This article will show you what to do if you have a MEATER Block probe that isn't connecting to its charger.
About MEATER Block Connection
With MEATER Block, connection happens in 2 parts:
- The probes connect to the charger via Bluetooth.
- The charger boosts the signal to your phone or tablet over WiFi, which is what gives MEATER Block its extended range.
- The probes can connect directly to a mobile device via Bluetooth, but when this happens, the range will be quite a bit more limited.
When a probe can't connect to the charger, you'll see 2 main symptoms:
- The probe will show as grayed out in the MEATER app.
- There will be a spinning circle next to that probe on the built-in charger screen.
- If the probe shows a check mark but isn't connecting in the app, this means that the probe is active and connected to the charger, and this is more likely related to the charger-to-phone connection. If this is the case, see Device Compatibility and Permissions - MEATER Block.
- If the probe shows the word "Setup", the product is in Standalone mode, and will need to be rebooted in WiFi mode to connect to the app.
If you notice that the probes connect in the app but show spinning circles on the MEATER Block screen, the probes are directly paired to the app, and you can skip to the "Pair Probes" section below.
Steps to Reconnect the Probe
If one or more probes won't connect to the MEATER Block charger at all, we have a few things you can try.
1. Check for Damage
See if any part of the probe seems loose, or is able to wiggle or twist at all. If any part of the probe moves, please contact our customer support team right away.
2. Charge Probe
The probe might need more time to charge if:
- Your MEATER Block is fresh out of the box.
- The probe hasn't been in the charger for a while.
The probes should be charged for at least 8 hours to be ready for a cook.
There won't be any indicator lights to let you know the probe is charging. But as long as the screen comes on when you press the power button, the charger should be working and the probe should be able to charge while docked. (PLEASE NOTE: The probes can only charge while MEATER Block is turned off.)
3. Clean Probe (Products Already Used for Cooks Only)
Cooking residue is the #1 reason for probes not connecting. This might look like obvious smoke buildup from the grill, or it might even be invisible grease polymerization. Any type of residue can block the contact between the probe and charger, which means the probe battery will be drained and the probe won't be able to connect for the next cook.
If you've got a probe that previously connected but won't anymore, try the following steps:
- Scrub the probe well with a scouring pad, or a mixture of baking soda and water.
- Pay special attention to the flat end.
- The stainless steel parts of the probe should be completely silver when you're done.
- Wipe the contact point on the charger with a dry cloth in case any residue transferred over.
- Dry the probe completely before charging.
- Let the probe charge for at least 8 hours.
You can also check out our video below to learn more about proper probe cleaning:
4. Check Probe Orientation
Make sure the probe is docked in the charger correctly, with the sharp end pointed up and the flat end aligned with the charger's contact point.
5. Pair Probes
In some cases, probes might get unpaired from the charger, including if they've paired directly with the phone or tablet. If this is the case, you can fix the probe connection using the steps below:
- Turn off Bluetooth on your mobile device.
- Dock all 4 probes in the charger, and boot up the charger in either mode.
- Press the gear button on the MEATER Block touchpad to get to the Settings menu.
- Scroll down and select "Probe Pairing".
- Wait for check marks to appear next to all 4 probes.
- Turn your mobile device's Bluetooth back on.
Next Steps
If you're still only seeing a spinning circle on the screen, and the probe still won't connect in the app, please contact our Customer Support team for further help.