Roborock robot vacuums combine both mopping and vacuuming in one device providing a unique solution. Instead of buying a separate robot for each task, Roborock offers the convenience of both functions in a single machine. But when your Roborock is not charging this dual functionality becomes. Why is your Roborock not charging?
A common reason is that dirt may build up on your charging contacts or prevent proper charging. Another problem could be the confusion of the charging plates. Additionally, a faulty battery can also cause this problem.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through some simple solutions to help you get your Roborock back up and running, so let’s get started.
Why Is Your Roborock Not Charging?
If your Roborock isn’t charging, there could be several reasons behind the issue. Dust, hair, and dirt buildup on the charging ports can block the charging system, preventing your vacuum from charging properly. Other normal causes include a faulty power outlet, software bugs, or a battery that is not situated accurately. Temperature limits can likewise influence the charging system.
Here are the most common reasons why your Roborock might not charge:
When dust and dirt accumulate on the charging points of both the robot and its dock, it can interrupt the power flow, causing charging issues. Regularly cleaning both the robot and charging station will ensure a smooth charging process.
If the battery or charging dock is malfunctioning, the robot will not charge. Rechargeable batteries don’t last forever. With time, their performance will weaken, and eventually, replacement will be necessary.
Sometimes the problem may be with the power outlet itself. If the outlet has tripped or is faulty, your Roborock won’t charge. Test the outlet with another device to make sure it’s working. If the outlet is fine, double-check that the charger is plugged in correctly.
An outdated firmware or system bug can cause charging problems. It’s important to ensure that your Roborock is running the furthest down-the-line software to stay away from issues that could forestall charging.
In some cases, a power surge can damage the robot’s motherboard or fuse, making charging impossible. This is a more technical issue that might require professional repair. You can either replace the damaged part yourself if you have the skills or visit a service center for help.
The good news is that many of these charging issues are simple to resolve on your own. With a little maintenance and troubleshooting, you can get your Roborock back to full power without needing professional assistance.
Troubleshooting Steps for Roborock Not Charging
Now that you know some of the common causes, let’s look at the troubleshooting steps you can take to fix the issue.
Check a Faulty Roborock Charging Outlet
If you have an outlet in your apartment that never seems to work, no matter what you do, you’re not alone. First, make sure the outlet connected to your charging base is working properly. Test it with another device, such as your phone, laptop, or an outlet tester, to see if it’s working properly.
If the outlet seems to be tripped, try plugging the charger into a different working outlet. If other devices work in that outlet, the issue might be with your robot’s charging connector or the base.
The charging base usually shows an indicator light when it’s properly connected to a working outlet. When everything is set up correctly, the light should glow solid white. If the light is off, but the base is plugged into a functioning outlet, the charging station could be faulty. The light may also turn off when you plug in your Roborock vacuum.
In that case, it might be time to order a replacement. Alternatively, the issue could lie with the charging cable. Check the cable for any visible damage that might prevent it from transmitting power.
Clean the Charging Contacts
To clean your robot vacuum, use a soft microfiber cloth to gently wipe away any dust and dirt. Build-up on the charging plates can interfere with the charging process by blocking the flow of electricity, preventing your robot vacuum from charging properly.
While cleaning, make sure to pay extra attention to the contact plates. There are two on the robot and two on the charging base. These need to be kept clean to ensure a proper connection when charging.
Additionally, don’t forget to clean both the robot and its charging base thoroughly. Dust and debris can also gather around the wheels, which may cause them to misalign in their chamber. This misalignment can make it difficult for your robot vacuum to dock correctly on the charging base.
Once you’ve cleaned everything, try charging your robot again to see if it works.
Fixing Roborock Charging Aligned on the Dock
If your Roborock isn’t charging, it might be because it’s not properly aligned on the dock. When the charging contacts don’t connect, the vacuum won’t charge. This issue often occurs when you manually place the vacuum on the dock, causing the charging plates to fail to align correctly.
