iRobot Roomba 800 Series User Manual

Welcome

Dear iRobot® Roomba® User:

Thank you for purchasing the iRobot Roomba vacuum cleaner. You are now part of the millions of people who clean with robots, the smartest way to clean. Take a few minutes to read this manual and familiarize yourself with it to get the most out of your Roomba. If you have any questions, visit global.irobot.com for more information.

We also encourage you to register your Roomba now at www.irobot.com/roomba800. By registering your robot, you will immediately activate your warranty and begin to enjoy the following exclusive benefits:

• Award-winning customer service: Receive assistance tailored to your specific robot, with answers to your questions, maintenance tips, video demonstrations, and live chat.
• Product updates and valuable information: Be among the first to receive news about new robots, exclusive discounts, and special offers.

When you register, you can also share your experience with Roomba. iRobot values customer feedback for improvements. Thank you for choosing iRobot. We value your purchase, feedback, and loyalty.

Save time on your household chores and enjoy life more.

Colin Angle
President, CEO, and Co-founder
iRobot Corporation

P.S. Register your Roomba now at www.irobot.com/roomba800.

Table of Contents

This manual covers the following topics:

• Important Safety Instructions
• Important Tips
• Anatomy of iRobot Roomba
• Language Configuration
• Cleaning Pattern
• Cleaning Modes
• Cleaning System
• Battery Charging and Storage
• Auto Virtual Wall®
• Virtual Wall® Lighthouse™
• Virtual Wall® Halo
• Home Base®
• Remote Control
• Wireless Remote Control
• Scheduling Roomba
• Routine Maintenance
• Troubleshooting
• Problems During Charging
• Replaceable Modules
• Battery Extraction
• Registration
• Declaration of Conformity
• iRobot Customer Care

Important Safety Instructions

This device can be used by children aged 8 and above and persons with reduced physical, mental, or sensory capabilities, provided they are supervised or have received instructions on safe use and understand the related hazards. Children should not play with the device. Children should not perform maintenance or cleaning without supervision.

CAUTION: Do not expose the robot's electronic components, battery, or integrated charging base (Home Base®). There are no user-replaceable parts inside. Contact qualified service personnel for repairs. Ensure the voltage of the Home Base matches your standard power outlet.

Note: The robot has a software interface for firmware updates. Any attempt to access, download, copy, modify, or distribute the software is strictly prohibited.

Use the robot with care. To reduce the risk of damage or injury, always follow safety precautions during setup, use, and maintenance:

• Read all safety and operating instructions before using the robot.
• Keep safety and operating instructions for future reference.
• Pay attention to all warnings on the robot, battery, Home Base, and user manual.
• Follow all operating instructions.
• Refer all non-routine maintenance tasks to iRobot.

Usage Restrictions:

• Use the robot only indoors.
• The robot is not a toy. Do not sit or stand on it. Supervise children and pets when the robot is operating.
• Store and use the robot only in rooms at ambient temperature.
• Clean with a damp cloth only.
• Do not use to pick up anything burning or smoking.
• Do not use to clean spills of bleach, paint, or other chemicals, or anything wet.
• Before use, pick up fragile items like clothing, loose papers, cords from blinds or curtains, power cords, or any other fragile object. If the device runs over a power cord and pulls it, an object could fall from a table or shelf.
• If the room has a balcony, use a physical barrier to prevent the robot from accessing it.
• This device is not intended for use by persons with reduced physical, mental, or sensory capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless supervised or instructed by a responsible person.
• Supervise children to ensure they do not play with the device. Children should not clean or maintain the device without supervision.
• Do not place anything on the device.
• Be aware that the robot moves on its own. Be careful not to step on it.
• Do not use the robot in areas with exposed electrical outlets on the floor.

