Thanks to technologies being developed every day, I can confidently say this:
The future is bright for lazy people.
I’m not leaving my couch again…
Not with Roomba cleaning up after me.
But the second my Roomba disconnects from the internet?
I’ll be there to fix it.
And here’s how you can do it too…
Keep reading to discover:
- Which Roomba devices are compatible with your Wi-Fi.
- 7 ways to fix a Roomba that won’t connect to the internet.
- An in-depth guide on how to allow your Roomba to bypass the network firewall.
- And so much more…
Why is my Roomba not connecting to WiFi?
Your Roomba isn’t connecting to Wi-Fi because of incompatibility or router settings. It could also be because your Roomba doesn’t have enough charge or its software is outdated.
Roomba not connecting to WiFi: 7 fixes
#1: Check compatibility
The most essential step to fixing your Roomba’s network connection?
Check if they’re compatible in the first place.
Let me explain:
Nowadays, most ISPs have networks that operate on either 2.4GHz or 5GHz.
5GHz has a faster download speed than 2.4GHz, but the latter is more widely available.
For that reason, only a handful of Roomba devices can connect to 5GHz Wi-Fi. These are:
So, how can you connect incompatible devices to a 5GHz network?
Sadly, unless you upgrade to a newer model, there’s nothing you can do.
#2: Check if your Roomba is up to date
When’s the last time your Roomba was updated?
Don’t worry.
I understand that most people answer with “I don’t know.”
Why?
Your Roomba already has auto-update enabled.
However, software issues do happen.
And when it does, it can sometimes lead to Wi-Fi connectivity bugs.
So, if you suspect that your Roomba might be lagging on updates, I got you.
To check your current software version, you need to download the iRobot Home App first. (Available on Android and iOS.)
Then, on the app:
- Go to More.
- Select Settings.
- Press Wi-Fi Settings.
- Go to Robot Wi-Fi Details.
Note: Your Roomba will only update when it’s idle or if it’s connected to the Home Base. You can tell if it’s updating when the ring light is white and swirling.
#3: Reset Roomba
Can you force a Roomba to update?
Kind of.
What you can do is reset your entire Roomba.
And this can trigger your device to reinstall its software, which should be the latest one.
Sound good?
Here’s how you can reset your Roomba in 4 easy steps:
- Turn on your Roomba.
- Press the Spot and Dock buttons simultaneously.
- Hold those buttons until the light turns off.
- Wait until your Roomba makes noise.
Note: To confirm that your Roomba was reset, press the Clock button on your device. It should display “12:00.”
#4: Charge Roomba
This one’s a no-brainer.
All devices that have a low battery can sometimes stop working correctly.
That includes a Roomba that can’t connect to a Wi-Fi network.
Here’s how you can quickly tell your Roomba’s battery level by the color of its light:
- Pulsing red: Low battery.
- Solid white: Fully charged.
So the next time you try to connect your Roomba to Wi-Fi?
Ensure that you charge the device first.
Warning: Never charge your Roomba near anything hot. High temperatures will degrade its Lithium-ion batteries.
#5: Remove connection limit
Consider this:
Maybe the problem isn’t with your Roomba…
But with your network.
To be more specific, the network settings.
You see, some Wi-Fi networks have a connection limit by default?
A connection limit puts a cap on the number of devices connecting to your Wi-Fi.
But why?
- To maintain download speed.
- To avoid bandwidth stretching.
- To prevent thieves from using your Wi-Fi.
And by thieves, I meant your neighbors.
However, the limit can sometimes block your other devices from connecting to the internet.
In that case, follow these simple instructions:
Step 1: Find your Wi-Fi’s IP address
First, you’ll need to identify your Wi-Fi’s IP address.
Usually, the address should either be:
- 192.168.0.1
- 192.168.1.1
But that’s not true for all routers.
Instead, what you can do is get a laptop and:
Warning: Be careful about what you type. The command prompt is case-sensitive.
- Open Command Prompt.
