# 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.

Updated Oct 27, 2026. HTML version: https://robotsforthat.com/guides/switchbot-robot-vacuum-error-codes/

## 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.

| 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 |

## 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.

## 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.

## Sources

1. [SwitchBot Support: Dust bin is not recognized (K10+, K10+ Pro, K11+, K11+ Pro)](https://support.switch-bot.com/hc/en-us/articles/15991845085719-What-to-Do-If-My-SwitchBot-Mini-Robot-Vacuum-K10-K10-Pro-K11-K11-Pro-Dust-bin-is-not-Recognized)
2. [SwitchBot Support: Robot does not return to the auto empty station](https://support.switch-bot.com/hc/en-us/articles/30304974926231-What-to-Do-If-My-Mini-Robot-Vacuum-K10-K10-Pro-K11-K11-Pro-Does-Not-Return-to-the-Auto-empty-Station)
3. [SwitchBot Support: Dust collection sound but no emptying](https://support.switch-bot.com/hc/en-us/articles/28854582283671-What-to-Do-If-My-Mini-Robot-Vacuum-K10-K10-Pro-K11-K11-Pro-Has-a-Dust-Collection-Sound-but-Doesn-t-Actually-Empty-Dust)
4. [SwitchBot Support: How to re-pair the Robot Vacuum K11+ with the auto empty station](https://support.switch-bot.com/hc/en-us/articles/34623254918807-How-to-Re-pair-SwitchBot-Robot-Vacuum-K11-with-the-Auto-Empty-Station)
5. [SwitchBot: Robot Vacuum K11+ product page (warranty)](https://ca.switch-bot.com/products/switchbot-robot-vacuum-k11)