Roomba 205 DustCompactor

Getting Started

Step 1: Prepare the Robot

Remove protective film from the camera and foam inserts located behind the bumper.

Step 2: Place the Dock

Place the docking station on a hard surface flooring, ensuring good Wi-Fi coverage. Maintain a clearance of 1.6 ft (0.5 m) on both sides and 5 ft (1.5 m) in front and from stairs. ℹ️ NOTE: Do not place the dock in direct sunlight. Ensure the area around the dock is free of clutter to improve docking performance. ⚠️ WARNING: To prevent the risk of your robot falling down stairs, ensure that your dock is placed at least 5 feet (1.5 meters) away from stairs.

Step 3: Plug in the Dock

Plug the power cord into the wall. Wrap the cord back to prevent it from obstructing the robot's path.

Step 4: Install the Edge Sweeping Brush

Align the edge sweeping brush with its mounting point and press down until it clicks into place.

Step 5: Wake Up the Robot

Place your robot in front of the dock. Slide it towards the dock, aligning the metal charging contacts. After a few minutes, a sound will indicate the robot has woken up. ℹ️ NOTE: Your robot comes with a partial charge, but it is recommended to charge it for 4 hours before the first cleaning.

Step 6: Download the Roomba Home App

Scan the QR code with your mobile device's camera or find the Roomba Home App in your app store. The app provides guided setup and allows you to:

• Control cleaning schedules and preferences
• Unlock digital features
• Access tips, tricks, and FAQs

About Your Roomba 205 DustCompactor Robot

Top View Components

Diagram shows the top of the robot with numbered parts:

• 1: Bin Release Button
• 2: Bin Lid Release Button
• 3: Bin Port
• 4: Arm Control
• 5: Home Button [home-icon]
• 6: Power Button [power-icon]
• 7: Bumper
• 8: ClearView™ LIDAR
• 9: Edge Infrared Sensor

Bottom View Components

Diagram shows the bottom of the robot with numbered parts:

• 10: Water Tank Release Button (combo models only)
• 11: Water Tank (combo models only)
• 12: Carpet Sensor (combo models only)
• 13: Charging Contacts
• 14: Cliff Sensors
• 15: Edge Sweeping Brush
• 16: Wheels
• 17: Multi Surface Brush
• 18: Brush Cover Release Tab
• 19: Brush Cover
• 20: Caster Wheel
• 21: Pad Plate Attachment (combo models only)
• 22: Mop Pad (combo models only)

Component Details

DustCompactor™ Bin

Diagram shows the bin with numbered parts:

• 1: Compacting Arm
• 2: Filter
• 3: Bin Lid Release Button
• 4: Bin Lid

Water Tank (Combo Models Only)

Diagram shows the water tank with numbered parts:

• 5: Water Tank Release Button
• 6: Electrode Plates
• 7: Mop Pad
• 8: Water Tank Cap

ℹ️ NOTE: The water tank may contain a small amount of residual water due to quality inspection. This is normal.

Dock (Place against a wall)

Diagram shows the dock with numbered parts:

• 9: IR Window
• 10: Charging Contacts
• 11: Power Port
• 12: Cord Attachment
• 13: Cord Wrap
• 14: Plug

ℹ️ NOTE: The DustCompactor™ Bin must be installed for both vacuuming mode and vacuuming & mopping mode; otherwise, the vacuum-mop cannot be turned on.

Charging

Power Icon Indicator

POWER Button States:

• White: Fully charged and connected
• Flashing White: Return to dock to charge
• Pulsing White: Charging (low battery)
• If the user tries to start a mission, the buttons will FLASH Red and trigger an audio alert indicating low battery.
• Flashing Red: Low battery/Error

Charging During a Cleaning

Your robot will return to the dock when it needs to recharge. Once sufficiently charged, it will resume cleaning where it left off.

Standby Mode

Your robot uses a small amount of power when on the dock. To enter a reduced power state, press the [power-icon] button for 10 seconds. To exit, short press the [power-icon] button.

Storing Your Robot

For long-term storage, turn off your robot by removing it from the dock and holding the [power-icon] button for 10 seconds. Store in a cool, dry place.

Cleaning

Button Controls

HOME Button: Tap to send the robot home. Press when running to pause. Press when paused to dock. Press when docking to stop.

POWER Button: Tap to Start/Pause/Resume a job. Hold for 3 seconds to turn on. Hold for 10 seconds to turn off.

Cleaning Pattern

Your robot automatically explores and cleans your home in neat rows, returning to the dock when needed. Tips:

• Remove excess clutter from floors before cleaning.
• Use your robot frequently to maintain well-conditioned floors.

Spot Clean

Tap the [power-icon] button twice to spot clean a designated area. The robot will end the job after completion. Press the [home-icon] button to send it back to its dock.

ℹ️ NOTE: It is highly recommended to use the Roomba Home App for cleaning control, including cleaning specific rooms and setting schedules.

ℹ️ NOTE: Roomba robots are designed for most floor types. Avoid using mopping functions on unsealed hardwood floors and certain laminate/vinyl planks due to potential water damage.

Vacuuming Modes

Vacuuming Only

1. If the DustCompactor™ Bin is full, empty it before starting a cleaning.

2. Remove the water tank and mop pad by pressing the release buttons on both sides of the robot.

Vacuuming and Mopping (Combo Models Only)

Your robot can vacuum and mop simultaneously when the water tank and mop pad are installed. It will automatically avoid carpets in these modes.

⚠️ IMPORTANT: Do not add liquids like hot water, detergent, or disinfectant, as they can damage the robot. Use only cold water or iRobot-approved cleaning solutions.

After mopping and vacuuming, empty the water tank and replace the mop pad.