Battery and Charging:

• Charge the device exclusively with a standard power outlet. Using other power converters will void the warranty.
• Use only the supplied iRobot Home Base for charging.
• Do not use a Home Base with a damaged cable or plug. Contact the manufacturer or a qualified person for repairs.
• Use only iRobot-approved rechargeable batteries.
• Always charge the device's battery and remove it from the robot and accessories before transporting or storing for extended periods.
• Charge the device only indoors.
• The Home Base can be protected with a surge protector during major thunderstorms.
• Never handle the Home Base with wet hands.
• Always disconnect the device from the Home Base before cleaning or maintenance.
• Ensure the Home Base voltage matches your standard power outlet.
• Used batteries should be placed in a sealed plastic bag and disposed of according to local environmental regulations.
• Before each use, check the battery for any signs of damage or leakage. Do not charge damaged or leaking batteries.
• If the battery leaks, return it to your local iRobot authorized customer care center for disposal.
• The battery must be removed from the device before disposal.
• Use only original iRobot batteries with appropriate specifications.
• Do not break or disassemble batteries. Do not heat batteries or place them near heat sources.
• Do not burn batteries. Do not short-circuit batteries.
• Do not immerse batteries in any liquid.

Roomba Usage and Safety Information:

• Use Roomba only in dry environments.
• Do not spray or pour liquids onto the device.

Important Tips

Before using the device for the first time, activate it by removing the battery tab. Charge Roomba overnight before its first use.

Diagram shows three steps for initial setup: 1. Remove battery tab. 2. Place on Home Base. 3. Roomba is ready.

Turning Roomba On and Off:

• To turn on Roomba, press the CLEAN button once. You will hear a sound and the CLEAN button will illuminate.
• To start a cleaning cycle, press the CLEAN button again. Roomba will begin its cleaning cycle.
• To pause Roomba, press the CLEAN button while the device is operating.
• To resume the cleaning cycle, press the CLEAN button again.
• To turn off the device, press and hold the CLEAN button until the Roomba lights turn off.

For Maximum Performance:

• Empty Roomba's dust bin and clean the filter after each use.
• Use an optional Auto Virtual Wall® or Virtual Wall Lighthouse™ accessory to limit Roomba's cleaning to desired areas.
• Clean all sensors weekly with a soft, dry cloth.
• Use Roomba frequently.

WARNING: Roomba contains electronic parts. Do not immerse the device or spray water on it. Clean only with a dry cloth.

Battery Life:

To prolong battery life and get the most out of Roomba, iRobot recommends the following:

• Keep Roomba's battery charged when not in use.
• Recharge Roomba as soon as possible after each use. If you wait several days to recharge, the battery may be damaged.
• To store Roomba away from the Home Base, remove the charged battery and store it in a cool, dry place.

Floor Conditioning for Homes with Pets:

In homes with pets that shed heavily, Roomba's dust bin may fill quickly. Roomba may need a floor conditioning process. For easier cleaning, set Roomba to clean frequently and empty the bin when the full bin light indicates it's full. After conditioning, you will enjoy consistent cleaning performance.

Diagram shows the Roomba's control panel with buttons and the 'Full Bin' indicator light.

Anatomy of iRobot Roomba

Top View:

Diagram of the Roomba's top view, labeling the Front Cover, Bin Release Button, High-Capacity Dust Bin, RCON Sensor (Room Containment Sensor), and Carrying Handle.

Buttons and Lights:

Diagram of the Roomba's top surface detailing buttons and lights: Battery Light, Dirt Detect™, CLEAN/Power Button, Anti-Tangle Light, Problem Solving Light, Day Button, Dock Button, Hour Clock Button, Minute Schedule Button, Full Bin Light.

Bottom View:

Diagram of the Roomba's bottom view, labeling the Right Wheel Module, Debris Extractors, Spinning Side Brush, Home Base® Contact Points, Removable Front Caster Wheel, Battery Cover, Cliff Sensors, Left Wheel Module.

Cleaning Head:

Diagram of the cleaning head assembly showing the Removable Head Frame, Head Frame Release Tabs, Debris Extractors, Extractor Covers.

Dust Bin:

Diagram of the dust bin showing the Sealed High-Capacity Dust Bin, Filter Cover, Filter, Filter Cover Release Tab, Sensor Port.

Language Configuration

Roomba can emit troubleshooting messages in multiple languages, including English, French, German, Spanish, Dutch, Danish, Norwegian, Finnish, Polish, Russian, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese. The default language is English. To change the default language, follow these steps:

Illustrations show steps for changing Roomba's language: 1. Disconnect Roomba from Home Base. Turn on Roomba by pressing CLEAN. 2. Press and hold DOCK until Roomba beeps and announces the current language. Release DOCK. Roomba enters language selection mode. 3. Press CLEAN multiple times until you hear the desired language. 4. Press and hold CLEAN to turn off Roomba and confirm the selected language.

Cleaning Pattern

Roomba cleans floors differently than most people. It uses intelligent robotics to efficiently clean the entire floor, under and around furniture, and along walls. As it cleans, Roomba calculates the optimal cleaning path and determines when to use its various cleaning modes:

• Spiral Cleaning: Roomba moves in a spiral pattern to clean a concentrated area.
• Wall Following: Roomba cleans the complete perimeter of the room, moving around furniture and obstacles.
• Room Crossing: Roomba crosses the room to ensure complete cleaning coverage.
• Dirt Detection: When Roomba detects dirt, the white Dirt Detect™ light illuminates, and Roomba cleans that area more intensely.

For more efficient cleaning, remove floor obstacles and use a Virtual Wall® accessory to limit Roomba's space to a single room.

Cleaning Modes

Roomba cleans the room according to the selected mode. The device has three cleaning modes:

• Cleaning Mode: Roomba automatically calculates the room size and adjusts cleaning time accordingly.
• Spot Cleaning: Roomba cleans in a spiral pattern over an area approximately one meter in diameter, then spirals back to its starting point for intense cleaning of a localized area.
• Scheduled Cleaning Mode: When a cleaning schedule is set, Roomba enters this mode. At the specified time, Roomba will leave the Home Base, clean the floor, and then return to the Home Base to recharge when finished.

Cleaning System

The AeroForce™ High Performance Cleaning System uses a combination of two innovative technologies: tangle-free debris extractors and a high-power suction channel, providing more powerful cleaning and less tedious maintenance.

• Tangle-Free Debris Extractors: Two counter-rotating extractors feature rubber blades that pick up dirt and debris of all types, ensuring you won't have tangled brush problems again.
• High-Power Suction Channel: Accelerated airflow through a fully sealed channel significantly increases suction, allowing it to pick up dust, debris, and allergens through the debris extractors and HEPA filter into the high-capacity dust bin.
• Spinning Side Brush: This brush sweeps along wall edges and into corners.
• Floor Surfaces: Roomba cleans wood, carpet, tile, vinyl, and linoleum, automatically adjusting to different floor types. Roomba automatically detects stairs and other drop-offs.
• Anti-Tangle System: Roomba will not get stuck when vacuuming cords, carpet fringes, or tassels. If Roomba detects it has vacuumed a cord or tassel, it will automatically stop its debris extractors and attempt to exit the area. The device may emit a click when the anti-tangle function is activated.

WARNING: Roomba may get stuck on rounded edges and may slip on particularly slippery surfaces. Very dark-colored floors can reduce the effectiveness of Roomba's cliff sensors.

Battery Charging and Storage

For maximum performance, charge Roomba's battery overnight before first use. Roomba operates on a rechargeable battery that can last hundreds of cleaning cycles with proper care.

• Battery Life: To prolong battery life, iRobot recommends keeping Roomba charged at all times. Visit global.irobot.com for more detailed information on battery life maintenance.
• Recharge Roomba as soon as possible after each use. If you wait several days to recharge, the battery may be damaged.
• To store Roomba away from the Home Base, remove the charged battery and store it in a cool, dry place.

Cleaning Time:

Before each cleaning cycle, fully charge Roomba's battery. A fully charged battery will last for at least one full cleaning cycle.

16-Hour Renewal Charge:

If the device has been disconnected from the Home Base® for an extended period, it will initiate a special 16-hour charging cycle. This exhaustive charge renews the Roomba battery and prolongs its lifespan. During charging, the CLEAN button will flash rapidly. For best results, do not interrupt this renewal charge.

Charging Roomba:

To charge Roomba, connect the power adapter to the Home Base®, then place the device on it. Ensure the Home Base power light is on when Roomba is docked.

Charging Lights:

Roomba uses the battery icon light to indicate charging status. Refer to the table below:

Auto Virtual Wall®

(Optional accessory compatible with all models)

The Virtual Wall creates an invisible barrier that Roomba will not cross. This invisible barrier makes it easier to limit Roomba to a specific room or area and prevents the device from getting too close to delicate or hazardous objects.

