Roomba Not Charging? 10 Quick Fixes

Quick Fix

Roomba not charging? Clean the charging contacts: wipe the metal contacts on both Roomba and charging base with a dry cloth or melamine foam. Ensure base is plugged in and shows green light. Remove and reseat battery. Try charging directly on base without scheduling.

Why Won’t Roomba Charge?

Roomba charging issues come from dirty contacts, faulty power source, dead battery, software glitches, or home base problems. The charging contacts on both Roomba and base need to be clean for proper connection.

Method 1: Clean Charging Contacts

Dirty contacts prevent charging.

1. Flip Roomba over
2. Find metal charging contacts
3. Wipe with dry cloth or melamine foam
4. Clean contacts on Home Base too
5. Place Roomba on base and test

Method 2: Check Home Base Power

Base may not be powered.

1. Check if base shows green light
2. Unplug and replug power cord
3. Try different outlet
4. Check power adapter for damage
5. Green light means base is ready

Method 3: Reboot Roomba

Restart clears software glitches.

1. Hold Clean button for 10 seconds
2. Release when you hear tone
3. Wait for restart
4. Place on charging base
5. Check if charging begins

Method 4: Remove and Reseat Battery

Battery may be loose.

1. Flip Roomba over
2. Remove screws from battery cover
3. Remove battery
4. Wait 1 minute
5. Reinsert battery firmly
6. Replace cover and try charging

Method 5: Factory Reset

Reset fixes software issues.

1. Hold Home + Spot + Clean buttons together
2. Hold for 10 seconds
3. Release when you hear tone
4. Roomba resets to factory settings
5. Reconnect to app and try charging

Method 6: Check Battery Health

Battery may be dead.

1. Roomba batteries last 2-3 years
2. If orange light blinks, battery is low
3. If no response at all, battery may be dead
4. Try leaving on charger for 16 hours
5. If still dead, replace battery

Method 7: Use Direct Charging

Bypass Home Base.

1. Unplug power cord from Home Base
2. Plug directly into Roomba
3. If charges this way, base is faulty
4. If still won’t charge, Roomba issue
5. Test both methods

Method 8: Check for Error Codes

Roomba may indicate problem.

1. Look at indicator lights
2. Blinking red = charging error
3. Check iRobot app for error messages
4. Solid green = fully charged
5. Pulsing amber = charging

Method 9: Relocate Home Base

Location affects charging.

1. Place on hard, flat surface
2. Away from stairs and drop-offs
3. Clear space on sides
4. Not on thick carpet
5. Room temperature location

Method 10: Update Firmware

Updates fix charging bugs.

1. Open iRobot app
2. Select your Roomba
3. Go to Settings > About
4. Check for software update
5. Install and restart

FAQ

Why does Roomba battery die so fast?

Fast battery drain indicates old battery needing replacement (typical after 2-3 years), running on very dirty floors, or frequent use. Always store Roomba on charger. Letting battery fully drain damages it.

How do I know if Roomba battery is bad?

Signs of bad battery: very short run times (under 30 minutes), not holding charge overnight, swelling or leaking, or Roomba won’t power on even after charging. Batteries typically last 400 cycles or 2-3 years.

Can I leave Roomba on charger all the time?

Yes, Roomba is designed to stay on charger when not in use. The smart charging system prevents overcharging. Leaving it on base keeps battery healthy and Roomba ready to clean.