Roborock Won't Connect to WiFi: Complete Fix Guide

Roborock robots require WiFi for app control, remote operation, and firmware updates. Connection issues are usually caused by router compatibility, phone settings, or region mismatches. This guide covers all connection scenarios with step-by-step fixes.

1. Verify Router Compatibility Requirements

Critical Requirements:

• 2.4GHz WiFi only: Roborock does NOT support 5GHz networks. Check your router settings to confirm 2.4GHz band is enabled.
• WiFi Security: WPA2 or WPA3 supported. Open networks and WEP are not recommended.
• No special characters: WiFi password should not contain emoji or special symbols (stick to letters, numbers, basic punctuation).
• WiFi band separation: If your router has a single SSID for both 2.4GHz and 5GHz, consider splitting them into separate network names.

2. First-Time Setup: Pairing Your Roborock

Follow these steps exactly:

1. Download the Roborock app (not the Xiaomi Home app for newer models). Some older models use Mi Home app - check your manual.
2. Create an account or log in. Choose your region carefully (see Region Issues section below).
3. Power on your Roborock. Wait for the voice prompt: "Waiting for network configuration."
4. Enter WiFi pairing mode: Press and hold both POWER and HOME buttons simultaneously for 3-5 seconds until you hear "Resetting WiFi."
5. In the app: Tap "+" to add device, select your Roborock model.
6. Enable Bluetooth and Location on your phone. The app uses Bluetooth for initial pairing.
7. Select your 2.4GHz WiFi network and enter password carefully (case-sensitive).
8. Stand near the robot and router during the 2-minute pairing process. Do not close the app.
9. Wait for confirmation: You'll hear "Network connection is successful."

3. "Connection Failed" Error During Setup

Cause: Phone cannot communicate with Roborock via Bluetooth, or Roborock cannot reach WiFi network.

Fix:

1. Force close the Roborock app and restart it.
2. Disable VPN on your phone. VPNs interfere with local network discovery.
3. Disable mobile data temporarily. Use WiFi only during setup.
4. Check Bluetooth permissions: Settings > Apps > Roborock > Permissions > Enable Bluetooth and Location.
5. Re-enter WiFi pairing mode on Roborock: Hold POWER + HOME for 5 seconds.
6. Try the manual IP method: In the app during setup, choose "Manual connection" and enter your router's IP range.

4. Robot Says "Offline" in App After Successful Setup

Cause: Roborock was previously connected but has lost WiFi connection.

Fix:

1. Check router status: Ensure your WiFi network is working (test with another device).
2. Restart your router: Unplug for 30 seconds, plug back in, wait 2 minutes for full boot.
3. Restart Roborock: Hold power button for 3 seconds to turn off, then turn back on.
4. Move Roborock closer to router: Thick walls, metal appliances, and distance weaken signal. Test within 10 feet of router.
5. Check router settings for MAC filtering: If enabled, add Roborock's MAC address to the allowed list (find MAC in router's connected devices).
6. Assign a static IP to Roborock: In router settings, reserve an IP address for Roborock to prevent DHCP lease expiration.

5. Region and Server Issues

Symptom: App says "Device is not available in your region" or connection constantly drops.

Cause: Roborock robots are region-locked to specific servers (China, US, Europe, etc.). Your app region must match your robot's firmware region.

Fix:

1. Check your robot's region: Look at the power adapter voltage rating and manual language. US models are typically 110V, EU models are 220V.
2. Change app region (before pairing only): In Roborock app, go to Profile > Settings > Region. Select the region matching your robot.
3. If already paired to wrong region: You must factory reset the robot and re-pair with correct region selected in the app.
4. Use correct app: Newer Roborock models (S7+, S8, Q-series) use "Roborock" app. Older models (S5, S6) may require "Mi Home" app with region set correctly.

6. Firmware Update Failures

Symptom: App prompts firmware update, but it fails at 1%, 50%, or "Update package download failed."

Fix:

1. Ensure Roborock is on the charging dock with at least 20% battery. Updates require stable power.
2. Stable WiFi required: Do not move the robot or dock during update (30-60 minutes).
3. Restart router before update: Fresh connection prevents timeout errors.
4. Download update via mobile hotspot: If your home WiFi is slow, create a 2.4GHz mobile hotspot, connect Roborock to it, then update.
5. Try manual firmware file: Some models allow USB firmware updates. Check Roborock support site for firmware files and instructions.
6. Do not interrupt update: If update reaches 50%+, let it complete even if it seems frozen. Interrupting can brick the device.

7. Factory Reset Procedure

When to use: If all else fails, factory reset erases all settings, maps, and WiFi credentials. Use as last resort.

