Do you have issues with your Roomba reaching the base station?
When your Roomba’s battery starts to run low, it is supposed to return automatically to its home base to recharge. Sometimes, however, the Roomba will not return to the base and will instead just sit there with a low battery signal. This can be frustrating if you are trying to schedule a cleaning and your Roomba won’t start because it’s out of power.
In this blog post, we will discuss some common causes of this problem and how you can troubleshoot it. Let’s dive right into the information!
Table of Contents
What is a Roomba?
In case you are wondering, a Roomba is a robotic vacuum cleaner that is designed to autonomously clean your floors. It uses sensors to navigate around your home and avoid obstacles, and it can be programmed to clean at specific times or on a pre-determined schedule.
The Roomba has a built-in rechargeable battery, and when the battery starts to run low, the Roomba is supposed to automatically return to its home base to dock and recharge.
Sometimes, however, the Roomba will not return to the base when the battery is low. This can be caused by a variety of factors, which we will discuss in more detail below.
Why Won’t My Roomba Return to its Base?
Even though the Roomba is designed to return to the home base when the battery is low, there are a few reasons why this might not happen. Let’s look at a few of them:
1. The Roomba Can’t Find its Way Back
The most common reason for a Roomba not returning to the base is that it is unable to find its way back. This can be due to a variety of factors, including furniture or other obstacles blocking the path, changes in the layout of your home (such as moving furniture), or infrared interference from things like sunlight or lamps.
2. The Charging Contacts are Dirty or Damaged
Another possible reason for a Roomba not returning to the base is that the charging contacts on the Roomba or the charging dock are dirty or damaged. Turn over the Roomba and see if the Roomba’s charging contacts are dirty. It will not be able to dock properly and recharge if it is.
The same is true for the charging dock – if the contacts are dirty or damaged, the Roomba will not be able to charge.
3. Something is Wrong with the Docking Station
Finally, it is also possible that the Roomba is not returning to base because there is something wrong with the docking station itself. If the docking station is not functioning properly, the Roomba will not be able to dock and recharge.
4. Wi-Fi is Weak or Off
Another possibility is that the Roomba’s battery is not low, but the Wi-Fi signal is weak or off. If the Roomba is not connected to Wi-Fi, it will not be able to receive updates or new commands from the iRobot Home app. As a result, it may not work properly.
To check if this is the case, try opening the iRobot Home app and see if you can connect to your Roomba. If the app says that the Roomba is offline, or it doesn’t display what Wi-Fi network you’re on, then you know that there is an issue with the Wi-Fi connection.
How to Fix a Roomba Not Returning to Base
Now that we’ve discussed some of the common causes of a Roomba not returning to base, let’s talk about how you can fix this problem.
1. Check for Obstacles
If your Roomba won’t return to base when the battery is low, the first thing you should do is to check the area around the docking station for obstacles. Obstacles could be anything from toys, debris, furniture, or stairs.
Make sure that there is a clear path from the docking station to the Roomba, and that there are no obstacles in the way that could prevent the Roomba from getting back to its home base.
2. Clean the Charging Contacts
As we mentioned, if the charging contacts on the Roomba or dock have dirt and grime, this can prevent the Roomba from being able to charge properly. To clean the charging contacts, simply turn the Roomba over and use a dry cloth to wipe them down. If the contacts are damaged, you may need to replace them.
At the same time as checking the charging contacts, also check the Roomba’s caster wheels. If they have debris caught in them, they will have trouble carrying the Roomba back to its home base.
3. Reset the Docking Station
If something is wrong with the charging station itself, you may be able to fix the problem by resetting it.
Here is what you do to reset the docking station:
- Set the Roomba on the docking station
- Press the CLEAN button and hold it down for 10 seconds
- Let go of the CLEAN button
- The Roomba should turn off and release a beep
- The Roomba is reset
Also, check to ensure that the docking station plug is firmly inserted into the wall outlet, so that it is getting the power it needs to work properly.
Watch for an error message to show up to see if the reset was successful, and keep in mind that you may need to reset the Roomba’s digital features too if you do a hard reset on the docking station, such as the clock and the schedule.
4. Reset the Wi-Fi Connection
If the Wi-Fi connection is weak or off, you may be able to fix the problem by resetting the Wi-Fi connection. To reset the Wi-Fi connection, simply turn off the router and then turn it back on again. Once the router is back on, try to connect to the Roomba again.
What if My Roomba Still Won’t Return to the Base?
If you’ve tried all of the above troubleshooting steps and your Roomba still won’t return to base, it is possible that there is a more serious problem with your Roomba. In this case, you may need to contact the manufacturer for further assistance.
It is possible that you might need to get a part replacement or you might need to buy a new Roomba altogether. Usually this isn’t the case, but it is entirely possible that your Roomba may have worn out, especially if it is an older model and is running quite often.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Roomba
Now that we’ve discussed some of the common issues that can cause your Roomba to not return to base, let’s answer some frequently asked questions about this problem.
Can I Manually Dock My Roomba?
Yes, you can manually dock your Roomba by picking up the device and carrying it to the charging base. You place the Roomba about 6 ft from the charger and then press the DOCK button.
How Do I Know if My Roomba is Charging?
There are a few ways to tell if your Roomba is charging. First, check the power indicator on the front of the charger. If there is a solid green light on the front of home bases like the Roomba’s, it means that the Roombas should be able to charge after a cleaning cycle is complete.
What Features Does the Roomba Have?
The Roomba has a variety of features that make it a helpful and convenient addition to your home. These features include sensors to navigate around your home, a rechargeable battery, the ability to be programmed to clean at specific times or on a schedule, and virtual wall barriers. They even come with a base station in order to recharge.
How Long Should My Roomba Last?
On average, a Roomba should last for about two or three years with proper care and maintenance. However, it is possible for a Roomba to last longer or shorter depending on how often it is used and how well it is taken care of.
How Do I Care For My Roomba?
There are a few things you can do to extend the life of your Roomba and keep it running properly. First, make sure to empty the dustbin after each use. Second, clean the brushes and sensors regularly. Finally, keep the charging dock clean and free of debris.
Conclusion to Roomba Not Returning to Base When the Battery is Low
There you have it – a bunch of reasons for why your Roomba won’t return to base when the battery is low, and also many ways to fix those problems. Be sure to check for common issues like debris in the way, a low battery, or dirty charging contacts before you try anything more complicated. And as always, if you have any further questions about your Roomba or need help troubleshooting, feel free to contact the manufacturer for assistance.
What do you love most about your Roomba? Let’s us know in the comments below!