The Roomba j7 and j7+ are two of the best robot vacuums on the market, and if you opt into a fairly new beta, they only become more enticing. When signing up for the Remote Check-In beta, you’ll get to use your robot vacuum as a makeshift security camera — allowing you to “check in” on your home while you’re away.

The company opened the feature to select owners in November, but the company is just now rolling it out to a larger audience. In fact, if you have a Roomba j7 or j7+ at home, there’s a good chance you received a notification from your companion smartphone app telling you about the service. There are still some serious limitations to the beta (it only works with iOS devices and is supported by just a handful of products in the j7 lineup), but if you get the notification, there’s no harm in checking out the cool new feature.

If you’re eligible for the Remote Check-In feature, you’ll be able to opt into the beta by navigating to the Beta menu at the bottom of your screen. After doing that, you should be able to start a Remote Check-In session by pressing the New Job button at the top of your screen, then selecting Check-In.

You can also check out the official blog from iRobot if you’re having trouble getting it to work.

Remote Check-In isn’t anything too fancy (in fact, similar features can already be found on competitors, such as the Ecovacs Deebot T10 Omni), but it’s great to see iRobot bringing new features to some of the most popular robots in its lineup. And if your j7 is placed in the right location, it can effectively remove the need for an indoor security camera — although its low viewing angle might make it less than ideal for some rooms.

Beyond simply checking in from its dock, you can create manual viewpoints for the j7, which allow your robot to travel to different locations in your home and act as a makeshift security guard.

If you’re interested in using the Remote Check-In feature, be sure to load up your Roomba app and see if you have an alert about the latest beta.

Related Posts

Top Smart Home Upgrades Worth Making Before Your Summer Break

Modern smart home technology makes those situations easier to manage. Today's connected devices can do far more than record footage or send motion alerts. They can help homeowners monitor outdoor spaces around the clock, stay informed about important activity, communicate with visitors remotely, and manage entry without needing to be physically present. Instead of constantly checking in or wondering whether everything is running smoothly back home, the right setup can provide greater visibility, convenience, and peace of mind throughout the season.

EZVIZ Sets a New Benchmark for Battery Powered Home Surveillance

This shift has also raised expectations. Modern users want more than clear video. They expect smart detection, reliable monitoring, seamless smart home integration, and solutions that adapt to different property sizes and lifestyles. As one of the world's leading smart home camera brands, EZVIZ has responded by building one of the industry's most comprehensive portfolios of battery-powered cameras. The lineup is designed to serve every living situation, whether for renters or owners of apartments, condominiums, or villas. From accessible options for everyday monitoring to advanced multi-lens systems for larger and more demanding environments, the portfolio reflects a strong focus on innovation, user-centric design, and real-world needs.

Beatbot AquaSense X review: The pool cleaner for those that want to be pampered

Quick take: