Robot vacuum displays E13 and cannot find or dock with the base station reliably.

Safety first: Unplug the dock before cleaning.

• Clean IR windows: On the robot, locate the front-facing IR receiver window and wipe it with a soft, dry cloth. On the dock, clean the IR emitter window and any plastic covers.
• Reposition dock: Place the dock against a flat wall with at least 0.5 m (1.5 ft) of clear space on each side and 1.5 m (5 ft) in front. Avoid mirrors or glass directly opposite the dock.
• Test return-to-dock: Plug the dock back in, place the robot a few meters away, and press the Home/Dock button. Observe if it can see and approach the dock.
• Check for bright light: Strong sunlight or IR sources can interfere with docking. Test in a dimmer environment.
• Service if needed: If E13 persists and the robot cannot detect the dock even at close range, the docking sensor or mainboard may need replacement.

Warning: Do not cover the dock's front face or place it behind furniture; the robot needs a clear line of sight to dock correctly.