If your ECOVACS DEEBOT N79 is blinking red, beeping, spinning in place or has forgotten its schedule, start with the table below. It is built from the ECOVACS user manuals for the N79 and N79S, so the fault codes match what the robot is actually telling you. The N79 is a discontinued budget model without mapping or a self-emptying base, which means almost every fault comes down to a dirty sensor, a tangled brush or a tired battery.
Step 1: Read the AUTO button light
The AUTO button on top of the robot is the status light.
| AUTO button | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Flashing blue | Charging |
| Solid blue | Cleaning |
| Solid red | Low battery or a fault (count the beeps) |
| Flashing red | A fault (count the beeps) |
Step 2: Count the beeps
When the light is red the robot beeps in groups. Wait through two full groups before you count, because the pause between groups is easy to mistake for a different code.
Flashing red light
| Beeps | Fault | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Robot is suspended or stuck | Put it on a flat, open floor, free whatever is holding it, restart it. |
| 2 | Anti-collision bumper | Check the front bumper and clear any debris from around its edge. |
| 3 | Anti-drop sensors | Clean the anti-drop sensors on the underside of the robot. |
| 4 | Low battery | Put the robot on its charging dock. |
Solid red light
| Beeps | Fault | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Driving wheel | Remove tangled hair or debris from the wheels. |
| 2 | Side brush | Remove hair wrapped around the side brush. |
| 3 | Dust bin | Empty the dust bin and seat it fully. |
| 4 | Main brush | Remove hair or debris from the main brush. |
Switch the robot off at the power switch on its underside before you turn it over and clean anything.
The robot won’t charge
- Make sure the bottom power switch is ON. A robot that is switched off will not charge or run.
- Wipe the charging contacts on the robot and on the dock with a dry cloth.
- Check that the dock is plugged in and sits against a wall with open space in front of it.
- If it still won’t charge after several hours on a clean, powered dock, the battery is the next suspect. On a robot this old that is a likely cause, and a replacement battery is the usual repair. Match the battery to your exact variant (N79, N79S, N79SE, N79W) before ordering.
The robot won’t move, or backs away from dark floors
Dirty anti-drop sensors are a common cause. The manuals list the anti-drop sensors as a fault source, and a dirty sensor can make the robot think there is a drop ahead. Switch it off, turn it over and wipe every sensor on the underside. Then check the front wheel for wrapped hair.
It keeps losing its schedule or the time
This is expected behavior, not a fault. Both ECOVACS manuals state that switching the robot off at the power switch erases the current time and the cleaning schedule. Leave the switch ON, keep the robot docked, and set the time and daily schedule again if you ever turn it off.
- Set the clock with the set-time button on the remote control, then confirm.
- Schedule a daily cleaning with the schedule button on the remote. Scheduled runs use Auto mode.
- To cancel the schedule, hold the schedule button on the remote for 3 seconds until the icon disappears.
About “reset” instructions you may have seen: several websites tell you to hold the START/PAUSE button to reset the N79 and watch for a blue or green light. We could not find that procedure in the ECOVACS manuals for the N79 or N79S, so we do not present it as an official reset. If your robot behaves strangely, a power-switch off/on cycle is the documented step.
App and Wi-Fi problems
Only the app-connected variants (the N79S, N79SE and N79W, according to the model listings we found) work with the ECOVACS app; check which one you own. If the robot drops offline:
- Switch the robot off and on at the power switch, then reopen the app.
- Update the ECOVACS app, and check that your phone is on the same network you are pairing to.
- If pairing keeps failing, the manuals describe turning the Wi-Fi module off and on: dock the robot, power it on, hold the AUTO button until it beeps three times (the manuals give different hold times depending on the model, so check yours), then power the robot off and on to re-enable it.
- If the app no longer finds the robot at all, contact ECOVACS support, since this model line is discontinued and app support may be limited.
When it’s time to stop repairing
- Run time is much shorter than when it was new, even after a full charge: replace the battery.
- It errors out on the same fault right after you cleaned it: the part behind that fault is worn.
