Learn how Flappie detects prey, what happens during the four-day start phase, when the flap blocks entry and how to report an incorrect detection.

<div style="background:#FFF4EC;border:1px solid #FFD2B5;border-radius:14px;padding:20px;margin:0 0 22px;"><h2 style="margin-top:0;" id="what-prey-detection-does">What prey detection does</h2><p style="margin-bottom:0;">When a cat approaches from outside, Flappie checks whether it is carrying prey. If prey is detected, entry stays locked. If no prey is detected, the flap opens.</p></div>
<div style="display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:12px;margin:18px 0;"><a href="https://attachments.gorgias.help/JEmYL2na3kn6oMgQ/hc/Aa90l7EWK96JWorj/2026020620-e998d964-b1c1-40dc-93a8-a6e748d18459-1.jpeg" style="flex:1 1 260px;"><img src="https://attachments.gorgias.help/JEmYL2na3kn6oMgQ/hc/Aa90l7EWK96JWorj/2026020620-e998d964-b1c1-40dc-93a8-a6e748d18459-1.jpeg" alt="Flappie camera checking a cat for prey before opening" style="display:block;width:100%;height:auto;border-radius:12px;"></a></div>
<h2 id="the-first-four-days">The first four days</h2><p>For the first four days after setup, Flappie already detects and records events, but <strong>does not block entry when prey is detected</strong>. This gives your cat time to get used to the new flap and allows Flappie to adjust to its surroundings.</p>
<ul><li>Entries and prey attempts may already appear in the app.</li><li>Exits are intentionally not saved.</li><li>A cat carrying prey can still enter during these four days.</li><li>After four days, prey blocking activates automatically.</li></ul>
<h2 id="how-detection-works">How detection works</h2><p>The camera checks the area immediately outside the flap. The prey decision runs directly on Flappie, so the core detection also works without an internet connection.</p><p>Flappie is designed to detect common prey such as mice, rats, birds, fish, snakes and insects. Infrared lighting allows detection in the dark.</p>
<h2 id="when-prey-is-detected">When prey is detected</h2><ol><li>The entry lock stays closed while the cat is carrying prey.</li><li>A video is saved in the app.</li><li>Flappie can send a push notification to your phone.</li></ol><p>Individual notification preferences inside the Flappie app are not available yet. Those settings will be added in a future app update. Your phone must currently allow notifications from the Flappie app.</p>
<h2 id="if-a-detection-is-wrong">If a detection is wrong</h2><p>Occasional missed detections or false alarms can happen. Open the saved video in the app and use the feedback option to report whether the detection was correct. This helps improve future detection updates.</p>
<h2 id="help-flappie-see-clearly">Help Flappie see clearly</h2><ul><li>Keep the camera lens clean with a soft, damp cloth.</li><li>Remove dirt, hair, cobwebs or objects near the camera.</li><li>Keep the outside approach to the flap as clear as possible.</li></ul><hr><p><strong>Still stuck?</strong> Use the chat in the bottom-right corner or email <a href="mailto:support@flappie.ch">support@flappie.ch</a>.</p>

Understand prey detection

Use the dashboard for an immediate flap change or create repeating schedules for entry, exit and night-time routines.

