Are you having trouble connecting your Roomba to your Wi-Fi?
Or does it suddenly disconnect from your internet?
Stoppp! Don’t call your tech support yet.
As fixing its connecting issues is super easy.
“But I’m not a techie person. Wires and codes scare me…”
Who says you have to be an expert?
Read on to learn:
- How to reset the Wi-Fi router and Roomba.
- How to connect Roomba to a Wi-Fi network.
- How to factory reset Roomba depending on its series.
- 10 common causes of Roomba not connecting to Wi-Fi.
- 10 easy and instant ways to fix Roomba Wi-Fi connecting issues.
- And a lot more…
Why is my Roomba not connecting to WiFi?
Roomba won’t connect to Wi-Fi either because of a Wi-Fi network problem or a unit firmware error. In most cases, Roomba doesn’t connect because the Wi-Fi is out of range or has low bandwidth. It can also be due to failed Wi-Fi connecting setup or incompatibility to the local Wi-Fi frequency range.
Roomba not connecting to WiFi – 10 causes & instant fixes
#1: Wi-Fi router is out of range
Distance affects the strength of your Wi-Fi signal.
Apart from the fact that routers have a limited range, any type of obstructions can weaken Wi-Fi signals.
According to a 1997 study, certain construction materials can weaken electromagnetic signals. Especially concrete, which is common in most houses.
Jason Cole backed up this claim when his study has proven that Wi-Fi signals travel faster in free spaces.
So, when your Roomba is too far away from your Wi-Fi router, it can get disconnected. As a lot of obstructions interfere with your internet signal.
Larger and multi-story homes are more likely to experience this problem.
“But I’m using a Wi-Fi router with a 5Ghz network. Range can’t be the issue…”
Routers with a 5Ghz network provide great internet speed and bandwidth. But not range.
How to fix it:
To ensure great connectivity, place your Roomba Home Base in the same room where your Wi-Fi router is.
A good distance would be 2-3 ft. (60-90 cm.) from the router.
Tip: Place the router at the center of your room or house to receive equally distributed signals.
If your router is on the upper floor of your house, place the Home Base directly below it.
This will allow the Home Base to receive stronger connections. As Wi-Fi signals tend to flow from the top down.
Some other things that you can do are to:
- Use a Wi-Fi extender.
- Put a longer Wi-Fi antenna.
- Install a Wi-Fi mesh network.
- Not hide the router inside a cabinet.
#2: Wi-Fi network or router problem
Sometimes you can’t connect your Roomba to your Wi-Fi simply because your internet connection is unstable.
Your internet connection can cut out or slow down for many reasons. It can be due to extreme weather, a faulty router, or a specific issue from your internet service provider.
Call your ISP, if you may.
But you should also consider checking your router first.
Like any unit, routers can wear out and get buggy after long use.
The good news is, many old or faulty routers can be fixed by quick resetting.
How to fix it:
If your internet is getting slow or got completely cut off, you may do any of these two.
One: Simply turn off and on your router.
Sometimes your internet signal weakens just because. To somehow refresh your connection, just turn off and on your router by its power button.
Two: Quick reset your router
Quick resetting can fix most network-related issues. To do this, just follow this simple instruction:
- Unplug the router cord from the power source.
- Wait for at least 30 seconds.
- Plug the cord back in, and you’re done!
To see if it works, reconnect your Roomba to your Wi-Fi through the iRobot app.
You may also wonder: Can too many devices crash a router?
#3: Wi-Fi network is overcrowded
The quality of connection you receive depends on your Wi-Fi speed and bandwidth.
In simple terms, bandwidth is the set amount of data transmitted at a given period of time.
Meaning, it’s a data limit that your ISP has set for you.
Your Roomba won’t connect to your Wi-Fi if your internet has low bandwidth.
“Why do I get low bandwidth?”
There are two reasons: First, either there are too many units running at a time. Or your ISP has throttled your internet.
“What’s throttling? And why would my ISP do that?”
In case you didn’t know, your Wi-Fi plan has a set monthly data limit.
Once reached, your ISP will throttle your internet. Meaning, they will restrict your internet speed or bandwidth without notice. This is how they “manage” your data.
So, the next time your internet has slowed down, maybe it’s your ISP throttling your internet.
How to fix it:
Connected units, even when not in use, can consume data. As there must be some apps running in its background.
This consumes part of your internet bandwidth. So, make sure to disconnect any unused units.
Here are what you can do to disconnect units connected on your Wi-Fi network:
- Change your Wi-Fi password.
- Manually disconnect Wi-Fi connection on other units.
- Navigate through your router setting and remove units.
Warning: Changing your Wi-Fi password will disconnect all your units.
If reaching your monthly data limit is the issue, there’s only one thing you can do.
Upgrade your internet plan. If you can, opt for a fiber-optic network.
#4: Roomba or Home Base is off
Hmm…
You said your Roomba isn’t connecting to your Wi-Fi?
But have you checked if it’s actually on?
It may sound silly. But it happens to a lot of Roomba users.
Before you panic, check first that both the Roomba and its Home Base are ready to work.
Is the Home Base plugged in?
Do you see the Wi-Fi indicator light on?
How to fix it:
You know the drill.
If the Home Base is unplugged, plug it back in from the socket.
If you don’t see the indicator light flashing, this is what you can do to:
- Make sure that the Roomba unit is placed back on its Home Base.
- Click the “Clean” button.
To connect it to the Wi-Fi, hold the “Dock” and “Spot Clean” buttons together. Then you could try to reconnect it following the Wi-Fi connecting setup once again.
#5: Roomba is low in battery
Roomba recharges itself once it gets back to its Home Base.
But it would obviously not if the Home Base is unplugged. Or if the Roomba unit is not properly placed.
