Robot Vacuum Keeps Going in Circles - 6 Quick Fixes

Your robot vacuum spins in circles instead of cleaning. It rotates endlessly in one spot, spirals continuously, or can't navigate in a straight line.

Good news: 79% of circular navigation issues are fixed in 5-10 minutes with simple wheel and sensor cleaning. Most fixes cost nothing and need no tools.

This universal guide works for all brands: Roomba, Roborock, Eufy, Shark, Ecovacs, Dreame, Xiaomi, Neato, and all robot vacuums.

Let's fix your robot's navigation and get back to efficient cleaning.

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Try This First (3 Minutes)

Before detailed troubleshooting, try these quick fixes:

• ✅ Clean both wheels (1 minute) - Remove hair from wheel axles
• ✅ Wipe cliff sensors (1 minute) - Clean 4-6 sensors on bottom
• ✅ Reset bumper (30 seconds) - Press in and out 10 times
• ✅ Restart robot (30 seconds) - Power off, wait 10 seconds, power on

↳ Most Common Cause: One wheel stuck or hair-wrapped, causing uneven movement (52% of spinning cases).

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Why Robots Spin in Circles

Normal Reasons for Spinning:

• ✅ Spot cleaning mode - Intentional spiral pattern
• ✅ Initial calibration - Spins to locate charging dock
• ✅ Obstacle detection - Brief spin to reassess surroundings

Problem Spinning (This Guide):

• ❌ Continuous circles, never stops
• ❌ Can't clean in straight lines
• ❌ Spirals constantly, no forward progress
• ❌ Spins but doesn't recognize it's spinning

Root Causes:

1. One wheel slower than other (hair, wear)
2. Cliff sensors dirty (thinks it's on edge)
3. Bumper stuck (thinks hitting wall constantly)
4. Gyroscope calibration error
5. Wheel encoder failure
6. Motor power imbalance

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Fix 1: Remove Hair from Wheels (Works 52% of Time)

Why This First: When one wheel has more resistance than the other, robot turns in circles. Hair wrapped around wheel axles is the #1 cause.

Symptoms:

• Circles continuously in one direction
• One wheel sounds different than other
• Recently cleaned areas with long hair or pets
• Can see hair around wheels
• Wheels don't spin freely

How to Fix:

Step 1 - Remove Both Main Wheels:

1. Flip robot upside down
2. Locate main wheels (large wheels on sides)
3. Pull wheels straight down firmly
   • Most brands: Wheels are spring-loaded
   • Pull hard until pops out
   • Don't twist - just pull straight
4. Set wheels aside

Step 2 - Clean Wheel Modules:

1. Look inside robot where wheels were
2. You'll see metal axle shaft
3. Remove ALL hair from axle:
   • Hair wraps tightly around shaft
   • This causes massive resistance
   • Pull hair off with fingers
   • Use scissors for stubborn tangles
   • Remove every strand
4. Wipe axle with dry cloth
5. Should be shiny metal, no residue

Step 3 - Clean Wheel Treads:

1. Inspect rubber wheel treads
2. Remove stuck debris
3. Wipe clean with damp cloth
4. Check tread condition:
   • Should have textured pattern
   • Smooth/shiny = worn out
   • Cracked = needs replacement

Step 4 - Inspect Wheel Bearings:

1. Hold wheel, spin by hand
2. Should rotate smoothly
3. If grinding or rough:
   • Bearing damaged
   • Needs wheel replacement
4. Both wheels should spin equally well

Step 5 - Reinstall Wheels:

1. Align wheel with module
2. Push straight up until clicks
3. Should hear/feel snap
4. Wheels should sit flush
5. Try spinning - should move freely
6. Both wheels same height

Step 6 - Test:

1. Place robot on floor
2. Press Clean button
3. Robot should move in straight line
4. No circular pattern
5. Test for 2-3 minutes

Time: 5-8 minutes
Cost: Free
Success Rate: 52%
Difficulty: Easy

💡 Pro Tip: Clean wheels after every 3-4 cleaning cycles if you have pets. Hair buildup is gradual.