- Your home is large or open-plan: the N79 has no mapping and cannot cover it efficiently in one charge. A newer mapping robot is the better money.
See our small-apartment Roomba picks if you decide to replace it.
Related guides
Sources
- ECOVACS DEEBOT N79 user manual (indicator light, beep codes, scheduling, Wi-Fi module): manual text
- ECOVACS DEEBOT N79S user manual (beep codes, power switch, time and schedule): manual text
Why does only one side brush work? I have cleaned my Deebot and replaced the filters and brushes. Could it be a bad module? If so how difficult is it to replace?
Deebot N79 beeps 4 times about a minute after getting on charger. It then repeats 4 more times for a total of 20 beeps. Also the red light is on instead of the blue light.
I read that it’s the battery, so I changed it. Also read it could be debris on shaft of main brush motor, so I cleaned it.
Don’t know what else to check, but it still does the same thing.
Hi Mike,
So, the beeping must be related to excess dirt and debris:
1. Read the diags label on bottom
2. make sure that the front single wheel is clean and free of debris
Sincere
DEBOT N79S gets battery failure 4 beeps with red auto light I replaced the battery and same problem. I runs for 2-3 minutes and stops, I push the auto switch on the remote and it will run again for 2-3 minutes and same thing happens.
Hi Ed,
I had a guess that it was due to hair/fur accumulation in the beater brush and after giving it a thorough cleaning. All it takes is removal of four tiny phillips screws and a flathead screw driver to help with removing the front wheel. You don’t actually have to unscrew the clean that piece, it’s not critical.
Sincere
I cleaned mine thouroughly and after running a minute red error beep continuusly. Changed the battery cleaned all area of movement and collection. any ideas?
Hi Paula,
Initially our research showed it was a battery issue. After a while I had a guess that it was due to hair/fur accumulation in the beater brush and after giving it a thorough cleaning. You can try putting new batteries in the remote. Still the same error. THEN .. you can remove one of the two rotating brushes, slowing it down, obviously. Removed and replaced the second one and cleaned that too.
Sincere
My Deebot N79S appears to be charging while seated on the charging dock and/or plugged in directly from wall. The blue auto light is glowing off and on. However, when i push the auto button, the Deebot backs up with the auto button glowing red on and off, then returns to docking station.
I have replaced the battery and reset per instructions (3 mins on dock-3 mins undocked x 3 to no avail. Troubleshooting instructions are useless. Please help!
Hi,
Your detection sensor seems faulty; you can wipe the sensor, or you can start vacuuming from an enlighted surface.
Thanks!
Mine makes a clackety sound when it cleans. I think I this one of the roaring brushes. Is there any instructions to trouble shoot? Still cleans just noisy as the dickens.
Hi Sara,
Be sure your brushes on the bottom are all securely installed and the dust pan has not collected a small objects that maybe dragging across your floors. If all checks out then call customer service for assistance. Best wishes!
My Deebot won’t always return to docking station – why?
Hi Dan, If you wish to send your DEEBOT back to the charging dock early, you can use your remote or the app to do it. First, press the Play/Pause button on the remote, then you can press the charge/home button. You will notice the DEEBOT will stop vacuuming and will head back to the charging dock.
While your Deebot may take several minutes to find its charging station, it will eventually find it. It helps to keep your charging station in a clutter free area, with at least 2 feet of clear space on either side of the station.
While you probably don’t want the charging station right in the middle of the living room, it does help to test various locations for the charger. The charging station sends out a low power radio signal that attracts the Deebot. Sometimes, just the slightest location move of the charger can really help your Deebot find its way home.
Sincere
How can you replace a anti drop sensor?
My deebot seems to be having issues finding the charging port as of lately. We never had this issue before.
Hi Julie,
First, press the Play/Pause button on the remote, then you can press the charge/home button. You will notice the DEEBOT will stop vacuuming and will head back to the charging dock. While your Deebot may take several minutes to find its charging station, it will eventually find it.
