Is your Roomba refusing to power on? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many Roomba owners experience this issue, but fortunately, most of the time, it can be resolved with simple troubleshooting steps. This guide will walk you through the most common reasons why your Roomba won’t turn on and provide you with actionable solutions to get it back up and running.
1. Check the Power and Docking Station
A Roomba not turning on could stem from a problem with the power source or its connection to the Home Base.
Is the Dock Receiving Power?
- Make sure the Home Base is properly plugged into a functioning power outlet. Test the outlet with another device to confirm it’s working.
- Inspect the power cord and adapter for any signs of damage, such as cuts or fraying.
- Ensure the cord is firmly connected to both the wall outlet and the Home Base. If the base is receiving power, a notification light should be on. If there’s no light, the docking station might not be getting enough power and may need replacement.
Proper Docking
- Ensure the Roomba is correctly placed on the Home Base, with the metal charging contacts on the robot aligned with those on the dock. The robot should make a beep sound when properly docked.
- Dirt or debris on the charging contacts can prevent proper charging. Unplug the dock and clean the contacts on both the Roomba and the Home Base with a clean, lightly dampened melamine foam (like a Magic Eraser) or a cloth. The contacts should have a visible shine after cleaning.
- Damaged contacts (green or copper colored) can also prevent charging, which would mean the robot or dock needs to be replaced.
2. Battery Troubleshooting for Your Roomba
The battery is a common culprit when a Roomba refuses to turn on.
New Battery Activation
If you’ve recently purchased a new Roomba or a replacement battery, it might need to be activated. Place the Roomba on the Home Base and allow it to charge for at least 3 hours to fully charge the battery before its first cleaning cycle.
Battery Reset and Reinstallation
- Remove the battery from the Roomba and then reinstall it. This forces the robot to reboot and can clear any existing errors. You don’t need to wait before reinstalling the battery.
- Putting the Roomba in “ship mode” or “sleep mode” can also help. To do this, take the robot off the dock, activate sleep mode, and then reactivate it by placing it back on the dock.
Check for a Dead or Faulty Battery
- If the Roomba is still not turning on, the battery may be dead or faulty.
- If the Roomba is on the Home Base, but not charging, charging error 19 may be displayed which indicates that the robot is on the Home Base but cannot charge properly due to damaged charging contacts or maintenance issues.
- If the battery is old, it won’t hold a charge like it once did and may need to be replaced. Consider replacing it with a new one for better performance.
3. Rebooting Your Roomba
Rebooting your Roomba can resolve software glitches or errors that may be preventing it from turning on. The reboot process varies depending on the model:
- For some models: Hold the Clean, Spot Clean, and Home buttons simultaneously until the Clean button illuminates. Then, release the buttons.
- For models with a power button: Take the battery out of the Roomba. Hold down the power button for 20 seconds. Reinstall the battery and charge for 16 hours without interruption
- For j7 series: Remove the dust bin and press and hold the CLEAN button for seven (7) seconds until Roomba plays a tone. Tap the CLEAN button once more to confirm.
4. Check for Error Messages and Indicator Lights
Roomba uses indicator lights and error messages to communicate problems.
Indicator Lights
- No lights: If there are no lights on the Roomba, try removing and reinstalling the battery. If the LED lights still appear off, the robot may need repair.
- Red light: A solid red light often indicates that the battery is too low to start.
- Amber light: When the Roomba is charging, the “Clean” button pulses amber.
- Green light: When fully charged, the “Clean” button is a solid green.
Error Messages
- Listen for audio alerts or check the iRobot Home App for specific error messages. Press the ‘CLEAN’ button to hear the error message again.
- Refer to the Roomba error codes chart to identify the problem and find troubleshooting steps. Common errors include:
- Error 1: Uneven ground or Roomba is stuck.
- Error 2: Brushes cannot spin.
- Error 4/5: Wheel is stalled or jammed.
- Error 6: Cliff sensor detected a drop-off.
- Error 8/11: Vacuum problem or motor not activating.
- Error 9: Bumper is jammed.
- Error 10: Wheel problem.
- Error 14: Reinstall the bin, ensure the filter is installed in the bin and check the bin detect switch.
5. Cleaning and Maintenance
Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential for Roomba’s optimal performance.
Clean the Sensors and Charging Contacts
- Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe all sensors and charging contacts.
- A front wheel clogged with hair and debris can result in floor damage. Remove any debris from inside the wheel cavity
Check the Brushes and Filter
- Remove and clean any hair and debris from the brushes and brush bearings.Over time, worn brushes and clogged bearings can strain the motor—replacing them helps keep your Roomba running smoothly.
- Tap the filter against the side of your household waste bin to clear the debris.If the filter remains dirty or airflow is weak, a replacement filter set can help restore performance.
Clean the Roomba Truck
- The Roomba truck is the piece that supports the brushes. Remove any accumulated dirt to ensure the Roomba doesn’t need to use more energy to operate.
6. Software and Firmware
Software issues can sometimes cause a Roomba not to turn on.
Update Firmware
Make sure your Roomba is updated with the latest software or firmware to avoid battery drain issues related to software bugs. If the Roomba is Wi-Fi connected, launch the iRobot app and check for updates in the settings.
7. Contact iRobot Customer Care
If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps and your Roomba still won’t turn on, it may require professional repair. Contact iRobot Customer Care for assistance. Have the following information ready:
- Your Roomba’s serial number
- Proof of purchase
- A description of the problem
FAQ
Why is my Roomba battery draining so quickly?
Several factors can cause a Roomba battery to drain quickly, including an old or worn-out battery, dirty sensors or brushes, software issues, poor charging connections, high-power settings, and too-frequent cleaning sessions.
Can I charge my Roomba without the Home Base?
Roomba is designed to be charged with the Home Base. Certain models of Roomba come with charging ports that support charging via a dedicated power adapter.
How do I know if my Roomba’s Home Base is working?
If the Home Base’s light is on, it is receiving a power supply. If the Roomba is not charging, the problem might lie with the battery contacts or improper placement of the Roomba on the charging dock.
What does a solid red light on my Roomba mean?
A solid red light on a Roomba typically indicates a problem, such as a low battery or an error. Press the CLEAN button to hear the error message and consult the error codes chart for troubleshooting steps.
How often should I replace my Roomba battery?
The lifespan of a Roomba battery varies depending on usage and model, but it’s generally recommended to replace it every 12-18 months.
What is Roomba’s reduced power standby mode and how do I use it?
Roomba consumes a small amount of power whenever it is on the charging station. You can put the robot in a further-reduced power state when not in use. For instructions and more details on this Reduced Power Standby Mode, refer to the iRobot HOME App
Tips, Warnings, and Best Practices
- Always disconnect your Roomba from the charging station before cleaning or maintaining it.
- Do not submerge the Roomba or charging station in water. Clean with a dry cloth only.
- To maintain optimal performance, empty the bin and clean the filter after each use.
- Recharge the Roomba as soon as possible to avoid damaging the battery.
Conclusion
A Roomba that won’t turn on can be a frustrating experience, but by following these troubleshooting steps, you can often identify and resolve the issue yourself. From checking the power connections and battery to rebooting the system and performing regular maintenance, there are several things you can do to get your Roomba back to cleaning your floors.
If all else fails, don’t hesitate to contact iRobot Customer Care for further assistance. With a little effort, you can keep your Roomba running smoothly and enjoy a clean home.