● Checked Nov 3, 2026From Narwal support
Narwal error101211231124
Narwal "Robot trapped" (1012, 1123, 1124): what it means and the fix
Steps5
ToolsNone
PartsNone
Works for Narwal robot vacuums and base stations (Freo series).
Short answer
What it means: The robot is stuck and cannot move on.
Quick fix: Clear cords, rug fringe and other obstacles around the robot.
Fix it in 5 steps
- Clear cords, rug fringe and other obstacles around the robot.Done?
- Move the robot to open floor.Done?
- Check that the bumper springs back when pressed.Done?
- Check that the LIDAR on top spins and shows no red blinking light.If the LIDAR feels stiff, turn it gently with a cotton swab.Done?
- Restart the task.Did it work?
Fixed when: The robot moves off and cleans without the code.
Great, it is fixed. Bookmark this page in case it comes back.
Still showing Robot trapped?
The LIDAR still resists after you turn it with a cotton swab, or the code keeps coming back. Contact Narwal support at 1 (866) 939 2153. Warranty: 1 year for products bought outside the EU and Switzerland. Batteries and consumables are excluded.. Narwal support →
Parts that fix this
Refill kit (brushes and filters)For Narwal on AmazonCheck price →Check the part fits your model. Affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Why it happens
- Cords, rug fringe or low furniture gaps
- A bumper that does not spring back
- A LIDAR that does not spin freely
Other Narwal errors
1001, 1003, 1004Battery›1005, 1006Battery too hot or too cold›1007, 1008Zero tangling roller brush›1009, 1010Mop pad or mopping module›1011Localization error›1013Entered a no go zone›1014, 1015, 1016Drive wheel malfunction›1017Anti drop (cliff) sensor triggered›1018, 1019, 1060System malfunction›1020, 1021, 1130Base station connection or charging error›1022, 1023Base station not found›1024, 1025, 1127Cannot leave or return to the base›1026Robot and base lost connection›1027, 2000 to 20Base station malfunction›1028, 1029Mopping paused›1030 to 1038, 11Mopping module malfunction›1039, 1040Mop pad drying interrupted›1041, 1042, 1043Side brush malfunction›1044Roller brush tangled›1045Dustbin or dust bag not in place›1046Robot malfunction›1047 to 1054LIDAR malfunction›1065, 1066, 1089Sensor malfunction›1079Relocalization failure›1083, 1084, 1177Perception system or chip temperature›1113Bumper malfunction›1126, 1142 to 11Robot trapped (LIDAR related)›1140Non original battery detected›1150 to 1156Mapping failure›1170 to 1176Binocular (front) sensor blocked or dirty›1200Top cover not seated›2003Base station water overflow›2004Cleaning module not seated›2005Clean water tank not installed›2006, 2017Clean water dispensing error›2007Dirty water tank full or not installed›2008Detergent pump malfunction›2013, 2014, 2015Maintenance agent detection error›2032, 2033, 2034Dust collection malfunction›2035, 2036Dust bag temperature or drying error›2040, 2041, 2042Electrolyzed water module›3000 to 3010Automatic water change module›All 43 Narwal codes →Keeps happening? Compare before you replace
Narwal Freo X Ultra$450 · Quiet mop focused combo that compresses dust into a bag in the robotCheck price on Amazon →
Narwal Freo Z10 Turbo$550 · Quiet, long running all in one robot at a midrange priceCheck price on Amazon →
Narwal Freo X Ultra vs Narwal Freo Z10 TurboPoint by pointQuestions owners ask
What does Narwal error 1012 mean?
1012 is Robot Trapped. Clear obstacles, move the robot to open floor and restart. Check that the bumper springs back and the LIDAR on top spins with no red blinking light.