To fix this, make sure the charging plates on the robot vacuum and the charging station are making good contact when you place the vacuum on the dock.
Before docking your Roborock, remove the cleaning mop. This ensures the charging plates align properly and prevents the mop from getting wet. If you have tiled or concrete floors, this may not be a big deal, but it’s still a good practice.
Next, check the charging base’s pins. If they’re loose, it can stop the vacuum from charging. Ensure that both charging plates are securely in place and there’s no sign of wear or looseness.
If you’re still having trouble, try using a different charging base. The issue might be with the dock itself, and using a new base can help you confirm whether the problem is with the vacuum or the charger.
Check the Battery Health
A Roborock battery typically lasts between two to three years, depending on how well it’s used and maintained. Over time, the battery’s performance can decline, leading to charging issues or a battery that no longer holds a charge. Curious if it’s time to swap out your battery? It’s easy to figure out with a few simple questions.
On average, a Roborock battery lasts for 2 to 3 years and supports more than 300 charge cycles. Eventually, it will reach the end of its lifespan and need replacing. Thankfully, replacement batteries are easily available online or directly from the official Roborock website.
Reset The Roborock
If your robot is experiencing software issues that are affecting its performance, restoring its factory settings can help. Before you reset, be sure to save any schedules or routines, as they will be erased. A factory reset will return the robot to its original settings and can fix software bugs that might be causing problems, such as charging issues.
Here’s how to reset your Roborock:
- Press and hold the home button for 5-7 seconds.
- While holding the home button, quickly press the reset button (located next to the Wi-Fi LED). The power, home, and spot-clean lights will all go off.
- Press and hold the home button for approximately 3 to 5 seconds. The power button will start blinking, and you’ll hear a tone indicating the reset is beginning. You can then release the home button.
- Once the reset is complete, the robot will return to its original firmware settings. Be sure to update to the latest firmware after reconnecting your vacuum to the app.
Try recharging your device after the reset to see if the issue has been resolved.
Update the Firmware
If your Roborock is not charging, one potential cause could be outdated firmware. Just like any other smart device, Roborock vacuums rely on software updates to fix bugs, improve performance, and resolve issues like charging problems. Updating the firmware can help restore functionality and get your vacuum back on track.
Here’s how to update the firmware:
- Launch the Roborock app on your smartphone. Make sure your Roborock vacuum is connected to the app.
- In the app, navigate to the settings menu. This is usually shown as a gear icon.
- Search for the option to verify if any firmware updates are available. If there’s an available update, you’ll see a notification or prompt to install it.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to begin the update process. The vacuum will need to be connected to the charging dock during this process to ensure it has enough battery life to complete the update.
- The update will take a few minutes. During this time, your Roborock may restart, and the vacuum might display flashing lights indicating the update is in progress.
- Once the update is complete, restart your Roborock vacuum. After rebooting, check to see if the charging issue has been resolved.
How to Handle a Faulty Roborock Motherboard or Fuse
If the previous solutions haven’t worked, the issue might be more technical and could require the help of a technician or customer support. In this case, the motherboard or fuse is likely faulty.
This could happen if your area experiences a power surge, which sends too much voltage to your device. This can damage the power fuse or even ruin the entire charging unit. To fix a faulty motherboard, you have a few options:
- Replace the faulty motherboard unit.
- Replace the entire motherboard.
- Contact Roborock support for advice.
If you’re familiar with robot vacuum motherboards or work in a related field, opening the device to inspect the faulty part should be relatively simple. You can replace the damaged component and get your robot working again. However, keep in mind that opening the device and replacing parts may void your warranty.
If you’re like me and not comfortable with electrical repairs, reaching out to Roborock support is probably your best option.
Final Thoughts
If your Roborock isn’t charging, it can be quite frustrating. Luckily, these simple troubleshooting steps can help you resolve the problem quickly. Start by checking the outlet to make sure it’s working properly. The charging base should show signs of receiving power before you move on to more complex fixes.
