Robot Vacuum / App Compatibility

Do all robot vacuums require a smartphone app to work?

No. Every robot vacuum can start a basic cleaning cycle using the physical button on top of the unit. However, advanced features — scheduled cleaning, room-specific zone commands, no-go boundary zones, map editing, real-time status, and cleaning history — all require the manufacturer's app. Some models also support infrared remote controls as an alternative. If you need full scheduling without a smartphone, look for models that support physical boundary strips rather than software-based virtual walls.

Can I control my robot vacuum with multiple smart home platforms at once?

Generally yes, through separate integration paths. A Roborock vacuum can be controlled via the Roborock app for full features, Amazon Alexa for voice start and stop, and Google Home for voice commands — all simultaneously. HomeKit and SmartThings integrations are maintained independently as well. However, manufacturers only guarantee full feature support through their own app; third-party integrations expose a limited subset of commands, typically start, stop, and dock.

What happens to my robot's floor map if I reinstall the app?

Map data is stored on the robot itself, not the phone. Reinstalling the app and signing back into your account should restore all saved maps. Actions that can permanently delete the stored map include: factory resetting the robot, removing the robot from your account in the app, or certain firmware bugs. After any major firmware update the robot may prompt a remap — starting a complete cleaning run usually rebuilds the map in one session.