# Roborock won't connect to WiFi: causes and fixes

A Roborock that won't connect to WiFi is usually trying to join a 5 GHz network, waiting too long after a WiFi reset, or blocked by special characters or WEP security. Here are the fixes from Roborock's support pages and manuals.

Updated Oct 27, 2026. HTML version: https://robotsforthat.com/guides/roborock-wont-connect-to-wifi/

## Short answer

Roborock robots join 2.4 GHz WiFi only, so a 5 GHz network is the most common reason setup fails. Reset the robot's WiFi until it says Resetting WiFi and the indicator flashes slowly, then add it in the Roborock app within the time limit. Give the app location permission, and on iPhone local network access. If it still fails, Roborock says to remove special characters from the network name and password and switch WEP security to WPA or WPA2.

| What you see | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Robot never appears in the app | Network is 5 GHz | Join a 2.4 GHz network; Roborock robots do not support 5 GHz |
| WiFi indicator off | WiFi turned itself off after waiting | Reset WiFi again; it switches off after 30 minutes (1 hour on some models) without a connection |
| Setup fails at password step | Wrong password | Check the password carefully and retype it |
| App cannot see the robot | Location permission off | Allow location access for the Roborock app |
| Fails on iPhone | Local network access off (iOS 14 or later) | Turn on local network access for the Roborock app |
| Fails every time | Special characters like !@#$ in name or password | Remove special characters in your router settings |
| Fails on an old router | WEP security | Switch the router to WPA or WPA2 |
| Fails with phone data on | Cellular data or VPN interfering | Turn off cellular data and any VPN on the phone, then retry |
| Weak or dropped connection | Poor signal where the robot sits | Move the robot somewhere with better signal, reset WiFi, update the app |
| Still fails after all steps | Router DNS or settings | For advanced users, Roborock suggests setting the router DNS to 8.8.8.8, then rebooting the robot and router |

## Step by step checks, in order

Roborock's own WiFi troubleshooting article gives these steps. Retry setup after each one.

- Make sure your phone and the robot use a 2.4 GHz network. If your router shows one name for both bands, check its settings for a 2.4 GHz option.

- Reset the robot's WiFi (see below) so it waits for a new connection.

- In the Roborock app, choose your home network, not the robot's own WiFi network.

- Give the Roborock app location permission. On iOS 14 or later, also allow local network access.

- Type the WiFi password carefully.

- Turn off cellular data and any VPN on your phone.

- Reboot the robot and the router, then try again.

## How to reset WiFi on a Roborock

Roborock's manuals say to open the top cover, find the WiFi indicator, and press and hold the two buttons shown in your manual until you hear the voice alert Resetting WiFi. The buttons differ by model, so check the diagram for yours. The reset is done when the WiFi indicator flashes slowly. Then add the robot in the Roborock app with Add Device or the plus button.

Move fast. The Q Revo manual says WiFi turns off after 30 minutes of waiting, and the Q7+ manual says 1 hour. If it times out, reset WiFi again.

A factory reset is a last step. Roborock says it disconnects WiFi, rolls the firmware back to the factory version and erases schedules, maps and cleaning logs.

## Router settings that block Roborock

Roborock lists three router settings that stop setup. Special characters such as ! @ # $ in the network name or password, WEP security, and in some homes the router's DNS. Change the name or password in your router settings, switch to WPA or WPA2, and if you are comfortable with router settings, set DNS to 8.8.8.8.

A Roborock support reply on its US forum also says not to use an Android tablet, iPad, or iPhone 5 or 5C for setup, because of compatibility problems.

## When to contact Roborock support

If the robot connects and then drops suddenly, Roborock's manual says to check your router settings or contact customer service. If none of the steps work, contact Roborock. In the US, Roborock lists support@roborock.com and 1 855 960 4321.

## When a new robot makes more sense

WiFi trouble is almost always a network setting, not a broken robot, so replacing the robot is rarely the fix. If your home only has a 5 GHz network and you cannot add 2.4 GHz, a robot vacuum that supports 5 GHz is the only way round it. Check our robot vacuum rankings for current models.

## Questions people ask

### Does Roborock work with 5 GHz WiFi?

No. Roborock's support article and manuals say the robots support 2.4 GHz WiFi only.

### How do I reset WiFi on my Roborock?

Open the top cover and hold the two buttons your manual shows until it says Resetting WiFi. The WiFi light then flashes slowly while it waits for the app.

### Why does my Roborock WiFi light turn off during setup?

It times out. The Q Revo turns WiFi off after 30 minutes of waiting and the Q7+ after 1 hour. Reset WiFi and start setup again.

### Why can't the Roborock app find my robot?

Check location permission is on for the app, and on iPhone that local network access is on. Turn off cellular data and VPN, and make sure you picked your 2.4 GHz home network.

### Will a factory reset fix Roborock WiFi?

It can, but Roborock says it erases schedules, maps and logs and rolls back the firmware. Try a WiFi reset first.

## Sources

1. [Roborock support: What should I do when WiFi connection fails?](https://support.roborock.com/hc/en-us/articles/360035369812-What-should-I-do-when-Wi-Fi-connection-fails-)
2. [Roborock US forum: WiFi setup reply from Roborock support](https://forum-us.roborock.com/discussion/comment/1271)
3. [Roborock Q Revo user manual, WiFi reset (hosted by ManualsLib)](https://www.manualslib.mx/manual/826131/Roborock-Q-Revo.html?page=8)
4. [Roborock Q Revo user manual, common issues (hosted by ManualsLib)](https://www.manualslib.mx/manual/826131/Roborock-Q-Revo.html?page=12)
5. [Roborock Q5 Pro+ user manual, common issues (hosted by ManualsLib)](https://www.manualslib.mx/manual/874373/Roborock-Q5-Proplus.html?page=15)
6. [Roborock support: How to reset Roborock to factory default?](https://support.roborock.com/hc/en-us/articles/360035372632)