You can direct the Virtual Wall to block an opening up to approximately two meters long. This creates a cone-shaped barrier, causing the virtual wall beam to gradually widen. The Virtual Wall also creates a small protective halo around itself, preventing Roomba from getting too close.

For maximum performance, place the Virtual Wall on the outside of the door frame you wish to block. Direct the arrows on the top of the Virtual Wall towards the opening you wish to block.

Auto Virtual Wall Mode:

When the Virtual Wall is in automatic (Auto) mode, the power light flashes repeatedly to indicate it is active. When the battery level is low, the Virtual Wall light will flash twice rapidly, indicating it's time to change the batteries. In Auto mode, batteries should last about six months. To save battery, turn the Virtual Wall off (Off).

Installing Batteries:

Illustrations show steps for installing batteries in the Auto Virtual Wall accessory and its compartment.

Virtual Wall® Lighthouse™

(Optional accessory for some models)

The Virtual Wall Lighthouse accessory can be used in two modes:

• Lighthouse Mode: Allows Roomba to clean multiple rooms efficiently before returning to the Home Base.
• Virtual Wall Mode: Blocks off areas you do not want cleaned.

Simply use the mode selector to choose your desired option. Lighthouse accessories turn on and off automatically with Roomba. When on, a light on the accessory's top illuminates. Each Lighthouse accessory uses two 'C' alkaline batteries. A flashing light will indicate when batteries need changing soon.

Using Lighthouse Mode:

Place the Lighthouse accessory in the doorway with the logo facing forward. After Roomba finishes cleaning the first room, the Lighthouse will help it navigate through the house, cleaning rooms one by one. When Roomba finishes cleaning, the Lighthouse will guide it back to the Home Base for recharging.

You can use Lighthouse and Virtual Wall accessories simultaneously. However, avoid placing them too close to each other, or to the Home Base, or to furniture that might block the invisible beams. Otherwise, Roomba may not recognize the Lighthouse accessories or be able to return to the Home Base.

Using Virtual Wall Mode:

In Virtual Wall mode, the Lighthouse accessory creates an invisible barrier Roomba will not cross. It automatically turns off when Roomba turns off. Place the Lighthouse accessory in the center of the doorway. Unlike the Virtual Wall, the Lighthouse accessory has a range selector to adjust the barrier length up to 2.4 meters. A higher range will deplete the battery faster.

Virtual Wall® Halo

(Optional accessory compatible with all models)

The Virtual Wall Halo accessory is perfect for homes with pets. By configuring a protective zone around the Virtual Wall™, the Halo accessory prevents Roomba from bumping into or moving your pet's food and water bowls.

Follow these steps to set up the Virtual Wall Halo:

1. Once batteries are inserted into the Virtual Wall accessory, fully insert it into the Halo accessory. The circular lens of the Virtual Wall should be fully visible on top.
2. Place the Halo accessory on the floor, at the same height as Roomba and near the bowls (as shown below).
3. If you have one bowl, place it next to the Halo accessory, almost touching the wall.
4. If you have two bowls, place one on each side of the Halo accessory.

Diagrams show the placement of the Virtual Wall Halo accessory to create a protective zone around pet food and water bowls, indicating 'protection zone' and 'bowl'. The protection zone is approximately 50 cm in diameter.

The Virtual Wall Halo accessory works with non-metallic bowls less than 25 cm in diameter and up to 8.9 cm high. When the Virtual Wall batteries are low, the protection field may not be strong enough to protect the bowls. In such cases, change the batteries.

Home Base®

Roomba will return to the Home Base to recharge after each cleaning cycle or when the battery level is low. Roomba must locate the Home Base's infrared signal to return.

• Keep the Home Base connected at all times. While connected, the power light flashes to indicate it is receiving power.
• If Roomba returns to the Home Base and cannot dock, it will try again until successful.
• When Roomba successfully docks, the power light stops flashing and turns solid green.
• When Roomba has been docked for one minute, it will turn off, with the battery light illuminated to show charging status.

Home Base Location:

Place the Home Base on a flat, stable surface against a wall. Ensure the Home Base is at least 1.2 meters away from any stairs and that Roomba has a clear path to return to it.

WARNING: Do not place the Home Base less than 1.2 meters from a set of stairs.

