When a robot vacuum stops listening, it can feel frustrating fast. Maybe it won’t start. Maybe it’s stuck flashing lights, bumping into walls, or refusing to connect to Wi-Fi. Before you assume it’s broken, it helps to know how to reset robot vacuum devices the right way. In many cases, a reset is all it needs.
Some problems clear up with a quick soft reset. Others need a full factory reset to start fresh. This guide breaks down both options, explains when to use each one, and shows you what to do after your vacuum restarts.
Soft Reset vs Factory Reset: Which One Do You Need?
Before you start, it helps to know that not all resets do the same thing. A soft reset is a simple reboot. A factory reset clears saved data and lets the robot vacuum start fresh. Some models also offer a separate Wi-Fi reset.
Soft reset
A soft reset (sometimes called a reboot or restart) is like restarting your phone. It shuts down the robot’s software and boots it back up, which can clear stuck processes and minor bugs. It does not erase your maps, schedules, or account pairing.
Use a soft reset when:
- The robot freezesmid-clean or won’t respond to button presses
- Commands from the app(start/pause/dock) lag or don’t register
- Cleaning stops for no clear reason
- A minor error keeps popping up but doesn’t seem serious
- The robot behaves oddly after an update or long pause
- The robot docks correctly but doesn’t show charging or shows erratic battery readings
Because it doesn’t erase anything, a soft reset is always the safest first step. If it works, you’re done.
Wi-Fi reset
If your robot cleans normally but won’t connect to Wi-Fi, look for a specific Wi-Fi reset option. A Wi-Fi reset clears only the robot’s network connection. It does not affect maps, cleaning history, or other settings.
Use a Wi-Fi reset when:
- The robot appears offline in the app
- Wi-Fi setup fails or times out
- You changed your router, network name, or password
Factory reset
A factory reset takes the robot back to its original state, like it just came out of the box. It removes stored data, which usually includes:
- Wi-Fi details and app pairing
- Cleaning preferences and schedules
- Saved maps and room layouts (if your model stores them)
- Linked services and smart home systems (like voice assistants)
Use a factory reset when:
- You can’t fix a persistent Wi-Fi or pairing problemafter trying a Wi-Fi reset and a soft reset
- The robot keeps repeating the same errors, such as spinning in place, missing the dock, moving in strange patterns, or getting stuck, even after a reboot.
- You want to start over on mappingbecause the current map is corrupted or outdated
- You’re selling or gifting the robotto someone else or changing accounts
How to Perform a Soft Reset
The exact steps vary by model, but most robot vacuums support at least one of the reset methods below:
Option 1: Restart through the app
Many robot vacuum apps include a Reboot/Restart option under device settings. It’s the cleanest way to restart because you don’t have to guess button timing.
What to do:
- Open the robot vacuum app.
- Go to Device/Robot Settings.
- Look for Reboot, Restart, or Power Cycle.
- Confirm, then wait for the robot to come back online.
If the robot doesn’t appear in the app or shows as offline, move on to a manual reset.
Option 2: Button reboot
This is the most common soft reset method.
- Take the robot off the charging dock.
- Press and hold the main Power, Clean, or Startbutton, usually placed on the top of the vacuum.
- Hold it for about 10 to 20 seconds.
- Release when you hear a tone or see the lights change.
- Wait for the robot to restart.
- Place it back on the dock and try a short cleaning run.
If nothing happens, make sure the battery has enough charge. Let the robot sit on the dock for a bit, then try again.
Option 3: Power switch reset
Some robots have a physical on/off switch. You might need to remove the front cover to locate it.
- Turn the robot off.
- Wait 10 to 30 seconds.
- Turn it back on.
- Let it boot fully before starting a job.
Option 4: Pinhole reset button
Some models have a small force-reset pinhole that you press with a pin or paperclip, usually hidden under a cover or on the underside of the robot. This isn’t a full factory reset, but it can help revive a vacuum that’s frozen or unresponsive.
- Locate the force-reset pinhole.
