What a factory reset does and when you need one
A factory reset clears all settings, maps, and Wi-Fi connections from your Roborock vacuum and returns it to the state it was in when it left the factory. You should reset your vacuum if it stops connecting to your phone app, if you are giving it to someone else, if the app keeps crashing during setup, or if the vacuum is behaving erratically after a software update.
A reset is different from a straightforward restart. Restarting just turns the vacuum off and back on. A reset erases everything — your home map, room names, no-go zones, schedules, and the Wi-Fi password it remembers. After a reset, you will need to set up the vacuum from scratch using the Roborock app, just as if it were brand new.
The reset process takes about 30 seconds and does not damage the vacuum. However, you will lose any custom cleaning routines or room-specific settings you created, so only reset when you have a real reason to.
Key Takeaways
- Most Roborock models reset by holding the power button on top of the vacuum for 10 to 15 seconds until you hear a sound or see a light change.
- Some newer models have a reset button on the bottom or back of the dustbin — check your manual if the power button method does not work.
- After a reset, the vacuum will not remember your Wi-Fi network, so you must add it to the Roborock app again before it can clean.
- A factory reset erases your home map and all custom settings, so only use this step when troubleshooting will not fix the problem.
Reset using the power button on top
This is the most common reset method and works on most Roborock models, including the S4, S5, S6, S7, and many others. Place the vacuum on a flat surface where it will not roll or tip. Make sure the dustbin is installed and the vacuum is powered on.
Locate the power button on the top of the vacuum — it is usually a circular button in the center or slightly toward the front. Press and hold this button for 10 to 15 seconds without releasing. You will hear a beep or see the lights flash. Some models play a voice prompt saying the device is resetting. Once you hear the confirmation sound or see the lights return to normal, release the button.
The vacuum is now reset. It may take a few seconds to fully power down and restart. Do not unplug it or move it during this time. Once the lights stabilize, the reset is complete and you can begin setting it up again in the Roborock app.
Reset using the button on the dustbin or back panel
Newer Roborock models, particularly the S8 and later versions, sometimes have a dedicated reset button instead of using the power button. This button is usually located on the back of the dustbin or on the rear panel of the vacuum body itself. Check your user manual or the Roborock website for your specific model number to confirm the location.
To use this method, remove the dustbin by pressing the release tabs on either side and pulling it straight out. Look for a small recessed button labeled "Reset" — you may need a paperclip or the tip of a ballpoint pen to press it, as it is often designed to prevent accidental resets. Press and hold this button for 10 to 15 seconds until you hear a beep or the lights change.
Reinstall the dustbin and wait for the vacuum to finish restarting. The reset is complete once the lights return to their normal state.
Reset through the Roborock app
If the physical reset buttons are not working or you prefer to reset remotely, you can reset your vacuum through the Roborock app on your phone. Open the app and make sure your phone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the vacuum. Tap the vacuum name at the top of the screen to open its settings.
Scroll down to find "Device Settings," "Advanced Settings," or a similar menu — the exact name varies by app version. Look for an option labeled "Reset," "Factory Reset," or "Restore to Factory Settings." Tap this option and confirm when the app asks you to verify. The app will send a command to the vacuum, which will reset itself within a few seconds.
This method only works if the vacuum is currently connected to Wi-Fi and the app is communicating with it. If the vacuum is not showing up in your app or the connection is broken, use the physical button method instead.
Setting up your vacuum after a reset
After the reset is complete, the vacuum will not be connected to Wi-Fi or your phone. Open the Roborock app and tap the plus icon or "Add Device" button to begin setup. The app will search for nearby Roborock vacuums. Select your vacuum from the list — it may appear with a generic name like "Roborock_XXXX" rather than the custom name you gave it before.
Follow the app's prompts to connect the vacuum to your Wi-Fi network. You will need to enter your Wi-Fi password. The app will guide you through creating a home map by letting the vacuum clean your space. This usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. Once the map is created, you can name rooms, set no-go zones, and create cleaning schedules just as you did before.
If the vacuum does not appear in the app search, make sure it is powered on and within range of your Wi-Fi router. Restart the app and try again. If it still does not show up, try the physical reset button method to may support the reset completed fully.
Common mistakes to avoid during a reset
Do not unplug the vacuum while it is resetting. Even though the reset only takes 30 seconds, interrupting the process can leave the vacuum in an unstable state. Let it complete fully before moving it or plugging it back in.
Do not hold the power button for longer than 20 seconds. Most resets complete in 10 to 15 seconds, and holding it too long can sometimes cause the vacuum to enter a different mode or fail to reset properly. Release the button as soon as you hear the confirmation sound.
Do not assume the reset failed if the vacuum seems to take a moment to restart. After you release the button, the vacuum may be quiet for a few seconds before the lights come back on. This is normal. Wait at least 30 seconds before trying again.
Do not forget that your Wi-Fi network and home map are erased. Many people reset their vacuum, then get frustrated when the app cannot find it — this is because the vacuum no longer remembers your Wi-Fi password. You must add it to the app again as if it were new.
Troubleshooting a reset that does not seem to work
If you held the power button for 15 seconds and nothing happened, the battery may be too low. Dock the vacuum on its charging station and let it charge for at least two hours. Then try the reset again while it is charging or fully charged.
If the app method is not working, the vacuum may have lost Wi-Fi connection. Move the vacuum closer to your router and make sure the router is powered on. Open the app, wait 10 seconds for it to search, then try the reset command again.
If neither the button nor the app method works, check your user manual for your specific model number — some older or regional variants have different reset procedures. You can also contact Roborock support with your model number and they can walk you through the correct steps for your vacuum.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a factory reset delete my home map permanently?
Yes. The reset erases your map, room names, no-go zones, and all custom settings. When you set up the vacuum again, it will create a new map by cleaning your home. The old map cannot be recovered, so only reset if you are sure you need to.
Do I need to charge the vacuum before resetting it?
It is a good idea to charge it first. A reset uses very little power, but if the battery is critically low, the vacuum may not complete the reset properly. Charge it to at least 50 percent before attempting a reset.
Can I reset my Roborock if it is not connected to Wi-Fi?
Yes. The physical button reset method works whether or not the vacuum is connected to Wi-Fi. Only the app-based reset requires an active Wi-Fi connection. If your vacuum is not connecting to Wi-Fi, use the power button or dustbin button method instead.
How long does it take for the vacuum to be ready to use after a reset?
The reset itself takes about 30 seconds. After that, you need to add it to the app and create a new home map, which usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. The vacuum will be ready to clean on a schedule once the map is complete.
What if I reset my vacuum by mistake?
There is no undo button. However, the reset does not damage the vacuum — it straightforward erases settings and maps. You can set it up again when ready using the Roborock app. If you had a custom map you wanted to keep, unfortunately it cannot be recovered.