Sincere
I have cleaned everything on my Deebot N79 and put it back on its charger. I beeps 4 times at intervals and does not charge fully. The blue light blinks continuously. All filters, sensors, contacts and brushes have been cleaned so I don’t know what else to do.
Hi Geri,
1. Read the diags label on bottom.
2 make sure that the front single wheel is clean and free of debris. I believe it also pops out but I have not done.
3. take out the main brush and make sure no hair/fur/string is making it brush slowly or clogging it. Make sure receptacle is clean.
4. Turn the Eufy off for about 30sec and then on again.
5. Make sure it’s charged.
I found it does weird stuff if it’s not fully charged and gets stuffed up. I have also removed the 4 small screws around the bases of each of the 2 main wheels and popped those out a bit and pulled a ton of fluff/fur out from around the wheel motors and in those areas. easy to do. I have come to realize that the Eufy will error when it is not rolling freely so all the wheels must be free of debris.
DEEBOT is powered ON when the AUTO Mode Button glows a continuous BLUE. * AUTO Mode Button blinks when DEEBOT is charging.
Thanks
Do not buy this product. After one year there is no suction. I replaced brushes and filters but still no suction. I cannot find anything blocking.
The side brushes will not stay on. The square hole in the brush slides in the square peg, but nothing holds it on. As soon as the Deebot is turned over the brush’s fall off.
HELP
Hi Babara,
Dismount the brush from the adapter (that’s what the screw does, because the adapter normally stays with the main robot assembly), and try to push the adapter onto the shaft as hard as you can. Once started, slip the brush onto the adapter, but leave the screw out; that will give a softer pad to hand push. Note: Tapping on the adapter is not recommended without going inside the ‘bot so you can buck up the other end of the shaft.
If you can’t get it to stay put, it it time to exchange that for a new one, one that is not subject to the limits of manufacturing tolerances like your present unit.
Thanks
My Deebot ecovacs won’t connect with the controller , when I turn it on it takes off runs over everything , when it hits something it just stops or runs over it , it’s not cleaning ..
Hi Barb,
You can check out this video to know how to solve this problem.
Thanks
We did everything suggested to keep the Deebot from going in circles, but it still does. Any other suggestions?
Or you can try this way:
Clean these with electronics cleaner, clean the deebot with electronics cleaner on the surface that is right behind where the bumper sits (there are sensors here too) and put it all back together. This fixed the spinning issue for me (mostly) and should fix it for most others.
Should the small wheel inside the large castor move freely? It seems like there is very much resistance…would that cause the deebot to go in circles?
Hi Bev,
If the DEEBOT goes backwards in circles, then check if the Main Brush is stuck.
Thanks
Why is my deebot keeps shutting off. I Replace the battery,has new brushes, Checked bumper,and it still turns off and the red light comes up.
Hi Ada,
If the device does not show signs of power, check the bottom of the Deebot. Locate the power switch and set to the the ON position. If the power switch is already in the ON position change the switch to the OFF position and manually dock it to the charging station. After three hours attempt to turn on again.
Sincere
I have had my Deebot about a year and used occasionally as it’s only for the room I rent. But it has now quit recharging. I manually press the Auto button. It begins to operate as if recharging with the button light pulsing and the small charge light goes on and off. About 30-40 seconds it shuts down. I have unplugged and re plugged the base unit to recycle, I have taken the unit off and back on several times. I get the beep tone and 30-40 seconds it shuts off. I have wiped clean the contacts but to no avail. What’s up?
Hi,
On the brush assembly there are two black knobs at each end. Remove the one without the screw (won’t hurt to remove both though). You can further take apart it with a pair of pliers. After you have done so you’ll probably find a big ball of hair — this is the reason why it’s getting stuck. Remove it, and your RoboVac is good as new.
Thanks
Had exactly the same as Donald Barber on my N79.
Bit confused by your response.
Ball of hair on brush assembly ??
What has this got to do with not charging ??
