My robot can't find the charging station
What to do when your robot won't return to the dock.
Robot can't find the charging station
If your robot doesn't return to the dock after cleaning or can't find it, check the following points.
1. Dock placement
- Place the dock on a firm, level surface against a wall.
- Keep at least 0.5 m of clear space on each side and 1.2 m in front of the dock.
- Don't place the dock on dark carpets, in corners or behind furniture.
- Avoid direct sunlight on the dock.
2. Remove obstacles
- Remove objects, cables or carpet edges that block the path to the dock.
- Make sure the robot has a clear line of sight to the dock (infrared signal).
3. Check dock signal
- Check that the dock is plugged in and the LED is lit.
- Avoid infrared interference sources near the dock (e.g. fireplaces, radiant heaters, other IR devices).
4. Manually place robot on dock
- If the robot persistently can't find the dock, place it on manually. It will learn the position during the next cleaning run.
5. Update mapping (models with mapping)
- Roomba i3, i5, i6, i7, i8, s9, j-series, 105, 115, 205, Plus 405, Plus 406, Plus 505, 575, Max 705: If you've moved the dock, start a new mapping run via the app so the robot learns the new location.
6. Braava-specific notes
- Braava 300 series: This robot has no automatic dock return. It stops at the starting point.
- Braava Jet 250: This robot has no dock. It returns to the starting point.
- Braava Jet m-series: Make sure the charging station is correctly positioned and the contacts are clean.
Model reference
Applies to: Roomba 600 series WiFi, 800 series WiFi, 900 series, e5, e6, i1, i3, i5, i6, i7, i8, s9, j-series, Combo, 105, 115, 205, Plus 405, Plus 406, Plus 505, 575, Max 705, Braava Jet m-series.
Not applicable: Roomba 600 series (without WiFi), 680, 800 series (without WiFi) – return to Home Base but have no mapping. Braava 300 series, Braava Jet 250 – no automatic dock return.