What to do if the Tapo Robot Vacuum shows an overlapping/slanted/distorted map
Recent updates may have expanded access to feature(s) discussed in this FAQ. Visit your product's support page, select the correct hardware version for your device, and check either the Datasheet or the firmware section for the latest improvements added to your product. Please note that product availability varies by region, and certain models may not be available in your region.
When the robot vacuum shows an overlapping, slanted, or distorted map, it may "get lost," leading to issues such as not cleaning properly, failing to return to charge, or bumping into things, which greatly affects the user experience.
Why do robot vacuums develop overlapping/slanted/distorted maps?
This issue typically occurs due to the following factors.
1. Environmental interference
The vacuum gets trapped circling chair legs or slips on wet surfaces, causing “ghost maps” (phantom overlapping layouts).
Common triggers: U-shaped chairs, wet floors/carpets.
2. Human intervention conflicts
Physically relocating the robot vacuum or obstacles mid-cleaning creates errors in mapping.
Common triggers: moving furniture mid-cleaning, carrying the robot vacuum between floors or rooms with similar layouts during cleaning.
How to avoid creating overlapping/slanted/distorted maps
Certainly, some methods can avoid this issue. To minimize the occurrence of this problem, please refer to the following suggestions.
1. Make sure the charging dock is correctly placed against the wall, with no obstacles within 0.5m (1.6ft) on the sides and 1.5m (4.9ft) in front.
2. Regularly maintain the LiDAR sensor.
1) For Tapo RV30 series and RV30 Max series, please check if there is any hair or paper debris stuck in the LiDAR sensor and clean it.
2) For Tapo RV20 series and RV20 Max series, please use a soft cloth to gently wipe the LiDAR sensor.
3. Avoid using it on damp carpets.
4. Do not frequently move large objects like boxes, tables, and sofas unless necessary.
5. Avoid manually dragging the robot vacuum during cleaning.
6. If the robot vacuum struggles to cross thresholds or chair legs, consider removing the mop or adding spacers to improve its obstacle-crossing ability.
7. If the robot frequently gets stuck in narrow areas or under sofas, consider adding No-Go Zones. For more details, please refer to Feature 3 of the How to optimize and edit Map of Tapo Robot Vacuum.
8. If there are similarly laid-out rooms or long corridors, consider placing some objects to enhance the robot's recognition ability.
What to do if the Tapo Robot Vacuum has an overlapping/slanted/distorted map?
There’s no need to worry too much. If this issue occurs, please refer to the following suggestions to fix it.
1. Create a New Map and Use the Lock Map Feature
1) Create a new map by the path: Tapo App > Robot Vacuum > Map > Map Management > Click the "+" icon.
2) After creating the correct new map, please lock it by the Path: Tapo App > Robot Vacuum > Map > Map Management > Lock Map. For more details, please refer to step 3 of How to create a complete Map of Tapo Robot Vacuum.
Note: Tapo RV30 series do not support this feature.
2. Create a New Map and Use the Backup & Restore Feature (for Tapo RV30 Series)
1) Create a new map by the path: Tapo App > Robot Vacuum > Map > Map Management > Click the "+" icon.
2) After creating the correct new map, please back it up by the path: Tapo App > Robot Vacuum > Map > Map Management > Click “Map Backup & Restore”. If the issue occurs again, go to the same path and restore the map in one tap. For more details, please refer to step 4 of the How to create a complete Map of Tapo Robot Vacuum.