<p>The Flappie app lets you control exactly when your cat can come in or go out. There are two ways: quick changes directly from the dashboard, or automatic schedules that repeat.</p><h2 id="the-four-modes">The four modes</h2><p>Whether you use the quick access or a schedule, you always choose one of four modes:</p><ul><li><strong>Open in both Directions</strong> &#x2014; Your cat can come and go freely. Prey detection stays active.</li><li><strong>Closed in both Directions</strong> &#x2014; The flap is completely locked. Nothing gets in or out.</li><li><strong>Keep Cat inside</strong> &#x2014; Your cat can come in but can&apos;t go out. Perfect for nighttime.</li><li><strong>Keep Cat outside</strong> &#x2014; Your cat can go out but can&apos;t come back in.</li></ul><p><strong>Important:</strong> Schedules always apply to all cats at the same time. Individual rules per cat will become possible with Cat ID.</p><h2 id="quick-access-from-the-dashboard">Quick access from the dashboard</h2><p>For immediate changes, you don&apos;t need a schedule. Simply tap <strong>Status Flap</strong> on the dashboard.</p><p>A menu opens with the four modes. Choose the one you want &#x2014; the change is sent to your Flappie immediately.</p><p><img alt="Flappie dashboard with the flap status control" src="https://attachments.gorgias.help/JEmYL2na3kn6oMgQ/hc/Aa90l7EWK96JWorj/2026020620-56cb513f-aa9f-4b7a-bb31-b1b8ad26e3c8-aa901f80-3031-486e-99db-fd780343867d.jpeg" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></p><p><strong>Good to know:</strong> If a schedule is currently active and you change the mode via the dashboard, the active schedule is automatically deactivated. You&apos;ll see a popup warning you about this &#x2014; so you never accidentally override a schedule.</p><h2 id="creating-a-schedule">Creating a schedule</h2><p>Schedules are perfect for recurring routines &#x2014; for example, a night curfew or a weekday rule.</p><p><strong>Step 1: Open Lock Times</strong></p><p>Open the Flappie app and tap the gear icon in the top right to go to <strong>Flappie Settings</strong>. Then tap <strong>Lock Times</strong>.</p><p><img alt="Four flap modes in the Flappie app" src="https://attachments.gorgias.help/JEmYL2na3kn6oMgQ/hc/Aa90l7EWK96JWorj/2026020620-6f3ac75a-1f4c-41f8-9cf4-f3fa101b5c39-1.jpg" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></p><p>If you don&apos;t have a schedule yet, you&apos;ll see an empty page with the <strong>Add Schedule</strong> button.</p><p><img alt="Lock Times screen with Add Schedule button" src="https://attachments.gorgias.help/JEmYL2na3kn6oMgQ/hc/Aa90l7EWK96JWorj/2026020620-8305479a-93a7-400e-bd00-f3bd00560385-2.jpg" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></p><p><strong>Step 2: Configure the schedule</strong></p><p>Tap <strong>Add Schedule</strong>. You&apos;ll see a form with the following fields:</p><p><img alt="Schedule form with dates, times and recurring days" src="https://attachments.gorgias.help/JEmYL2na3kn6oMgQ/hc/Aa90l7EWK96JWorj/2026020620-6f012d01-795d-444d-aff0-2464c642fe4f-3.jpg" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><strong>Start Date</strong> &#x2014; When the schedule should begin</p><ul><li><strong>Start Time / End Time</strong> &#x2014; The time window during which the lock is active</li><li><strong>Recurring Days</strong> &#x2014; Which days of the week the schedule repeats</li><li><strong>Until</strong> &#x2014; Optional end date. Leave empty if the schedule should run indefinitely</li><li><strong>Closure Policy</strong>&#x2014; Which mode applies during the lock period. There are three options:<ul><li>&#x1F512; Lock icon = Closed in both Directions (flap completely locked)</li><li>&#x1F332; Tree icon = Keep Cat outside (cat can go out but not in)</li><li>&#x1F3E0; House icon = Keep Cat inside (cat can come in but not out)</li></ul></li></ul><p><strong>Step 3: Save</strong></p><p>Fill in the fields and tap <strong>Save</strong>.</p><p>Here&apos;s an example: a lock from 3:09 to 7:09 AM, every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, starting February 7, 2026. The closure policy is &quot;Closed in both Directions&quot; &#x2014; the cat can neither enter nor exit during this time.</p><p><img alt="Closure policy choices for a lock schedule" src="https://attachments.gorgias.help/JEmYL2na3kn6oMgQ/hc/Aa90l7EWK96JWorj/2026020620-fad35e86-6a28-40a5-a018-8283292ac1e8-4.jpg" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></p><p>Tap <strong>Save</strong> to store the schedule.</p><p><strong>Step 4: Done</strong></p><p>Your schedule now appears as a card under Lock Times. You can enable or disable it at any time using the toggle, without deleting it.</p><p><img alt="Saved schedule card with enable switch" src="https://attachments.gorgias.help/JEmYL2na3kn6oMgQ/hc/Aa90l7EWK96JWorj/2026020620-f2cc85be-c1e4-42dd-ae94-9c02d56acb2a-5.jpg" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></p><p>You can create multiple schedules &#x2014; for example, one for weekdays and a different one for weekends.</p><h2 id="popular-use-cases">Popular use cases</h2><p><strong>Night curfew &#x2014; keep cat inside</strong><br>Start Time: 10:00 PM / End Time: 6:00 AM<br>Recurring Days: All 7 days<br>Closure Policy: Keep Cat inside (&#x1F3E0;)<br>Your cat can still come home in the evening but can&apos;t go out again.</p><p><strong>Holiday &#x2014; fully locked</strong><br>Start Date and Until: Your dates of absence<br>Closure Policy: Closed in both Directions (&#x1F512;)<br>If someone else is looking after your cat and the flap should stay locked.</p><p><strong>Different rules for weekdays and weekends</strong><br>Create two schedules: one with Recurring Days Mon&#x2013;Fri and another for Sat&#x2013;Sun. This way you can have different lock times for work days and weekends.</p><h2 id="time-zone">Time zone</h2><p>All schedules use the time zone shown at the top of the Lock Times screen (e.g. Europe/Zurich). Make sure it&apos;s correct before creating a schedule.</p><hr><p><strong>Questions about lock times?</strong><br>Write to us at <a href="mailto:support@flappie.ch">support@flappie.ch</a> or use the chat in the bottom right corner.</p>

Set lock times and schedules

Push notifications already work for important Flappie events. Learn how to allow them on your phone and which in-app notification settings are coming later.

