Haus»Roomba Error Codes (Light Codes): The Complete Guide
maintenance
Robert Tichelaar
16.09.2022

Knapp:When there is a problem with a Roomba robot vacuum, a red light will illuminate accompanied by an error code and error message. This "light code" tells you what's happening and what you can do to fix the problem.
If an iRobot Roomba has a problem, it will alert you with a red light. The light ring on the top of the robot vacuum may remain lit or start flashing. This is accompanied by an error message and an error code. These codes, also called light codes, tell you exactly what is happening and what you can do. But of course you have to know what each light code means.
I've researched and collected all possible error codes. On this page you will find a complete guide with all the corresponding codes and solutions.
How do I find out what error code it is?
ONERoomba with red lightit means there is a problem. When there is a red light, you can press the CLEAN button to hear what's happening. Roomba will tell you exactly what the problem is, followed by an error code. To repeat the error message, you can press the CLEAN button or the front bumper.

Is there ablue light on Roomba🇧🇷 Then there is no problem; indicates that the robot vacuum is busy with something.
Different Roomba error codes by series
Several overviews are available for error messages of the specific Roomba series. For example, the Roomba i Series has its own list of error codes, as does the Roomba 800 Series and Roomba J Series.
The biggest difference between these light codes is the number: For example, you only get 11 error messages with the Roomba 800, with the extensive J series there are over 40. However, the numbers of these codes indicate the same problem. For example, on all Roomba series, error code 1 means the left wheel is stuck and/or Roomba is stuck.
The biggest difference between these light codes is the number: For example, the Roomba 800 only has 11 error messages, while the extensive J series has more than 40
All Roomba error codes at a glance
It's time to list all Roomba error codes so you can quickly know how to solve the problem. I have listed all the errors in the table below.
code error | error message | Weil | solution |
---|---|---|---|
mistake 1 | irregular surface | Left wheel is locked or Roomba is stuck | Lift Roomba off the floor and place it on a level surface |
mistake2 | Clean brushes | The floor brush can no longer rotate | Clean brushes |
mistake3 | irregular surface | Right wheel is locked or Roomba is stuck | Lift Roomba off the floor and place it on a level surface |
mistake4 | clean the wheels | The left wheel is locked | Check and clean the wheel. |
mistake5 | clean the wheels | The right wheel is locked | Check and clean the wheel |
mistake6 | uncovered cliff | Roomba keeps detecting a cliff | Move Roomba and make sure the sensors are clean |
mistake7 | Rad Problem | The side wheels cannot rotate | Place Roomba on a level surface and restart the activity |
mistake8 | Problem vacuum cleaner | Vacuum cleaner has low suction power | Clean dust container and filter and check for blockages |
mistake9 | bumper | The bumper is blocked | Gently push the bumper to unlock it. |
mistake10 | Rad Problem | The right wheel cannot turn | Check if the wheel or the vacuum robot is blocked |
mistake11 | Problem vacuum cleaner | Vacuum cleaner motor does not start | Check for trapped air. Dismantle the brush deck and manually rotate the motor |
mistake12 | Cliff recognized | Roomba is stuck near a cliff or resting on a dark surface | Make sure the sensors are clean and move Roomba to another location |
mistake13 | irregular surface | Both wheels are on an uneven surface | Lift the robotic vacuum cleaner and place it on a flat surface |
mistake14 | Replace the dust container | Dust bin is not recognized | Check that the dust container and filter are correctly connected |
mistakefifteen | – | Internal error | Often advertised later, after Roomba solves it itself |
mistake16 | Lay on a flat surface | The robot cannot start because it is bent or the bumper is not installed correctly | Place Roomba on a flat surface, press and hold the cleaning button, and resume activities |
mistake17 | navigation problem | The vacuum robot is new territory and cannot return to the charging station. | Pick up Roomba and place it in a familiar environment. resume activities |
mistake18 | fit problem | The robot vacuum cannot park on the charging station | Make sure that nothing is hanging in front of the charging station. |
mistake19 | withdrawal problem | Roomba cannot move away from the charging station | Clear any blockages in the charging station |
