Tapo RV30 Max Plus not vacuuming carpet

Tapo RV30 Max Plus not vacuuming carpet

Tapo RV30 Max Plus not vacuuming carpet
Tapo RV30 Max Plus not vacuuming carpet
2026-01-18 00:08:58
Model: Tapo RV30 Max Plus  
Hardware Version: V20
Firmware Version: newest

I have the Tapo RV30 Max Plus. I couldn't find the hardware version but the firmware has been updated as per today 17 January 2026. 

Issue:
The vacuum does not vacuum my black and white carpet, despite having added the carpet on the map and adding carpet boost. I keep getting the error ''cliff sensors obstructed'' but they are not obstructed. 
For reference: I have hardwood floor and multiple carpets but it will not clean the livingroom carpet. 
The carpet in question is black and white, Medium-pile carpet.


The vacuum is less than a month old but not vacuuming the carpet is a dealbreaker. I had the same model in another place which was able to handle a cream coloured carpet with higher density than my current carpet, without issues. 


Things I have tried that did not work:
- Putting the vacuum on different spots on the carpet
- Checking for more updates for Tapo app & my phone (fully updated)
- Deleting and creating a new map > both with and without adding the carpet area (still same error)
- Creating a new map, only for the carpet (same cliff sensor error)
- Putting tape over the cliff sensors trying to eliminate the cliff sensor issue alltogether (also resulted in the same error)

I did not see any option to turn off or do any settings regarind the cliff sensors in-app.

Spot cleaning works until a certain extent (so it's not the carpet density that's the issue), however, I am looking for a hands-off solution to this issue. Spot cleaning for my large carpet is not feasible.
 

Please let me know as soon as possible how to fix this so I remain within the return window.

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#1
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5 Reply
Re:Tapo RV30 Max Plus not vacuuming carpet
3 weeks ago

  @daanos 

 

For your case, we recommend sending an email to support.forum@tp-link.com with the following information for further assistance:
Subject: [Forum Escalation][ID 855228] Tapo RV30 Max Plus not vacuuming carpet
Forum Nickname: daanos
Thread URL: https://community.tp-link.com/en/smart-home/forum/topic/855228
Product Info (Model, Hardware&Firmware Versions, Mac address, etc)[User Provided]
Description: [User Provided]
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#2
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Re:Tapo RV30 Max Plus not vacuuming carpet
3 weeks ago

  @daanos 

I noticed that I am not the only person with this issue. I think it would be helpful for other users if communication and a potential solution stays in forum, as other posts were taken off forum and no solution was posted.
 

Thanks.

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#3
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Re:Tapo RV30 Max Plus not vacuuming carpet
3 weeks ago

  @daanos 

 

Since multiple users are reporting the same cliff sensor issue on high-contrast and black carpets and no solution has been posted on the forum, could you please clarify:
 

  • Whether this is a known limitation of the RV30 Max Plus cliff sensor algorithm?

  • If a firmware update is planned to address patterned or dark carpets?

  • Or if this model is officially incompatible with high-contrast carpets?
     

This information could help other affected users decide whether the product is suitable for their homes.

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#4
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Re:Tapo RV30 Max Plus not vacuuming carpet
2 weeks ago

  @daanos 

 

If an issue is exceptional and lacks standard troubleshooting steps, it should be handled individually by the support team for further investigation.

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#5
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Re:Tapo RV30 Max Plus not vacuuming carpet
Thursday

  @daanos 

Update: TAPO has confirmed behind the scenes they do NOT have a solution for high contrast carpets (they waited outside the return window and weeks of emails to tell me this).

So for anyone with black and white or other high contrast carpets thinking of buying a Tapo: be prepared you will have to clean your carpets yourself or look further.

This issue has been reported by multiple users over years and TAPO has not fixed this which leads me to believe this is not a software issue, this has to do with hardware used and limitations of the hardware. 

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#6
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