iRobot Roomba Error Codes Complete Guide

Roomba error codes are reported as a red light ring pattern, a spoken alert on newer models, or a numbered message in the iRobot Home app. This guide decodes every Roomba error code from Error 1 to Error 31, explains what each light pattern means — including a red light on the base — and gives the fix for each one in the order iRobot's own technicians work through them. Most errors are debris, not hardware.

Understanding Roomba Light Patterns

Red Light on the Roomba Base or Clean Base

A red or amber indicator on the dock rather than on the robot means something different: it is telling you about the base, not the cleaning cycle. Work through these in order.

1. Dirt disposal bag full or missing (Clean Base models): open the lid and check the bag. A full bag, a bag that is not clicked fully into its holder, or no bag at all will all stop evacuation.
2. Evacuation path blocked: look into the suction port in the base ramp and the matching port on the underside of the robot's bin. Socks, tissue and pet hair mats are the usual culprits.
3. Robot not seated on the charging contacts: wipe both the two metal contacts on the base and the matching strips on the robot with a dry cloth, then re-dock by hand and confirm the robot's own charge indicator responds.
4. Base has no clean power: plug the base directly into a wall outlet, not a power strip, extension lead or smart plug, and make sure the excess cable is wound onto the base's cable tidy so it cannot foul the robot.
5. Still red: unplug the base for 30 seconds, plug it back in, then place the robot on it. If the light stays red with an empty, clear, correctly seated bag, the base needs service — see robot vacuum not charging for the full dock diagnostic.

Complete Error Code List

Error 1: Side Wheel Stuck

Symptom: One light blink + voice alert "Error one. Move Roomba to a new location and press Clean to restart."

Cause: Side wheel cannot rotate due to obstruction or mechanical issue.

Fix:

1. Flip Roomba upside down and check both side wheels for hair, carpet fibers, or debris
2. Press each wheel inward and spin it freely - it should rotate smoothly and spring back
3. Use scissors to carefully cut away hair wrapped around the wheel axle
4. Remove the wheel module by pulling it straight out, clean inside the cavity
5. Reinsert wheel until you hear a click, then restart

Warranty Note: Wheel module failures within 1 year are typically covered by warranty.

Error 2: Main Extractors / Brushes Stuck

Symptom: Two light blinks + voice alert about main brushes.

Cause: Rubber extractors or bristle brush cannot rotate.

Fix:

1. Remove the green extractor frame by pulling the two yellow tabs
2. Lift out both rubber extractors or the main brush roller
3. Clean extractors with warm water, remove all hair and debris
4. Check the square extractor socket inside Roomba for obstructions
5. Ensure the green end caps on extractors are firmly attached
6. Reinstall extractors (yellow bearings on right side), snap frame back

Error 5: Side Wheel Stuck (Both Wheels)

Symptom: Five light blinks.

Cause: Both side wheels cannot move freely.

Fix:

1. Clean both side wheels using Error 1 procedure
2. Check for uneven surfaces causing the robot to tilt
3. Ensure Roomba is not stuck on a threshold or carpet edge
4. If wheels move freely but error persists, wheel encoders may be faulty (contact support)

Error 6: Cliff Sensors Dirty

Symptom: Six light blinks + "Move Roomba to a new location."

Cause: Cliff sensors detecting a false drop-off or are dirty.

Fix:

1. Flip Roomba over and locate six cliff sensors (small circular windows on the bottom)
2. Wipe each sensor with a clean, dry microfiber cloth
3. Do not use cleaning solutions or water on sensors
4. Move Roomba away from dark carpets or reflective surfaces (these can trigger false positives)
5. Ensure adequate lighting - cliff sensors use infrared and need some ambient light

Persistent Issue: If error occurs on all surfaces, cliff sensor hardware may be defective.

Error 7: Side Wheel Suspended

Symptom: Seven light blinks.

Cause: One side wheel is hanging off a surface.

Fix:

1. Move Roomba to flat, level surface
2. Press both side wheels to ensure they spring back properly
3. Restart and observe first few movements to verify both wheels contact ground

Error 8: Fan / Vacuum Motor Stalled

Symptom: Eight light blinks + voice alert about suction motor.

Cause: Vacuum impeller is blocked or motor is failing.

Fix:

1. Remove dustbin and check for large debris blocking the air intake
2. Look inside the bin cavity and remove any visible obstructions
3. Remove and clean the filter (tap gently, do not wash unless washable filter)
4. Check for clogs in the bin's air pathway
5. Restart Roomba - motor should spin freely without resistance

If unfixable: Motor failure requires professional repair. Check warranty status.

