Roomba Not Charging? (Do This!)
If you’re like most people, you love to have a clean house, but you probably don’t like to clean. Luckily, technology has come a long way, and now, instead of pushing a clunky vacuum, robot vacs do it for you. Roombas are the top robot vacs on the market, cleaning with ease, but what happens when your Roomba is not charging?
When your Roomba doesn’t charge, use a soft cloth to wipe the charging ports. Rubbing alcohol can help remove debris and dust that could block communication between the vacuum and the base. If that doesn’t work, reset the Roomba, or remove and reinstall the battery. You may need to replace the battery or charging base in more extreme cases.
As with most electronics, nothing lasts forever. But before you assume your Roomba is done for, start with the simple fixes. If your first troubleshooting attempt doesn’t work, then you can move on to the more involved solutions.
How Can I Tell If My Roomba Is Charging?
Most Roomba models have an indicator light that blinks a specific color when the Roomba is charging. In the majority of the devices, this light is amber, but in some, it is white. Once the Roomba is fully charged, you’ll see either a green or white light depending on what model you have.
Check the instruction manual that comes with your Roomba or the manufacturer’s website to find out the specific lights for your model. However, most of the 500 through 900 series models blink amber when charging and go solid green once charged.
In contrast, the i3 and i7 models blink white when charging and go solid white once fully charged. Additionally, some models continue to pulse throughout charging, while others only do so for roughly one minute.
What If My Roomba Charging Station Is Not Working?
If your docking station isn’t working, it could be a simple issue like it’s not fully plugged into an outlet. Check the power cord and make sure everything is in order. Your charging station may also need a good cleaning.
If the charging contacts on the docking station are dirty, they likely won’t charge your Roomba. Additionally, if the infrared sensor is dirty, your Roomba most likely won’t be able to find its way back to port.
Also, Roomba docking stations are not universal. So if you’re using an older charging station with a new Roomba model, it won’t work. You must use the home base that goes with your specific Roomba model.
Roomba Not Charging? 8 Ways To Fix It
If you notice your Roomba quitting faster than usual or not working at all, it might not be holding a charge. Don’t panic; you probably don’t need to resign yourself to vacuuming the old-fashioned way. You also likely don’t need to purchase a whole new Roomba.
Instead, try these troubleshooting tips first.
1. Try Another Power Outlet
First, verify that the charging station is working correctly. You should see a light on it when the Roomba is in the docked position. If you don’t, check the power cord and try plugging it into a different outlet.
There’s a slim chance that your outlet is the thing that isn’t working, not the charging station. But, if all is well, move on to the next option.
2. Clean The Charging Ports And Docking Station
The easiest way to get your Roomba charged up and cleaning again is to make sure the contact points are clean. Use a soft microfiber cloth to wipe all of the sensors on your Roomba and the docking station.
It’s best to clean these sensors often to avoid the build-up of gunk and dust. Aim to wipe down the contact points a few times a week. Using a bit of rubbing alcohol can help get rid of more intense dirt layers.
3. Reset The Roomba (Soft Reset)
If you don’t see any indication that your Roomba is charging, it might be a software issue. Your Roomba might actually be charging; it’s just not indicating it properly.
You can try doing a soft reset by simultaneously holding down the clean and dock buttons until you hear a beep. The 500 series has you press the clean button to turn on the Roomba. Then you hold down the spot and dock buttons simultaneously until the clean light dims and you hear the chime.
Other models have a dedicated reset button that you hold down for about 10 seconds. You can check your user’s manual for specific instructions on how to perform a soft reset on your Roomba model.
After performing the reset, dock the Roomba, and you should see the charging light. Alternatively, you can plug the charging cable directly into your Roomba. After performing a reset, allow your Roomba to charge for 72 hours before using it.
4. Reinstall The Roomba’s Battery
There’s a chance the battery shifted and isn’t positioned correctly. Remove the screws that keep the battery cover in place. Take out the battery, reinstall it, and replace the screws.
5. Replace The Battery
If all your efforts still don’t solve the charging issue, it could be a bad battery. Visit the iRobot store for a replacement that is compatible with your model.
Check your warranty first to see if it’s covered. Most iRobot products feature a limited one-year warranty that covers battery replacement. You can contact the warranty department to see if your situation makes you eligible for the free replacement.
