App commands don’t respond
The robot is online but ignores start or dock commands.
Reset guide
Robot Vacuum Reset Guide
A restart clears glitches; a factory reset clears settings. Learn which one you need, what may be erased and how to get back up and running.
Restart vs. Reset
“Reset” is used loosely online, but on most robot vacuums there are two very different actions. Knowing which one you need can save you from rebuilding maps and schedules for no reason.
Restart Low impact
Also called a reboot or soft reset. The robot powers down and starts again, clearing temporary glitches.
- Keeps maps, schedules and Wi-Fi details
- Takes a minute or two
- Safe to try first for most issues
Factory reset High impact
Returns the robot to its out-of-the-box state, erasing stored settings.
- May erase maps, schedules, rooms and preferences
- Removes saved network details
- Usually requires pairing again in the app
Understanding Factory Reset
A factory reset wipes the settings stored on the robot. Depending on the brand, it may also unlink the robot from your account, while some data (like maps) may be stored in the cloud and handled separately. What gets erased is model-specific, so check before you do it.
A factory reset is typically used when:
- You are selling or giving away the robot and want your account and network removed.
- Support has asked you to reset as part of troubleshooting.
- Pairing keeps failing and the manual recommends a reset before trying again.
- Settings appear corrupted and a restart has not helped.
A factory reset does not fix physical issues such as a tangled brush, a worn battery or a dirty sensor. Rule those out on the troubleshooting page first.
When a Restart May Help
Try a restart before anything else if you see any of the following:
Offline after a router reboot
The network is back but the robot hasn’t rejoined.
An error that won’t clear
You’ve fixed the cause, but the message is still showing.
Frozen or unusual behavior
Lights stuck, buttons unresponsive, or odd movement patterns.
Checking Model-Specific Instructions
There is no universal button combination for restarting or resetting robot vacuums. Methods range from holding one button, to pressing a combination, to using an app menu, and they differ even within a single brand. Following instructions written for another model can trigger the wrong action.
Find your exact model
Look for a label on the underside of the robot, in the app’s device information screen or on the box.
Use the official manual
Search the manual for “restart,” “reboot” or “factory reset.” Many manufacturers publish manuals on their official support sites.
Check the app
Some apps include a guided reset or a “remove device” option with its own explanation.
Confirm what it erases
The manual or support article usually explains what is removed by a reset.
Preparing Before Reset
0 of 7 done
Preserving Maps and Settings Where Supported
Rebuilding a detailed map with rooms, no-go zones and custom names takes time. Some apps let you protect that work:
- Cloud-stored maps: on some systems, maps are tied to your account and may reappear after re-pairing.
- Map saving or multi-floor maps: look for options to save, lock or name maps in the app.
- Screenshots: where saving isn’t available, screenshots of room divisions and zones make rebuilding faster.
Whether maps survive a reset depends on your model and app — we can’t promise either way, so check your app’s help section before you begin.
Reconnecting After Reset
Charge and wait
Let the robot sit on its powered dock for a few minutes after the reset.
Open the official app
If the robot still appears, you may need to remove it before adding it again.
Pair again
Follow the same process as first-time setup, covered in the Wi-Fi guide.
Restore preferences
Recreate schedules, suction levels and zones using your notes or screenshots.
Run a test clean
Start with a single room to confirm everything works before scheduling.
Common Reset Questions
Will a factory reset fix a robot that won’t charge?
Usually not. Charging problems are more often caused by dirty contacts, dock placement or battery wear. See charging issues first.
Can I find the reset steps for my model here?
No. Reset methods are model-specific, and we don’t publish button combinations that might be wrong for your device. Your official manual or the manufacturer’s support site is the right source.
Should I reset before selling my robot vacuum?
It’s a good idea. Also remove the device from your account in the app, so the next owner can pair it with theirs.
How long does a reset take?
It varies by model. Allow extra time for re-pairing, possible updates and re-mapping.
Reset done?
Get your robot back online and set up schedules again.