iRobot Robot Vacuums Error Codes

Bin Error

Robot vacuum or app reports “Bin error: Reinstall or empty the bin” even when the bin is installed.

Dust Bin Full Sensor / Presence Sensor Fault

Charging Error 1

Robot vacuum says “Charging Error 1: Clean Roomba’s contacts” and will not charge properly.

Dirty or Poor Charging Contact Connection

Charging Error 2

Robot vacuum says “Charging Error 2: Please open the iRobot HOME App for help” and refuses to charge.

Battery Temperature or Voltage Out of Range

Charging Error 3

Robot vacuum says “Charging Error 3” and will not charge or holds almost no charge.

Battery Pack Failure

Charging Error 5

Robot vacuum says “Charging Error 5” and stops charging shortly after docking.

Charging Overcurrent / Internal Battery Fault

Charging Error 8

Robot vacuum says “Charging Error 8” and cannot charge at all.

Home Base Power Supply Fault

Clean Base Error 1

Clean Base (self-emptying dock) reports an error and the robot cannot empty its bin; app may show “Clean Base Error 1: Check the bag”.

Clean Base Bag Detection / Airflow Fault

Clean Base Error 2

Clean Base attempts to empty the robot but stops with a loud tone; app may show “Clean Base Error 2: Check the tubes”.

Clean Base Suction Path Blockage

Error 1

Robot vacuum says “Error 1: Move Roomba to a new location then press CLEAN to restart” and will not start cleaning.

Wheel Drop Sensor Activation / Cliff Sensor False Trigger

Error 10

Robot vacuum says “Error 10: Please open the iRobot HOME App for help” or “Internal error” and refuses to start.

Internal Electronics / Firmware Fault

Error 11

Robot vacuum says “Error 11: Communication error” or similar and will not start or complete cleaning.

Internal Module Communication Failure

Error 14

Robot vacuum says “Error 14: Reinstall Roomba’s bin then press CLEAN” and will not start cleaning.

Dust Bin Presence Sensor Fault

Error 15

Robot vacuum says “Error 15: Please open the iRobot HOME App for help” and may fail to navigate or complete maps.

Mapping / Localization Failure

Error 16

Robot vacuum says “Error 16: Place Roomba on a flat surface then press CLEAN to restart” and may tilt or rock.

Tilt Sensor / Orientation Fault

Error 17

Robot vacuum says “Error 17: Roomba cannot return to the Home Base” and stops away from the dock.

Docking / Home Base Location Failure

Error 18

Robot vacuum says “Error 18: Roomba cannot return to the Home Base” and stops with low battery away from the dock.

Navigation / Battery Depletion Before Docking

Error 2

Robot vacuum says “Error 2: Open Roomba’s brush cage and clean brushes” and stops shortly after starting.

Main Brush Motor Overload / Brush Obstruction

Error 3

Robot vacuum announces “Error 3: Move Roomba to a new location then press CLEAN to restart” and stops, often near obstacles.

Side Wheel Stall / Drive Wheel Obstruction

Error 5

Robot vacuum says “Error 5: Spin Roomba’s side wheels to clean” or “Wheel error” and stops.

Drive Wheel Encoder / Motor Stall

Error 6

Robot vacuum says “Error 6: Move Roomba to a new location then press CLEAN to restart” and often stops near drop-offs or dark carpets.

Cliff Sensor Misread / False Cliff Detection

Error 7

Robot vacuum says “Error 7: Spin Roomba’s side wheels to clean” or stops with a wheel error after bumping into obstacles.

Wheel Drop Sensor / Wheel Suspension Fault

Error 8

Robot vacuum says “Error 8: Move Roomba to a new location then press CLEAN to restart” and may spin in circles or stop quickly.

Internal Navigation / Sensor Fault

Error 9

Robot vacuum says “Error 9: Tap Roomba’s bumper to clean” and stops shortly after starting.

Stuck Bumper Sensor

Symptom

Robot vacuum does not respond to the Home Base or Virtual Wall barriers; crosses into blocked areas.

IR Receiver / RCON Sensor Failure

Symptom

Robot vacuum emits a burning smell or very hot air during operation.

Overheating Motor or Electrical Component

Symptom

Robot vacuum frequently gets stuck on thresholds, rugs, or cords.

Mobility / Obstacle Negotiation Issue

Symptom

Robot vacuum frequently reports that the bin is full even when it is empty (no specific code, just voice/app message).

False Dust Bin Full Detection

Symptom

Robot vacuum is unusually quiet and appears to move but picks up almost nothing.

Vacuum Motor Not Running

Symptom

Robot vacuum is very loud during operation, with a high-pitched whine or grinding noise.

Noisy Vacuum Motor or Brush Gearbox

Symptom

Robot vacuum leaves hair and debris along walls and in corners; edge cleaning is poor.

Side Brush Ineffective or Inoperative

Symptom

Robot vacuum leaves streaks of fine dust or a trail behind it, especially on hard floors.

Ineffective Debris Containment / Filter Bypass

Symptom

Robot vacuum moves in tight circles or repeatedly turns in one direction and cannot navigate straight.

Drive Imbalance / Sensor Miscalibration

Symptom

Robot vacuum runs but leaves visible debris and dust on the floor; poor pickup performance.

Reduced Suction / Airflow Restriction

Symptom

Robot vacuum runs for a very short time (e.g., 5–15 minutes) and then returns to the dock or shuts off.

Reduced Battery Capacity / Power Management

Symptom

Robot vacuum starts but stops after a few seconds without an error message.

Startup Self-Test Failure

Symptom

Robot vacuum will not power on at all; no lights or sounds when pressing CLEAN.

No Power / Dead Robot

Symptom

Robot vacuum’s front caster wheel does not swivel properly, causing dragging or navigation issues.

Front Caster Wheel Seizure

Symptom

Robot vacuum’s schedule does not run; it never starts automatically at the programmed times.

Scheduling / Clock Function Failure

Symptom

Robot vacuum’s Wi‑Fi will not connect or frequently disconnects from the iRobot HOME app.

Wireless Connectivity Issue