How to Send Roomba Home: A Step-by-Step Guide
How to Send Roomba Home?
To send Roomba home, there are three methods: using the Roomba Home App, manually pressing the “Dock” button, or using Alexa voice control.
With the app, launch it, press “Clean,” and select “Send Home.” For manual docking, locate the dock button on your Roomba model and press it.
Ensure the docking station is plugged in and powered.
Different models have different dock button locations.
Alexa integration requires downloading the iRobot Home app, linking with Amazon Alexa, and using the command “Alexa, tell Roomba to go home.” If Roomba has difficulty finding the dock, check power, clear obstructions, avoid moving Roomba during cleaning, eliminate infrared interference, and clean charging contacts.
Regular maintenance and cleaning prevent troubleshooting issues.
Key Points:
- Send Roomba home using the Roomba Home App, the “Dock” button, or Alexa voice control.
- In the Roomba Home App, press “Clean” and select “Send Home”.
- Manually dock Roomba by pressing the dock button on the model.
- Ensure that the docking station is plugged in and powered.
- Different models have different locations for the dock button.
- For Alexa integration, download the iRobot Home app, link with Amazon Alexa, and say “Alexa, tell Roomba to go home”.
Did You Know?
1. Roombas, the popular automated vacuum cleaners, were originally called “Trilobites” during their development phase, named after ancient marine arthropods known for their efficient navigation.
2. The Roomba’s navigation system is not GPS-based; instead, it utilizes infrared sensors and a bumping mechanism to detect and navigate around obstacles in a room.
3. In order to prevent damage to fragile items or the Roomba itself, the device’s sensors are designed to recognize and avoid steep drops, such as stairs.
4. Roombas can inadvertently create geometric patterns on carpets due to their random cleaning algorithm, which can cause overlapping and repetitive cleaning paths.
5. To send a Roomba home manually, you can simply press and hold the “Dock” button on the device, and it will automatically make its way back to its charging station. This feature is particularly useful if you want to send it home before its battery depletes completely.
Three Ways To Send Roomba Home
Keeping your Roomba docked when not in use is recommended by iRobot to extend its lifespan. Fortunately, iRobot has provided three convenient methods to send Roomba home. Whether you prefer using the Roomba Home App, manually pressing the dock button, or utilizing voice control through Amazon Alexa, you can easily ensure that your Roomba finds its way back to its docking station.
- Roomba Home App: Use the user-friendly app to send Roomba back to its dock with just a few taps on your smartphone.
- Dock button: Simply press the dock button on Roomba itself to initiate the return to its docking station.
- Voice control through Amazon Alexa: Take advantage of voice commands and instruct Alexa to send Roomba home.
“Keeping your Roomba docked when not in use is recommended by iRobot to extend its lifespan.”
- Use the provided methods to send Roomba home: Roomba Home App, dock button, or voice control through Amazon Alexa.
Sending Roomba Home With The App
The Roomba Home App provides a user-friendly method for sending Roomba home. To use it, just launch the app on your smartphone or tablet, press the “Clean” button, and select the “Send Home” option. This will prompt Roomba to stop its cleaning session and return to the docking station. Keep in mind that your device must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Roomba for the app to function smoothly.
Manually Pressing The Dock Button
In cases where you might not have access to the Roomba Home App, or simply prefer a more hands-on approach, you can manually press the dock button on your Roomba to send it home. The location of this button varies depending on the model of your Roomba.
- For the 900, e, and I series, you will find the dock button situated on the left side of the clean button.
- In the J series, you need to press and hold the “Clean” button for 3-5 seconds to initiate the return home.
- Finally, for the S series, the dock button is located on the upper-right side of the device.
Regardless of your Roomba model, manually pressing the dock button will prompt Roomba to automatically navigate back to its docking station.
Troubleshooting Difficulty In Finding The Docking Station
There may be instances where your Roomba encounters difficulties in finding its docking station. Several factors can contribute to this issue, such as the home base not being plugged in, obstructions in Roomba’s path, interference with infrared signals, or dirty charging contacts. Understanding and addressing these factors can help ensure a successful and efficient docking process.
One possible cause of docking issues is the home base not receiving power. To verify this, test the outlet by plugging in another device or try moving the home base to a working power source.
Obstructions in Roomba’s path can also hinder its return home. Clear any toys, socks, wires, or other objects that may be blocking Roomba’s way. Additionally, make sure that the docking station is placed against the wall in an open area with sufficient space on both sides.
