Roomba Not Connecting To App? – Complete Fix Guide

Is your Roomba not connecting to app? The reasons behind that can be very quick to solve, but it might take some thinking to get to them.

Fortunately, we’ve already done the thinking for you!

The first thing you must ensure to connect the Roomba to the app is the network frequency and its correct capabilities. After that, it is worth assessing the physical conditions, app version, and power cycle or resetting the devices involved.

However, if you think the robot’s hardware or software is malfunctioning, you should activate your warranty.

Roomba Not Connecting To App – Reasons

The iRobot app not connecting to Roomba issue is annoying because it prevents you from accessing the full capabilities of your vacuum.

However, before trying anything drastic to solve the situation, you must understand the causes.

So here goes a list of the most common reasons behind the trouble:

✅ Malfunctioning Robot

Some software or hardware issue on your robot prevents it from connecting to the app.

✅ Outdated App

It is necessary to have the latest version so it can connect to the robot efficiently.

✅ Jammed Network

You must check if your network is, in fact, capable of connecting the robot to the app. It can be already managing too much data or simply out of order.

✅ Improper Conditions

Perhaps the router is too far, or the robot is not touching the charging pins properly.

Fix The Roomba App Connectivity Issues

Connectivity issues sometimes are very simple to fix, but you do not know that until you find the correct info.

Thus, the sections below intend to provide info that will help you solve the issue and never face it again. 

We will go from some simple network settings to troubleshooting the robot.

1. Ensure The Network Is Capable

Your Roomba robot depends on the network frequency to connect to the app.

So when the connection is failing, the first thing you must do is this:

1. Turn the router off;
2. Wait a minute;
3. Turn it on again.

Resetting the router is helpful because it will refresh the network. That way, new processes, such as connecting the Roomba, will have priority.

Check The Frequency

You must check if your phone is connected to the correct frequency. Routers nowadays usually operate in two frequencies: 2.4GHz and 5GHz.

Each of them has a separate network, and some devices can connect to both, while others only to the 2.4GHz. Regarding Roomba:

• 600, 800, 900, i1, i2, i3, i4, i5 – Can connect only to 2.4GHz;
• i6, i7, i8, j7, s9, m6 – Can connect to both frequencies.

Info: If you have a model that can only connect to 2.4GHz, you will have to connect your phone to that network. 

Then, after switching the connection, it is time to try again.

2. Check The App Version

It might seem silly, but you may have forgotten to check if you have the latest version of the iRobot app.

Even though you’ve just downloaded it, it may be an old version. Some apps downloaded from the App Store/PlayStore work like that.

Then do this:

1. Go back to the PlayStore/AppStore;
2. Check the iRobot’s app page;
3. You will learn whether an update is available.

If an update is available, you will be able to download it. Otherwise, follow the next solution.

3. Power Cycle The Robot And Phone

It is hard to assume that the issue is on the robot and the phone simultaneously.

Still, refreshing both will certainly boost the chances of fixing the problem.

Phones are easy to restart, but the Roomba robot must be cycled like this:

1. Press the “Clean/Power” button on the robot;
2. Wait for all of its lights to go dark;
3. Disconnect the power base from the power source;
4. Wait a minute;
5. Plug the base again;
6. Turn the robot on.

The process above will refresh the whole Roomba system. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi malfunctions will likely be gone after that.

4. Manage The Physical Conditions

Some improper physical conditions might prevent the Roomba robot from connecting to the app.

That could include the robot being badly positioned on the base, or the router is too far from the robot to connect.

So do the following:

1. Get the power base closer to the router;
2. Ensure the charging pins on the robot are touching correctly;
3. Wipe the charging pins with a soft cloth to remove dust.

Note: You must also check if there are no loose or broken parts on the robot or the power base. 

It is common for the Roomba robot to send alerts whenever it detects something off. Or, if no alerts are sent, it still might not work as intended.

5. Reset The Robot

Roomba robots can be either hard or soft reset. However, the hard reset relies on the app. Thus, you can only perform a soft reset right now. 

Roomba S, I, and 900 series must be soft reset like this:

1. Press the “Spot Clean,” “Home,” and “Clean” buttons together;
2. Wait for the light around “Clean” to swirl;
3. Let go of the buttons when you see the light ring;
4. Wait for the Roomba to restart.

The resetting method for the Roomba 800 and 600 series is similar:

1. Press the “Home,” “Spot Clean,” and “Clean” buttons together;
2. Wait for a beeping sound;
3. Let go of the buttons.

6. Check Your Phone’s Bluetooth

Before connecting to the Wi-Fi, Roomba will use your phone’s Bluetooth capabilities.

Perhaps your phone’s Bluetooth is an issue here. The easiest way to test is by trying to connect to another Bluetooth device.

If the Bluetooth is not working well, you can do some things:

Clear The Cache

Further, you can clear the Bluetooth cache on your Android phone. Here is how:

1. Open the “Settings”;
2. Tap on “App Manager”;
3. Click on “Bluetooth”;
4. Choose “Clear Cache.”

After the cache is cleared, you must restart the phone and try to connect to Roomba again.

Reset The Bluetooth Settings

Beyond clearing the cache, resetting the Bluetooth settings is possible. Here is how you can do that: 

1. Find the “Settings”;
2. Choose “System”;
3. Find the “Reset options”;
4. If available, select “Reset Wi-Fi, mobile, & Bluetooth.”

Update The Phone

You may have skipped an important update of your phone’s software. Such an update probably brings enhancements and bug fixes for the Bluetooth settings.

Here is how to find and install the missing update (valid for Android and iOS):

1. Open the “Settings” again;
2. Find the “system info”/” general” section;
3. Tap on “System update.”

7. Update Roomba Via Osmo

Lastly, it is possible that the Roomba can’t connect to the app because it has a deep firmware issue.

• In that case, you must update via Osmo, a device provided by Roomba.

Once you have the Osmo in your hands, you have to proceed according to the robot you have.

Update The 700/800 Series

Here is how to use Osmo with the 700 and 800 series robots:

1. Put the robot into its base;
2. Lift its handle to uncover the serial port;
3. Insert the Osmo into the port;
4. The lights on both devices must start flashing;
5. Remove Osmo when the lights stop, and a beep is heard.

Update The 500/600 Series

Updating the 500 and 600 series robots with Osmo follows a different path:

1. Detach the bin;
2. Detach the faceplate to reveal the port;
3. Plug the power adapter into the robot;
4. Plug the Osmo into the port;
5. The Clean button will blink green while the update installs;
6. Remove Osmo when the lights stop, and a beep is heard.

Note: Osmo is only available for a few of the Roomba robots. If your robot does not support it and is still presenting issues after all we’ve suggested, get in touch with the brand.

What We Learned

When you find the Roomba not connecting to app, there are some very easy procedures you can take.

Most of the time, the robot is not connecting to the app because it uses 2.4GHz, so you have to switch your phone’s network. Other times, refreshing the robot or the phone will do the trick.

Read Next: Why Is Roomba Not Picking Up Dirt?