Jaskaran,
Apologies for doubting your answer. Opened up brush compartment, cleaned brush but still same symptoms. Took out brush again and spotted thick coil of hair etc at one end of compartment. Removed it, cleaned compartment and all well again.
THANKYOU !!!
I’ve lost the remote and need to setup the Deebot N79 to a new wifi network. Can I set it up without the remote?
Hi Tyler,
I think you have to buy a remote, in the meantime you can push the button on the top to get it to start cleaning. After plugging it in directly and letting it fully charge a couple taps of the button made it automatically start cleaning. Also just an idea, if you still remember the name or password to your last WiFi, set up a hotspot on your phone with that information and after it connects see if you can change the settings to the new WiFi.
Thanks
I have a D79 Deebot and the machine is charging on the docking station but will not work ,the remote control has had the batteries changed but is not working with the machine ,I have cleaned it out and checked all the moving parts and they are moving OK. Remote doesn’t have a light on when I push the buttons. I have no lights on the machine itself to change the time or program .
Hi,
Ensure the robot’s side Bottom Power Switch is turned ON when Plugged in the Charging Dock. Your DEEBOT N79 Keep on the Charging Dock to make sure it has a full battery charge to work at any time as needed.
Thanks
I have a DN622.11, i had to replace my wifi router and logback into my Ecovac account which now doesn’t showvthe device and i cant get it back online. i tried the N79 settings since its the closest to it and it doesn’t work. Please advise.
Hi Robert,
Please ensure that the following steps are taken to connect your DEEBOT online:
– Pull down the product list to refresh – and that will wake your robot up.
– Completely close the App on your smart phone and open it to retry. For Apple smart phones, double click the HOME button and swipe over the App to close it. For Android smart phones, close the App from task list. Rather than just reboot your smart phones.
– Open the Google Play or App Store to see if there are any updates. Make sure the ECOVACS App/ECOVACS Home App is updated.
– Check the status of the Wi-Fi indicator light (next to the AUTO button).
✔If the Wi-Fi indicator light is blinking, check and see if the password to the 2.4G Wi-Fi connection has changed.
✔If the Wi-Fi indicator light is solid, check and see if your wireless mobile carrier/telecom operator is experiencing a bandwidth issue or cellphone traffic.
– If problem persist, please press reset button of the robot for more than 6 seconds and try to re-connect.
●If you are still having trouble getting your DEEBOT online, please contact ECOVACS Customer Care.
Thanks
My Deebot n79 beeps 5 times. The app says the Anti-drop sensors have access dust but I cleaned them and I still get the malfunction warning.
Hi Steve,
If the 5 anti-drop sensors on the bottom of the Deebot are dirty, the Deebot may respond as if there is a drop in its path and try to avoid it. If this happens, clean all of the sensors on the Deebot with a dry cloth.
One of our three Deebots actually stopped working, even after thorough cleaning. I logged a ticket with Ecovacs support and after going through some basic troubleshooting, they authorized me to send it back for a warranty replacement. But, before going through that hassle, honestly, just try thoroughly cleaning your Deebot and you may be surprised!
Sincere
My Deebot N79 fully charged, all cleaned up start turning on itself for 15 sec, stop and double beeping 10 times with the auto button flashing red and the wifi indicator flashing blue.
Hi Mike,
If the Deebot is on the charging dock the auto button will show a flashing blue light that means that it is charging. If the wifi light is blinking while it is on the charging station it only shows that it is searching for a wifi connection.
If the wifi blue light is blinking and the red auto light is solid, it is the battery. This just happened to mine because I spent a long time without using it (which is what caused it, from what I found out), so I ordered a replacement battery and it’s working like new again.
Sincere
My deebot stops and tells me to check the driving wheels
Hi Lynn,
If your Deebot keeps stopping, maybe Charging Dock is unplugged while the robot’s Bottom Power Switch is ON, which causes battery drain. Ensure the robot’s side Bottom Power Switch is turned ON when plugged in the charging dock. Your DEEBOT N79 keeps on the charging dock to make sure it has a full battery charge to work at any time as needed.
