# Robot mower not charging or not docking Source: https://mowandedge.co.uk/blog/robot-mower-not-charging Published: 2026-10-12 Publisher: Mow and Edge **In short:** When a robot mower will not charge or dock, the cause is usually one of four things, checked in this order: dirty or corroded charging contacts, a dock that is not level or has moved, a guide or boundary wire fault near the station, or a battery that is worn or too cold or too deeply discharged to accept charge. Clean, level and test before you suspect the battery, and use a dealer for battery or board faults. A robot mower that bumps the station and drives off again, sits on the dock without charging, or will not turn on at all is one of the most common faults owners report. The good news is that the first three causes are cheap and quick to fix yourself. This guide takes you through the checks in a sensible order, explains what a worn battery looks like, and covers the case of a mower, such as a larger Automower, that will not power on after winter. ## Before you start Work safely. The mower can start on a schedule, and the dock is connected to mains power through a low voltage supply. Make sure the mower cannot run and the station is unplugged before you touch contacts or wire. Note: Press the stop button and switch the mower off or disable it with the PIN. Unplug the charging station's power supply before cleaning contacts or checking wire. Never lift a running robot, and wear gloves near the blades. If a battery is swollen, hot, leaking or smells, stop using it and contact the maker or a dealer. Follow the manual. ## Step 1: clean the charging contacts The mower charges through metal contact strips or plates on the mower and the station. Grass sap, dust and moisture leave a film that stops current flowing, and in a wet UK summer they can also tarnish. Clean contacts are the single most common fix for a robot mower not charging. Use a dry cloth first, then a soft brush or a fine abrasive pad if the manual allows it. Avoid metal brushes that scratch deeply, and do not use oil or grease unless the maker recommends a contact protector. Check that the contacts on the station are not bent, loose or pushed down, and that nothing is stuck between them. 1. Unplug the station and disable the mower. 2. Wipe the mower's contacts and the station's contacts with a dry cloth. 3. Remove any tarnish gently as the manual allows. 4. Check for bent, loose or damaged contact plates. 5. Reconnect power and let the mower dock from a short distance. ## Step 2: check the dock position and level Docks need firm, level ground and a straight, clear approach. If the station has shifted, sunk on one side or sits on a slope, the mower may arrive at an angle and miss the contacts, or touch them only lightly. Many manuals specify a flat area in front of and behind the station and a limit on any slope at the dock, so check the figures for your model. Re-peg the base plate, pack soft ground or set the station on a firm level pad, and clear grass, leaves or debris from the plate. If you have added a garage, make sure it is not catching the mower's cover; see [robot mower garages](https://mowandedge.co.uk/blog/robot-mower-garage-explained). A slope at the dock that looks gentle can be steep in percentage terms. ## Step 3: guide wire and boundary faults near the dock On wired mowers, the boundary and guide wires connect at the station. If a wire end is loose or corroded, or the boundary runs at the wrong angle into the station, the mower may wander on the way home or miss the dock. On many models a guide wire leads the mower back; a break in it means the mower searches along the boundary instead and may take a long time or run flat. Check the station's indicator light, re-seat the wire ends and look for corrosion. Compare the wire layout in front of the station with your manual's diagram, which usually asks for a straight run of wire into the dock. If the mower shows a loop or boundary message, our [no loop signal guide](https://mowandedge.co.uk/blog/husqvarna-automower-no-loop-signal) explains how to trace a break. Wire-free models instead need a clear sky view or clear sight lines near the dock. ## Step 4: is it the battery? If the mower docks well and the contacts are clean but run times are getting very short, the battery may be worn. Lithium-ion capacity drops gradually with age and charge cycles. Charging can also pause when the battery is too hot or too cold; on a hot afternoon, shade or a ventilated shelter helps. A mower that will not turn on at all, for example after winter storage, may have a battery that has discharged deeply. Check the main switch first, then place the mower on a powered station and leave it for the time your manual suggests. If it still will not power on, do not keep trying; contact an authorised dealer, who can test the battery and electronics. This applies to larger models such as the Automower 500 series as much as compact ones. | What you see | More likely | Next step | | --- | --- | --- | | Docks but never shows charging | Contacts or station power | Clean contacts, check station light | | Charges but runs only briefly | Worn battery | Check app battery health, ask a dealer | | Charging stops on hot days | Battery temperature protection | Shade the dock, allow airflow | | Will not power on after winter | Deep discharge or fault | Charge on dock, then dealer | Battery or not? Quick signs ## Preventing charging problems Clean the contacts and the dock plate every couple of weeks in the season, keep the approach clear of leaves, and check the station is level after heavy rain. Before winter, clean and fully charge the mower and store it indoors as the manual advises, then charge again before the first run in spring. If you are replacing an older mower, our [best robot lawn mower guide](https://mowandedge.co.uk/best/best-robot-lawn-mower) compares current models, and the [small garden guide](https://mowandedge.co.uk/best/best-robot-mower-for-small-garden) covers compact ones. [Compare robot lawn mowers](https://mowandedge.co.uk/best/best-robot-lawn-mower) ## Frequently asked questions **Why is my robot lawn mower not charging on the dock?** Most often the contacts are dirty or the mower is arriving at an angle because the dock has moved. Clean both sets of contacts and level the station before suspecting the battery. **Why will my Husqvarna Automower not turn on?** Check the main switch, then charge it on a powered station for the time the manual gives. After winter, a deeply discharged battery may need a dealer to test it. The exact procedure varies by model. **How long does a robot mower battery last?** Several seasons is common with good care, but it depends on use, heat and winter storage. Shorter and shorter run times are the usual sign of wear. **Can I fit a new robot mower battery myself?** On some models the manual allows it with the maker's battery; on others it is a dealer job. Never fit a non approved battery. ## Buying guides on this topic - https://mowandedge.co.uk/best/best-robot-lawn-mower - https://mowandedge.co.uk/best/best-robot-mower-for-small-garden - https://mowandedge.co.uk/best/husqvarna-automower-models-compared ## Sources - [Husqvarna UK](https://www.husqvarna.com/uk/)