- Press and hold it with a pin or paperclip for 3–10 seconds, then release.
- Wait for the robot to reboot or confirm the reset.
The eufy X10 Pro Omni, for example, includes such a small pinhole reset button under the top cover, located next to the Wi-Fi indicator on the bottom-right side.
If the robot freezes or won’t respond, lift the cover and press the button gently with a pin or paperclip to trigger a restart. After that, check if it can function normally.
The X10 Pro Omni is a strong everyday cleaner that also mops. It pairs 8,000 Pa suction with dual rotating mop pads, and it can lift the mop when it detects carpet so you’re not dragging wet pads over rugs.
It also includes an all-in-one station for more hands-off upkeep (emptying and mop care) plus obstacle avoidance to reduce slowdowns around common floor clutter.
How to Perform a Wi-Fi Reset
If the robot cleans fine but won’t connect to Wi-Fi, look for a Wi-Fi reset. On many models, Wi-Fi reset is triggered by holding two buttons together for a few seconds until a voice prompt or indicator light change confirms it reset.
If you bump into internet issues with the eufy Robot Vacuum Omni E28, reset its Wi-Fi connection is simple:
- Press and hold the Powerand Recharge buttons on top of the robot together for 3 seconds.
- Wait for the voice promptconfirming the Wi-Fi reset. The LED indicators will also quickly flash white.
- Reopen the app and follow the on-screen steps to reconnect to Wi-Fi.
The Omni E28 makes sense if your home has a mix of hard floors, carpet, and the occasional fabric mess. Along with the strong 20,000 Pa suction, it uses a HydroJet system that cleans the mop in real time using a dual water setup, so grime is less likely to spread as it mops.
The standout is the FlexiOne portable deep cleaner built into the station, which helps you tackle stairs, rugs, and upholstery without pulling out a separate machine.
How to Perform a Factory Reset
A factory reset is the “clean slate” option. Before you start, assume you’ll need to set up the robot again like it’s new.
Before you reset
- Make sure the robot has power or is on the dock
- Screenshot schedules or room settings if you want to rebuild them later
- Check whether the app allows map backups or device information exports
Option 1: Factory reset through the app
Many robot vacuum apps include a factory reset in device settings. Often, you’ll also remove the robot from your account as part of the process.
What to do:
- Open the robot vacuum app.
- Go to Device/Robot Settings.
- Choose Factory Reset(or Remove Device → Factory Reset, depending on the app).
- Confirm and wait for the reset to complete.
Option 2: Factory reset using buttons
Many robot vacuums allow a factory reset using a button combination. The exact buttons vary, so it’s best to check the robot’s manual.
- Place the robot on the floor and make sure it’s not cleaning.
- Press and hold the required button combo(commonly combinations involving Home/Dock/Spot/Clean).
- Hold for 10–20 seconds.
- Release when you hear a tone or see a clear light change.
- Wait for the robot to reboot.
Wondering how to reset eufy RoboVac?
On the eufy Robot Vacuum Omni S1 Pro, an internal control panel sits under the top cover, as shown in the image above. It includes a dedicated red Reset button that handles both Wi-Fi resets and full factory restores.
- Reset Wi-Fi:Press the red Reset button once. You’ll hear the voice prompt “Wi-Fi has been reset,” and the indicator light will begin flashing slowly.
- Restore factory settings:Press and hold the red Reset button for 5 seconds until you hear the voice prompt. The robot will then reset to factory settings.
The Omni S1 Pro is designed for smart vacuuming and deeper mopping, with a more “floor-washing” approach rather than a simple damp pad pass. It refreshes the mop in real time, applies 1 kg of downward pressure, and uses a longer mop contact area to help loosen stuck-on dirt. When it reaches carpet, the mop lifts 0.5 inches to keep rugs dry.
The 3D MatrixEye™ obstacle avoidance system helps it detect and avoid obstacles like cords and clutter, reducing slowdowns during cleaning. Its square body design also allows better coverage along edges and in corners than typical round robots.
