Where do I order one of those children that entertains themselves? I seem to have received a faulty version.

[RoomOnOurBroom]

I've looked in Tesco, but they don't seem to stock them (although delivery slots would be a challenge anyway). You know the model I'm talking about, the child that is supposedly happy to colour/draw/build lego/write poems/read books (other options are available apparently) on their own, or even with a parent. I see them everywhere on social media, with their amazing creations, grinning widely. Apparently all I have to do is get them to watch someone called Joe Wicks every morning and they should start bouncing around the house in excitement. Mine just makes an unpleasant whining sound and then screams at me. I have been following the recommended instructions ie routines, regular feeding, making things fun, making things boring. Nothing seems to work.

Anyone else with a faulty model? Can I get a refund? How do I get one that works properly?

Erm no, sorry, I think there's a no returns policy. Believe me, I tried.

If it's any consolation, eventually they seem to reboot to factory settings and then it gets better. Mine's very good at entertaining herself completely now. I think the reboot happened around her 15th birthday.

How long have you had this model? It could still be under guarantee from the manufacturer.

Sadly no refund. I have one of one model, who is a joy and a delight to be in lockdown with and one of the other versions, who frankly is a total pain in the arse. And yes, I'm feeling bad for feeling like this!

Ive got 3 faulty ones 😭

15t?! My model is only 8 years old. There has to be an early reset switch somewhere...

Birdling, you have my sympathies. I can't imagine having 3 malfunctioning models to handle at once.

I currently have a very unreliable model. Sometimes she is absolutely brilliant. Other days she seems to malfunction for very odd reasons - the wrong coloured cup, not being allowed to run into the road etc. What's worse is that I'm currently expecting delivery of a second model...

Oh Lordy. You would hope that the manufacturer would take feedback and ensure the second model complied with The. Whole. Worlds. expectations (version 6.35).

Surely there is a manual somewhere for this model? Mine arrived with several handbooks but they seemed geared towards other models. They did make very useful hamster bedding however.

Yes I think mine is faulty to.at 19 months my non walker but very much a talker sits and dictates whilst I try to work. My friends talk of these strange creatures that run around wearing themselves out and dont talk at all. I'm so jealous. Mine not only talks but baby signs for maximum guilt when I'm in a meeting and she wants a cuddle. 10 more weeks to go!

You may need to just wait for it to reboot?
Mine haven't been working properly for the last two weeks with loads of interrupted service, but a weekend of downtime, and suddenly this morning they started functioning properly! I haven't heard a peep from either unit today, and I've got loads of my own work done.
Don't take it back for a refund just yet.

The place I got my two from has closed for business, so I have no way of returning them...

Is a reboot guaranteed at 15? I work with lots of models this age and it seems a bit haphazard. Some do indeed reboot, as repeated. However, others just seem to continue to malfunction!

My 8yo is the same. Can’t even chuck her into the garden without her moaning that she wants me to come too 😩

Mine work slightly better when plugged into the charger units overnight, they're quite cute then.

But yes, I hear you.

Mines second hand, the description I was given was way off, we’re past the returns window.

My models both need significant work and have several ‘entertaining themselves’ glitches. Am hoping to be furloughed and receive 80% of the adorableness/hugs/fun but not actually have to put in any input.

I had one like this so I just put it in the shed with all the other broken stuff, locked the door and forgot about it. Several years later I decided to clear out the shed and after a few hours in the sunshine the faulty model rebooted itself and has been working fine since. So, I suggest you threaten ask it nicely if it would be happier living in the shed until it is 15yrs old. See if that works.

You can download a Minecraft patch that helps with the bugging.me.constantly bug. Downside: whenever the Minecraft update is disabled, the whining is doubled. Your call. 🤷‍♀️🍷

I have one of these too. I've had it about five years, how long have you had yours OP? Could it have been a bad batch? Are we sure there hasn't been a recall?

Mine is from the 2014 batch. It says the sunshine hurts its eyes therefore neither of us are allowed in the garden. Clearly mine is faulty, the advert suggested they were compatible with gardens?

I'd agree with the 15 year reboot. I've been particularly pleased that it, so far, features a 'daily showering' option and an 'occasionally helpful' feature. There seems to be a slight fault in as much as some sort of magnetic attraction to the fridge but all things considered, it could be worse.

@NellMangel I have the 2014 model too. It also consistently whines about the sun being too bright and therefore no time must be spent outside.

It also never stops beeping... must be a manufacturer issue.

I wish returns were extended like everywhere else

Ive got one that works perfectly. (unless the battery's are running low and it requires a reboost of boobs ONLY) the other I think is faulty. The volume seems to be stuck on LOUD, the remote doesnt seem to turn it down or off!
1st is nearly 2 years old, the other is nearly 5!

Yes the volume switch on my model has never worked. I've found that the strange whining noise stops if I plug it into a monitor or if I attach 2 wheels. Not tried both at once yet as that seems a little over the top.
I hadn't considered the shed option though, I might give it a go.

Have you tried switching it off and on again?