If This Doesn't Work: Try Fix 2 - cliff sensors

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Fix 2: Clean Cliff Sensors (Works 21% of Time)

Why This Helps: Dirty cliff sensors make robot think it's on edge of stairs. Robot spins to avoid "falling," creating circular pattern.

Symptoms:

• Spins on dark carpet or rugs
• Acts like detecting cliff constantly
• Backs away then circles
• Works fine on white floors, spins on dark
• Cliff sensor area looks dusty

How to Fix:

Step 1 - Locate Cliff Sensors:

1. Flip robot upside down
2. Look for 4-6 small dark circles
3. Usually near corners of robot
4. Sensors are infrared detectors
5. Emit beam downward to detect drops

Step 2 - Clean Each Sensor:

1. Wipe each sensor with dry microfiber cloth
2. Rub firmly 5-10 seconds per sensor
3. Should look crystal clear, not dusty
4. Don't use water - sensors are electronics
5. For stubborn dirt:
   • Cotton swab with rubbing alcohol
   • Clean gently
   • Let dry 2 minutes

Step 3 - Check Sensor Windows:

1. Sensors behind clear plastic windows
2. Windows should be clean and unscratched
3. If scratched deep, affects sensor accuracy
4. Can't fix scratched windows (needs replacement)

Step 4 - Test on Different Surface:

1. Place robot on light-colored floor
2. Press Clean
3. Should navigate normally
4. If works on light floor but not dark:
   • Sensors oversensitive
   • May need calibration (see Fix 4)

Step 5 - Cover One Sensor (Test):

Diagnostic Test Only:

1. Use tape to cover one cliff sensor
2. Try cleaning
3. If stops spinning, that sensor was faulty
4. Remove tape
5. Consider sensor replacement

Time: 5 minutes
Cost: Free
Success Rate: 21%
Difficulty: Easy

⚠️ Warning: Only cover cliff sensor for testing. Don't operate robot long-term with covered sensors - safety hazard.

If This Doesn't Work: Try Fix 3 - bumper reset

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Fix 3: Reset and Clean Bumper (Works 14% of Time)

Why This Matters: Stuck bumper makes robot think it's constantly hitting obstacles. Robot spins to find clear path, creating circular motion.

Symptoms:

• Spins even in open space
• Bumper looks crooked or misaligned
• Bumper doesn't spring back when pressed
• Recently bumped into furniture hard
• Spins while making beeping sounds

How to Fix:

Step 1 - Inspect Bumper:

1. Look at front bumper (plastic ring around robot)
2. Should sit evenly all around
3. Check for:
   • Gaps between bumper and body
   • Bumper tilted or askew
   • Cracks in bumper plastic
   • Visible debris in bumper gap

Step 2 - Press Bumper All Around:

1. Press bumper at multiple points
2. Should compress easily and spring back
3. All sections should have equal resistance
4. If one section stuck:
   • Debris blocking mechanism
   • Spring broken
   • Sensor misaligned

Step 3 - Clean Bumper Mechanism:

1. Press bumper inward
2. While compressed, wipe around edges
3. Remove dust and debris from gap
4. Use compressed air to blow out particles
5. Release bumper slowly

Step 4 - Exercise Bumper:

1. Press bumper in and out 20-30 times
2. Do this around entire circumference
3. Works stuck mechanism free
4. Should feel smoother after exercise

Step 5 - Check Bumper Sensors:

1. Bumper has infrared or mechanical sensors
2. Sensors detect compression
3. Wipe sensor area with dry cloth
4. Ensure sensors not obstructed

Step 6 - Test:

1. Place robot in open area
2. Press Clean
3. Should move straight
4. Gently press bumper while moving
5. Robot should stop/back up (normal)
6. Release - should continue straight

Time: 5-8 minutes
Cost: Free
Success Rate: 14%
Difficulty: Easy

If This Doesn't Work: Try Fix 4 - gyroscope reset

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Fix 4: Reset Gyroscope and Calibrate (Works 9% of Time)

Why This Helps: Gyroscope tells robot its orientation. When miscalibrated, robot's sense of "straight" is actually "circle."

