[Fix my robot](https://robotsforthat.com/fix/) / [Roborock](https://robotsforthat.com/guides/roborock-error-codes/) / Cannot return to the dock
● Checked Nov 3, 2026 From Roborock support

Roborock error 23

# Roborock Error 23: Cannot return to the dock, and the fix

Steps **3**

Tools **None**

Parts None

Works for Roborock robot vacuums (S, Q, Saros and Qrevo series).

Short answer Red light. The power light flashes red and the robot speaks the error.
**What it means:** The robot could not get back to its dock.

**Quick fix:** Clean the dock location beacon on the dock.

## Fix it in 3 steps

- Clean the dock location beacon on the dock. Done?
- Clear obstacles around the dock and keep it in an open area. Done?
- Place the robot closer to the dock and try again. Did it work?

**Fixed when:** The robot docks and starts charging.

Great, it is fixed. Bookmark this page in case it comes back.

**Still showing Cannot return to the dock?**

The error comes back after you follow these steps. Contact Roborock support with your model, serial number and the error number. Contact Roborock support at 1 855 960 4321 (24/7 (US)). [Roborock support →](https://support.roborock.com/hc/en-us/sections/360007120351-Troubleshooting)

## Parts that fix this

[Charging dock For Roborock on Amazon Check price →](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Roborock%20charging%20dock&tag=robotsforthatai-20) Check the part fits your model. Affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

## Why it happens

- A dirty dock location beacon (signal area)
- Obstacles around the dock

## Other Roborock errors

[7 Wheels stuck ›](https://robotsforthat.com/fix/roborock-error-7/)[12 Battery too low ›](https://robotsforthat.com/fix/roborock-error-12/)[14 Battery error ›](https://robotsforthat.com/fix/roborock-error-14/)[15 Wall sensor dirty ›](https://robotsforthat.com/fix/roborock-error-15/)[16 Robot tilted ›](https://robotsforthat.com/fix/roborock-error-16/)[18 Fan error ›](https://robotsforthat.com/fix/roborock-error-18/)[21 Vertical bumper pressed ›](https://robotsforthat.com/fix/roborock-error-21/)[22 Dock locator error ›](https://robotsforthat.com/fix/roborock-error-22/)[27 VibraRise mop lift stuck ›](https://robotsforthat.com/fix/roborock-error-27/)[28 Robot on carpet ›](https://robotsforthat.com/fix/roborock-error-28/)[42 Maintenance brush jammed ›](https://robotsforthat.com/fix/roborock-error-42/)[Internal error ›](https://robotsforthat.com/fix/roborock-internal-error/)[Fan speed lowered ›](https://robotsforthat.com/fix/roborock-fan-speed-lowered/)[No go zone or virtual wall detected ›](https://robotsforthat.com/fix/roborock-no-go-zone-detected/)[Cannot cross carpet ›](https://robotsforthat.com/fix/roborock-cannot-cross-carpet/)[Dock light steady red ›](https://robotsforthat.com/fix/roborock-dock-light-red/)[All 28 Roborock codes →](https://robotsforthat.com/guides/roborock-error-codes/)

## Keeps happening? Compare before you replace

[Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Flow $650 · Roller mop robot for mostly hard floor homes at a midrange price](https://robotsforthat.com/robot/roborock-qrevo-curv-2-flow/)[Check price on Amazon →](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FXG2BDTJ?tag=robotsforthatai-20)

[Roborock Qrevo 2 Pro $600 · Midrange mop washing robot with auto mop removal under $600](https://robotsforthat.com/robot/roborock-qrevo-2-pro/)[Check price on Amazon →](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GXF7ZQPY?tag=robotsforthatai-20)

[Narwal Flow 2 vs Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Flow Point by point](https://robotsforthat.com/vs/narwal-flow-2-vs-roborock-qrevo-curv-2-flow/)

**Own a Roborock? Keep it running.** Add it to My Robots. See fixes for your exact model, get an email when parts are due, and ask us to find a repair if it breaks. Free · no password

[Add my robot](https://robotsforthat.com/my/?add=1)

## Sources

- [Roborock S7 user manual: errors 16 to 28 (ManualsLib)](https://www.manualslib.com/manual/2081030/Roborock-S7.html?page=37)
- [Roborock Help Center: S8 Pro Ultra troubleshooting](https://help.roborock.com/en-US/product/s8-pro-ultra-message?category=troubleshooting)
- [Roborock support: robot vacuum user manual (errors list)](https://support.roborock.com/hc/en-us/article_attachments/4416002300441)

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