Moving the Roomba while it is in the middle of a cleaning job can also impede its ability to find the docking station. If this happens, simply place the Roomba about 6 feet away from the home base, facing it, and press the dock button.
Interference from other devices can affect the Roomba’s ability to dock. Ensure there is no infrared interference from devices such as TV remotes or virtual barriers. Virtual barriers should be placed at least 8 feet away from the home base to minimize interference.
Dirty charging contacts can also prevent successful docking. Over time, dirt and dust can accumulate on these contacts, causing connectivity issues. To resolve this, clean the charging contacts on both the Roomba and the home base using a slightly-damp melamine foam or a soft clean cloth.
Tips For Successful Docking
To maximize the chances of successfully sending your Roomba home, follow these tips:
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Ensure that the home base is receiving power by checking the outlet and testing it with another device.
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Keep the Roomba’s path clear of any obstructions such as toys, socks, wires, or other objects that might impede its movement.
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Choose a well-placed home base location against a wall in an open area, away from drop-off points or stairs.
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Avoid moving the Roomba while it is cleaning to prevent confusion in finding the docking station.
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Check for any infrared interference from devices like TV remotes or virtual barriers and keep them at least 8 feet away from the home base.
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Clean the charging contacts on both the Roomba and the home base regularly to ensure proper connectivity.
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Ensure home base is receiving power
- Clear Roomba’s path of obstructions
- Choose a well-placed home base location
- Avoid moving Roomba while cleaning
- Check for infrared interference
- Clean charging contacts regularly
Importance Of Routine Maintenance And Cleaning
Routine maintenance and regular cleaning are essential to keep your Roomba operating at its best. By following proper maintenance procedures, you can help avoid troubleshooting problems and ensure that sending Roomba home is a smooth and effortless process.
Both the Roomba and the home base need to be running for successful docking to occur. By keeping your Roomba docked when not in use, you can extend its lifespan and maintain its functionality.
Regularly inspect the docking station, charging contacts, and Roomba for any signs of dirt, dust, or debris. Clean these areas as needed to ensure a strong connection between the Roomba and the home base.
Additionally, consider scheduling routine maintenance tasks according to iRobot’s guidelines. This may include emptying the Roomba’s bin, cleaning the sensors, and checking for any worn-out parts that may need replacement.
By taking these steps and prioritizing routine maintenance, you can ensure that your Roomba functions optimally and effortlessly finds its way back home after cleaning your floors.
To summarize:
- Routine maintenance and regular cleaning are essential for optimal Roomba performance.
- Keep your Roomba docked when not in use to extend its lifespan.
- Regularly inspect and clean the docking station, charging contacts, and Roomba.
- Follow iRobot’s guidelines for scheduled maintenance tasks.
- Prioritize routine maintenance to ensure the Roomba effortlessly returns home.
Check this out:
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I manually dock my Roomba?
To manually dock your Roomba, start by pressing and holding the CLEAN button for three seconds to clear any previous cleaning job. Then, position yourself within six feet (1.8 meters) of the Home Base® and manually face the robot towards it. Once aligned, turn on your Roomba® and press the Dock button to initiate the manual docking process.
How do I send my Irobot to my docking station?
To send your iRobot to the docking station, press and hold the “Clean” button for approximately 3 to 5 seconds. Look for a blue light ring around the button, indicating that your Roomba is locating the home base. Alternatively, if you have an S series iRobot, you can use the dock button located on the left side of the clean button, which has a home icon on the upper-right of the device. Pressing and holding this button will send your iRobot back to its docking station.
Can you move the home of Roomba?
Absolutely! Moving the home base of the Roomba is a straightforward process. Remember to avoid relocating it while the Roomba is currently cleaning. Thankfully, the Roomba is designed to adapt to its new surroundings effortlessly. Simply find a suitable spot for the home base in its new room, and the Roomba will intelligently identify the new location and return to it when needed. This flexibility allows you to effortlessly move your Roomba from room to room, ensuring your cleaning needs are met anywhere in your home.
Why is Roomba not returning home?
Roomba may not be returning home because it is not connected to a Wi-Fi network. Without this connection, the Roomba cannot receive commands to go back to its docking station or any other specific location. To troubleshoot the issue, it is recommended to check the Wi-Fi network’s status and ensure that Roomba is properly connected. Reconnecting the Roomba and the network might help restore its app capabilities, allowing it to navigate and return home accordingly.
