My robot vacuum refuses to cross door thresholds because of the cliff sensor
Home Nura guide — category: Robot Vacuums
Diagnosis
This symptom is common and usually harmless. In most cases, a targeted clean or a small change in how you use the device fixes it in under 10 minutes.
Recommended steps
Unplug the device and let it cool down, then clean the affected part with warm water and mild dish soap (never use an abrasive sponge on a non-stick coating). Put it back together, plug it in and run a short empty cycle to make sure it works.
Repair or replace?
If the problem persists after these checks and the appliance is no longer under warranty, compare the repair estimate with the cost of a new model.
If you decide to replace it
Robot Vacuums: the shortlist from our buying guide
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Best overall
Roborock Qrevo Curv
Rated at 18,500 Pa, with LiDAR, rotating mops that reach the baseboards and a dock that empties, hot-washes and dries.
Photo: © Roborock
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Best value
Roborock Q7 M5+
The essentials at entry level: LiDAR navigation, a quoted 10,000 Pa, an anti-tangle brush and auto-emptying into a 2.7 L bag.
Photo: © Roborock
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Best for pets and thresholds
Dreame X50 Ultra Complete
Rated at 20,000 Pa, with an anti-tangle twin brush and a ProLeap system that climbs up to 6 cm, according to the manufacturer.
Photo: © Dreame
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Other common problems in this category
These issues affect the same type of appliance — each one comes with a diagnosis and the recommended steps.
- Robot VacuumsMy robot vacuum gets lost in the house and can't find its way back to the dock
- Robot VacuumsThe main brush of my robot vacuum is jammed with hair
- Robot VacuumsMy robot vacuum's battery no longer lasts a full mapping cycle
- Robot VacuumsMy robot vacuum keeps disconnecting from Wi-Fi every few hours
Frequently asked questions
Usually, yes, if the failure shows up during the warranty period and isn't caused by misuse. A product in the Robot Vacuums category bought new from an authorized retailer normally comes with a manufacturer's warranty: check its length in the manual or on the brand's website. Consumer protection rules also vary by province and territory, so keep your proof of purchase.
If you're still within the store's return window, a return or exchange is usually the fastest fix. After that, the manufacturer's warranty takes over: its customer support can arrange a repair or a replacement. Even outside the warranty, the manufacturer can often repair the device for a fee. Either way, keep your proof of purchase.
Our public methodology lowers the Nura Score /10 of any model in the Robot Vacuums category whose recurring failures are documented in owner reviews. A model that breaks down too often never tops our rankings, whatever the brand.
Generally, yes. Routine maintenance, such as cleaning, replacing a gasket or recalibrating, is part of normal use and doesn't usually affect your warranty. Irreversible changes to the hardware are what can cause problems. For a product in the Robot Vacuums category, stick to the steps described in the manufacturer's manual and read the warranty terms before going any further.
When a product fails in its first few months of normal use, the cause is usually a manufacturing defect. Contact the seller or the manufacturer with your proof of purchase and a description of the symptom: for a model in the Robot Vacuums category that is still under warranty, this is the typical case for a free repair or replacement. Warranty terms vary by brand, so read yours.