<div style="background:#FFF4EC;border:1px solid #FFD2B5;border-radius:14px;padding:20px;margin:0 0 22px;"><h2 style="margin-top:0;" id="push-notifications-work-now">Push notifications work now</h2><p style="margin-bottom:0;">Flappie can send push notifications for important events, such as a prey detection. Your phone must allow notifications from the Flappie app.</p></div>
<h2 id="notification-preferences-are-coming-later">Notification preferences are coming later</h2><p>Settings for choosing individual notification types are not live yet. A future app update will let you decide which notifications you want to receive. This does not mean push notifications are unavailable today.</p>
<h2 id="allow-notifications-on-iphone">Allow notifications on iPhone</h2><ol><li>Open <strong>Settings</strong> on your iPhone.</li><li>Tap <strong>Notifications</strong>.</li><li>Select <strong>Flappie</strong>.</li><li>Turn on <strong>Allow Notifications</strong>.</li></ol>
<h2 id="allow-notifications-on-android">Allow notifications on Android</h2><ol><li>Open <strong>Settings</strong> on your phone.</li><li>Tap <strong>Apps</strong> and select <strong>Flappie</strong>.</li><li>Tap <strong>Notifications</strong>.</li><li>Allow notifications.</li></ol>
<div style="display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:12px;margin:18px 0;"><a href="https://attachments.gorgias.help/JEmYL2na3kn6oMgQ/hc/Aa90l7EWK96JWorj/2026021919-ecdbf650-43a7-45c2-8a35-04dc440565dd-img_8491.png" style="flex:1 1 260px;"><img src="https://attachments.gorgias.help/JEmYL2na3kn6oMgQ/hc/Aa90l7EWK96JWorj/2026021919-ecdbf650-43a7-45c2-8a35-04dc440565dd-img_8491.png" alt="iPhone settings for allowing Flappie notifications" style="display:block;width:100%;height:auto;border-radius:12px;"></a><a href="https://attachments.gorgias.help/JEmYL2na3kn6oMgQ/hc/Aa90l7EWK96JWorj/2026021919-7a9d5795-cb89-46ee-b40e-be0972ad9df8-img_8490.png" style="flex:1 1 260px;"><img src="https://attachments.gorgias.help/JEmYL2na3kn6oMgQ/hc/Aa90l7EWK96JWorj/2026021919-7a9d5795-cb89-46ee-b40e-be0972ad9df8-img_8490.png" alt="Android settings for allowing Flappie notifications" style="display:block;width:100%;height:auto;border-radius:12px;"></a></div>
<h2 id="if-notifications-do-not-arrive">If notifications do not arrive</h2><ul><li>Check that Flappie is online in the app.</li><li>Update the Flappie app.</li><li>Check that Do Not Disturb or Focus mode is not hiding alerts.</li><li>Open your phone&#x2019;s notification settings and confirm that Flappie is allowed.</li></ul>
<p>News about the future notification-preference settings will be shared through the Flappie app.</p><hr><p><strong>Still stuck?</strong> Use the chat in the bottom-right corner or email <a href="mailto:support@flappie.ch">support@flappie.ch</a>.</p>

Receive push notifications

Create profiles for several cats, understand how prey detection works today and learn what Cat ID Labs will add for individual recognition.