mistake20 | – | Internal communication problems | Press the delete key to restart |
mistake21 | – | Internal communication problems | Press the delete key to restart |
mistake22 | Press the delete key to restart... | The robot vacuum cleaner is stuck | Move Roomba to another area and press the reset button |
mistake23 | – | Battery is not recognized | Make sure that the battery is correct and really suitable for your Roomba. Read all aboutRoomba battery changehere |
mistake24 | Lay on a flat surface | The robot vacuum is tilted | Lift Roomba off the floor and place it on a level surface. Restart the cleaning activity |
mistake25 | – | Internal card error | Click the Delete button to continue. If the problem persists, you can do thisReset Roomba |
mistake26 | Problem vacuum cleaner | filter clogging | Check the filter and clean it or replace it with a new one. |
mistake27 | Problem vacuum cleaner | Vacuum Motor Too Hot: Worn motor or clogged filter | It may be necessary to replace the brush deck |
mistake29 | – | Software update error | Place Roomba on the charging station to continue the software update process |
mistake30 | Problem vacuum cleaner | The vacuum cleaner cannot start | Clean Roomba's filter or replace it with a new one. |
mistake32 | – | Smart map does not match the map in the app | Restart Roomba by pressing and holding the button for 9 seconds |
mistake33 | Place in new area | Roomba is unable to clear the path shown on the map | Make sure Roomba has a clear path to clean and remove objects |
mistake34 | – | Internal communication error | Click the Delete button to continue working |
mistake36 | Empty the dust container | The dustbin full sensor is dirty | Thoroughly clean the dust container under running water and let it dry. |
mistake38 | – | Power supply/power communication problem | Press the Delete button to restart the job |
mistake39 | – | Power supply/power communication problem | Press the Delete button to restart the job |
mistake41 | – | Timeout during a cleaning activity | Place Roomba back on the charging station and fully charge it |
mistake42 | – | Roomba no longer understands the location | Check to see if there have been any major changes to the home and make changes. Place Roomba back on the base station and restart it. |
mistake43 | – | Roomba started in a restricted zone | Place your Roomba in a convenient location and restart the cleaning activity. |
mistake46 | low battery level | Very low battery level | Charge Roomba onto the base station |
mistake47 | – | Invalid robot calibration, internal error | Reset and dock Roomba |
mistake48 | Rota do Roomba | Invalid robot calibration, internal error | Make sure there are no objects in the path and remove them if necessary. |
mistake66 | – | full disk space | Place the robot back on the base station, after which it will restart |
mistake68 | – | Camera did not work during cleaning | Restart the robot vacuum if the problem persists |
mistake74 | – | Very large cleaning area | Place Roomba and the base station in the area it couldn't reach and start a new activity. |
mistake75 | – | stick to objects | Remove items and keep Roomba running smoothly |
mistake88 | Couldn't save | Roomba can no longer create backups | Move Roomba to a nearby location and press the cleaning button to resume activity |
mistake89 | Activity takes too long | Roomba has been working for a long time | Look for obstacles and remove them whenever possible |
mistake 1003 | – | Internal communication error | Click the Clean button to restart the cleaning activity |
Is an error code missing or can't find it? please send me a message,
Can you avoid error messages in the future?
As you have probably seen, many error codes have different causes. However, two main factors stand out. On the one hand, the environment seems to be the cause of an error message in many cases. Many error messages arise, for example, when the vacuum robot gets stuck or one of the wheels lands on a surface.
In addition, if the vacuum cleaner is poorly maintained, you can also expect a lot of error messages. For example, you will receive a series of error codes if a blockage can be found in the vacuum robot or if the parts do not (or no longer) connect properly.
To possibly avoid the error codes and error messages in the future, you can use the following tips:
- Make sure the robot vacuum has time and space to get to know your home during installation.
- Before activating Roomba, walk around the room and clean any items on the floor
- Keep iRobot Roomba clean and clean it regularly
Curious about how to properly clean your robot vacuum cleaner and what goes into it? I've written a full guide on how to do thisCleaning Roomba.
