Connect Roomba to Alexa for the Smart Home of the Future
What is Roomba?
Before learning how to connect Roomba to Alexa, let’s briefly talk about iRobot, the company that makes the Roomba smart vacuum.
iRobot makes some of the most powerful cleaning robots, including the Roomba (which is why you’re here!) and the Braava mop system. And for those of you with lawns, get ready, because the Terra Robot Mower is about to make its debut!
The iRobot system is unique in that it creates a virtual blueprint of your home, mapping out each room so it gets smarter each time it cleans. Some models are able to map out multiple levels, so you can use the robot on different floors. This is important, as it teaches your robot where furniture lives (so it doesn’t run into fragile items!).
While the Roomba smart vacuum has been around for over a decade, one of the newest features is the integrated app, which allows you to monitor each cleaning session as well as get reminders when it’s time to replace filters and other parts. Plus, you can connect Roomba (and Braava) to your Alexa enabled device!
Why should you connect Roomba to Alexa?
Like most smart home devices that pair with Alexa, one of the biggest benefits of connecting Roomba to Alexa is being able to control each device with voice commands and easily schedule automated Alexa routines to clean at the same time every day.
How do you connect Roomba to Alexa?
Unlike other Alexa enabled smart home devices, I find that it’s easier to connect Roomba to Alexa via the iRobot app. Here’s how:
- Open up your iRobot app
- Tap/click the hamburger icon
- Tap/click “Smart Home”
- Select the “Works with Amazon Alexa” logo
- Tap/click “Link Account”
- If you have the Alexa app installed, it will open (if not, a browser will open and ask you to log into your Amazon account)
- Confirm the linking process by selecting “Link”
That’s it!
How do I control my Roomba with Alexa?
Now that you’re connected, you can use the following voice commands:
- To start vacuuming: “Alexa, ask Roomba to start cleaning.”
- Need to pause cleaning? “Alexa, ask Roomba to pause vacuuming.”
- When you want to clean a specific room: “Alexa, ask Roomba to clean [room name]” (Note: this only works with certain Roomba models)
- If you have a Braava mop, you can connect that, too! Just say “Alexa, ask Braava to start mopping.”
You can also set up an Alexa routine to schedule cleanings every day while you’re away from home.
Pro Tips: Take Roomba to the next level
- Give your Roomba a fun name (I named mine Cinderella – big Disney fan over here!), and when Alexa responds, she’ll say “Ok, telling Cinderella to start cleaning.”
- To send Roomba back to the charging station, you can say “Alexa, tell Roomba to go home.”
- Schedule cleaning easily by saying “Alexa, tell Roomba to schedule cleaning on Tuesday at 8 AM.”
- Can’t find your robot? Say “Alexa, ask Roomba to sing for me.”
- Head on over to our IFTTT Alexa guide to learn how you can automatically pause Roomba when your phone rings.
VoiceBrew: Get more out of your Alexa Device with tips delivered straight to your inbox
VoiceBrew was created to help people get more out of their Amazon Alexa devices. Whether you’re just setting up your first Alexa device, or are a seasoned pro looking for advanced tips, VoiceBrew can help.
I love Alexa but realized that most people weren’t familiar with all of the capabilities available in every device! With VoiceBrew, you’ll have access to comprehensive how-to guides that cover basic set-up all the way to more advanced routines.
Wondering what devices work with Alexa? I cover that, too in VoiceBrew Alexa smart home guides. Ready to get started? Sign up for the VoiceBrew newsletter today.