Using a robot vacuum with Alexa or Google Home

What you need before you start

Voice assistants talk to your robot through the maker's cloud service, not directly. So the robot must already be set up and working in the maker's own app, connected to Wi-Fi, before Alexa or Google can control it. If you have not done that, follow how to set up a robot vacuum first.

You also need the Amazon Alexa app or the Google Home app on your phone, signed into the account your smart speaker uses. Name your robot something short and distinct in the maker's app, such as Robbie or Hoover, because some assistants use that name in commands.

• Robot working in the maker's app and on Wi-Fi.
• Maker account email and password to hand.
• Alexa app or Google Home app installed.
• Rooms named in the maker's app if you want room commands.

Linking to Alexa

Alexa uses skills, which are add-ons that connect to other services. Most robot makers publish one. Some maker apps also offer a shortcut that links Alexa from inside the robot app.

1. 1

   Open the Alexa app and go to the skills section.

2. 2

   Search for your robot's maker, for example Eufy, Shark, Roborock or iRobot.

3. 3

   Select the official skill and tap to enable it.

4. 4

   Sign in with the same account you use in the maker's app and allow access.

5. 5

   Let Alexa discover devices; your robot should appear in the device list.

6. 6

   Try a simple command such as "Alexa, start the vacuum" or one using your robot's name.

Linking to Google Home

Google Home uses Works with Google to connect services. The process is similar.

1. 1

   Open the Google Home app and tap to add a device.

2. 2

   Choose the option for a device that works with Google.

3. 3

   Search for your robot's maker and select it.

4. 4

   Sign in with your maker account and allow access.

5. 5

   Assign the robot to a room in Google Home if asked.

6. 6

   Test it with a command such as "Hey Google, start the vacuum".

Commands that usually work

The table shows commands such as these that many robots support. Treat them as examples, not exact scripts. Exact phrasing varies by brand, by model and by region, and some features, such as room cleaning or mopping modes, may need a newer robot or are only available in the maker's own app. Your maker's skill or support page lists what your robot understands.

Brand notes and routines

Eufy, Shark, Roborock, Dreame, Ecovacs and iRobot all offer Alexa and Google support on their app-connected models, but the depth varies. Some skills only start, stop and dock the robot; others can clean named rooms or change suction. Older or entry-level models without Wi-Fi cannot be voice controlled at all. If voice control matters to you, check the listing and the maker's site before buying; our Eufy robot vacuums compared and Shark robot vacuum range guides cover app features by model.

Routines are where voice assistants become more useful. In the Alexa or Google Home app you can create a routine that starts the robot when everyone leaves, or a phrase such as "tidy up" that runs the robot and turns on lights. Mopping robots can be included too, but water level and mop settings are usually best set in the maker's app.

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When voice control does not work

Most problems come from the link between accounts rather than the robot. Check the robot works from the maker's app first; if it does not, fix that, as voice control cannot work without it. Our guide to robot vacuum Wi-Fi not connecting covers network issues.

If the app works but the assistant does not, disable and re-enable the skill or unlink and relink the service in Google Home, signing in with the same maker account. Run device discovery again, check the robot's name has not changed, and try a simpler command. If you have two maker accounts, make sure the robot is on the one you linked.

Frequently asked questions

Does a robot mop work with Alexa? Many robot vacuum and mop combos do, through the maker's Alexa skill. Usually you can start and stop cleaning by voice, while mopping settings such as water level are set in the maker's app. Check what your model's skill supports.

What are the Eufy RoboVac Alexa commands? On app-connected Eufy models, commands such as start, stop and send home are commonly supported once the Eufy skill is linked. The exact list depends on the model and app version, so check Eufy's support pages.

What Shark robot vacuum Alexa commands are there? With the Shark skill linked, commands such as starting, stopping and docking the robot are typical, and some models support room cleaning. Phrasing can differ, so check Shark's skill description in the Alexa app.

Do I need a smart speaker to use voice control? No. The Alexa app and Google Assistant on your phone can send commands too, but a speaker is more convenient around the home.