Everything you need to know about connecting a Roomba to Wi-Fi
At
, we utilize extensive research and expert testing to provide you with the necessary information to help you make well-informed purchasing decisions and maximize the utility of the products we recommend. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of downloading the iRobot HOME app and establishing a Wi-Fi connection for your Roomba.Step 1: Download the iRobot HOME app
In order to connect your Roomba to Wi-Fi, it is essential to first download the iRobot HOME app onto your smartphone. Serving as the central control hub for iRobot's range of Roomba vacuums and Braava mops, this app is compatible with both iOS and Android devices. Simply access your phone's app store, search for "iRobot Home," and proceed to download the application directly onto your smartphone.To utilize the app, you must first create an account and provide your contact information. If you prefer not to do so, you can still use the essential functions of your Roomba without Wi-Fi.
Step 2: Select your Roomba
In the HOME app, go to the ≡ menu located at the top left corner of the screen and choose "Add Your Product." The app will then start searching for any nearby iRobot devices. If no devices are detected, you will be prompted to either scan a QR code (if one is included with your Roomba) or manually select a product.Step 3: Choose your Wi-Fi network
Now, you will be guided through the process step by step. The first step is to determine the ideal location for your home dock.Choose a Wi-Fi network of your preference by using the app. By default, the app selects the Wi-Fi network that is currently in use by your smartphone. In order to select a different network, you will need to switch to it through your phone's settings. It is important to note that most Roombas are compatible with 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi networks rather than 5 GHz networks. Afterwards, provide your Wi-Fi password in the designated space.
Step 4: Activate your Roomba
To activate your Roomba, simply press and hold the “Spot” (crosshairs icon) and “Home” (house icon) buttons located right next to the large “Clean” button for one to two seconds. This will put your Roomba into connection mode, indicated by a chime and flashing indicator ring or Wi-Fi symbol.Once in connection mode, open the app and tick the box labeled “I Pressed the Buttons.” The app will then attempt to connect to your Roomba and add it to your Wi-Fi network. This process typically takes less than 20 seconds.
If the app encounters any issues, it will make additional attempts. Following the second attempt, you will be prompted to manually choose a designated Wi-Fi network created by your Roomba in order to complete the process.
For Roomba j7, j7+, or j7+ Combo models, the activation process is automated.
Step 5: Name your Roomba
Naming your Roomba is the final step. To make it convenient for voice control through Alexa or Google Home, choose a distinctive and easily pronounceable name. In case you have multiple Roombas at home, assigning each one a unique name will help differentiate and control them individually.For optimal outcomes while using voice control, the HOME app recommends avoiding numerical digits when naming your Roomba.
What to do if your Roomba isn’t connecting to your home's Wi-Fi
Problem Connecting to Wi-Fi or Unresponsive Roomba? Follow these Steps.Check your Wi-Fi network
First, ensure that your Roomba is connected to the right network and that your Wi-Fi is functioning properly.Please check if you can access websites or stream videos on your computer or device. If you are unable to do so, it is possible that you are experiencing a network issue.
Please inspect your router or modem. Are the lights blinking in an abnormal manner or completely turned off? In such cases, you may need to power cycle them by either pressing their on-off switches or disconnecting them from the power source and then reconnecting.
If that fails, please reach out to your Internet service provider.
Does your Roomba have power?
If the battery of your Roomba has depleted, it will be unable to execute any commands. This situation might occur if you have not placed your Roomba on its home base dock for a few days, or if the power cord of the dock is not connected to a functional outlet.A Roomba takes about one and a half to two hours to charge from empty.
Reconnect with the iRobot HOME app
If everything else is working except your Roomba’s Wi-Fi, check the iRobot HOME app.If all else fails, reboot or restore
To reconnect or change the Wi-Fi for your Roomba, navigate to Product Settings in the app. Follow the guided steps to connect your Roomba to your current Wi-Fi network or set up a connection with a new Wi-Fi network. Remember to have your Wi-Fi password ready.Additionally, you can easily reboot your Roomba from the iRobot HOME app. Simply access Product Settings, and select the Reboot option for your specific Roomba, using its name. The reboot process typically takes just a few minutes, and your Roomba will emit a tone or melody to indicate when it's finished.
To initiate a reboot of your Roomba, simply press and hold the prominent "Clean" button for a duration of 10 to 20 seconds.
Alternatively, if you wish to restore your Roomba to its original factory settings, this process will erase its history, data, and detach it from your iRobot account.
Enjoy the benefits
To reset your Roomba using the iRobot HOME app, navigate to Product Settings > About [your Roomba’s name] > Remove Device from Account. If your Roomba supports mapping, you will have the option to save your maps. Simply tap Factory Reset [your Roomba’s name]. Your Roomba will then be restored to its original factory settings. Once done, go back to the beginning and attempt to set up your Roomba again.Enjoy the benefits
Not all Roomba models can connect to Wi-Fi, and Wi-Fi is not essential for utilizing the basic cleaning functionalities of your Roomba. However, connecting your Roomba to Wi-Fi will provide you with the complete advantages of owning a robotic vacuum cleaner in your household.
