Roomba Error Codes and Fixes: Error 1, 2, 5, 14, 17, and 1010

A Roomba error code tells you which part stopped the robot. On the 600, 700, 800, and 900 series, most codes point to the side wheels (Errors 1, 5, and 7), the brushes (Error 2), the cliff sensors (Error 6), the bumper (Error 9), or the bin (Error 14). Error 18 means the robot cannot get back to its dock. Most clear once you clean or free that part and restart. If a code keeps coming back on a clean robot, the part may need replacing.

Last reviewed: October 2026. Meanings and fixes come from iRobot’s own support articles. We list only the codes whose articles we read.

Try this first

iRobot’s first step for most errors is simple: lift the robot, set it down in the middle of the room, and press Clean. If the error comes back on a flat, open floor, work through the fix for that code below.

600, 700, 800, and 900 series codes

Error 1: the robot is on an obstacle or uneven surface, and a side wheel is stuck. Move it to the center of the room and restart. If it happened on a flat floor, push each wheel up and down, shake out debris, and turn both wheels by hand. They should turn freely with the same resistance.
Error 2: the brushes, called extractors on the 800 series, cannot turn. Open the frame and clean them.
Error 5: one or both side wheels cannot turn. Clean the wheels and wheel wells. If a wheel will not turn by hand, the wheel module may need replacing.
Error 6: the cliff sensors are dirty, or the robot is stuck over a drop or on a dark surface. Clean the cliff sensors.
Error 7: the side wheels or left wheel cannot turn. Clean the wheel wells, using compressed air if you have it. If the error persists, iRobot says you may need a replacement left wheel module.
Error 9: the bumper is pressed in or its sensor is dirty. Tap the bumper to free it.
Error 10: a side wheel is stuck, or the bumper is not registering obstacles. Check both.
Error 11: a vacuum error on the 800 series. Check the bin.
Error 14: shown as Error 1-4 on the 600, 700, and 800 series. The robot does not detect the bin. Reseat the bin, then wipe the bin contacts on the bin and the robot with a lightly damp melamine sponge. If it persists, you may need a new bin.
Error 18: the robot cannot get back to its Home Base or starting point. See the full steps in the Error 18 section below.

More 900 series codes

iRobot’s 900 series chart says the robot blinks, plays a two-tone sound, and speaks the message. You can hear it again by pressing CLEAN, or by pressing the bumper if the robot is on. If the message persists, iRobot says to contact its Customer Care. These codes are not listed above:

Error 8: the fan is stuck or its filter is clogged. iRobot’s chart points to the bin.
Error 11: an internal error. The chart again points to the bin.
Error 15: an internal error. iRobot says to press CLEAN to restart.
Error 16: the robot started while moving or at an angle, or was bumped while running. Place it on a flat surface and make sure it is not tilted.
Error 17: the cleaning job is incomplete. Make sure the robot’s path is not blocked.
Error 19: a cliff sensor is activated near the docking area. Check the environment around the Home Base.

j series codes

Error 2: the rubber brushes cannot turn. Clean them, including under the end caps. Brand-new brushes can trigger it for a few runs, and so can thick carpet. If the error clears with the brushes removed but returns with them in, you may need new brushes.
Error 17: the robot could not finish and canceled the job. iRobot lists these causes: a room too dark for the camera, doors closed or furniture moved during the run, a very large area, thick carpet, a threshold it cannot cross back over, and clutter. Wipe the front camera window and the floor tracking sensor underneath. If it continues, move the base and start from there.