<div style="background:#FFF4EC;border:1px solid #FFD2B5;border-radius:14px;padding:20px;margin:0 0 22px;"><h2 style="margin-top:0;" id="flappie-works-with-several-cats">Flappie works with several cats</h2><p style="margin-bottom:0;">You can create a separate profile for each cat. Prey detection works for every cat that approaches the flap.</p></div>
<h2 id="create-another-cat-profile">Create another cat profile</h2><ol><li>Open the Flappie app.</li><li>Go to <strong>Your Profile &#x2192; Cat Management</strong>.</li><li>Tap <strong>Add Cat</strong>.</li><li>Add the details you want and save the profile.</li></ol>
<div style="display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:12px;margin:18px 0;"><a href="https://attachments.gorgias.help/JEmYL2na3kn6oMgQ/hc/Aa90l7EWK96JWorj/2026021919-ed9dbc9e-b196-4517-84e0-0d928e4a7b59-img_8494.png" style="flex:1 1 260px;"><img src="https://attachments.gorgias.help/JEmYL2na3kn6oMgQ/hc/Aa90l7EWK96JWorj/2026021919-ed9dbc9e-b196-4517-84e0-0d928e4a7b59-img_8494.png" alt="Cat management screen in the Flappie app" style="display:block;width:100%;height:auto;border-radius:12px;"></a><a href="https://attachments.gorgias.help/JEmYL2na3kn6oMgQ/hc/Aa90l7EWK96JWorj/2026021919-c465d471-3168-4252-8e14-9013a38ee679-img_8495.png" style="flex:1 1 260px;"><img src="https://attachments.gorgias.help/JEmYL2na3kn6oMgQ/hc/Aa90l7EWK96JWorj/2026021919-c465d471-3168-4252-8e14-9013a38ee679-img_8495.png" alt="Add cat button in Cat Management" style="display:block;width:100%;height:auto;border-radius:12px;"></a><a href="https://attachments.gorgias.help/JEmYL2na3kn6oMgQ/hc/Aa90l7EWK96JWorj/2026021919-ffcfcb9a-1750-4b90-a9a4-37d0050646b4-img_8496.png" style="flex:1 1 260px;"><img src="https://attachments.gorgias.help/JEmYL2na3kn6oMgQ/hc/Aa90l7EWK96JWorj/2026021919-ffcfcb9a-1750-4b90-a9a4-37d0050646b4-img_8496.png" alt="Cat profile details form" style="display:block;width:100%;height:auto;border-radius:12px;"></a><a href="https://attachments.gorgias.help/JEmYL2na3kn6oMgQ/hc/Aa90l7EWK96JWorj/2026021919-215319e1-c71b-4135-a481-6050b71fbe9b-img_8492.png" style="flex:1 1 260px;"><img src="https://attachments.gorgias.help/JEmYL2na3kn6oMgQ/hc/Aa90l7EWK96JWorj/2026021919-215319e1-c71b-4135-a481-6050b71fbe9b-img_8492.png" alt="Saved cat profile in the Flappie app" style="display:block;width:100%;height:auto;border-radius:12px;"></a></div>
<h2 id="how-prey-detection-works-today">How prey detection works today</h2><p>Flappie checks every approaching cat for prey. It does not currently need to know which cat is using the flap to make the prey decision.</p>
<h2 id="current-limitations">Current limitations</h2><ul><li>Flappie currently treats all cats equally.</li><li>Lock modes and schedules apply to all cats.</li><li>Videos can be assigned to a cat manually.</li><li>Flappie cannot yet keep unfamiliar cats outside based on identity.</li></ul>
<h2 id="what-cat-id-will-add">What Cat ID will add</h2><p>Cat ID is designed to recognise individual cats. It will first begin through Cat ID Labs, where interested owners can participate in the beta. A wider launch is currently expected in September 2026, with news shared through the app.</p><p>See <a href="https://support.flappiedoors.com/en-US/cat-id-labs-and-planned-launch-4794014">Cat ID Labs and planned launch</a>.</p><hr><p><strong>Still stuck?</strong> Use the chat in the bottom-right corner or email <a href="mailto:support@flappie.ch">support@flappie.ch</a>.</p>

Use Flappie with multiple cats

Cat ID is available in Flappie Labs and is currently free. Learn how to label your cats, when entrance protection activates and what its limits are.

