Why won't my iRobot Roomba work on the guest network?

The short answer

Pairing needs phone and robot on the same network. Guest networks deliberately stop devices from seeing each other. That is exactly what this gadget needs to do, so it fails — as designed.

What's happening underneath

Setup fails.

Source: Manufacturer documentation

Try these, in this order

• • Use one Wi-Fi name for both bands, or switch your phone to 2.4 GHz for setup.
• • Move the dock away from a metal shelf or a cupboard under the stairs.
• • Restart the robot from its dock before re-pairing.
• • Check the signal where the gadget actually lives, not where you're standing.
• • Move the router off the floor and out of any cupboard before buying anything.
• • Put the gadget and your phone on the same Wi-Fi name.
• • Restart the gadget before the router — it is quicker and it fixes more.

Setting it up again properly

• • Stand next to your router while you set it up, then move the gadget to where it lives.
• • Put your phone on the 2.4 GHz network name for the setup, or use one name for both bands so the phone can follow.
• • If your router splits bands into two names, turn the 5 GHz one off for five minutes rather than fighting it.
• • Turn mobile data off on your phone during setup — some apps quietly use it and never find the gadget.

When it's worth spending money

Move the dock first. Mesh only if that corner of the house is weak for everything.