Some signs that your battery is going bad are:
- The battery doesn’t last long, dying within 10 to 15 minutes of operation
- The power light on the Roomba doesn’t flash
- Resetting the Roomba doesn’t affect its performance
6. Perform A Factory Reset
A factory reset can help get rid of any potential bugs in the software that might be causing your Roomba to malfunction. It restores the Roomba to its default settings, so you’ll lose any schedules or programming. But, you can easily just reprogram your Roomba once you get it up and running again.
To perform a factory reset, hold down the clean button for 10 seconds. Once the indicator light starts to flash, release the button and the Roomba should restart.
You can also consult the user’s manual for your Roomba to learn how to perform a hard reset on your model.
7. Replace The Charging Station
If it’s not a bad battery, there could be an issue with your docking station. You can buy a charging station separately if yours fails. As with the battery, check first to see if you can get the replacement under your warranty.
8. Contact Customer Support
If you can’t get things moving on your own, contact iRobot’s customer product and technical support line at 1-866-747-6268. You can also visit the support page on the company’s website to find answers to common problems.
You can also contact support through the iRobot app and do other useful things, like connect your Roomba to Alexa. A representative can guide you in the right direction and provide some additional tips for your specific model.
Do You Need A Charging Station To Charge A Roomba Vacuum?
If your Roomba isn’t charging because of an issue with the docking station, you can possibly still charge your vacuum. So while you wait for a repair or replacement for your charging station, you can still enjoy clean floors and carpet.
The charging cable can also plug directly into the Roomba for many of the models, although not all. If yours can do this, it’s a great way to test the home base. If your Roomba charges when you do so manually, you know the issue is with the docking station.
If you have any programs or schedules set on your Roomba, it won’t perform them while plugged into the wall.
How Long Do Roomba Batteries Last?
Roomba vacuums deliver some impressive long-lasting battery performance. Typically, you can expect your Roomba to run for about two hours before it returns to the home base to recharge.
Additionally, a Roomba battery usually lasts for approximately 400 cleaning cycles. You can expect to need a replacement battery every one to two years.
Tips To Prolong Your Roomba Battery’s Life
Regularly cleaning your Roomba can help maintain the battery life since your Roomba won’t have to work as hard to clean. Also, let your robot vacuum clean through a full cycle before recharging. Regular use of your Roomba and always having it charge when not in use can also help extend the battery life.
If you know you won’t be using your vacuum for a while, consider removing the battery. For example, if you’re heading out of town or in the middle of a remodel, etc. Once you return, reinstall the battery, charge it fully, and let it clean until it signals it’s time for a recharge.
It’s also wise to get original iRobot batteries instead of looking for cheaper knock-offs. You can ensure you get optimal performance when you purchase accessories directly from the iRobot store.
Do You Need A New Roomba?
The least likely scenario, if you’re having charging issues, is that you would need to get a whole new Roomba. But, it’s a possibility. Roomba vacuums can last for 15 years, but they could also go kaput in as little as two years.
A lot depends on how well you take care of your robot vacuum. If you operate it properly, clean it regularly, and replace the filters routinely, it should last you a long time. But if you’ve had your Roomba for a while or don’t maintain it often, it might be time for a new one.
Talk to customer support first to ensure you’ve gone through every possible troubleshooting step. They can help you determine if it’s time to get a new Roomba.
Wrapping Up Why Your Roomba Is Not Charging
If you depend on your Roomba to keep your floors clean, it can be a drag when your Roomba’s not charging. Luckily, there are a few easy tricks you can try that can get your robot vac moving again. Cleaning the contacts on the vacuum and the home base is a simple fix.
If dirt and gunk build up on these sensors, your Roomba can’t dock at the home base and charge. It’s also a good idea to ensure the power outlet your charging station uses works.
If the simple fixes don’t do the trick, try reinstalling the battery, performing a soft reset, or a factory reset. If your Roomba is still not charging, contact customer support for additional suggestions or to see if you can use your warranty.
You may need a new battery or possibly a new docking station. Batteries typically last between one and two years.
Keep in mind, that if you need a new home base, you can likely still use your Roomba while waiting for a replacement. Most models allow you to plug the charging cable directly into the Roomba for a manual charge.
Stacy Randall is a wife, mother, and freelance writer from NOLA that has always had a love for DIY projects, home organization, and making spaces beautiful. Together with her husband, she has been spending the last several years lovingly renovating her grandparent's former home, making it their own and learning a lot about life along the way.
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