Hair or debris wrapped around the wheels can prevent them from moving properly. Check the wheels for any debris or hair. Any blockage can be removed using scissors, a brush, or other tools as necessary. If the wheel needs to be replaced.
If there is no debris and the wheel is still not moving, hold the robot upside down while the Deebot is running and check to see if both wheels are moving. If one wheel is not moving, then the wheel motor may need to be replaced or connections need to be checked.
If the wheels are not jammed and both motors are working, then check to see if the front bumper is stuck by pressing the front in. If the bumper pops back out, then it is not stuck. If the bumper does not pop back out, the bumper may need to be cleaned or replaced.
Sincere
Deebot N79 here. When the Deebot is switch on the right bristle won’t stop moving even after it is placed on the charger. When it is placed on the charger the auto light blinks blue. When is removed from the charger the deebot moves for a moment then stops. The red indicator light then comes on and blinks along with the blue light remaining solid and beeps three times. The right brush continues to move the entire time but the Deebot does not move. Does it need a new battery? After some time the blue light will go off of the auto button (no light at all) but the right brush will continue to move.
Hi Karl,
A robot vacuum that keeps moving is likely due to a stuck bumper, often caused by a collection of debris, causing it to become jammed or dislodged. Alternatively, the bumper sensor may be dirty, causing the robot vacuum to have trouble navigating properly. These two are very common causes.
With Deebot, probably its sensors emit and detect infrared light, they need to be very clean or the robot gets mixed signals and can’t stop moving. If you have pet hair it has probably also built up in the castor wheel as well. Blow this out with the compressed air can (keyboard duster).
Sincere
My Deebot N79s has started to hop and skip on my low pile carpet, leaving tram marks, I assume from the main brush. This has definitely gotten worse over time and didn’t happen when we first bought it. Any idea what is causing this and how to fix it?
Hi Andy,
First, you should clean the drop sensors and wheels. I’m guessing the drop sensors may be associated with navigating the grain. Try to do that and rinse out the filters; then leave them dry naturally. Then make sure everything was clean around the brushes and sensors.
If that can’t help, please contact the customer service.
Sincere
My machine has a clicking noise on the brushes. I have cleaned the brushes but when it starts to move the clicking begins again.
Hi Chris,
I believe that the mechanism that spins the central brush (not the brush itself) is the cause of the clicking.
It could happen because the Dust Bin is full, the suction intake is blocked, or the Main Brush/Side Brushes is tangled with dirt and debris. Turn OFF the Power Switch. Remove and empty the Dust Bin, then reinstall. Turn the robot over.
Also, be sure your brushes on the bottom are all securely installed and the dust pan has not collected a small objects that maybe dragging across your floors.
If all checks out then call customer service for assistance. Best wishes!
For the first time by Deebot 79 smells like it is burning. I stopped using it any ideas?
Hi Brian,
The belt helps move the brush roller that is built for guiding the debris into the machine. So if any problem occurs during the cleaning process, a smoke smell may develop, signaling a failing component that is causing the machine to malfunction.
Sincere
Deebolt will not charge. No lights work. Just quit working
Help! Our Robot vac has disappeared!!! Is there any way we can locate it / make it beep / use the remote?
Would it appear on our router list as a wireless device even without charge?
Has the robot vac left us after three weeks because it didn’t like us?
Could the cat have sensed a threat and taken it outside?
Help!
Hi Phil,
Maybe your robot hides under furniture instead of going back to home base like they’re supposed to.
Try the following steps to make it find its way home:
1) Place the charging base against a wall, near an electrical outlet. Make sure the robot can “see” it from various places in the room: don’t put it behind or under the furniture, long and narrow hallway, closed-off areas. Avoid putting it under constant direct sunlight. If you have thick carpeting, check that the charging base isn’t tilted as this can interfere with docking.
2) Place the base in an open area and far away from high-power electrical appliances. The maximum detection distance is 2 meters in front and 1 meter at sides.
3) Keep the charging dock and charging electrodes clean.
4) Reboot the cleaner and try a few more times.
