these steps, the sensor most likely has a hardware problem, and we'll be glad to help. Email support@sensorpush.com with:
- The sensor model (HT1, HT.w, HTP.xw or TC.x)
- A screenshot of the readings
- Where and roughly when you bought it (your Amazon order number if you bought it on Amazon)
- What you've already tried
Including these details up front helps us get things moving right away.