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

Safety first: Handle the robot and Home Base with dry hands.

Steps to resolve:

• Shorten cleaning runs: Use the app to limit cleaning area or schedule smaller zones so the robot can return before the battery is depleted.
• Relocate Home Base: Place the base centrally in the home to reduce travel distance.
• Check battery health: If the robot’s runtime has significantly decreased, the battery may be worn out and need replacement.
• Update firmware: Ensure the robot is running the latest software via the iRobot HOME app.

When to replace parts: If the robot still cannot reach the base in a modest-sized area, replace the battery. If issues persist, navigation sensors or main board may be at fault.