SwitchBot robot vacuum error messages and fixes (K11+)

SwitchBot does not publish a numbered error code list for the K11+. Problems show up as app messages and voice prompts, such as Cannot find a dustbin, and SwitchBot's support articles give the fix for each. This page collects the official ones.

Researched by Riley Hart · updated Oct 27, 2026 · How we research

Short answer

As of October 27, 2026, SwitchBot has no public list of numbered error codes for the Robot Vacuum K11+. Faults appear as messages in the SwitchBot app and as voice prompts. The common ones and SwitchBot's fixes: Cannot find a dustbin (check the magnet in the bottom right corner of the dust box, then factory reset), robot will not return to the auto empty station (remove the station film, clear 1 m on each side and 1.5 m in front, clean the charging contacts, replug the station), and dust collection sound with no emptying (clear the evacuation tube under the station, empty the dust box, replace the bag). If none of that works, send feedback with a video from the app.

Find your code

Message or sign	What it means	What to do
App: Cannot find a dustbin	Robot does not detect the dust box	Check the magnet in the bottom right corner of the dust box, reseat it, then factory reset if it stays
Dust box magnet missing	Detection part lost	Photo the dust box and contact SwitchBot for a replacement
Robot does not return to the auto empty station	Robot cannot find or reach the dock	Remove the station film, clear 1 m each side and 1.5 m in front, avoid strong light, clean the contacts, replug the station
Station makes a collection sound but the bin stays full	Blocked path between robot and bag	Clear the debris evacuation tube under the station (five screws), empty the dust box by hand, replace the dust bag
Station light orange	Station on, normal state before pairing	Nothing
Station light flashing white	Station in Bluetooth pairing mode	Finish pairing with the robot
Voice: Entering Bluetooth pairing mode	Robot is ready to pair with the station	Hold the station Bluetooth button 6 seconds; wait 5 to 10 seconds for the success prompt
Robot and station no longer work together	Robot and station lost their pairing	Re-pair: dock by hand, hold the robot home button 6 seconds, hold the station Bluetooth button 6 seconds

From SwitchBot support articles tagged for the Robot Vacuum K11+ and the K10+ / K11+ family, checked October 27, 2026. SwitchBot does not publish numbered error codes for this robot, so this table lists app messages, voice prompts and station lights instead. Exact wording in the app can vary with app version.

Still broken?Repair or replace

If the same code comes back after the fix, contact SwitchBot support first, especially under warranty. Out of warranty, compare the repair quote with a new robot's price and 3 year cost.

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Oct 26, 2026No SwitchBot robot recall found
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Why SwitchBot has messages instead of codes

Some brands give every fault a number. SwitchBot does not do that for the K11+, at least not in anything it publishes. When something goes wrong, the SwitchBot app shows a plain message and the robot may speak a voice prompt. The auto empty station also has a light that changes color.

That means the fix depends on reading the message in the app. Open the SwitchBot app, tap the robot, and look for the alert at the top of its page. Take a screenshot before you clear it, since SwitchBot support asks for one on several issues.

We only list messages that SwitchBot itself explains. If you see a message that is not on this page, the in app feedback form is the official route.

Cannot find a dustbin

This is the K11+ message SwitchBot covers in most detail. The robot finds its dust box with a small magnet. SwitchBot's steps, for app version 9.0 or newer, are below.

Pull out the dust box and check that the magnet is in its bottom right corner.
If the magnet is missing, photograph the dust box and contact SwitchBot. Support sends a replacement.
If the magnet is there, push the dust box back in firmly.
If the message stays, factory reset the robot: press and hold the front bumper, the charging button and the laser sensor area together for more than 10 seconds.
If it still shows, send feedback in the app under Profile, Support, Feedback with a photo of the dust box magnet and a screenshot of the message.

Robot will not go home or will not empty

If the K11+ will not return to its auto empty station, SwitchBot points first at the dock area. Peel off any protective film still on the station. Keep strong light and clutter away from it, since they interfere with the infrared signal the robot follows. Leave at least 1 meter of open space on each side and 1.5 meters in front. Wipe the charging contacts on both the robot and the station with a clean cloth, then unplug the station and plug it back in. To test, set the robot about 1 meter in front of the station and tap Charge in the app.

If you hear the station run but the dust box stays full, something is blocking the path. Turn the station over and check the debris evacuation tube. SwitchBot says to remove the five screws on the bottom to reach it. Empty the robot's dust box by hand and put in a new dust bag. If the robot and station stop working together after a move or a reset, re-pair them: dock the robot by hand, hold the robot's home button for 6 seconds until it says Entering Bluetooth pairing mode, then open the station lid and hold its Bluetooth button for 6 seconds. The station light goes from orange to flashing white, and the robot confirms pairing within about 5 to 10 seconds. If pairing fails, restart the robot and repeat.

When a repeat problem means a worn part

A message that keeps coming back after you follow the steps usually means a part has worn or broken. For Cannot find a dustbin, the part is the small magnet in the dust box. If it is gone or loose, no reset will fix it, and SwitchBot sends a new one.

If the station runs but never empties, and the evacuation tube is clear, the dust bag is the next suspect. A full or badly seated bag stops airflow. Bags are a consumable on the K11+ and you should expect to replace them.

If the robot keeps missing the dock after you clean the contacts, look at the contacts themselves. Dull, dirty or damaged charging contacts on the robot or station stop it from docking and charging. Worn brushes and a clogged filter also cut suction over time, so keep them on the replacement schedule in the app.

When to contact SwitchBot support or use the warranty

SwitchBot's own articles end the same way: if the fix did not work, send feedback from the SwitchBot app under Profile, Support, Feedback. Attach what they ask for. That is a photo of the dust box and magnet for the dustbin message, and a video of the robot failing to dock or failing to empty for the other two. A clear video saves a lot of back and forth.

SwitchBot's product page says the K11+ comes with a 1 year warranty. Use it for faults that come back after the official steps, such as a missing magnet on a new robot, a station that never empties with a clear tube, or a robot that will not charge on clean contacts. Keep your receipt and order number. Consumables like dust bags, brushes and filters are normal wear items.

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Questions people ask

Does the SwitchBot K11+ have error codes?

SwitchBot does not publish numbered error codes for the K11+. Problems show as messages in the SwitchBot app, voice prompts from the robot and the station light.

Why does my SwitchBot robot vacuum say cannot find a dustbin?

The robot cannot detect the dust box magnet. Check the magnet in the bottom right corner of the dust box, reseat the box, and factory reset if the message stays. If the magnet is missing, SwitchBot sends a replacement.

How do I reset a SwitchBot K11+?

SwitchBot's factory reset is to press and hold the front bumper, the charging button and the laser sensor area together for more than 10 seconds.

Why won't my SwitchBot robot vacuum go back to its base?

Remove any film from the station, keep 1 m clear on each side and 1.5 m in front, keep strong light away, clean the charging contacts and replug the station.

Why is my SwitchBot station light flashing white?

Flashing white means the station is in Bluetooth pairing mode. Orange is the normal state before pairing.