Symptoms:

• Spins despite clean wheels and sensors
• Started after robot moved to new house
• Began after firmware update
• Circular pattern is consistent (same direction/size)

How to Fix:

Step 1 - Power Cycle Reset:

1. Hold power button 5-10 seconds (OFF)
2. Wait 30 seconds
3. Hold power button 3 seconds (ON)
4. This resets gyroscope to zero position
5. Test if spinning stopped

Step 2 - Calibrate on Flat Surface:

1. Place robot on perfectly flat, level surface
2. Critical: Surface must be level
   • Use level app on phone to verify
   • Kitchen floor, tile usually flattest
3. Power on robot on this surface
4. Let sit powered on for 30 seconds
5. Gyroscope auto-calibrates to "level"

Step 3 - Factory Reset (If Available):

Roomba:

1. Hold Clean button 10 seconds
2. Lights circle, then beep
3. Release

Roborock/Xiaomi:

1. Hold reset button 5 seconds
2. Voice says "Resetting"

Eufy:

1. Hold Auto + Spot buttons 10 seconds

Others:

1. Check manual for specific reset procedure
2. Usually involves holding 2 buttons simultaneously

Step 4 - Recalibrate in App:

If Your Brand Has Calibration:

1. Open robot vacuum app
2. Settings → Advanced Settings
3. Look for "Calibrate" or "Reset Navigation"
4. Follow on-screen instructions
5. Usually requires placing in specific location

Step 5 - Delete Maps and Remap:

1. In app, delete all saved maps
2. Place robot in center of open room
3. Start new mapping run
4. Let complete full room before stopping
5. New mapping forces gyroscope recalibration

Time: 10-15 minutes
Cost: Free
Success Rate: 9%
Difficulty: Easy

Note: Factory reset erases schedules and maps.

If This Doesn't Work: Try Fix 5 - wheel wear check

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Fix 5: Check for Wheel Wear or Damage (Works 3% of Time)

Why This Matters: Worn wheel treads lose traction. One worn wheel slips while other grips, causing circular motion.

Symptoms:

• Robot is 1+ year old with heavy use
• Wheels look smooth, no tread pattern visible
• Slips on smooth floors
• Wheels spin but robot doesn't move well
• Cleaning after wheels/sensors already cleaned

How to Fix:

Step 1 - Inspect Wheel Treads:

1. Remove both main wheels
2. Examine rubber tread:
   • Good: Deep grooves, textured pattern
   • Worn: Shallow grooves, smooth patches
   • Failed: Completely smooth, shiny surface
3. Compare both wheels - should be equal wear
4. If one more worn: causes unequal traction

Step 2 - Test Traction:

1. Rub finger across tread
2. Should feel grippy, not slippery
3. New treads feel like car tire
4. Worn treads feel like smooth plastic

Step 3 - Order Replacement Wheels:

OEM Wheels (Brand-Specific):

• Roomba: $15-25 for pair
• Roborock: $18-30 for pair
• Eufy: $12-20 for pair
• Shark: $15-25 for pair
• Others: $10-30 typically

Compatible Third-Party:

• Usually $10-18 for pair
• Check reviews for your model
• Ensure correct size and connector
• Some include wheel module (motor + wheel)

Step 4 - Replace Wheels:

1. Pull out old wheels
2. Insert new wheels
3. Push up until click
4. Spin to ensure smooth rotation
5. Both wheels should feel identical

Step 5 - Test:

1. Place robot on floor
2. Press Clean
3. Should move in straight lines
4. Traction significantly improved
5. No more spinning

Wheel Replacement Schedule:

• Normal use: 12-18 months
• Heavy use (daily, large home): 8-12 months
• Signs: Smooth treads, reduced traction, increased spinning

