The fact is, you can use your Roomba i7 without the internet. However, you won’t be able to set schedules, use voice commands, and map “keep out” zones without it. And if your Roomba i7 can’t talk to the cloud, odds are, your Wi-Fi signal isn’t reaching your device.

This could be for any number of reasons, ranging from inadequate signals to internal hardware issues. Here, we’ll talk a little bit about what troubleshooting measures could address your problem.

Get a New Router

Your Roomba i7 will not connect to the internet if you have a 5GHz router. To remedy the issue, you’ll need to purchase a 2.4 GHz router or a combo 2.4 GHz/5GHz router. You can check your router’s speed by going onto your computer and selecting your Wi-Fi network:

  • If it ends in 2 or 2.4, it turns on 2.4 GHz, which would work for your Roomba i7.If it ends in 5, it runs on 5GHz––too powerful for your Roomba i7.

If you renamed your Wi-Fi network, check the label on the back of your router. This should provide information about your internet’s speed. 

Get a Wi-Fi Extender

When you use your phone or laptop, you might have a perfect internet connection. Matters might completely change when it comes to your Roomba i7. That’s because it’s constantly moving throughout your home, mapping out its perimeter. Your home likely has “dead zones,” meaning that your Wi-Fi signal is either really weak or non-existent in some areas.

To fix this problem, you can get a Wi-Fi extender, like the TP-Link AC750. This extends your Wi-Fi signal up to 1,200 square feet from your router. Not only will you see a difference in how your Roomba i7 connects to the internet, but you’ll likely notice a marked improvement in your other smart home devices, as well.

Reset Your Roomba

For whatever reason, your Roomba i7 might try to connect to other Wi-Fi signals, causing it to constantly disconnect from your router. In this instance, you’re better off doing a factory reset.

To do this, first, place your Roomba and its base right next to your router. Then:

  • Open the iRobot Home App.Put your Roomba and app on the same Wi-Fi network.Go to “Settings.”Press “Remove/Factory Reset.”

Now, it’ll be as though you’ve operated your Roomba i7 for the first time. It’ll need a few hours to measure your home’s perimeter and “remember” its previous functions.

Take this opportunity to learn more about your problem. If your Roomba works with no issues, great. However, if it stops working past a certain point, you should consider the other troubleshooting tips listed above.

Move the Home Base Closer to the Router

Your Roomba’s Home Base is exactly what it sounds like. Not only does it provide a dock for when your Roomba charges, but it also helps it connect to the internet. The farther away your Home Base from your router, the weaker the signal will be.

Wi-Fi connections work from the top down. So, consider placing your Home Base directly above your router or at the same level. You might have to experiment with a few different set-ups before you find the one that’s right for you.

Consider How Many Devices You Have Connected to the Internet

Think of your internet connection like a donut shop. Each of your smart home devices, like your Alexa and Ring Doorbell, needs a donut to work.

Your internet connection (and metaphorical donut shop) only has a certain number of donuts. Once it runs out, your devices will get halves of donuts instead of whole ones. In doing so, your devices will work at half-capacity. Some won’t even work at all.

If your Roomba i7 can’t talk to the cloud, try disconnecting some of your smart home devices. If this isn’t feasible, consider upgrading your internet’s bandwidth or opting for a Wi-Fi repeater, which can increase your router’s strength.

Contact Roomba Customer Support

If the above measures didn’t work, you should contact Roomba customer support. Here are your options:

  • You can send a message to iRobot (the makers of Roomba) regarding your issue.You call customer support at 1-800-727-9077 to speak with a representative. Keep in mind that customer support only operates at certain times of the day and may vary based on where you live.

It’s also good to know that you generally have one year from the date of purchase to file a warranty claim. Customer support may recommend this measure if your device has a factory-related defect.

Final Thoughts

If your Roomba i7 won’t connect to the cloud, you’re not alone. There are dozens of threads on Reddit with people having similar issues. Before turning to customer support, consider strengthening your Wi-Fi signal. As mentioned, you can do this by purchasing a Wi-Fi extender or a Wi-Fi repeater.