In summary:When a Roomba issues an error message, a red light will illuminate. If you press the delete button or the bumper, you can hear what's happening, accompanied by an error code. The error code can help you figure out what you can do to fix the problem.
Sign:Robot vacuum cleanerRoomba vacuum cleaner
Robert Tichelaar
Robbert Tigchelaar is the founder of Vacuumtester.com and a true vacuum guru. With over 10 years of experience in the electronics world, he knows better than anyone what is important in a vacuum cleaner. When a new vacuum cleaner appears, he wants to test it extensively.
FAQs
What do the symbols on my Roomba mean? ›
Solid white: Fully charged. Pulsing bottom half: Robot charged and on dock. Pulsing red: Charging, too low to start cleaning. Solid red: Error (tap Clean for details). Red sweep toward rear: Empty the bin (s Series), Filling the tank (m Series) .
How do I reset my Roomba error? ›Roomba® s Series: Press and hold the CLEAN button on your robot for 20 seconds. When the button is released, the light ring around the bin lid will swirl clockwise in white. It may take up to a minute-and-a-half for your robot to turn on. The reboot procedure is complete when the light ring shuts off.
How do I run a diagnostic on my Roomba? ›- Remove the Roomba from the charging base, make sure there are no leds on like the Clean button.
- Press and hold down both the Home button and Clean button and press the Spot button 6 times.
- Release all buttons and wait for the Roomba to play the BiTs tune.
Factory reset on a Wi-Fi Connected Roomba®
e Series Robots: Press and Hold the Home and Spot Clean and CLEAN button down for 20 seconds then release. 900 Series Robots: Press and Hold the Dock and Spot Clean and CLEAN button down until all LEDs illuminate.
Colour/Icon | What it Means |
---|---|
White | Represents an area where Roomba did not clean (e.g., appliances, clothing pile on the floor) |
Dark Green Dots | Indicates an area where Dirt Detect™ was activated (i.e., areas where the robot found concentrated areas of dirt |
Indicates the location of the Home Base on the map |
- A battery icon will be displayed in the top-right corner, indicating the current status of the battery.
- The CLEAN screen will display "Ready to clean. ...
- The CLEAN screen will display "Ready to clean.
The voltage is to low. A properly charged OEM NiMH battery should have 17 to 17.5 vdc.
What is the life expectancy of a Roomba? ›If you get a more affordable model, like Roomba 675 you can expect a lifespan of up to two years. Go to the higher-end, like the iRobot j7+, and our research and testing suggest you can get five years plus of cleaning with proper maintenance.
How do I reset my Roomba that won't charge? ›But most Roomba models (such as S, I, and 900 Series versions) can be reset by holding the Home, Spot Clean, and Clean buttons simultaneously. Wait until you see a light appear around the Clean button, then let go. If you have a 600 or 800 series Roomba, press those same buttons but wait until you hear the vacuum beep.
What to do if Roomba stops working? ›If your Roomba® i Series Robot Vacuum is not turning on or is not able to charge, rebooting your robot tends to solve most related issues. To reboot your Roomba: Press and hold the CLEAN button for 20 seconds. After you release the button, the light ring will show a white clockwise swirl while it reboots.
How do I run a self diagnostic? ›
Go to Start , then select Settings > Privacy > Diagnostics & feedback. Make sure that the Diagnostic data viewer setting is turned On, and then select Diagnostic Data Viewer.
How often do Roomba parts need to be replaced? ›- Battery. ...
- Clean the side Brushes. ...
- Check the Roller Brush to fix the robot vacuum cleaner. ...
- Remove the dirt from the filter. ...
- Clean the sensors of cleaner. ...
- Unblock the wheels. ...
- Charger can fix a Robot Vacuum Cleaner?
Rebooting Instructions
For some errors, rebooting Roomba may resolve the problem. To reboot Roomba, press and hold CLEAN for 10 seconds until all indicators illuminate, then release. When you release the CLEAN button, you will hear an audible tone signifying a successful reboot.
Full Bin Sensors
Wipe the sensors on your robot with a clean, dry microfiber or soft cotton cloth. Wipe the inner and outer sensor ports on the vacuum bin with a clean, dry microfiber or soft cotton cloth.