1. Slide the mop pad along the water tank slot and attach it firmly onto the velcro.

Starting Cleaning

3. To start cleaning, place the robot back on the dock and use the app or press the [power-icon] button.

⚠️ IMPORTANT: Regularly cleaning the DustCompactor™ Bin prevents dirt buildup, which can reduce vacuum-mop performance.

Filling the Water Tank

2. Open the tank lid, fill the tank with water, and reattach the lid.

CAUTION: Do not rinse the water tank or immerse it in water. Do not use detergents, disinfectants, or solid cleaners. CAUTION: Do not add hot water, as it may cause deformation.

Reinstalling the Water Tank

3. Slide the water tank horizontally into the bottom of the robot until it clicks into place.

ℹ️ NOTE: If the robot needs water mid-job, tap the [power-icon] button or press PAUSE in the app. Remove, add water, and reinstall the tank. Press the [power-icon] button or RESUME in the app to continue.

Starting Cleaning (Post-Tank Fill)

4. Place the robot back on the dock and use the app or press the [power-icon] button to start cleaning.

ℹ️ NOTE: Before use, wipe the electrode plates of the water tank clean with a dry cloth.

Care and Maintenance

Robot Maintenance Schedule

To maintain optimal performance, periodically perform the following care and maintenance. Instructional videos are available in the Roomba Home App.

*Replacement frequency may vary. Parts should be replaced if visible wear appears. Contact iRobot Customer Care for replacement parts.

Cleaning the Edge-Sweeping Brush

Pull to remove the edge-sweeping brush. Remove any hair or debris using the cleaning brush, then reinstall the edge-sweeping brush.

⚠️ IMPORTANT: It is recommended to replace the edge-sweeping brush every 3-6 months for optimal cleaning effect.

Cleaning the Multi-Surface Brush

1. Press the brush cover release tabs and lift to remove the brush cover.

2. Remove the multi-surface brush.

3. Remove any hair and debris from the cleaning brush.

4. Reinstall the multi-surface brush and brush cover.

ℹ️ NOTE: For deeper cleaning instructions, visit global.irobot.com.

⚠️ IMPORTANT: It is recommended to replace the main brush every 6-12 months for optimal cleaning effect.

Cleaning the Front Caster Wheel

1. Pull the caster wheel upwards to remove.

2. Remove hair and debris from the front caster wheel and cavity.

3. Reinstall the caster wheel.

⚠️ IMPORTANT: A clogged front wheel can damage your floor. If the wheel is not spinning freely after cleaning, contact Customer Care.

Cleaning the Charging Contacts and Sensors

Unplug the dock from the wall. Wipe charging contacts and sensors with a clean, dry cloth or a lightly dampened melamine foam.

CHARGING CONTACTS

SENSORS

⚠️ IMPORTANT: Do not spray cleaning solution or water onto the sensors or sensor openings.

Emptying the DustCompactor™ Bin and Cleaning the Filter

1. Press the DustCompactor™ bin release button to remove the bin.

2. With the bin upright and over a trash container, push the release tab to open the bin.

3. Empty contents into the trash.

4. Remove the filter by pinching the tab and pulling it out.

5. Tap the filter against your trash container to remove debris.

6. Wipe the Bin with a clean cloth.

7. Reinsert the filter.

8. Securely close the bin by closing the latch and ensuring all sides are sealed.

9. Place the bin back in the robot.

⚠️ IMPORTANT: Squeeze all gaps around the lid perimeter. A proper seal is required for optimal operation.

Cleaning the Water Tank (Combo Models Only)

1. Simultaneously press and hold both release buttons of the water tank, then slide it out from the bottom of the vacuum-mop.

2. Empty old water and rinse with fresh water.

3. Dry the exterior of the tank well before reinstalling.

ℹ️ NOTE: If using detergent, use only dish soap and rinse thoroughly. Soap can damage the robot.

Cleaning the Mopping Pad

Thoroughly hand wash the mopping pad with cold water and let it air dry.

ℹ️ NOTE: After mopping, immediately remove the water tank, empty remaining water, and clean/dry the mop pad to prevent odor and mildew.

Dock Maintenance

To keep your dock running optimally, perform the following procedures.

*Replacement frequency may vary. Parts should be replaced if visible wear appears. Contact iRobot Customer Care for replacement parts.

Cleaning the Charging Contacts and IR Window

Inspect components to ensure they are clear of debris. Wipe with a clean, dry cloth.

⚠️ IMPORTANT: Do not spray cleaning solution or water onto the sensors or sensor openings.

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting Your Robot

Your robot will alert you with voice announcements or audio alerts for issues. The Roomba Home App provides notifications and troubleshooting steps. Consult the app if unsure if the robot is finished or paused.

Troubleshooting Your Dock

If the dock is not performing as expected, check the Roomba Home App for errors.

Factory Reset

To factory reset, press the [home-icon] button for 5 seconds, then press the [power-icon] button for 5 seconds (within 5 seconds of the first press).

Battery Safety & Shipping

⚠️ WARNING: Lithium-ion batteries are subject to stringent transportation regulations. Follow these instructions when shipping the product:

• The battery MUST be turned off before shipping.
• Turn off the battery by removing the robot from the dock and holding the [power-icon] button for 10 seconds. Press the bumper in for 10 seconds while holding the [power-icon] button. All indicators will turn off.
• Package the robot securely for shipping.

Need Further Assistance?

Download the Roomba Home App or visit global.irobot.com for product support or to contact your local support center. In the US & Canada, call Customer Care at (877) 855-8593.

iRobot USA Customer Care Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 AM - 9 PM Eastern Time; Saturday-Sunday, 9 AM - 6 PM Eastern Time.

Safety Information: Please see the safety guide that came with your robot, or visit global.irobot.com.