Robot vacuum problems and fixes: not charging, getting stuck, weak suction

Most robot vacuum faults are not broken hardware. Dust on a sensor, hair in a wheel or a badly placed dock causes the bulk of complaints. Work through the fixes below before contacting support. Always switch the robot off before cleaning parts, and follow your model's manual — designs differ.

It won't charge or can't find the dock

• Wipe the charging contacts on the robot and the dock with a dry cloth.
• Check the dock is plugged in, flat on the floor and pushed against a wall, with its indicator light on.
• Clear the space around and in front of the dock; our setup guide lists recommended clearances.
• Don't move the dock after mapping — if you must, let the robot remap or update the dock position in the app.
• If the battery is several years old and run times are short, it may need replacing.

It keeps getting stuck

Cables, rug tassels, low sofas and thresholds are the usual traps. Tidy cables, set no-go zones or virtual walls in the app, and block gaps under furniture the robot can enter but not leave. If it stalls on thresholds or thick rugs, check the model's stated climbing height. See our carpet vs hard floors guide for rug tips.

Weak suction or it leaves dirt behind

Empty the bin, clean or replace the filter, remove hair from the main and side brushes, and check the inlet for a blockage. Clean the brush bearings and end caps where hair collects. If you have a self-emptying dock, check the bag and the emptying port too. Our suction explainer and guide on how to clean a robot vacuum explain more.

It goes in circles or bumps into things

Wipe the cliff sensors underneath, the front bumper and any camera or LiDAR window. Check the bumper moves freely and isn't jammed. Spin the wheels and front caster by hand and remove hair wound around their axles. Very dark rugs or shiny black floors can confuse cliff sensors on some models.

It lost its map or cleans the wrong rooms

Remapping after moving furniture or the dock is normal. Make the map with doors open and lights on (camera-based robots need light). Save the map in the app if your model supports it, and recheck room dividers. LiDAR vs camera navigation explains why some robots map more reliably.

Wi-Fi keeps dropping

Most robots use 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi only. Make sure that band is enabled on your router and the signal reaches the far rooms; a mesh Wi-Fi system can help large homes. Restart the router and robot, and update both the app and the robot's firmware.

Strange noises or error codes

Grinding or clicking usually means debris in a brush or wheel. Look up the exact error code in the manufacturer's app or support site — codes are brand-specific. If cleaning and a restart don't help and the robot is under warranty, contact support rather than opening the robot.