How to Factory Reset Roborock:

1. Ensure robot is powered on (not on dock).
2. Press and hold all three buttons (POWER, HOME, SPOT CLEAN) simultaneously for 3-5 seconds.
3. You will hear: "Restoring the initial version. It will take about 3 to 5 minutes." (Some models say "Resetting" or beep pattern).
4. Wait 5 minutes. Robot will restart automatically. Do not power off during this process.
5. After reset: Follow First-Time Setup steps (Section 2) to re-pair.

Alternative method (if buttons don't work):

1. In Roborock app, go to robot Settings (gear icon).
2. Scroll to bottom and tap "Factory Reset" or "Restore Factory Settings."
3. Confirm the action. Robot will restart.

8. Advanced Router Configuration

For persistent connection drops:

Set a Reserved IP (DHCP Reservation)

1. Log into your router admin panel (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
2. Find "DHCP Settings" or "LAN Settings."
3. Look for "Connected Devices" and locate your Roborock (may show as "Rockrobo" or "Roborock").
4. Note its MAC address and current IP address.
5. Add a DHCP reservation to assign the same IP permanently.

Separate 2.4GHz and 5GHz Networks

1. In router settings, find "WiFi Settings" or "Wireless."
2. Disable "Smart Connect" or "Band Steering" (these auto-switch devices between bands).
3. Rename your 2.4GHz network to something distinct (e.g., "Home_WiFi_2.4").
4. Rename 5GHz network differently (e.g., "Home_WiFi_5G").
5. Connect Roborock only to the 2.4GHz network.

Disable Router Features That Interfere

• AP Isolation / Client Isolation: Must be disabled. This prevents devices from talking to each other.
• Firewall "High" security: Set to Medium or create exception for Roborock.
• IPv6: Some users report disabling IPv6 improves stability (keep IPv4 enabled).

9. Specific Router Brand Issues

Google WiFi / Nest WiFi

By default, these routers merge 2.4GHz and 5GHz into one network. Roborock may struggle to stay on 2.4GHz.

Fix: In Google Home app, create a separate 2.4GHz-only guest network for IoT devices. Connect Roborock to this guest network.

Eero Mesh Systems

Eero's automatic band switching can disconnect Roborock during roaming.

Fix: Reserve an IP for Roborock and disable "Band Steering" in Eero Labs (if available). Consider disabling 5GHz band temporarily during pairing.

TP-Link Routers

Some TP-Link routers have aggressive "Smart Connect" that forces devices to 5GHz.

Fix: Disable Smart Connect, or enable "Legacy Mode" in WiFi settings to prioritize 2.4GHz for IoT devices.

10. "Roborock is Busy" or "Cannot Connect to Server"

Cause: Roborock cloud servers are experiencing issues or your internet connection is down.

Fix:

1. Check Roborock server status: Visit Roborock's official social media or forums for outage announcements.
2. Test your internet: Open a web browser and confirm you can reach external sites (not just local devices).
3. Wait 30 minutes and retry. Server issues are usually resolved quickly.
4. Use manual controls: Even offline, you can press the CLEAN button on the robot to start cleaning. App features require server connection.

11. Bluetooth Pairing Issues (During Setup)

Symptom: App says "Cannot find robot" or "Bluetooth connection failed."

Fix:

1. Grant all permissions: iOS: Settings > Roborock > Enable Location, Bluetooth, Local Network. Android: Settings > Apps > Roborock > Permissions > Enable all.
2. Close other Bluetooth apps: Disconnect headphones, smartwatches, or other Bluetooth devices temporarily.
3. Restart phone Bluetooth: Turn Bluetooth off for 10 seconds, then back on.
4. Hold phone closer to robot: Bluetooth range is short (~10 feet). Stand directly next to the robot.
5. Check for phone compatibility: Very old phones (pre-2016) may have Bluetooth 4.0 issues. Roborock requires Bluetooth 4.0+.

Still Not Working?

Prevention Tips

• Keep firmware updated: Updates fix connectivity bugs and improve WiFi stability.
• Position router centrally: Weak signal is the #1 cause of disconnections. Use WiFi extenders if needed.
• Avoid interference: Microwaves, baby monitors, and cordless phones use 2.4GHz. Keep router away from these devices.
• Reboot router monthly: Prevents memory leaks and connection table overflow on the router side.
• Document your setup: Write down WiFi password, router IP, and app region used. Saves time during future troubleshooting.

FAQ

Related Guides

• Robot Navigation & Mapping Problems
• Robot Vacuum Not Charging
• Robot Vacuum Maintenance 101

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