<div style="background:#FFF4EC;border:1px solid #FFD2B5;border-radius:14px;padding:20px;margin:0 0 22px;"><h2 style="margin-top:0;" id="cat-id-is-available-in-flappie-labs">Cat ID is available in Flappie Labs</h2><p style="margin-bottom:0;">If you already use a Flappie, you can voluntarily set up Cat ID in Flappie Labs. <strong>Cat ID is currently free.</strong> The feature is being improved and can make mistakes.</p></div>
<div style="display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:12px;margin:18px 0;"><a href="https://attachments.gorgias.help/JEmYL2na3kn6oMgQ/hc/Aa90l7EWK96JWorj/2026021920-2b3e8d0c-8c61-4e84-8640-dd6190c1fa55-fssefsf.webp" style="flex:1 1 260px;"><img src="https://attachments.gorgias.help/JEmYL2na3kn6oMgQ/hc/Aa90l7EWK96JWorj/2026021920-2b3e8d0c-8c61-4e84-8640-dd6190c1fa55-fssefsf.webp" alt="Illustration of Flappie Cat ID recognising a cat" style="display:block;width:100%;height:auto;border-radius:12px;"></a></div>
<h2 id="what-does-cat-id-do">What does Cat ID do?</h2><p>Cat ID recognises cats by their appearance. It uses your Flappie&apos;s existing outward-facing camera, without a collar or microchip reader. No new hardware is needed.</p><p>Recognition applies <strong>only when entering</strong>. The same exit setting still applies to all cats. Cat ID and prey detection are separate functions and can be used together.</p>
<h2 id="how-to-set-up-cat-id">How to set up Cat ID</h2><ol><li>Open the <strong>Flappie app &#x2192; Flappie Labs &#x2192; Cat ID</strong>.</li><li>Suitable recordings are collected automatically during normal use. If the app says more material is needed, allow collection to continue.</li><li>Assign the recordings to the cats and follow the instructions in the app.</li><li>Cat ID is then prepared. This takes <strong>a few hours</strong>, without a guaranteed maximum.</li><li><strong>Entrance protection activates automatically once preparation is complete.</strong> The app lets you know when Cat ID is ready.</li></ol><p>Automatic activation does not replace setup: you still need to select Cat ID in Labs and label your cats.</p>
<h2 id="which-label-should-i-choose">Which label should I choose?</h2><p>The choices are your own cats&apos; names, a foreign cat, or an unclear identification. Only assign a name or a foreign-cat label when the recording is unambiguous.</p><p>For example, if your cat passes through and a neighbour&apos;s cat appears shortly afterwards, making it unclear which cat the recording should be assigned to, choose the unclear option rather than guessing.</p>
<h2 id="how-does-flappie-wait">How does Flappie wait?</h2><p>The entrance-protection settings let you choose whether Flappie waits unlocked or locked. Waiting unlocked is recommended for normal use. Active prey or Cat ID protection can still lock the entrance.</p><p>Waiting locked can give recognition more time, for example when your cat approaches very quickly. Your own cat may also have to wait until entry is allowed, so observe your cat when trying this setting. It affects entry only, not exit, and does not guarantee error-free recognition.</p>
<h2 id="a-foreign-cat-still-got-in">A foreign cat still got in</h2><p>Check the Cat ID status and the settings at the time of the event: had preparation finished, and was entrance protection switched on? A cat&apos;s name in a video alone does not prove that access control is active. Door mode, prey protection and waiting position also affect entry.</p><p>An unclear recognition result is different from recognising a foreign cat. If no other rule intervenes, an unclear result leaves the chosen waiting position unchanged. Report repeated unexpected passages through the app or in writing to Support.</p>
<h2 id="can-i-leave-the-test">Can I leave the test?</h2><p>Participation in Flappie Labs is voluntary and can be ended. Switching off entrance protection, leaving a Labs test and requesting data deletion are different actions.</p><hr><p><strong>Need help?</strong> Email <a href="mailto:support@flappie.ch">support@flappie.ch</a>. More information: <a href="https://flappiedoors.com/pages/cat-id">Cat ID on our website</a>.</p>

Set up Cat ID in Flappie Labs

Understand the four buttons and lights on Flappie: Cat ID, prey detection, entry lock, exit lock and the two-button pairing command.

