Roombas are handy vacuum cleaners that provide fast and convenient cleaning to households, offices, and other facilities that need them.
However, like all technology, they can be susceptible to not functioning properly or breaking down altogether. Have you experienced: Roombas bin has an error? What should you do when either of these happens?
It’s likely that your Roomba will need some maintenance during its lifetime, so it will be important that you keep yourself informed so as to potentially save on time, money, and frustration.
Read on to learn more!
My Roomba is Not Charging
Few things in our dealings with technology can be as frustrating as an item that won’t charge, and it is no different with a Roomba.
Fortunately, there is a comprehensive chart provided by iRobot to help you determine the cause of the problem as well as the solution.
You will need to observe how many times the troubleshooting light blinks as well as what message your specific model gives in order to know what to do next.
Customers should note that in this chart, some models can be fixed immediately via a series of steps on iRobot’s website, whilst other models will require you to contact customer service.
It will be important for you to know how your specific Roomba model works and what troubleshooting issues can be resolved through the manufacturer website.
Another factor to consider is that you might be someone who has strong preferences for either online reading or over-the-phone customer service when it comes to resolving technology problems, thus the model of your Roomba might help determine which direction you take.
If you are having persistent battery issues that you are unable to troubleshoot through videos or the web, you are advised to contact customer services and to have:
- Your Roomba present and charged
- The serial number of the Roomba
- Proof of your purchase
The same steps are true of any Roomba model that you need company assistance with.
Troubleshooting Different Roomba Models
No two Roomba models are exactly alike, and each model has differing strengths and capabilities. Consequently, you will need to take this into account when troubleshooting your particular model.
Here are some different problems that may arise in specific models:
Model Possible Issues Additional Information
| Roomba 400/Discovery Series | The brushes on these models can accumulate hair, which can cause extensive damage to the device. iRobot suggests cleaning them periodically and provides a step-by-step picture guide to this on the model’s maintenance page. The amount of beeps and “Uh-Oh”s that a Roomba 400 gives off are directly correlated with the issue it is experiencing. For example, 6 beeps would indicate an overloaded wheel drop sensor, while 3 beeps indicate a stalled vacuum. Refer to the following chart for a comprehensive table guide on what each beep indicates as well as its corresponding solution. | Roomba 400s should be stored with the charger attached unless you don’t plan on using them in the short term (in which case they can be unplugged). Following these guidelines are crucial to avoid potential complications with battery charging and its durability, etc. The battery supply company BBMBattery Inc. has a how-to YouTube video of replacing 400 series batteries. |
| Roomba 500/600 Series | As with their 400 series predecessors, the Roomba 500s need their bin, brushes, and filter compartments to be cleaned periodically or you will eventually run into serious problems with them. Additionally, they will require the front caster wheel, cliff sensors, charging contacts, and side brush to also be cleaned. Beginning with the 600 series, the trouble beeps and “uh-ohs” code is slightly more complex than its predecessors, in that it includes a narrated voice that explains what the general problem is. As with the previous models, iRobot has a 500 Series and 600 Series Error Message Charts for the respective models. | The Roomba 500 and 600 series use a similar type of battery, and the manufacturer has provided a useful guide for how to charge them. Like the 400, you will need to store the Roomba with the battery attached unless it is not going to be in the near future. Battery replacement for the 500 and 600 series follows the same procedure and can be learned through a quick and handy YouTube video created by iRobot. |
| Roomba 700 Series | For the Roomba 700 Series, iRobot advises that if the red full bin light is on, you need to empty the bin, clean the sensors, and reboot the device. You should contact customer service if the light does not switch off after you have completed these steps. The 700 Series Error Messages Chart. | Both the 600 and 700 series follow the same steps for cleaning the brushes and have a YouTube video detailing the process |
| Roomba 800 Series | As with the other models, the Troubleshooting light and the two-toned “uh oh” will occur if there is an issue. The 800 Series Error Messages Chart. | iRobot recommends using only the Lithium-Ion Battery and advises that because there are regulations regarding the shipping of this type of battery, there are guidelines that must be followed. Similar guidelines apply to later models such as the 900 Series. |
| Roomba e Series | The Roomba e Series Error Messages Chart includes 15 possible errors. | The e Series includes a Reduced Power Standby Mode that conserves energy. Further information can be found on the iRobot Home App. |
| Roomba 900 Series | The Roomba 900 includes 19 possible errors. It is thus more comprehensive in what problems it can detect, including when a cleaning job is incomplete and if the Roomba started incorrectly due to being positioned at an angle | Like its immediate predecessor, the 900 Series includes a Reduced Power Standby Mode option. |
| Roomba i Series | The Roomba i Series Errors and Messages Chart includes 49 possible error messages, meaning that it is able to significantly more than even the already advanced 900 series. | The i Series includes a Dual Mode Virtual Wall Barrier to help ensure that the robot only cleans the areas you want it to. |
| Roomba s Series | The Roomba s Series Errors and Messages Chart contains about the same number of possible scenarios as the I Series, although it is able to detect more complex issues such as alerting the user that it can no longer back up safely. | The s Series owner’s guide includes a chart with information on how often different parts should be cleaned or replaced. |
Additional Information to Consider
Here are some additional smaller tips to keep in mind when dealing with your Roomba:
- In regards to replacement batteries for your Roomba, they can be purchased from the iRobot online store, regardless of year or model, as can other accessories.
- Each “series” of Roombas has its own unique features. With those will come issues that might be particular to the model. It is therefore imperative that you read the owner’s guide, particularly to your series.
- As mentioned in the chart, there are a plethora of YouTube videos detailing how to troubleshoot Roombas. In addition to iRobot’s Official Channel, some other channels you might find helpful are Vacuum Wars and MB Education.
Overall, troubleshooting Roombas doesn’t need to be difficult thanks to the wealth of information available online and from the manufacturer.
Roombas bin has an error? Conclusion
As a Roomba owner, you are likely to encounter a technical issue with your vacuum at some point. If and when it happens, be prepared by consulting your owner’s guide, researching the Internet for written and video content that can help you resolve your problem, and having the customer service number for iRobot handy.
If you follow these simple steps, you will be able to maintain your Roomba’s effectiveness for a long time!
