For anyone who’s using a Roomba robovac, you may at least once experience several problems with the device.
The most common solution of all users is to reset it.
When you feel that your robotic vacuum cleaner does not turn on or charge for example, then you must troubleshoot the issue by resetting the software.
So, how to reset Roomba?
In this article, we’re going to provide you the guide on giving your Roomba a reset as well as tips and advice to solve other problems that you often encounter. Hope the following info will bring ease to all users whenever using this small machine.
Table of Contents
What to do when your Roomba won’t work or charge?
1/ Reset iRobot Roomba 500 and 600 series
Step 1:
The very first thing is to make sure your device if off.
Remove the Roomba vacuum from the charge dock. Turn it off in cast you want to do the battery replacement. When your robot already has the new battery, turn it on by pressing the CLEAN button. Release the button once the green light is displayed.
Step 2:
The next thing to do is to hold both the DOCK and SPOT buttons at the same time in order to make the green light go off.
With this step, you must wait for 10 seconds.
Step 3:
Instantly release the buttons as soon as you see the light goes off, and the beeping sound after that means your Roomba is on the booting process.
Step 4:
Put your Roomba back to its charger for a re-connection and wait until the green light appears. If you have no idea whether or not the robovac has rebooted yet, then simply press the CLOCK button.
In case you find all the clock settings are cleared, the answer is that your device has definitely reset.
Step 5:
Again set your schedule, time and date…and your Roomba is ready to work.
2/ Reset iRobot Roomba 700, 800 and 900 series
Step 1:
You need to press the CLEAN button and hold it down for approximately 10 seconds until the ‘rSt’ text appears on the screen.
Step 2:
When seeing the text, you can release the CLEAN button and leave the Roomba turning off; at that moment, you will hear some weird tones as the indicator implying your robotic vacuum cleaner has reset successfully.
Step 3:
Remember that you must reprogram your schedule, time and date once you reset the iRobot Roomba. Why? All the information and memories will be deleted during the reset process.
When you should reset your Roomba?
It doesn’t mean all problems occurring to your Roomba robovac can be solved by resetting the device; also, it’s not that your unit has an issue whenever it needs a reset.
Here are two primary situations that users usually have to reset the robot vacuum:
1/ Software issues
Just like any other digital equipment out there, your robotic vacuum cleaner needs a software program for operation. If one day it doesn’t work properly or spins around without cleaning at all, then it seems to be that the software has encountered some issues.
Please notice when:
- Your Roomba deletes the set schedule automatically
- The vacuum is unable to load the launcher
- The unit can perform the cleaning process accurately
These signs may indicate that your robot is dealing with excessive data in memory.
For this problem to be resolved, you’re recommended to give it a reset so that it can remove all unnecessary information making the Roomba struggle from its performance.
2/ Battery replacement
If you’re planning to purchase a Roomba, keep in mind this small machine utilizes the rechargeable battery. Of course nothing lasts forever; therefore, the lifespan of a battery will be shortened due to time and use.
You can tell your battery is having problems if you find it won’t dock or running out of power too quickly in one cleaning cycle.
When this happens, you must change a new battery for your robot.
As a must-do step whenever replacing the battery, you need to reset the iRobot Roomba as well as reprogram everything as I said above. Nevertheless, in case the issue still exists after the battery is replaced, then the problem may be from the device itself.
Call the iRobot support if the robot vacuum still doesn’t work after the reset.
How to reset the Roomba battery?
You feel that the cleaning cycle of your Roomba recently is not as effective as before, and it even won’t charge after a session. It’s probably the sign showing the battery is exhausted from time and use. By resetting the battery in a correct way, it can recover and be able to work for a relatively long time.
Some steps to follow:
- Press the CLEAN button to turn on the Roomba
- Hit the SPOT and DOCK buttons simultaneously for 10 seconds
- Release both buttons at the same time as soon as you hear the typical beep sound
- Stop loading the robot for at least 12 hours and then try it
Once the battery is reset, you can immediately feel an increase in the cleaning cycles of your Roomba robovac.
Most importantly, always keep the robot’s rollers clean or all the debris and dust can drain much energy from moving around more than you expect. For a great maintenance, it’s a must to clean the brushes once per week and the whole machine once a month.
Apply our tips and advice here to prolong your battery life!
Summary
Now you already know simple ways on how to reset Roomba via this post.
The thing is: you can’t reset the device all the time! Resetting your iRobot Roomba only solves certain problems, not everything. If you’re sure that the unit is struggling from software-related issues, then giving it a reset is the first solution.
On the other hand, if you have no idea why the robovac doesn’t work properly, especially the reason is not from the software, then you need to quickly contact a Roomba expert or the manufacturer.
Don’t try to resolve the issue when you know nothing or it can backfire on you!
Do you find these answers helpful?
Leave us any comment!
How do I program my rumba 690 to go home when the battery is low or need s charging
Hi,
Ensure Roomba has a clear path to the Home Base, and that the Home Base is at least 4 ft (1.2 m) from any stairs and that Roomba has a clear path to reach it. Unplug the line cord from the Home Base and then plug it back in to ensure that it is fully inserted with a tight fit. Verify Roomba can return to its Home Base by manually facing Roomba, within 6 ft (1.8 m), toward the Home Base. Turn Roomba on, and press the Dock button.
