Charging is a critical step in maintaining the performance and extending the life of your robot vacuum. Proper charging techniques will not only ensure your device always runs efficiently, but will also help prevent some common problems and malfunctions. In this guide, we'll take a closer look at how to charge your robot vacuum, common charging issues and solutions, and factors that affect charging time.
Charging Steps
Set Up the Charging Dock: Place the dock on a flat, hard surface with at least 1.5 feet of clear space on either side and about 4 feet in front. Plug the charging dock into a power outlet and ensure the power indicator light is on.
Prepare Your Robot Vacuum: Turn on the robot vacuum if it has a power switch. Withdraw any protective film or cover from the robot vacuum cleaner and its battery.
Dock the Vacuum: Hold the robot vacuum cleaner on the charging cradle. It is important to ensure that the charging contacts on the vacuum cleaner are aligned with the charging contacts on the charging cradle. Narwal’s robot vacuums will automatically start charging when placed correctly, while others may require pressing a button to initiate charging.
Monitor Charging: Confirm that the vacuum cleaner is charging by checking its display or indicator lights. Common indicator lights include flashing lights or battery icons. Leave the vacuum cleaner fully charged, especially before using it for the first time. This typically takes a few hours.

Why It Cannot Be Charged and How to Fix It?
Dirty Charging Contacts: Dirt and debris can block the connection between the vacuum cleaner and its charging cradle. When cleaning, switch off the robot vacuum and remove it from the base. Then gently wipe the contacts on the hoover and the base with a soft, clean, dry cloth. With more stubborn dirt, use a cotton swab dipped in topical alcohol; reconnect the contacts once they are dry.
Faulty Charging Dock: A faulty charging base can also be a significant factor in the charging process. Ensure the dock is on a flat surface and not obstructed. Since the base is usually placed on the floor, it is often susceptible to damage from accidental impact by pets and children. Consult the manufacturer's support staff for possible repair or replacement options if there is damage.
Power Connection: Poor circuit contact will result in charging failure. Check that the base is securely plugged into a functioning electrical outlet.
Software Issues: The root cause may be the software if the auto-vac itself and the docking station show no signs of damage or problems. Under some circumstances, a smart vacuum cleaner may not recognize its charging cradle due to a software error. Just a simple reset of the vacuum can resolve charging issues. Refer to your user manual for reset instructions.
Battery Degradation: The battery degrades over time and loses its ability to recharge. It may be time to replace them if your Floor Cleaning Robot is having trouble maintaining power. The battery should normally be replaced every 2 to 3 years, depending on usage and climate. Review the manufacturer's battery life expectancy guide and replacement instructions.
Factors That Affect Charging Time

Battery Type: In comparison to nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries, lithium-ion batteries charge faster and last longer.
Battery Capacity: Higher capacity batteries, measured in milliampere-hours (mAh), take longer to charge but provide longer runtime.
Usage Patterns: Intensive and frequent use will drain the battery faster and require more frequent recharging.
Environmental Conditions: Operating in a cluttered or uneven environment causes more strain on the battery.
Charging Habits: Keeping the robot vacuum on its charging dock when not in use prevents deep discharge cycles, which can degrade battery health.
Narwal Freo Robot Vacuum & Mop Series: Fast charging, long battery life
Narwal has been at the forefront of the smart home with its wide range of robotic service solutions, including the popular Freo series. As the leading robot vacuum brand, our latest models, specifically the Narwal Freo X Ultra, feature a durable design and innovative technology to deliver professional, efficient cleaning.
Do you want to buy a robot vacuum? Please check out our products and guides below to learn about the battery efficiency of your robot:
Narwal Freo X Ultra

Thanks to its intelligent cleaning system, the Narwal Freo X Ultra excels in both vacuuming and mopping. This robot vacuum also boasts excellent battery performance, with a high-capacity (5200mAh) lithium-ion battery that can be quickly recharged and fully charged in just 2.5 hours.
A single charge provides up to 3.5 hours of runtime, and this extended battery life ensures that its powerful sweeping and mopping functions work perfectly without frequent interruptions in charging. In addition, the intelligent Battery Management System (BMS) optimizes battery usage and prevents overcharging and deep discharging, significantly extending battery life.
Narwal Freo X Plus

Like the Ultra, the Narwal Freo X Plus has a powerful 5200mAh battery that fully charges in around 2.5 hours. With a long battery life of up to 210 minutes per charge, it's perfect for larger homes or more extensive cleaning tasks. What's more, its battery is highly stable, meaning you won't experience a drop in runtime, remaining efficient throughout its lifespan.
Narwal Freo

Suitable for smaller homes or apartments, the standard Narwal Freo model has a battery life of around 210 minutes and a charge time of 2.5 hours. Although it is a basic model, it still includes advanced features found in other Freo variants. Energy efficiency of the hoover is a big plus. It provides powerful suction while consuming a minimum amount of power, which is both environmentally friendly and cost-effective.
Feature |
Narwal Freo X Ultra |
Narwal Freo X Plus |
Narwal Freo |
Suction Power |
8200 Pa |
7800 Pa |
3000 Pa |
Roller Brush |
Zero-Tangling Floating Brush |
Zero-Tangling Floating Brush |
Rubber & Bristle Brush |
Sensor Arrays |
Tri-Laser Infrared Ultrasonic |
Tri-Laser Infrared Ultrasonic |
LDS Infrared Ultrasonic |
Battery Life |
3.5 Hours |
3.5 Hours |
3.5 Hours |
DirtSense™ 1.0 |
YES |
NO |
YES |
DirtSense™ 2.0 |
YES |
YES |
NO |
Mopping Pressure |
12N |
6N |
12N |
Mop Pad Design |
Dual Spinning & Scrubbing Reuleaux Triangular Mops |
Streak-free Mopping |
Dual Spinning & Scrubbing Reuleaux Triangular Mops |
Auto Mop Lifting |
12mm |
9mm |
12mm |
Auto Mop Washing & Drying |
YES |
NO |
YES |
Control Method |
App, Alexa, Siri, Google |
App, Alexa, Siri, Google |
App, Alexa, Siri, Google |
Dustbin/Dust Bag Capacity |
1L disposable bag / dustbin |
1L disposable bag / dustbin |
500ml dustbin |
Item Weight |
38.9 pounds |
11.47 pounds |
38.6 pounds |
Batteries Required |
1 Lithium Ion battery (included) |
1 Lithium Ion battery (included) |
1 Lithium Ion battery (included) |
Conclusion
Properly charging your robot vacuum is key to its performance and longevity. You can make sure your vacuum cleaner is always ready for the next cleaning by following the steps outlined in this guide. The Narwal Freo series stands out with its powerful performance, advanced features, and ease of use, making it an excellent choice for any household.
FAQs
Is it bad to keep charging?
No, keeping your robot vacuum on the charging dock when not in use is recommended. Modern robot vacuums are designed to manage their charging cycles efficiently, preventing overcharging.
When the robot vacuum is running, should I unplug the base charger?
No, you should keep the base charger plugged in while the robot vacuum is in operation. It ensures that the vacuum cleaner can be returned to the base and recharged as needed to maintain continuous cleaning performance.