...
If yes – Error 2 persists:
- Please inspect the brushes and remove any hair or debris, especially under the end caps. ...
- Reinstall the brushes and re-test the robot: Turn the robot over, place it on a flat surface, and press the CLEAN button.
Dirt Detect™ is a feature that detects those dirt events and displays them as small green dots on a Clean Map™.
How many times does it take for Roomba to map House? ›Roomba® can also learn your home as it cleans. It typically takes three (3) to five (5) cleaning missions or Mapping Runs to generate a fully developed Imprint™ Smart Map that you can then customize and use.
Does Roomba clean during mapping run? ›Mapping runs are completely optional, as your robot will still map while cleaning as long as Smart Maps is activated. A Mapping run is a special mode where your robot will navigate through your home without cleaning so that it can run longer on a single battery charge.
Can Roomba battery be replaced? ›Loosen the five (5) screws that retain the bottom cover with a cross head screwdriver. Unclip the original battery to remove it from the robot. Insert the replacement battery in the battery well. The battery tab will secure it into place.
How do I check my Roomba battery? ›
The battery level indicator in the iRobot HOME App will let you know when the battery is fully charged on the base and if the battery needs to be charged. The indicator is located on top of the CLEAN button on the screen and appears as a battery icon.
Does Roomba light stay on while charging? ›The light on the Home Base® will go on for approximately four (4) seconds and then turn off and remain off while the robot continues to charge. The light ring on your robot will illuminate to signal that it is charging.
What do you do when you see the red light flashing on a robot? ›It means that the auto program is in "Pause" mode, which means the robot will not depart from the Base Station automatically and will only depart by pressing manually on the operation keypad.
Why is my robot blinking red? ›Flashing red indicates a problem with battery charging. Either the charger is bad, or the charging circuit in your Roomba is bad.
What does red light on vacuum mean? ›Upright Vacuum: Why is my vacuum cleaner's red light always on? When the dirt sensor lights stays red constantly, dirty sensor eyes or a failed dirt sensor control board could be causing the problem. Unplug the vacuum cleaner and clean the sensor eyes using a soft, dry cloth.
How long are Roombas under warranty? ›Each eligible product sold at iRobot comes with a limited one-year warranty.
Does Roomba have a lifetime warranty? ›RobotShop announces today the offer of a lifetime warranty on all iRobot Roomba Robotic Vacuums for an undetermined period of time. The RobotShop Limited Lifetime Warranty is applicable on certain selected items only such as the iRobot Roomba for a normal, non-commercial use.
Can I leave my Roomba charging overnight? ›Keep it charged and use it often
For the Roomba's nickel-based (not lithium ion like smartphones) batteries, it's best to keep the unit charging whenever you're not using it. However, don't leave it in its dock for days at a time -- lots of vacuuming will keep its battery healthy.
The standard sensors are located on the robot vacuum's bottom and bumper. Clean the sensors with a dry cotton swab. Never use a damp cloth or cleaning fluids; this could damage the sensors.
How do I reset my Roomba battery? ›To reset the battery for a Roomba model in the 700, 800 or 900 series, connect the robot to the charger and press and hold the CLEAN button for 10 seconds. When you see blue text reading "r S t" on the display, release the button. You should hear a beeping tone, which tells you the reset was successful.
What does error 43 mean on Roomba? ›
Error forty three (43) means Roomba i Series is stuck in the infrared (IR) beam of a Virtual Wall® or Home Base®. Move Roomba® to a new location, and then press CLEAN to restart. If you have multiple Virtual Walls® facing each other, Roomba® may experience issues with navigation.
What does a flashing battery light mean on a Roomba? ›Light Ring while idle
Solid white: Fully charged. Pulsing white: Charging. Pulsing red: Charging, too low to start cleaning. Solid red: Error (tap Button for details).
- #1 The Roomba Or Its Battery Is Old.
- #2 Roomba's Running Time Is Reduced.
- #3 Overall Poor Performance.
- #4 Power Light Stays Off.