Thanks
what if after resetting and plugged in to charge the clean light goes from redish/orange to green and then 12 hours later light goes red and doesn’t vaccuum. Also still talks in a different language? Machine is 2 to 3 years old.
I deleted my robot off my phone. How do I put it back on my phone?
Hi Sharon,
Confirm you are ready to start:
– Have your robot with you.
– Have your charging station connected to the drip tray.
– Know your Wi-Fi network name and Wi-Fi network password. Note: Braava jet® m Series Robot Mop is dual band compatible and can connect to 2.4/5 GHz networks.
Sincere
I’m tryingtrouble shoot why unit is not picking up dog hair?.. It is rolling up hair and leaving ? Battery run time is okay as well docking.
Hi Gary,
If Roomba is no longer picking up debris or is leaving clumps of hair or debris on the floor, please perform the filter and cleaning head module care procedures to optimize performance.
In homes with heavily shedding pets, the bin may quickly fill with hair and redeposit it on the floor. In these environments, Roomba must go through a floor conditioning process. You can help Roomba along by scheduling it to clean frequently and emptying the bin when the full bin indicator illuminates–sometimes mid-mission. After this conditioning process, you’ll enjoy consistent cleaning performance from your Roomba. For best performance, be sure to regularly empty the bin and clean the filter when the full bin indicator illuminates.
In some dry, static-prone environments Roomba may exhibit poor fiber or pet hair pickup on carpets due to static cling. Increase the relative humidity in your environment using a humidifier, or use a product such as Static Guard on your carpets in the area where the issue occurs. Do not spray or mist Static Guard or water directly on or near the robot.
Thanks!
MY ROOMBA WIL NOT CHARGE. i CONNECTS ON BASE FOR FEW EONDS THE GREEN LIGHT GOES ON AND IMMEDITELY TURNS OFF WITHOUT CHARGING THE ROOMBA.
PLESE ADVISE
Hi Debbie,
When your Roomba won’t charge, there are two common situations – making sure either the Home Base has power or no dust on the charging contacts. Sometimes using the wrong kind of battery as well as having issues with the power source can also make your robot not turn on or charge.
Sincere
I want to remove all schedules from my R7 Roomba as it starts cleaning at odd times.
Can I do this by simply resetting it?
Hi Peter,
You can delete the schedule cleaning time.
To Delete a schedule:
1. Turn ON your Roomba by pressing CLEAN.
2. Press SCHEDULE.
3. Press DAY to look through the scheduled cleaning times.
4. When your Roomba is displaying the scheduled cleaning time you want to delete, press HOUR until –:– is displayed. Press OK to save changes.
5. To delete all schedules, press DAY for 5 seconds.
Sincere
I haven’t used my IRobot for some time and when I turn it on it makes all the right noises but doesn’t . move off it’s base. What to do?
Hi Beth,
Roomba won’t leave the Home Base for a cleaning cycle if its bin is full. In this case, remove and empty the bin, then reinsert it before starting or resuming a cleaning cycle.
Sincere
To reset the i700/800 Roomba do I leave it on the charging station or remove it then go through the steps of resetting. I did the first setting using my iPhone but I want to use it manually without the phone. Can that be done?
Hi Moma,
If you want to reset your Roomba manually, press and hold the CLEAN button on your robot for 10 seconds. When the button is released, your Roomba will play the reboot tone.
Sincere
My Roomba i3 arrived yesterday and I put it on the dock and it’s fully charged I press the clean button and it says see app for help error 47 can someone please help me with this!!!!
Hi Michael,
First of all, error code 47 typically relates to an internal error or a calibration error. It is not always caused by a hardware problem. This error code usually means that the problem is with the software or that there is a conflict between the machine and the sensor.
You can try using a different cable or charging station. You can also try changing the battery, cleaning the battery contacts and checking if the battery is in good condition. Pulling out the battery for 30 seconds will allow you to check if the battery is bad.
You can also try resetting the machine. A full reset will wipe out all the data on the machine and allow you to set it up again. Another solution to this error is to turn off the robot and unplug it from the power cord. This will prevent any damage to your device or cord and allow you to fix the problem easily. You can then use a new battery and check if there is still an issue with your machine.
You can also try contacting iRobot through their customer support number or by filling a ticket online. The customer support will usually ask you to send them the error code that is appearing on your screen.
Sincere!
Why does roomba keep stopping.? We checked rollers removed very little hair and keeps stoping what is the next step?
my roomba i3 circle white light spinning constantly, will not charge either.
i took the battery out no change.
i uninstalled it off my app and tried to reinstall and and the roomba cant find my wifi.
now what can i do, the machine is less than a year old.
Roomba won’t charge if dust, hair, or dirt accumulates on the charging ports faulting your Roombas charging system. A faulty power outlet, system bugs, or when the battery is incorrectly positioned will cause Roomba charging problem. Too high or low temperatures affect Roomba charging too.
In the app, navigate to Product Settings > Wi-Fi Settings > select Reconnect or Change Product Wi-Fi. Enter your Wi-Fi password to re-establish the Wi-Fi connection to the robot. The robot should now be connected! We find this resolves the issue for most of our customers.
Sincere