i just got it and the app won't connect to the robot during setup, stuck on 'searching for device'.

Diagnosis

The "Searching for Device" hang occurs because the Roborock Q7 Max cannot establish a handshake between the Roborock app and the robot's internal Wi-Fi module. This is almost always caused by a frequency mismatch or a security protocol conflict. The Q7 Max is strictly a 2.4GHz device; it cannot "see" or communicate with 5GHz bands. If your router uses "Smart Connect" (merging 2.4GHz and 5GHz into one SSID), the robot often fails to authenticate because the phone is trying to pass 5GHz credentials to a 2.4GHz receiver.

Additionally, mobile security features like VPNs, Ad-blockers (like NextDNS or Pi-hole), and "Private Address" (MAC randomization) on iOS and Android often mask the device's identity. When the app searches for the robot, it looks for a specific broadcast packet from the robot's temporary setup hotspot (usually named 'roborock-vacuum-xxxx'). If your phone's security settings are too aggressive, the OS blocks this "unsecured" local connection, leaving the app stuck in a loop of searching for a device that is technically broadcasting but invisible to the app's permissions.

How to Fix It

Follow these exact steps to force a successful handshake:

1. Hard Reset Wi-Fi: Press and hold the "Spot Clean" button and the "Dock" button simultaneously for 3 seconds. You will hear a voice prompt saying "Resetting Wi-Fi." This clears any cached failed attempts and restarts the internal broadcast module.
2. Disable 5GHz Temporarily: Log into your router settings (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1). Temporarily disable the 5GHz band or create a separate Guest Network specifically named "Roborock_Home" that is locked to 2.4GHz only.
3. Phone Configuration: Turn off your mobile data (LTE/5G) and disable any active VPNs. On iPhones, go to Settings > Wi-Fi > [Your Network] and toggle "Private Wi-Fi Address" to OFF.
4. Manual Connection: Before opening the app, go to your phone's Wi-Fi settings. Look for the network named "roborock-vacuum-xxxx". Manually connect to this network. If it says "Connected, no internet," that is normal.
5. App Execution: Open the Roborock app. Now that the phone is physically bridged to the robot, the "Searching for Device" phase should be bypassed, and you will be prompted to select your home Wi-Fi network and enter the password.
6. Finalize: Once the app confirms the connection, the robot will reboot its Wi-Fi module to join your router. You can now re-enable your 5GHz band and mobile data.

If That Didn't Work

• Change DNS Settings: If the robot connects but then says "Connection Failed" at 99%, change your router's DNS settings to Google's Public DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4). Some ISP-provided DNS servers block the specific ports Roborock uses to communicate with its cloud servers.
• Router Firewall Adjustment: Ensure that Port 80, 443, and 8080 are open. Some high-security firewalls block these ports, preventing the robot from completing the "Cloud Registration" phase of the setup.
• Try a Different Device: Use a secondary tablet or phone as a "bridge." Set up the robot using a different device on the same network; once the robot is registered to your account, it will appear on your primary phone regardless of the initial setup hurdles.
• Update Firmware via App: If you manage to connect but it immediately disconnects, check for a firmware update. Early batches of the Q7 Max had a bug in the Wi-Fi chip that is resolved in the latest version.

Heads Up

• Password Restrictions: Avoid using special characters (like !, @, #, $) in your Wi-Fi password. The Q7 Max sometimes struggles to parse complex symbols, leading to an "Incorrect Password" error even when the password is correct.
• Signal Strength: Ensure the robot is placed on its dock in the same room as the router during the initial setup. Once it is paired, you can move the dock to its permanent location.
• Avoid Mesh Handoff: If you have a Mesh Wi-Fi system (like Eero or Google Nest), the robot may try to jump between nodes during setup, causing the connection to drop. Move the robot closer to the main hub for the first pairing.
• Battery Level: Ensure the robot is fully charged or sitting on the dock. If the battery is below 20%, the Wi-Fi module may enter a power-saving mode that disrupts the pairing process.