Why did my Roborock robot vacuum stop working after I installed mesh Wi-Fi?

The short answer

Moves around but is slow to swap mesh boxes, so it drops mid-clean. New mesh systems change the network name, the bands and often the address range. Fixed-position gadgets don't cope with all three at once.

What's happening underneath

Roaming between mesh boxes mid-clean can pause the map. Newer models cope; older ones don't.

Source: Manufacturer documentation

Try these, in this order

• • Switch your phone to the 2.4 GHz network name during setup, or use one name for both bands.
• • Set the robot up next to the router, then carry it back to its dock.
• • Turn off 'client isolation' while 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

Only if whole rooms have no signal at floor level — mesh, not a new robot.