Roomba WiFi Not Showing Up? (Instant Fix Guide)

Is your Roomba WiFi not showing up? We will verify all the possibilities to fix that!

Roomba depends on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to connect to the internet because it uses your phone. Thus, the issue could lie in different places.

If Roomba’s Wi-Fi doesn’t show up, check phone settings and perform a system reset on the robot. Updating the robot offline may also be necessary.

Below we will tell you everything you need to know!

Roomba WiFi Not Showing Up – 7 Functional Solutions

1. Verify The Wi-Fi Settings

Is Roomba not showing up on WiFi? Two factors must be ensured: the proper configuration of your phone’s settings and the Wi-Fi frequency.

If all other devices in your home are successfully connected to Wi-Fi, it is advisable to restart the router.

Which Frequency?

Certain intelligent devices are exclusively compatible with 2.4GHz wireless networks, while others are compatible with 5GHz networks.

The Roomba exhibits variability in this regard, with compatibility depending on the specific model you own.

Below is a comprehensive catalog to facilitate understanding of the Roomba model’s connectivity specifications.

• 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.

In the context of Wi-Fi connectivity and Roomba devices, it is advisable to connect models capable of supporting both frequencies to the 2.4GHz band.

This is especially true in cases where the house size exceeds typical dimensions.

How Do I Know?

For non-technical individuals, there is a straightforward method to determine the network to which your phone is connected.

Follow these steps:

1. Access the Wi-Fi settings on your phone;
2. Check if your phone detects multiple networks originating from your router;
3. At least one of the networks will be labeled with a frequency number;
4. If your Roomba model has specific frequency requirements, switch to the network that aligns with those requirements.

2. Check The App

Is the Roomba Wi-Fi network not showing up? In certain instances, the failure of the Robot to connect with the app can be attributed to an outdated version of the app.

It is possible that the installed version is not the most recent, and the app lacks automatic update functionality.

To address this issue, please follow the steps below:

1. Open your phone’s app store;
2. Look for the iRobot app;
3. Click on “install update” if available.

Verify The Permissions

Another potential cause for the Robot’s failure to connect could be unauthorized permissions.

To verify and grant the necessary permissions, please follow these steps:

1. Hold the iRobot app for a while;
2. Click the info icon;
3. Go to the Permissions;
4. Allow the permissions requested by the app.

As the Robot navigates your home, the app requires access to your device’s location. It is essential to grant that.

3. Power Cycle The Devices

A straightforward solution is to power cycle all the devices involved in the process.

Data overload may be causing your phone’s inability to recognize the Roomba.

To do a full power cycle, follow the steps below:

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.

It is also a good idea to restart your phone and router before turning the robot on again.

4. Ensure The Robot Is Charged/Can Charge

The robot may display a red circle indicator when it requires charging. However, suppose you have left the robot on the base station for an extended period.

In that case, it’s necessary to confirm that it can effectively charge. 

Cleaning

To address potential charging issues with your Roomba robot, performing a thorough cleaning and checking the battery is recommended.

Please follow the steps below:

1. Take a soft cloth and dampen it with rubbing alcohol;
2. Wipe the exterior of the robot using the cloth;
3. Clean the docking station using the same cloth;
4. Pay close attention to the charging pins and ensure they are free from any debris or buildup;
5. Utilize a toothbrush to scrub the wheels and remove any dirt or dust;
6. Once everything is cleaned, allow the robot and docking station to dry completely;
7. Place the robot back on the docking station and initiate the charging process again;

Checking the Battery

It is also possible that the battery on your Roomba robot is not allowing the Robot to maintain a sufficient amount of charge.

1. Remove the battery from inside the robot.
2. Inspect the battery compartment for any dust or debris and clean it if necessary.
3. Examine the battery for any signs of damage or wear.
4. If the battery is damaged, replacing it with a new one is advisable.
5. When inserting the battery back into the robot, ensure it is securely positioned.

By cleaning both the robot and the docking station and checking the battery and power cord, you can address potential issues hindering the charging process.

Note: Additionally, verify the condition of the power cord connected to the docking station and ensure it is not damaged. Also, confirm that the outlet you are using can deliver electricity.

5. Assess Your Phone’s Bluetooth

As part of its initial setup process, the Roomba robot leverages your phone’s Bluetooth connectivity before establishing a connection with the Wi-Fi network.

To address this matter and optimize your Bluetooth’s performance, consider implementing the following measures: 

Clear The Cache

Clearing the cache might get rid of a lot of data that is making the process clunky.

Here is how you do that:

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

After clearing the cache, restart your phone, enable Bluetooth, and try connecting the Roomba robot again.

Reset The Bluetooth Settings

In addition to clearing the cache on your Bluetooth, you can reset the Bluetooth settings for potentially enhanced effectiveness.

This alternative approach may prove beneficial in achieving better results.

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

Once you reset the Bluetooth settings, restart your phone and the Roomba robot for the changes to take effect.

This step is essential to ensure proper synchronization and functionality between the devices.

6. Reset The Robot

The issue may be unrelated to your phone or internet connectivity. Instead, the robot’s Wi-Fi connection might be affected by firmware-related problems.

Since the robot isn’t currently linked to your phone, the reset process involves utilizing its physical buttons.

For Roomba S, I, and 900 series, follow these steps to reset:

1. Simultaneously press the “Spot Clean,” “Home,” and “Clean” buttons.
2. Observe the light around the “Clean” button until it begins swirling.
3. Release the buttons once the light ring is in motion.
4. Allow the Roomba to restart.

Similarly, for the Roomba 800 and 600 series, the reset process is as follows:

1. Press the “Home,” “Spot Clean,” and “Clean” buttons simultaneously.
2. Listen for a beeping sound.
3. Release the buttons.

By following these reset procedures, you can address potential Wi-Fi connectivity issues caused by firmware problems in your Roomba robot.

7. Update The Unit

You may need to update the firmware to fix the problem. Roomba offers a device called Osmo, which facilitates an offline updating process for certain Roomba models.

To initiate the update, you must contact the brand’s support team, explain the issue, and request an Osmo device.

How To Do It

Here are the steps to update the firmware for the 700/800 series Roomba using Osmo:

1. Place the Roomba robot into its charging base;
2. Lift the robot’s handle to uncover the serial port;
3. Insert the Osmo device into the serial port;
4. Both the lights on the Roomba and the Osmo should start flashing;
5. Once the lights stop flashing and you hear a beep, remove the Osmo from the serial port.

For the 500/600 series Roomba, the Osmo update process is slightly different:

1. Remove the dustbin from the Roomba;
2. Detach the faceplate to reveal the serial port;
3. Connect the power adapter to the Roomba;
4. Insert the Osmo device into the serial port;
5. The “Clean” button on the Roomba will blink green while the update is installed.
6. Once the lights stop blinking and you hear a beep, remove the Osmo from the serial port.

By following these steps, you can update the firmware of your Roomba robot without an internet connection, potentially resolving the firmware-related issue you’re experiencing.

Quick Recap

When Roomba WiFi is not showing up, you must investigate all the settings responsible for allowing the connection.

The issue could also lie in the robot’s integrity. Is your problem with Roomba a bit different? Check out our other articles!

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