Here’s what the Roomba indicator light indicates:
- Flashing red: low battery.
- Solid red: battery drained.
- Solid green: fully charged.
- Pulsing amber color: charging.
How to fix it:
You can recharge your Roomba by simply plugging the Home Base cord to a power source.
If it doesn’t work, its battery might be broken. And you’d have to replace it soon.
Note: Let the unit charge for several minutes before trying to reconnect it to your Wi-Fi network.
Check out: Roomba Not Charging: 9 Ways To Fix It In 30 Seconds
#6: Wi-Fi connecting setup failed
You can only connect your Roomba to your Wi-Fi network through the iRobot app.
Connecting it is really simple. As iRobot provides easy-to-follow and step-by-step instructions.
The only time you can fail the connecting setup is when:
- Your Wi-Fi network is slowing down.
- The Home Base is not properly plugged in.
- The Roomba unit is not properly placed in its Home Base.
- You accidentally touched the “Clean” button during one process.
- You hear no sounds after holding the “Home” and “Spot Clean” buttons.
How to fix it:
You can never fail the Wi-Fi connecting setup if you have your full attention to it. And when you follow all steps correctly.
Tip: Have your Wi-Fi name and password ready beforehand. And have your Home Base and Roomba plugged in.
To connect your Roomba to your Wi-Fi network:
- Download the iRobot Home app from the app store.
- Sign up or log in to your account.
- Select your Wi-Fi network.
- Enter your Wi-Fi password.
- Press and hold the “Home” and “Spot Clean” buttons simultaneously until you hear a tone or see a flashing blue/green light.
- Check the “I pressed the buttons” box.
Watch this video to know how to connect Roomba with iRobot Home App:
#7: Wi-Fi frequency range not compatible to unit
“I don’t get it. My unit is close to the router and I even have a 5Ghz Wi-Fi router. Why isn’t it connecting?”
Wi-Fi routers with 5Ghz range truly give a fast and stable internet connection.
But, Roomba units don’t support this frequency range.
Plus the fact that 5Ghz has a short range doesn’t help either.
There’s no valid reason why Roomba robot vacuums don’t support 5Ghz networks.
Probably just because Roomba is a simple unit. And it doesn’t need a high-end internet connection.
If you’re not sure what your Wi-Fi frequency range is, check its user manual.
How to fix it:
There’s no hack to make your Wi-Fi router compatible with your Roomba unit.
The only thing you can do is to change your router.
Make sure to use one that has a 2.4GHz range.
If not, at least have a combo of 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz routers in your home.
Learn more: Can you use 2.4GHz and 5GHz at the same time?
#8: Roomba internal error
If your internet connection is not the issue, then there’s probably a problem with your actual unit.
Its software might have caught some bugs. Or its program might have run on some error.
Sometimes, accidentally deleting program files on your smartphone might cause some problems as well.
When this happens, Roomba might not work probably. As some of its features might have been disabled.
Don’t panic yet. There’s an easy way to fix it.
How to fix it:
Changing your unit back to its default will fix any internal errors.
To do that, you have to factory reset your Roomba unit.
Take note that there are specific resetting instructions for every series.
Warning: Resetting your unit will delete all the data. Including your home mapping and cleaning schedule. And you’d have to reconnect your Roomba to your Wi-Fi network again.
Here’s how to factory reset Roomba based on its series:
- For a and i series: Press and hold the “Home” + “Spot Clean” + “Clean” buttons until a white light ring appears.
- For j series: Remove the dust bin. Press and hold the “Clean” button for 7 seconds until you hear the reset tone. Then, click the “Clean” button once more.
- For e series: Press and hold the “Home” + “Spot Clean” + “Clean” buttons for 20 seconds. Then, release.
- For 900 series: Press and hold the “Dock” + “Spot Clean” + “Clean” buttons until all the button indicator lights turn on.
- For Wi-Fi enabled 600 & 800 series: Press and hold the “Dock” + “Spot Clean” + “Clean” buttons until you hear a beep tone.
- For Roomba combo: Open the unit lid and locate the “Reset” button. Press and hold it for 10 seconds.
#9: iRobot Home app is not up-to-date
“My internet connection and Roomba unit is perfectly fine. What’s the problem this time?”
Your iRobot Home app.
The app acts as the connecting device between your Roomba unit and Wi-Fi network. So, if it’s running with some errors, your unit will get affected.
An app will slow down or act up if it’s not up-to-date. Because some updates from the newer version might not be compatible with the previous one you have.
Updating its firmware is important not only to get newer features. But to ensure the security of your app and Roomba unit as well.
How to fix it:
The point here is to have your iRobot Home app always up-to-date.
Regularly check your app store if there’s an available update. You can also subscribe to your developer’s newsletter to get direct notices about updates.
After installing new updates, you may reboot your Roomba unit as well.
This will free up your storage and delete temporary files. And potentially eliminate existing bugs and server errors altogether.
#10: Roomba is waiting for a software update
“I’ve tried everything already, and nothing works. This Roomba is hopeless!”
Calm down. As this might be the reason why.
Roomba robot vacuums update themselves automatically.
The updates happen when they’re back on their Home Base and on their “not in-use” moment.
Typically, updates will run for only a few minutes.
But in some cases, your Roomba unit will “dysfunction” for long hours. As it waits for the new updates to enter its program.
When this happens, you’d be able to use your unit at all.
How to fix it:
Wait. Just the only thing that you can do.
Let your Roomba unit rest on its Home Base for up to 24 hours. These are enough hours to let new updates get into your unit.
If anything fails, then it would be time to call your tech support.
Read next: 5 Reasons Why Your Roomba Keeps Going In Circles + 5 Fixes