> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.sophiabarnes.dev/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Calibrate a sensor

> Set the dry and wet reference points so a sensor reports accurate moisture percentages for your soil.

Calibration teaches a sensor what `0%` (bone dry) and `100%` (fully saturated) look like for *your* soil. Different soil mixes hold water differently, so calibrating after install makes the [dashboard](/mintlify-demo/v1.1/soil-moisture-dashboard) readings meaningful.

## When to calibrate

* Right after pairing a new sensor (see [Install and activate a moisture sensor](/mintlify-demo/v1.1/sensor-installation)).
* After repotting into a different soil mix.
* If readings drift — for example, the plant looks dry but the sensor reports a high percentage.

## Calibrate the dry point

<Steps>
  <Step title="Remove the probe from the soil">
    Wipe the moisture contacts clean and let them air-dry completely.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Record the dry reading">
    In the VerdantBot app, open the sensor and tap **Calibrate → Set dry point**. The app stores the current reading as `0%`.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Calibrate the wet point

<Steps>
  <Step title="Saturate the soil">
    Water the plant until water just begins to drain from the bottom of the pot.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Reinsert the probe">
    Push the probe back into the soil so the contacts are fully covered.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Record the wet reading">
    Tap **Calibrate → Set wet point**. The app stores the current reading as `100%` and interpolates everything in between.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tip>
  Re-check calibration seasonally. Indoor humidity and temperature shifts can nudge the dry baseline over time.
</Tip>

If readings still look off after calibrating, see [Fix inaccurate readings](/mintlify-demo/v1.1/sensors/troubleshooting/inaccurate-readings).

## Next steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Sensor types" icon="layer-group" href="/mintlify-demo/v1.1/sensors/sensor-types">
    Compare models and reporting intervals.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Fix inaccurate readings" icon="magnifying-glass-chart" href="/mintlify-demo/v1.1/sensors/troubleshooting/inaccurate-readings">
    Diagnose readings that look too high or too low.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>