You’ve just replaced the composite filter (HEPA + activated carbon) in your WiseSky W‑Cat. The air smells fresh again — but the red lock icon is still flashing. Or maybe you replaced it early and the light never came on at all.
Don’t worry. The purifier doesn’t know you’ve changed the filter until you tell it. This guide walks you through exactly how to reset the timer, including a critical first step most people miss: checking the Child Lock.
When Does the Composite Filter Need a Reset?
The W‑Cat tracks the composite filter’s life over 3,000 hours of runtime and gives you two warnings:
| Runtime | What You’ll See | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| 2,800 hours | Lock icon flashes red; AQI ring breathes green at 1 Hz (slow blink) | Start shopping for a replacement filter |
| 3,000 hours | Lock icon flashes red; AQI ring breathes green at 2 Hz (faster blink) | Replace the filter now |
After you install a new composite filter, you must reset the timer to stop the flashing and start a fresh 3,000‑hour countdown.
Before You Start: Check the Child Lock
How to Check & Unlock
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Step 1: Tap the Child Lock button once quickly.
- White LED lights up (or flashes) → Child Lock is ON.
- Nothing happens → Child Lock is OFF. Skip to the reset steps below.
- Step 2: If Child Lock is ON: Press and hold the button for 3 seconds until you hear a beep and the white LED turns off. The panel is now unlocked.
How to Reset — Two Situations
Situation 1: The Indicator Was Already Flashing (Normal Replacement)
You waited until the light told you to change the filter. Good — this is the simpler reset.
- Step 1: Replace the composite filter (with its pre‑wrapped electrostatic cotton). Make sure you remove the PE bag from the new filter before installing.
- Step 2: Power on the purifier.
- Step 3: Check Child Lock — if the white LED is on, unlock it with a 3‑second press first.
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Step 4: Press and hold the Child Lock button for 10 seconds. Keep holding until the flashing lock icon turns off.
- Step 5: Release. The timer is reset to zero.
Situation 2: You Replaced the Filter Early (No Flashing Yet)
Maybe you’re preparing for a trip, or the filter looked dirty before the 2,800‑hour warning. The lock icon isn’t flashing, but you changed the filter anyway.
Because the purifier doesn’t know a swap happened, you need to enter forced reset mode. This requires two long presses instead of one.
- Step 1: Replace the composite filter (with pre‑wrapped cotton, PE bag removed).
- Step 2: Power on the purifier.
- Step 3: Check Child Lock — if the white LED is on, unlock it with a 3‑second press first.
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Step 4: First long press: Press and hold Child Lock for 10 seconds.
- The child lock / filter reset button will start flashing red.
- You are now in forced reset mode.
- Step 5: Second long press: While both icons are still flashing (you have about 60 seconds), press and hold Child Lock again for 10 seconds.
- Step 6: The flashing stops. The timer is cleared and reset to zero.
What Happens If You Press Other Buttons During Forced Reset?
- Pressing any button other than Child Lock exits forced reset mode immediately — no reset occurs.
- Waiting 60 seconds without pressing anything also exits the mode — again, no reset.
So be deliberate: two long presses on the same button, nothing else in between.
Quick Reference
| Your Situation | What to Do |
|---|---|
| White Child Lock LED is on | Long press 3 sec to unlock → then proceed with reset |
| Flashing red lock (after 2,800 h or 3,000 h) | Replace filter → unlock if needed → hold Child Lock 10 sec (once) |
| No flashing (early replacement) | Replace filter → unlock if needed → hold 10 sec (enter forced mode) → hold again 10 sec |
| You only changed the electrostatic cotton | Nothing — no reset needed |
Still Confused? Watch the Lights
- One 10‑second hold = normal reset (works only when the indicator is already flashing and Child Lock is off).
- Two 10‑second holds = forced reset (works anytime; required for early replacement).
If you accidentally enter forced reset mode and don’t want to reset, just press any other button or wait one minute. Nothing will change.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Do I need to reset after changing the electrostatic cotton pre‑filter?
- A: No. The pre‑filter has no indicator light. Just swap the sheet and you’re done.
- Q: I held the button for 10 seconds but nothing happened. Why?
- A: Most likely Child Lock was on. Unlock it first with a 3‑second press, then try the 10‑second press again.
- Q: Can I reset using the app instead of the button?
- A: No. The filter timer can only be reset using the physical Child Lock button on the device. The app does not have a filter reset function.
- Q: How do I know if the reset worked?
- A: The red flashing lock icon will stop, and the AQI ring will return to its normal color based on current air quality.
Need a New Composite Filter?
Each replacement filter comes pre‑wrapped with a fresh electrostatic cotton sheet. Remember to remove the PE bag before installing — then follow this guide to reset the timer.
Shop WSF360 HEPA Carbon Filter →