<div style="background:#FFF4EC;border:1px solid #FFD2B5;border-radius:14px;padding:20px;margin:0 0 22px;"><h2 style="margin-top:0;" id="the-four-buttons-at-a-glance">The four buttons at a glance</h2><p style="margin-bottom:0;">The buttons are on top of Flappie. A short press switches the selected function on or off. The light below a button shows whether that function is active.</p></div>
<div style="display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:12px;margin:18px 0;"><a href="https://attachments.gorgias.help/JEmYL2na3kn6oMgQ/hc/Aa90l7EWK96JWorj/2026021920-7939795e-376a-4a23-a6f6-9fd60857902a-april_posts_(39).webp" style="flex:1 1 260px;"><img src="https://attachments.gorgias.help/JEmYL2na3kn6oMgQ/hc/Aa90l7EWK96JWorj/2026021920-7939795e-376a-4a23-a6f6-9fd60857902a-april_posts_(39).webp" alt="The four buttons on top of Flappie" style="display:block;width:100%;height:auto;border-radius:12px;"></a><a href="https://attachments.gorgias.help/JEmYL2na3kn6oMgQ/hc/Aa90l7EWK96JWorj/2026021920-5a3bdfca-29d5-4e07-b388-539985f1c2d7-april_posts_(41).webp" style="flex:1 1 260px;"><img src="https://attachments.gorgias.help/JEmYL2na3kn6oMgQ/hc/Aa90l7EWK96JWorj/2026021920-5a3bdfca-29d5-4e07-b388-539985f1c2d7-april_posts_(41).webp" alt="Cat ID button and indicator light" style="display:block;width:100%;height:auto;border-radius:12px;"></a><a href="https://attachments.gorgias.help/JEmYL2na3kn6oMgQ/hc/Aa90l7EWK96JWorj/2026021920-b9589b47-169a-4b7d-a87f-cf7d2c20d913-april_posts_(42).webp" style="flex:1 1 260px;"><img src="https://attachments.gorgias.help/JEmYL2na3kn6oMgQ/hc/Aa90l7EWK96JWorj/2026021920-b9589b47-169a-4b7d-a87f-cf7d2c20d913-april_posts_(42).webp" alt="Prey detection button and indicator light" style="display:block;width:100%;height:auto;border-radius:12px;"></a><a href="https://attachments.gorgias.help/JEmYL2na3kn6oMgQ/hc/Aa90l7EWK96JWorj/2026021920-af7e5bec-8186-4105-b002-306539f94bf0-april_posts_(43).webp" style="flex:1 1 260px;"><img src="https://attachments.gorgias.help/JEmYL2na3kn6oMgQ/hc/Aa90l7EWK96JWorj/2026021920-af7e5bec-8186-4105-b002-306539f94bf0-april_posts_(43).webp" alt="Entry and exit lock buttons on Flappie" style="display:block;width:100%;height:auto;border-radius:12px;"></a></div>
<div style="overflow-x:auto;margin:16px 0;"><table><thead><tr><th>Button, from left</th><th>Function</th><th>Light on</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1</td><td>Cat ID</td><td>Cat ID is active</td></tr><tr><td>2</td><td>Prey detection</td><td>Prey detection is active</td></tr><tr><td>3</td><td>Lock entry</td><td>Cats cannot enter</td></tr><tr><td>4</td><td>Lock exit</td><td>Cats cannot leave</td></tr></tbody></table></div>
<h2 id="button-1-cat-id">Button 1: Cat ID</h2><p>Cat ID is not yet generally available. It will first begin through Cat ID Labs, followed by a wider launch currently expected in September 2026. Until the feature reaches your Flappie, pressing this button has no effect.</p><p>See <a href="https://support.flappiedoors.com/en-US/cat-id-labs-and-planned-launch-4794014">Cat ID Labs and planned launch</a>.</p>
<h2 id="button-2-prey-detection">Button 2: Prey detection</h2><p>A short press turns prey detection on or off. During the first four days after setup, Flappie detects and records events but does not block entry when prey is detected. Prey blocking activates automatically after four days.</p>
<h2 id="button-3-lock-entry">Button 3: Lock entry</h2><p>When this light is on, cats cannot enter from outside. Turn it off to allow entry again.</p>
<h2 id="button-4-lock-exit">Button 4: Lock exit</h2><p>When this light is on, cats cannot leave from inside. This is useful when you want your cat to come home but remain indoors afterwards.</p>
<h2 id="start-pairing-mode">Start pairing mode</h2><ol><li>Wait until Flappie has finished starting.</li><li>Hold the two right-hand buttons together for about six seconds.</li><li>Release them when all four lights flash.</li><li>Continue setup in the Flappie app.</li></ol><p>See <a href="https://support.flappiedoors.com/en-US/connect-flappie-to-wi-fi-and-the-app-4459295">Connect Flappie to Wi-Fi and the app</a>.</p>
<h2 id="light-patterns">Light patterns</h2><ul><li><strong>One light stays on:</strong> that function is active.</li><li><strong>All four lights flash:</strong> Flappie is starting or pairing mode is active.</li><li><strong>No lights:</strong> all modes may be off; also check the power connection.</li></ul><hr><p><strong>Still stuck?</strong> Use the chat in the bottom-right corner or email <a href="mailto:support@flappie.ch">support@flappie.ch</a>.</p>

Use Flappie’s buttons

Learn how the flap behaves without electricity and how Flappie restores Wi-Fi, settings, schedules and lock functions after power returns.

<p>Flappie needs power to run its AI camera, prey detection, and lock functions. If the power goes out, here&apos;s what happens &#x2014; and what you don&apos;t need to worry about.</p><h2 id="during-the-outage">During the outage</h2><p>When Flappie loses power, the flap <strong>stays open</strong>. Your cats can come and go freely, just like with a regular cat flap. However, prey detection and the lock functions are inactive &#x2014; the camera and AI aren&apos;t running without electricity.</p><p>In short: your cat won&apos;t be locked out (or in). The flap simply works as a normal, unpowered cat flap until the power returns.</p><h2 id="when-the-power-comes-back">When the power comes back</h2><p>Flappie takes care of the rest automatically:</p><ul><li><strong>All your settings are saved.</strong> Prey detection, lock modes, schedules &#x2014; everything is restored exactly as it was before the outage.</li><li><strong>WiFi reconnects automatically.</strong> You don&apos;t need to re-enter your password or re-pair the device.</li><li><strong>The app works again immediately.</strong> Once Flappie is back online (which takes 1&#x2013;2 minutes for the device to boot up), it appears in your app as usual.</li></ul><p>You don&apos;t need to do anything. No re-setup, no button pressing, no reconfiguration.</p><h2 id="good-to-know">Good to know</h2><p>Flappie doesn&apos;t have a built-in battery. If you live in an area with frequent power outages and want uninterrupted protection, you could connect Flappie to a standard UPS (uninterruptible power supply) &#x2014; the same kind used for routers or computers.</p><hr><p><em>Need help? Write to <a href="mailto:support@flappie.ch">support@flappie.ch</a> or use the chat in the bottom right &#x2014; we&apos;re happy to help.</em></p>

What happens if the power goes out?