If the problem persists, please contact Deebot customer service.
Sincere
Our deebot is coming on at midnight even though we haven’t scheduled him too. It’s waking us all. The current time is set correctly on remote and we have turned all schedules off and he is still doing it. Please help! 🙈🙈🙈
Hi Em,
With this DEEBOT there are three ways of enabling the scheduled cleaning function.
These are:
√ After the robot has been switched on, you can set cleaning tasks through the app.
√ After the robot has been switched on, you can set cleaning tasks using the remote control.
√ After the robot has been switched on, you can set cleaning tasks by pushing the AUTO button twice. After pushing the AUTO button two times, DEEBOT will come out to clean at the same time every day, starting from the following day.
● These three ways of scheduling cleaning times are each managed separately. This means that if you set a time for cleaning using the app, you must use the app to cancel it; if you set a time using the remote control, you must use the remote control to cancel it; and if you set a time for cleaning by pressing twice on the AUTO button, you must cancel it by pressing the AUTO button two more times. After two presses of the AUTO button, the robot will beep twice to indicate that the task has been set successfully, and three times to indicate that the task has been canceled.
● This means that if your robot often comes out to do cleaning by itself, it may be because you have scheduled a cleaning task by accident. Open up the app to check whether the app has been used to enable the scheduled cleaning function. If it has, cancel it. Check the screen of the remote control to see if it has the scheduled cleaning icon. If it does, cancel the setting using the remote control. Press the AUTO button on the robot two times. After hearing 3 beeps, the task has been canceled.
● If the voltage in your home is unstable or if the cable in the charging dock suddenly stops providing power, DEEBOT will come out looking for a charging dock. We therefore advise you to first turn off the power before unplugging the charging dock’s power cable.
● If the problem persists, please contact Ecovacs Customer Service.
Sincere
My Deebot has stopped working all together. When I place it on the home stand it beeps and the blue light comes on then it flashes and goes off and I can’t get it to work. I have event sent it back and they have sent it back saying it’s fixed but it won’t work! Can you help.
Hi Lucy,
If the DEEBOT beeps one time, it means that the robot is having a driving wheel malfunction. Check the driving wheels for tangled hair, dust, and debris. Once you clean the wheels and brushes thoroughly, your DEEBOT should work normally.
You should also do a thorough cleaning of your DEEBOT.
If all else fails, you should try resetting your DEEBOT.
Sincere
Hi my deebot has stopped working, we have cleaned and removed all the brushes and dust bin. Changed the battery etc. it moves forward starts to spin the brushes then stops and beeps! 😔
Ensure that the wheels and brushes are clean and free of debris. Check if the its sensors are working properly and clean them if necessary. If the issue persists, try resetting the DEEBOT by pressing and holding the power button for 5 seconds until it turns off and then turns back on.
Sincere
Hello, my Deebot has a flashing blue when on charge but no Wi-Fi light but then as soon as it’s not on charge there is nothing and it doesn’t work? Is the battery broken?
Deebot auto light blinking blue light? While a flashing blue light usually means that your device is charging, there can be cases when the blue light may get a bit weird, showing issues with the battery or charging.
In such cases, it is best that you attempt to troubleshoot.
If the blue light is blinking in a weird manner, then there is likely something wrong with the charging of the battery of the device. You should check the charging contacts of both the device and the docking station. Oftentimes, debris or dirt can accumulate in such places, which may cause interference during the charge.
Next, you need to check the alignment of the contact points with the charging station. It is not that common for owners to run into issues with the contact points not aligning.
If you think that the floor is not level, then the robot will have issues with the docking routine.
Inspecting the base will help you with further perspective on the situation as you try to figure out what exactly is wrong with the system. If the base is damaged or something is stuck below the unit, you should try to clean it out first. There is a good chance that you might be suffering from a voltage or similar problem. In such cases, you won’t be able to charge your device, and it may end up putting your device in potential danger.
It is possible that you might be experiencing a battery problem due to which you are unable to get your device up and working like it’s supposed to.
Sincere