Quick answer: Power the robot vacuum off, unplug the charging dock, and wait until both are cool. Wipe the robot's charging pads and the dock contacts with a clean, dry microfiber cloth, then remove hair or grit from the flat approach area. Do not spray cleaner, use wet wipes, sand the metal, or open the battery compartment unless the manual directs it. Reconnect the dock and align the robot. Stop if contacts are corroded, loose, burned, hot, or still fail after documented checks.
Charging needs clean metal and reliable alignment
The robot and dock complete a low-voltage connection through small exposed contacts. Fine dust, kitchen film, hair, or a tilted dock can keep those surfaces from meeting evenly. A software message may say the robot is charging even when the physical connection drops in and out.
Note the light or app message before cleaning. A robot that cannot find the dock has a navigation problem; one that docks but never gains battery level points more directly to contact, power, battery, or charger checks.
Shut down both sides before wiping
Turn the robot off as its manual instructs and unplug the dock from the wall. Do not work while the contacts are energized. Let either device cool if it just completed a long cleaning or charging session.
Move the dock only after marking its position. Check the cord for pet damage, crushed insulation, or a loose plug. A damaged power supply should not be taped or tested repeatedly.
Clean with a dry, nonabrasive cloth
- Turn the robot over on a soft stable surface if the contacts are underneath.
- Wipe each metal pad with a clean dry microfiber cloth.
- Wipe the dock contacts without bending spring-loaded pieces.
- Brush loose grit from nearby plastic seams and the floor.
- Return the robot upright before reconnecting power.
Do not use alcohol, erasers, sandpaper, metal polish, or a damp cloth unless the manufacturer specifically names that method. Removing a protective finish can create faster corrosion or poor contact.
Inspect what the contact marks are telling you
| Condition | Response |
|---|---|
| Light removable gray film | Dry wipe and retest |
| One contact does not spring back | Stop and contact support |
| Green corrosion or dark pitting | Do not scrape; arrange service |
| Melted plastic, odor, or heat | Unplug and discontinue use |
Contact wear should be broadly even. A deep mark on one side can mean the robot is approaching on a tilted surface or the dock is moving.
Give the dock a stable landing area
Place it against a firm wall on the flooring and clearances specified by the manual. Remove cords, rug fringe, and small objects from the approach path. Do not attach the dock with an improvised adhesive that blocks vents or contacts.
Dirty navigation sensors can also affect docking. Use our robot-vacuum sensor guide for those surfaces, and the front caster checklist if the machine approaches at an angle.
Retest before resetting or replacing parts
Reconnect the original dock power supply, confirm its indicator behaves normally, and place the robot on the contacts by the documented method. Allow the stated wake-up time. Compare the battery level after a reasonable charging interval.
Use an app reset or battery removal only when the support steps for the exact model call for it. A reset cannot repair a burned contact, failed adapter, swollen battery, or damaged dock.
Battery age can be relevant, but it should not be guessed from runtime alone. Heavy carpet, a clogged brush, cold storage, and a changed cleaning map can also shorten a session. Record the charge percentage before and after a known interval and the error wording. That evidence gives support a clearer starting point than immediately buying a third-party battery or power supply.
Bottom line
Start a no-charge problem at the physical connection: power down, dry-wipe both contact sets, clear and level the dock area, then retest. Heat, odor, corrosion, loose contacts, a damaged cord, or continued failure are reasons to stop and contact support.
Sources
Editorial image generated for Gohall with OpenAI ImageGen; it illustrates the maintenance context and is not a product test. Reviewed by the Gohall Clean Team on September 11, 2026.