Error 9: Tap Bumper to Clean

Symptom: Nine light blinks.

Cause: Front bumper sensor is compressed or stuck.

Fix:

1. Tap the front bumper firmly several times to dislodge debris
2. Press the bumper all around its circumference - it should have slight give and return to position
3. Lift the bumper edge and blow compressed air into the gap to remove dust
4. Ensure no objects are wedged behind the bumper

Error 10: Side Wheel Stalled

Symptom: Ten light blinks.

Cause: Side wheel motor cannot turn the wheel.

Fix:

1. Follow Error 1 procedure to clean side wheels
2. Check for stripped gears inside wheel module (rare)
3. If wheel spins freely by hand but error persists, motor or gearbox is failing

Error 14: Bin Error / Bin Not Detected

Symptom: 14 light blinks + "Reinstall Roomba's bin."

Cause: Dustbin is missing, improperly seated, or bin sensors are dirty.

Fix:

1. Remove dustbin completely
2. Clean the two metal contacts on the bin and inside the bin cavity
3. Empty the bin and ensure the filter is properly seated
4. Reinsert bin firmly until you hear a click
5. Verify the bin release button pops out (indicates proper seating)

Error 15: Charging Error

Symptom: 15 light blinks + "Charging error fifteen."

Cause: Battery or charging system malfunction.

Fix:

1. Clean charging contacts on both Roomba and Home Base with a melamine sponge or pencil eraser
2. Remove battery and reinstall after 1 minute (may reset battery management system)
3. Place Roomba on Home Base manually and observe charging indicator
4. Try a different electrical outlet for the Home Base
5. Check Home Base power adapter LED - if not lit, adapter may be faulty

Battery replacement: If battery is 2+ years old, replacement may be needed.

Error 16: Roomba Cannot Start

Symptom: 16 light blinks.

Cause: Roomba is moved while starting up.

Fix:

1. Place Roomba on flat surface and do not touch it
2. Press CLEAN button and step away immediately
3. Allow Roomba to complete startup sequence without interruption

Error 17: Navigation Problem

Symptom: 17 light blinks.

Cause: Roomba cannot determine its position (applies to mapping models).

Fix:

1. Ensure adequate lighting in the room (camera-based navigation models need light)
2. Remove any new furniture or obstacles that changed the room layout
3. Clean the camera lens on top of the Roomba (j7, j9, Combo models)
4. Delete the map and re-train Roomba by running 2-3 mapping runs

Error 18: Roomba Stuck

Symptom: 18 light blinks + "Roomba is stuck."

Cause: Robot is physically trapped or wheels are off the ground.

Fix:

1. Move Roomba to open floor space
2. Clear cables, curtains, or other entanglement hazards
3. Use virtual barriers or no-go zones in the app to avoid problem areas
4. See our guide: Why Does My Robot Vacuum Keep Getting Stuck?

Error 26: Vacuum Impeller Jammed

Symptom: 26 light blinks.

Cause: Debris blocking vacuum impeller.

Fix:

1. Remove dustbin
2. Look into the bin cavity - you'll see the impeller blades
3. Manually spin the impeller with your finger to check for resistance
4. Remove any visible debris (string, paper, large particles)
5. Do not force the impeller - if it won't spin, contact support

Error 29: Software Update Needed

Symptom: 29 light blinks.

Cause: Firmware is outdated or corrupted.

Fix:

1. Ensure Roomba is connected to WiFi
2. Open the iRobot Home app
3. Go to Settings > Software Update
4. If update is available, place Roomba on Home Base and keep it plugged in
5. Allow 30-60 minutes for update to complete (do not interrupt)

Error 31: Communication Error with Base

Symptom: 31 light blinks.

Cause: Roomba cannot communicate with Clean Base (self-empty base).

Fix:

1. Ensure Clean Base is plugged in and LED is lit
2. Clean charging contacts on both Roomba and base
3. Check that the evacuation port on Roomba's bin is not blocked
4. Verify the bag in the Clean Base is not full
5. Restart both Roomba and unplug/replug the Clean Base

Troubleshooting Steps for All Errors

• 1. Force Restart Hold CLEAN button for 10 seconds until Roomba plays a tone and light ring spins.
• 2. Factory Reset (Last Resort) Hold CLEAN button for 20 seconds. This erases all maps and settings.
• 3. Battery Calibration Let battery drain completely, then charge for 3 hours uninterrupted.
• 4. App Re-pairing Delete Roomba from app, then add it again via Settings > Add Robot.