See community cat videos in FlappieTV and understand how to submit a saved clip, what is shared and how moderation works.

<p>FlappieTV is Flappie&apos;s built-in highlight reel &#x2014; a curated feed of the funniest, cutest, and most entertaining cat moments captured by Flappie cameras across the community. You&apos;ll find it in the <strong>FlappieTV</strong> tab in the app.</p><h2 id="what-you-see-on-flappietv">What you see on FlappieTV</h2><p>FlappieTV shows short video clips from Flappie users who chose to share their videos with the community. Each video shows an approximate location (region/country) so you can see where fellow Flappie cats live &#x2014; but never an exact address. FlappieTV is only visible within the Flappie app, not publicly on the web.</p><p><img alt="FlappieTV feed in the Flappie app" src="https://attachments.gorgias.help/JEmYL2na3kn6oMgQ/hc/Aa90l7EWK96JWorj/2026021920-b8c3be3a-e1cc-40f4-b8cd-6892df4ff6fb-captura%20de%20pantalla%202026-02-19%20a%20la(s)%2015.33.58.png" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></p><h2 id="how-to-submit-a-video">How to submit a video</h2><p>When you save a video to a collection in the app, you&apos;ll see the option <strong>&#xAB;Publish video to FlappieTV&#xBB;</strong>. Toggle it on and tap <strong>&#xAB;Continue&#xBB;</strong> &#x2014; that&apos;s it.</p><p><img alt="Option to submit a saved video to FlappieTV" src="https://attachments.gorgias.help/JEmYL2na3kn6oMgQ/hc/Aa90l7EWK96JWorj/2026021920-4b250ad3-dbe9-486d-bbb6-160d409f3d9a-img_8497.png" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></p><p>Not every submitted video appears on FlappieTV. Our team reviews submissions and selects the best moments to feature. Think of it as a highlight reel, not a live feed.</p><h2 id="good-to-know">Good to know</h2><p>By submitting a video to FlappieTV, you agree that the video may also be used by Flappie for marketing purposes &#x2014; for example on social media, our website, or in advertising. Your video will only ever show the approximate location, never any personal details.</p><p>You can choose for each video individually whether to share it or not. If you don&apos;t toggle the option on, your video stays private &#x2014; only visible to you.</p><hr><p><em>Need help? Write to <a href="mailto:support@flappie.ch">support@flappie.ch</a> or use the chat in the bottom right &#x2014; we&apos;re happy to help.</em></p>

Use FlappieTV

Understand which prey-detection, camera and button functions work offline and which app, video, notification and update features require Wi-Fi.

<p>Yes &#x2014; Flappie works without WiFi. The AI prey detection, the camera, and all physical button controls run entirely on the device. Your cat will be stopped from bringing prey inside, and you can lock or unlock the flap, all without an internet connection.</p><p>That said, we strongly recommend connecting Flappie to WiFi. Here&apos;s why.</p><h2 id="what-works-without-wifi">What works without WiFi</h2><p>Even with no WiFi connection at all, Flappie&apos;s core functionality is fully operational:</p><ul><li><strong>Prey detection</strong> &#x2014; the AI runs directly on the device, not in the cloud. Your cat will still be blocked when carrying prey.</li><li><strong>Lock entry / lock exit</strong> &#x2014; the physical buttons on the device work independently.</li><li><strong>Camera and recording</strong> &#x2014; the camera detects motion and records as usual.</li></ul><p>In other words: Flappie protects your home from prey even as a fully offline device.</p><h2 id="why-we-strongly-recommend-connecting-to-wifi">Why we strongly recommend connecting to WiFi</h2><p>While Flappie works without WiFi, connecting it unlocks significant benefits &#x2014; especially over time:</p><ul><li><strong>AI model updates</strong> &#x2014; we continuously improve our prey detection algorithms. Connected devices receive these updates automatically, meaning your Flappie gets smarter over time. Without WiFi, you&apos;re stuck on the model that shipped with the device.</li><li><strong>New features</strong> &#x2014; future capabilities like Cat ID (facial recognition for cats) will be delivered as software updates. Without WiFi, you won&apos;t receive them.</li><li><strong>App control</strong> &#x2014; view videos on your phone, control modes remotely, receive push notifications when prey is detected, and manage schedules.</li><li><strong>Video access</strong> &#x2014; watch your cat&apos;s comings and goings from anywhere, save highlights, and share to FlappieTV.</li></ul><p>Flappie is designed to get better with every update. Connecting to WiFi makes sure you benefit from every improvement we ship.</p><h2 id="temporary-wifi-loss">Temporary WiFi loss</h2><p>If your WiFi drops temporarily &#x2014; for example during a router restart or an outage &#x2014; there&apos;s nothing to worry about. All features on the device keep running normally. When WiFi returns, Flappie reconnects automatically. No re-pairing or re-setup needed.</p><h2 id="wifi-requirements">WiFi requirements</h2><p>Flappie requires a <strong>2.4 GHz WiFi network</strong> with <strong>WPA2</strong> security. 5 GHz networks and WPA3 are not supported. For the full setup guide, see <a href="https://support.flappiedoors.com/en-US/connect-flappie-to-wi-fi-and-the-app-4459295" target="_blank">Connecting Flappie to the App &#x2192;</a></p><hr><p><em>Need help? Write to <a href="mailto:support@flappie.ch">support@flappie.ch</a> or use the chat in the bottom right &#x2014; we&apos;re happy to help.</em></p>

