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Robot Vacuum Not Working? 4 Fixes to Try First
Robot vacuum not charging, not mapping, or stuck in circles? Four common fixes before you call support or buy a replacement.
Most robot vacuum problems are simple: a dirty sensor, a tangled brush, or a confused map. Work through these four fixes before assuming the robot is broken.
Robot spins in circles or bumps into everything
Dirty cliff or wall sensors are the usual cause. Wipe all sensors underneath and around the bumper with a dry cloth. If it still misbehaves, check for a software update and remap the home; corrupted maps cause erratic behavior.
Weak suction or leaving debris behind
Empty the bin (or check the self-empty base for clogs), remove and clean the filter, and cut hair wrapped around the brush roll and side brush. A full bin or clogged filter cuts suction dramatically on every brand.
Won't charge or dies quickly
Clean the charging contacts on both the robot and the base with a dry cloth, and make sure the base sits against a wall on a hard flat surface with clear space around it. If runtime has slowly declined over a year or more, the battery is likely worn and replaceable.
App can't find the robot
Most robots only connect to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, so make sure your phone is on the 2.4 GHz band during setup. Restart the robot, restart your router, and re-add the device in the app. If it worked before and stopped, a recent router or app update is the likely culprit.
Questions, answered
Why does my robot vacuum keep getting stuck?
Cords, rug tassels, and thresholds are the big three. Tidy cords, tuck tassels under rugs, and check whether your thresholds exceed the robot's climbing height. No-go zones in the app can fence off problem areas permanently.
How often should I clean the brushes and sensors?
Quick sensor wipe weekly, brush check every couple of weeks (weekly with pets), filter rinse or replacement per the manufacturer's schedule. Five minutes of maintenance prevents most failures.