Symptoms
- Robot wanders near the dock but doesn't connect
- Robot says charging error or docking failed
- Robot returns to the wrong spot
- Battery drains before it finds the dock
Likely causes
- CommonDock moved or in a tight, cluttered spotThe dock needs open space on both sides and in front to let the robot approach straight on.
- CommonDirty charging contactsDust or grime on the robot's or dock's metal contacts blocks the electrical connection.
- PossibleWeak or dead dock powerAn unplugged or faulty outlet means the dock has no signal for the robot to home in on.
- PossibleOutdated internal mapIf furniture moved, the robot may search in the wrong area based on an old map.
- Less commonLow battery during returnA severely depleted battery can die before the robot completes its return path.
What to do
- Confirm the dock is plugged in and its indicator light is on.
- Clear at least a few feet of open space in front of and beside the dock.
- Wipe the metal charging contacts on both the robot and the dock with a dry cloth.
- Place the robot directly on the dock by hand and confirm it starts charging.
- Update or reset the room map in the app if furniture has recently moved.
- Restart the robot vacuum by powering it off and on per the manual.
- If it still can't dock on its own, manually dock it after each run until the issue is diagnosed further.
Tools and parts
- Dry cloth
- Smartphone app for the robot
Robot vacuum charging dockSearch: “robot vacuum charging dock replacement”
When to call a pro
If contacts are clean and placement is correct but docking still fails, contact the manufacturer about a possible sensor or dock fault.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.