Introduction
This guide explains how to remove the faceplate from your Roomba.
Tools Required:
- Phillips #1 Screwdriver (1)
- Phillips #2 Screwdriver (1)
Step 1: Side Brush Preparation
Place your Roomba upside-down on a hard surface.
[Image: Top view of the iRobot Roomba 551, showing its circular top surface with buttons and the iRobot logo.]Step 2: Remove Side Brush Screw
While holding the side brush in place, use a Phillips #1 screwdriver to remove the 4.5mm screw from the center of the brush.
[Image: A hand holding a Phillips #1 screwdriver is shown removing a screw from the center of the Roomba's side brush assembly.]Step 3: Remove Side Brush
Gently pull upwards on the brush to remove it.
[Image: A hand is shown gently pulling the side brush upwards to detach it from the Roomba.]Step 4: Position for Bottom Plate Access
Rotate the Roomba upside-down so the bottom is facing towards you.
[Image: The Roomba is shown positioned upside-down, revealing its underside with wheels and brushes.]Step 5: Remove Bottom Plate Screws
Using a Phillips #2 screwdriver, remove the captive screws that hold the bottom plate in place.
[Image: Hands are shown using a Phillips #2 screwdriver to remove screws located around the perimeter of the Roomba's bottom plate.]Step 6: Lift Bottom Plate
Carefully lift the bottom plate.
⚠️ The battery is only secured in place by the bottom plate, and may fall out once the bottom plate is removed.
[Image: Hands are lifting the bottom plate of the Roomba, exposing the internal battery pack.]Step 7: Remove Dirt Bin
Push on the dirt bin release button, and pull gently.
[Image: A hand is shown pressing the release button for the dirt bin on the Roomba.]Step 8: Remove Bumper Screws
With a Phillips #1 screwdriver, remove the ten 12mm screws located along the bottom of the bumper.
[Image: Multiple views showing hands using a Phillips #1 screwdriver to remove ten 12mm screws from the lower edge of the Roomba's bumper.]Step 9: Lift Bottom Cover
Lift the bottom cover and set it to the side.
[Image: Hands are shown lifting the bottom cover of the Roomba away from the main unit.]Step 10: Remove Bumper
Flip the Roomba over, grasp the bumper, and gently lift to remove.
⚠️ The battery is not secured in place once the bottom plate has been removed, and may fall out when the Roomba is turned right-side up.
[Image: The Roomba is shown being flipped over, and hands are lifting the bumper assembly away from the main body.]Step 11: Detach Faceplate (Front)
Pull up on the front of the faceplate until the friction locks pop out of place.
[Image: Hands are pulling the front edge of the Roomba's faceplate upwards, disengaging friction locks.]Step 12: Detach Faceplate (Sides)
Continue around the outside of the Roomba, pulling up on the faceplate to free all of the outer friction locks.
[Image: Hands are shown pulling the Roomba's faceplate upwards along its sides to release remaining friction locks.]Step 13: Remove Faceplate
Grab the faceplate by the outer edge and pull upwards, freeing the center friction locks in the process.
[Image: Hands are pulling the Roomba faceplate upwards from the outer edge to fully detach it.]To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.