Use Flappie without Wi-Fi

Understand the camera view, local prey detection, video storage, deletion, AI-improvement choice, FlappieTV sharing and data requests.

<div style="background:#FFF4EC;border:1px solid #FFD2B5;border-radius:14px;padding:20px;margin:0 0 22px;"><h2 style="margin-top:0;" id="in-short">In short</h2><p style="margin-bottom:0;">The camera sits at the bottom of the inside unit and looks outside through the tunnel. It therefore sees only the area immediately in front of the flap at cat height. Flappie has <strong>no microphone</strong> and does not record sound.</p></div>
<h2 id="how-the-camera-works">How the camera works</h2>
<ul><li>Flappie does not record continuously. Only when movement is detected does the device process images and check whether a cat is present.</li><li>Entries and prey attempts are saved. Exits are intentionally not saved.</li><li>The prey decision runs locally on the device, in real time.</li><li>If a person occasionally enters the frame, it is an unintended false trigger.</li></ul>
<h2 id="without-wi-fi">Without Wi-Fi</h2>
<p>Without the app and Wi-Fi, no recording leaves the device. Prey detection still runs locally on Flappie.</p>
<h2 id="with-the-app-and-wi-fi">With the app and Wi-Fi</h2>
<div style="overflow-x:auto;margin:16px 0;"><table style="width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;"><tbody><tr><td style="padding:10px;border-bottom:1px solid #EEE8E4;"><strong>Storage location</strong></td><td style="padding:10px;border-bottom:1px solid #EEE8E4;">EU infrastructure in Frankfurt; encrypted transmission and storage</td></tr><tr><td style="padding:10px;border-bottom:1px solid #EEE8E4;"><strong>Unsaved videos</strong></td><td style="padding:10px;border-bottom:1px solid #EEE8E4;">Automatically deleted after 30 days</td></tr><tr><td style="padding:10px;border-bottom:1px solid #EEE8E4;"><strong>Saved videos</strong></td><td style="padding:10px;border-bottom:1px solid #EEE8E4;">Remain until you delete them or close your account</td></tr><tr><td style="padding:10px;border-bottom:1px solid #EEE8E4;"><strong>Sound</strong></td><td style="padding:10px;border-bottom:1px solid #EEE8E4;">Not recorded; Flappie has no microphone</td></tr><tr><td style="padding:10px;border-bottom:1px solid #EEE8E4;"><strong>Sale of data</strong></td><td style="padding:10px;border-bottom:1px solid #EEE8E4;">Flappie does not sell personal data to third parties for their own purposes</td></tr></tbody></table></div>
<h2 id="control-the-use-of-videos-for-ai-improvement">Control the use of videos for AI improvement</h2>
<p>You can disable the voluntary use of videos to improve detection at any time in the app settings under <strong>Help improve Flappie</strong> or in the Privacy Center. Prey detection and all other features continue to work.</p>
<h2 id="flappietv">FlappieTV</h2>
<p>Sharing to FlappieTV is voluntary and selected separately for each video. Without active sharing, your video remains private. If you share a video, only an approximate location may be shown&#x2014;never your exact address.</p>
<h2 id="camera-notices-and-installation-location">Camera notices and installation location</h2>
<p>Whether a camera notice is required depends on the installation location and country. Where possible, position Flappie so it does not capture public or shared areas. This article is not legal advice. Contact your country&#x2019;s data-protection authority for binding guidance.</p>
<h2 id="access-or-delete-your-data">Access or delete your data</h2>
<p>Email <a href="mailto:support@flappie.ch">support@flappie.ch</a> with the subject <strong>Data Request</strong>. We acknowledge receipt within seven days and process the request within 30 days.</p>
<h2 id="full-legal-details">Full legal details</h2>
<p>This article is a simplified overview. The <a href="https://flappiedoors.com/policies/privacy-policy" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Privacy Policy</a> and <a href="https://flappiedoors.com/policies/terms-of-service" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Terms of Service</a> govern.</p>

Privacy and camera data

Flappie

Everything about using your Flappie day to day: prey detection, lock schedules, notifications, multiple cats, and more.

📱 Using Flappie