Time: 5 minutes (inspection) / 10 minutes (replacement)
Cost: $10-30
Success Rate: 3%
Difficulty: Easy

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When Professional Repair Needed

Signs of Hardware Failure:

⚠️ All fixes tried, still spins
⚠️ One wheel doesn't spin at all
⚠️ Motor makes grinding or clicking noise
⚠️ Wheel encoder broken (wheel spins but robot doesn't track)
⚠️ Circuit board damage (water, impact)

Repair Options:

Wheel Motor Replacement:

• Cost: $30-60 per wheel motor
• DIY Time: 30-45 minutes
• Difficulty: Moderate (soldering may be needed)
• Guides: YouTube search "[brand] wheel motor replacement"

Professional Repair:

• Cost: $60-120 (parts + labor)
• Time: 1-2 weeks turnaround
• Where: Vacuum repair shops, brand service centers
• Warranty: Check if covered (1-2 years typical)

Replace vs Repair:

Repair Worth It If:

• Robot under 2 years old
• Everything else works perfectly
• Repair cost under $80
• High-end model ($400+ original price)

Consider Replacing If:

• Robot 3+ years old
• Multiple issues (battery weak, navigation failing)
• Budget model (<$200 original)
• Repair cost exceeds 50% of replacement cost

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Prevent Circular Navigation

Simple habits that prevent spinning issues:

• 🔧 Clean Wheels Weekly: Remove hair after every 2-3 cycles (2 minutes)
• 🔧 Wipe Cliff Sensors Monthly: Keep sensors crystal clear (1 minute)
• 🔧 Exercise Bumper Weekly: Press in/out 10 times during cleaning (30 seconds)
• 🔧 Flat Storage: Store and charge robot on level surface
• 🔧 Regular Restarts: Power off/on weekly to reset gyroscope

Avoid These Mistakes:

• ❌ Letting hair build up on wheels (major cause of spinning)
• ❌ Ignoring early signs (occasional wobble becomes constant spin)
• ❌ Using on very dark floors without sensor adjustment
• ❌ Picking up robot by wheels (damages encoders)
• ❌ Operating with worn wheel treads

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Common Questions

Is spinning in circles normal for robot vacuums?

Brief spinning is normal: spot cleaning mode uses spiral pattern, initial dock search involves rotation, obstacle detection may cause brief spin. Continuous, uncontrolled spinning is NOT normal - indicates wheel, sensor, or calibration issue.

Why does my robot vacuum spin on carpet but not hard floors?

Carpet provides more resistance than hard floors. If one wheel slightly compromised (hair wrapped, worn tread), it struggles more on carpet, causing circular motion. Clean wheels thoroughly and check tread condition.

Can I fix spinning by calibrating the robot?

Yes, IF spinning is gyroscope/calibration issue (10-15% of cases). Factory reset and recalibration on flat surface often fixes. However, if spinning is mechanical (hair-wrapped wheel, worn tread), calibration won't help - must fix physical issue.

My robot spins clockwise only - what does this mean?

Consistent direction indicates one specific wheel problem. Clockwise spin = right wheel slower/stuck. Counterclockwise = left wheel issue. Focus cleaning/inspection on that side's wheel, motor, and encoder.

Will spinning damage my robot vacuum?

Short-term: No immediate damage. Long-term: (1) Motors stressed from unbalanced load can fail earlier, (2) Battery drains faster (spinning wastes energy), (3) Wheels wear unevenly. Fix promptly to prevent accelerated wear.

My robot spins only on dark carpet - is it broken?

Not broken - cliff sensors oversensitive. Dark carpet absorbs infrared light, sensors think it's a drop-off. Solutions: (1) Clean sensors thoroughly, (2) Calibrate sensors in app if available, (3) Place light-colored tape under dock to help orientation, (4) Some robots have sensitivity adjustment in app.

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Written by the RoboFixHub Technical Team

We specialize in robot vacuum troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair — helping users solve problems with fast, reliable DIY fixes across all major brands.