Option 3: Recessed reset button
Some models include a small recessed Reset button you press with a pin or paperclip. It’s usually under a lid or on the underside to prevent accidental resets.
- Power the robot on (or follow the model’s requirement; some need to be off).
- Find the recessed Reset
- Press and hold it for 10–15 secondswith a pin or paperclip, then release.
- Wait for the reboot and setup prompt.
What to Do After You Reset Your Robot Vacuum
A reset helps, but a few follow-up steps make the fix stick. Use this checklist to get your robot running smoothly again.
1. Start with power and the dock
- Place the robot on the dock and let it charge for a whilebefore setup or testing. Low battery can cause pairing or update issues.
- Wipe the charging contactson the robot and dock with a dry cloth.
- Check dock placement. It should sit on a flat surface with open space around it, not pressed into a corner.
2. Reconnect Wi-Fi and pair in the app
After a factory reset, you’ll need to add the robot again.
For smoother setup:
- Put your phone on the same Wi-Fi networkyou want the robot to use. Most robots work on 2.4 GHz; some support 5 GHz. If your router splits networks (separate names for 2.4 and 5), connect your phone to the one your robot supports.
- Keep your phone’s Bluetooth onand stay close to the robot during pairing.
- Follow the app’s instructionsto add device and reconnect Wi-Fi.
3. Remap your space (after a factory reset)
A factory reset clears stored maps and room labels. That means you need a fresh mapping run.
For the best map on the first try:
- Pick a time when floors are clear(shoes, cords, small toys, pet bowls moved).
- Open interior doors you want mapped.
- Start a mapping run (or a full clean, if mapping is built into cleaning).
- Let it finish without being carried from room to room.
Once the map is done, add practical controls:
- Name rooms in a way you’ll actually use
- Set “no-go” areas around cords, fringed rugs, and clutter zones
4. Run a short test clean
Start small:
- Send it to clean one room or a short zone.
- Watch for the first 3-5 minutes.
- Pause it, then send it back to the dock.
- Check for repeat errors, weird turns, or docking trouble.
If it behaves normally, then:
- Rebuild schedules
- Re-enable do-not-disturb times
- Reconnect smart home controls (if you use them)
Conclusion
Knowing how to reset robot vacuum models the right way can save you time and frustration. A soft reset fixes small glitches, while a factory reset helps when deeper issues won’t go away. The key is choosing the reset that fits the problem, then taking a few minutes to set things up properly afterward. With the right steps, your robot vacuum can get back to cleaning reliably in no time.
FAQs
Why is my robot vacuum not working?
A robot vacuum may stop working due to a drained battery, temporary software glitches, sensor blockages, or clogged brushes/bin. Start by checking that it’s charging properly and that the dock and charging contacts are clean. Empty the dustbin and remove hair or debris from the brushes and wheels. Wipe the sensors so they can “see” clearly. If nothing looks wrong, restart the vacuum and open the app to check for error alerts or pending updates.
How do I reset the robot vacuum cleaner?
Resetting a robot vacuum depends on the model, but most offer two options: a quick restart or a full factory reset. For a basic reset, take the robot off the dock and hold the main power or clean button for about 10 seconds until it restarts. A factory reset usually involves a button combination or reset pin and requires setting the vacuum up again in the app.
Is there a reset button on vacuums?
Many robot vacuums have a reset button, but it’s not always obvious. It may be a small recessed pinhole near the Wi-Fi light, a hidden button under the cover, or a specific button combination. Other models handle resets entirely through the app. Because designs vary, it’s best to check the manual or support page for your exact model to avoid guessing.
Will a factory reset delete maps and schedules?
Yes. A factory reset clears all saved maps, no-go zones, cleaning schedules, and other custom settings, putting the robot back to its original state. Afterward, you’ll need to pair it with the app again, reconnect it to Wi-Fi, and rebuild maps. Some apps let you back up maps or delete them separately, but a full factory reset is meant to start fresh from scratch.