Battery and Charging
Indicator lights will turn off after 60 seconds to conserve energy while Roomba is charging. Check status of the battery by pressing the CLEAN button to illuminate the Battery Indicator. Indicator will appear amber while the battery is charging and solid green when fully charged.
Roomba® should charge in the following manner: If you are using a charger, the charger should have a solid green power indicator when it is plugged into an outlet. If you are using a Home Base®, the power indicator should blink approximately once every four (4) seconds when plugged into the charger or outlet.
Can roombas overheat? ›Short circuits are known to cause several issues, including circuit damage, overheating, fire or even an explosion — which makes this particular Roomba issue a serious one.
Why did my Roomba just stop? ›Your roomba has a sensor in the dirt bin that tells it to stop when its full. Apparently the sensor is either oversensitive or faulty in cases as its the SOURCE of the issue. Locate for the two metal pins on the side of the dirt collector when its disconnected from the roomba.
What does Roomba error 2 mean? ›Error 2 means the rubber brushes in your Roomba are clogged and need to be cleaned.
What does Roomba charging error 3 mean? ›Charging error 3 means the Roomba e,i, or j Series charging system on the robot isn't working properly and your robot may need to be replaced . Please contact iRobot Customer Care for assistance.
What does err 5 Mean on a Roomba? ›Charging error five (5) means your robot's charging system isn't working correctly. Check that you are using an authentic iRobot® battery. Charging errors can occur with counterfeit batteries.
What does 4 beeps mean on a Roomba? ›
The Uh Oh + 4 beeps indicates the Roomba Mcu detects high motor current in one of the drive wheels.
What is Error 1 on Roomba? ›Overview. Error one (1) means your robot is on an obstacle or an uneven surface and a side wheel is stuck. If this is the case, lift your robot off the floor, place it in the center of the room, and restart the clean cycle. If this error occurred on a flat surface, check the wheels for obstructions.
How do I clear error 2 on Roomba? ›...
If yes – Error 2 persists:
- Please inspect the brushes and remove any hair or debris, especially under the end caps. ...
- Reinstall the brushes and re-test the robot: Turn the robot over, place it on a flat surface, and press the CLEAN button.
Charging error one (1) means the battery is not detected. The robot will not charge. Please check the following: Check that you are using an authentic iRobot® Lithium Ion Battery.
What is charging error 4 on Roomba? ›Charging Error 4 means the electrical current is not reaching the robot. A Robot reboot will usually resolve this issue. To reboot your Roomba: Press and hold the CLEAN button (single button for j series) for 20 seconds.
How do I fix error 3 on Roomba? ›Error 3 means your j series robot is on an obstacle or an uneven surface and the right wheel is stuck. If this is the case, lift your Roomba® off the floor, place it in the center of the room, and restart the clean cycle. If this error occurred on a flat surface, check the right wheel for obstructions.
What is iRobot Error 15? ›If the robot is saying Charging Error Fifteen (15), this means there was a cell failure on the battery during charging and the battery will need to be replaced. Please visit iRobot Store - Parts and Accessories to purchase a new battery, or contact iRobot Customer Care for additional assistance.
What is error 6 on Roomba? ›Charging Error 6 indicates the battery is not charging. Check that you are using an authentic battery. Charging errors can occur with counterfeit batteries.
What is error 10 on Roomba? ›Error 10 means a side wheel cannot turn. Please check the following: If Roomba gives this error when it is stuck under an obstacle, move Roomba to a new location and press CLEAN to restart. Use a Virtual Wall® to block off problem areas.
What does 4 long beeps mean on startup? ›A 4 beep error code is a memory problem. Try re-seating the memory modules on the motherboard and check if that resolves the problem.
How do I fix 5 beep errors? ›
Five short beeps mean there has been a processor error. A damaged expansion card, the CPU, or the motherboard could be prompting this AMI beep code. Start by reseating the CPU. If that doesn't work, try reseating any expansion cards.
How many years does a Roomba battery last? ›With proper care, your robot's battery should last at least 2-3 years before it needs to be replaced. Here are some battery maintenance tips to extend battery life and keep Roomba® cleaning at peak performance: Only use iRobot® batteries. All s, j, i, e, and 900 Series robots come with Li-Ion batteries.