- Type ‘ipconfig/all.’
- Press Enter.
- Look for Default Gateway.
The numbers next to the default gateway should be your IP address.
Step 2: Access interface
Next, you need to access your router’s interface.
What’s the interface, you ask?
It’s the site that lets you change your network settings.
Note: Your router’s default username and password are ‘admin’ and ‘password,’ respectively. Contact your ISP if you lost your login credentials.
- Open a web browser.
- Type your IP address in the address bar.
- Enter your router’s username and password.
Step 3: Change settings
Note: This process is different for each ISP. The instructions below are for Netgear routers.
- Click the ‘WiFi’ setting on the left.
- Scroll down until you find ‘WiFiOptions’ and then press it.
- Select the ‘Max WiFi’ dropdown.
- Choose how many devices you want to connect to your Wi-Fi network.
#6: Remove network interference
Next, look around your Roomba and router.
Take note of everything that’s between them.
Check if there’s any:
- Walls.
- Mirrors.
- Microwave.
- Ceramic tiles.
- Bluetooth devices.
- Containers with liquid.
If so, congratulations. You’ve found the culprit.
Those listed, and many more, are known to block Wi-Fi signals.
Consider moving your router to a different area of your house. Preferably nowhere close to those items.
Note: Do you share a wall with someone? Your neighbor’s own Wi-Fi network could also be interfering with yours.
#7: Edit firewall settings
Lastly, it would help if you also tried configuring your firewall settings.
Your firewall is responsible for protecting your network from harm.
However, it does its job a little too well sometimes. How?
By blocking ports needed for your Roomba to work.
What are ports?
Well, it’s complex but…
Maybe it’ll help if you think about ports this way:
When you sign up for internet service, ISPs will give your network its IP address.
IP addresses are like your internet’s home address. This is how ISPs know where to deliver internet.
But an IP address is more like an apartment complex, and ports are the apartment numbers.
Get it? Roomba devices have their ports that need to be opened. That’s ISPs know that it’s safe to give them internet access.
By default, these ports are open. Nonetheless, bugs do happen sometimes.
Open ports
Before we start, I have to warn you:
This process can be a little bit confusing…
Okay, very confusing if you’re not tech-savvy.
But I promise that it’ll help your Roomba connect to your Wi-Fi.
That said, start with:
Step 1: Accessing firewall settings
For this step, you’ll need a Windows computer.
Have you got one? Great.
Follow these steps:
- Right-click the Start button on the taskbar.
- Press Search.
- Type and enter ‘Windows Firewall.’
- Open the firewall window and go to Advanced Settings.
Step 2: Opening inbound ports
So far, so good?
Now, we’re on the confusing part.
On the left side of your firewall window, you should see “Inbound Rules” and “Outbound Rules.”
See them? Perfect. Now you have to:
- First, go to Inbound Rules.
- On the right side of the window, press New Rule.
- Tick Port, then go Next.
- Make sure TCP and ‘Specific local ports’ are checked.
- Type 443, then click Next.
- Select ‘Allow the Connection,’ then click Next.
- Tick all 3 (Domain, Public, and Private), then hit Save.
- You can name the new rule anything you want.
- Repeat steps 2 to 8 twice, but enter 8080 and 8883.
Alright, just a little more….
You still have to enter UDP rules.
- Repeat steps 2 and 3.
- Now, instead of TCP, tick UDP.
- Write 5353.
- Repeat steps 6 to 8.
Then, after 5353, you’ll have to do it again for 5678.
Tired? Well, don’t stop now. You’re almost there.
Step 3: Opening outbound ports
All you have to do is repeat everything but for “Outbound Rules.”
Here’s the list of ports you need to add:
- UDP: 53 and 123.
- TCP: 443, 8080, and 8883.
And you’re all set. Finally.
BONUS: Call support
Just like in the game show Who Wants To Be A Millionaire…
Do you know that you can solve a problem by phoning a friend?
Well, not a friend per se.
But iRobot’s support center.