Error 18: the robot cannot return to its dock

iRobot’s Error 18 article says the robot cannot return to its dock or starting position. It covers all Roomba and Braava models except the 100/1000, 200/2000, Plus 400, Plus 500, and Max 700 series, and it sends Roomba Essential owners to a separate article. It sends LiDAR robots with docking trouble to Error 1010, covered below. The steps, in iRobot’s order:

Check dock power. The dock should have a light. On an evacuation dock, pull the bag tag partway so the light turns red. On a regular dock, unplug the cord and reconnect it firmly. If there is still no power, test the outlet with another device. A damaged cord needs replacing, and if the cord is fine but the dock gets no power, the dock may need replacing.
Remove obstructions. Make sure the dock was not moved or unplugged during cleaning. Remove stickers, tape, or paint from the robot’s bumper or the dock. Attach the tray or ramp properly. Keep any Virtual Wall or other charging station at least 8 feet (2.5 meters) from the dock, and keep the path to the dock clear.
Clean the charging contacts and docking target. Wipe the contacts with a lightly dampened melamine sponge or cloth. Clean the visual docking target or infrared window with a dry cloth. On the j series and Combo 10 Max, also clean the front camera. iRobot says green or copper-colored contacts are damaged and may need replacing, and to contact iRobot Customer Care.
Check the wheels. Clear debris from the wheel wells and make sure each side wheel turns freely with equal resistance. A dislodged front caster wheel or torn or worn treads may need Customer Care.
Reboot the robot and the dock. Reboot the robot in the app (Product Settings, then Reboot Roomba), or hold the CLEAN or POWER button off the dock for a model-specific time between 9 and 20 seconds. Unplug the dock briefly and plug it back in. iRobot says a reboot does not delete maps or schedules.
Test the RCON sensor. Skip this on models without one, such as the 10 Max and j series, which use a camera. Otherwise clear old jobs by holding CLEAN for 3 seconds, place the robot within 6 feet (1.8 meters) facing the dock, and send it home. If it docks, run another mission.
Move the dock. Put it on a hard, level surface against a wall, at least 4 feet (1.2 meters) from stairs, with a clear path and out of direct sunlight. Make sure the home is within the robot’s area coverage. If Error 18 persists, contact iRobot Customer Care.

Newer Roomba models: Error 1010

On the Roomba 100/1000, 200/2000, Plus 400, Plus 500, Plus 600, Max 700, and Max 800 series, Error 1010 means the robot can no longer detect or reach its dock. Clear its path and open doors, then reboot it: hold the power button for 10 seconds, then for 3 seconds to turn it back on. Clean the wheels and sensors. If the error continues, delete the map and let the robot map again.

Charging error codes

Charging errors use their own numbers: 1 to 21 in the iRobot Home app, and 101 to 121 in the Roomba Home app.

1 or 101: no battery detected. Remove and reinstall the battery.
4, 5, 104, or 105: no or low current. Clean the charging contacts.
6, 7, 106, or 107: battery too warm or too cold. Let the robot reach room temperature.
9, 11, 109, or 111: battery failure. Reinstall the battery. It may need replacing.
17 or 117: the battery may not be genuine. iRobot says non-genuine batteries can cause errors and void the warranty.
21 or 121: docked but could not charge. Clean the charging contacts.

For more checks, see robot vacuum not charging. For prices, see robot battery replacement costs.

When the error means a repair

If a code returns after cleaning, the fix is usually a replacement part, such as a wheel module, bin, brushes, or battery. Roombas carry a one-year warranty. Before buying parts, see Roomba repair and warranty.

Frequently asked questions

What does Roomba Error 1 mean?

On the 600 to 900 series, a side wheel is stuck, usually because the robot is on an obstacle or uneven surface. Move it to an open floor and restart, then check that both wheels turn freely.

Why does my Roomba say Error 17?

On the j series and Combo 10 Max, it means the robot could not finish its job. Low light, moved furniture, closed doors, thick carpet, and clutter are among the causes iRobot lists. On the 900 series, iRobot’s chart lists Error 17 as an incomplete cleaning job and says to make sure the robot’s path is not blocked.

Why does my Roomba show a different Error 1 when charging?

Charging errors use their own numbers. Charging Error 1 means no battery is detected, which is different from the cleaning Error 1.

Why does my Roomba say Error 18?

The robot cannot return to its dock or starting position. iRobot’s first checks are dock power, anything blocking the dock or the path to it, dirty charging contacts, and wheels that do not turn freely. The full steps are in the Error 18 section above.

Related guides

Sources

Home Robotics Services is an independent reference site. It is not affiliated with iRobot.

Roomba Error Codes: What They Mean and How to Fix Them