Updated 2025

Robot Vacuum Troubleshooting Guide

Complete guide to solving the most common problems. From charging to navigation to connectivity – everything you need to know.

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Robot vacuum troubleshooting
30+ Problems Solved
7 Problem Categories
95% Success Rate
10 min Read Time

Problem Categories

Jump directly to the section with your problem.

Charging Problems

Robot not charging, can't find dock, or short battery life.

Weak Suction

Insufficient suction, leaves debris, or not picking up at all.

Navigation Issues

Robot gets stuck, bumps into obstacles, or misses spots.

Connectivity Problems

Won't connect to Wi-Fi, app not responding, or losing connection.

Mopping Problems

Robot doesn't mop, poor results, or streaks on floor.

Error Codes

Most common error messages and their solutions.

When to Call Support

Problems that require professional help.

1. Charging Problems

Charging issues are among the most common. Most can be solved by simple cleaning or proper dock placement.

Robot won't charge on dock

  • Clean charging contacts on both robot and dock with a dry cloth
  • Check if dock indicator light is on - if not, try a different adapter
  • Make sure the dock is on a flat surface
  • Restart robot by turning main power switch off and on

Robot can't find charging dock

  • Place dock in open area - 1.5 ft on sides and 5 ft in front
  • Remove obstacles blocking the dock's infrared signal
  • Make sure dock isn't in direct sunlight or near mirrors
  • Let robot create a new map of the space

Battery drains quickly

  • Check battery age - may need replacement after 2-3 years
  • Reduce suction power in app for longer runtime
  • Clean brushes and filters - clogged components increase power consumption
  • Let battery fully drain then fully charge (calibration cycle)

2. Weak Suction Power

If the robot isn't picking up debris like before, the problem is usually a clogged filter or brush.

Step by Step

How to Restore Suction Power

  • Step 1: Empty the dustbin - a full dustbin significantly reduces suction power
  • Step 2: Clean the filter - tap out or rinse the HEPA filter
  • Step 3: Remove hair from brushes - tangled hair prevents rotation
  • Step 4: Check suction path - remove any blockages
Maintenance Tips
Robot vacuum maintenance

3. Navigation Issues

Navigation problems are often related to dirty sensors or unsuitable room conditions.

Robot gets stuck or bumps into obstacles

  • Clean all sensors with a soft dry cloth
  • Remove cables, socks, and small objects from floor
  • With dark carpets - cliff sensors may see them as stairs
  • Check for available firmware updates

Robot misses spots

  • Let robot perform a complete mapping run
  • Check in app for unintended no-go zones
  • Make sure robot can access all rooms (doors open)
  • With low battery, robot may skip areas - charge and repeat

LiDAR or camera error

  • Clean LiDAR dome or camera with a soft cloth
  • Remove any obstacles preventing LiDAR rotation
  • For camera navigation, ensure adequate room lighting
  • Restart robot and let it remap the space

4. Connectivity Problems

Wi-Fi issues are often caused by frequency incompatibility or poor signal strength.

Robot won't connect to Wi-Fi

Most robots only support 2.4 GHz. Place robot close to router during pairing.

App won't control robot

Update app, log out and back in, or reset robot's Wi-Fi settings.

Loses connection during cleaning

Check Wi-Fi signal strength. Consider a Wi-Fi extender for distant rooms.

5. Mopping Problems

Mopping features require proper pad maintenance and adequate water.

Robot doesn't mop

  • Check if mopping pad is properly attached
  • Refill water tank
  • Verify in app that mopping is enabled
  • Some models don't mop on carpet - this is intentional

Poor mopping results

  • Replace worn mopping pad
  • Increase water amount in app settings
  • For dried stains, run multiple passes
  • Vacuum debris first, then mop

Mop leaves streaks or smears

  • Clean or replace mopping pad
  • Check water cleanliness in tank
  • Reduce water amount - too much water can cause streaks
  • For rotating mops, check wear and pressure

6. Error Codes and Messages

Most error messages have simple solutions. Here are the most common errors and how to fix them.

Error Message Cause Solution
"Main brush blocked" Tangled hair or debris Remove brush and clear hair
"Side brush blocked" Hair or thread around brush Clean or replace side brush
"Cliff sensor error" Dirty sensors or dark surface Clean sensors on bottom
"Robot stuck" Physical obstacle or wedged Move to open area, remove obstacles
"LiDAR error" Blocked or dirty dome Clean dome, remove obstructions
Important

When to Contact Support

Some problems require professional help. Contact manufacturer customer support in these cases:

  • Robot doesn't respond at all even after charging
  • Recurring error codes even after cleaning all components
  • Physical damage (cracks, leaking battery, burning smell)
  • Issues during warranty period - don't void warranty with DIY repairs
Robot vacuum support

Problem Persists?

Check out our regular maintenance tips that prevent most problems.

Maintenance Tips

More Guides

Explore more helpful guides and tips.

Maintenance Tips

How to keep your robot in perfect condition

Features Explained

LiDAR, suction power & more technologies

Buying Guide

How to choose the right robot vacuum