Remote Control

(Optional accessory for all models)

The remote control allows you to properly control Roomba's functions. You can use it to turn the robot on/off and guide it around a room without bending down. It also provides remote access to the following commands:

Diagram of the remote control showing Directional Buttons, SPOT Button, CLEAN/Power Button, and Dock Button.

Before using the remote control for the first time, insert 2 'AA' batteries.

• SPOT: Roomba cleans in a spiral pattern over an area approximately 1 meter in diameter, then spirals back to its starting point for intense cleaning of a localized area.
• CLEAN: Roomba automatically calculates the room size and adjusts cleaning time accordingly.
• Dock: Roomba will attempt to dock with the Home Base® if it is installed.

IMPORTANT: Ensure there is a direct line of sight from the remote control to Roomba, and that the remote control is pointed towards the robot. Remote control, Virtual Wall, Lighthouse, and Home Base accessories operate via an invisible infrared beam. If used in the same area, Roomba may detect multiple infrared signals and fail to function. The remote control does NOT function if Roomba is near the Virtual Wall accessory.

Wireless Remote Control

(Optional accessory for model 880)

The wireless remote control allows you to properly control Roomba's functions from a maximum distance of 7.6 meters. You can use it to turn Roomba on/off, schedule up to seven cleaning cycles per week, or guide the device around the room.

To schedule a Roomba cleaning cycle, use the wireless remote control buttons as if they were on the device itself. Consult page 27 for detailed information on setting Roomba's clock or configuring, modifying, or deleting scheduled cleaning cycles. Before using the wireless remote control for the first time, insert 4 'AA' batteries. If you purchase a wireless remote control, visit global.irobot.com for more detailed information on configuring it to work with Roomba.

Scheduling Roomba

Setting the Clock:

You must set the time before scheduling Roomba for a cleaning cycle. Follow these steps:

Illustrations show steps to set the Roomba's clock using CLOCK, DAY, HOUR, MINUTE, and OK buttons.

Configuring a Schedule:

You can schedule Roomba to clean from once a day up to seven times a week. You must set the time before configuring a schedule.

Illustrations show steps to schedule cleaning cycles using SCHEDULE, DAY, HOUR, MINUTE, and OK buttons.

Viewing Schedules:

1. Press the SCHEDULE button.
2. Press the DAY button to cycle through programmed cleaning times.
3. Press the OK button.

Deleting a Schedule:

1. Press the SCHEDULE button.
2. Press the DAY button to cycle through programmed cleaning times.
3. When the programmed cleaning time you wish to delete appears on the Roomba screen, press and hold the DAY button for five seconds. Roomba will emit a beep to indicate the time has been deleted.
4. Press the OK button.

Modifying a Schedule:

1. Press the SCHEDULE button.
2. Press the DAY button to cycle through programmed cleaning times.
3. When the programmed cleaning time you wish to modify appears on the Roomba screen, press and hold the HOUR and MINUTE buttons to make the modification.
4. Press the OK button. Roomba will emit a beep to indicate the schedule has been set.

Clock Format: Roomba's clock can be displayed in 12-hour (AM/PM) or 24-hour format. To switch between formats, press and hold the CLOCK button for 5 seconds. Press OK to save. Roomba will beep and the clock will briefly illuminate to confirm the change. The clock will revert to 12-hour (AM/PM) format when the battery is disconnected or critically low.

Routine Maintenance

For Roomba to provide maximum performance, it is recommended to perform the following maintenance tasks regularly:

Diagrams illustrate removing the dust bin, cleaning the filter by tapping it, and cleaning debris extractors.

WARNING: The filter cover will NOT close until the filter is reinserted. If Roomba picks up less dirt, empty the dust bin and clean the filter and debris extractors. Do not operate the robot without the extractor covers. If you lose an extractor cover, contact iRobot Customer Care for a replacement.

Diagrams show the location of various sensors and the front wheel assembly. Instructions detail how to clean sensors and remove/clean the front wheel.

Diagram shows how to remove the side brush using a coin or small screwdriver.

Note: During Roomba maintenance, look for yellow parts. These are designed to be removed and cleaned each time you empty the dust bin.

Troubleshooting

Roomba will indicate problems with a two-tone sound ("oh-oh") and a flashing Problem Solving light. Consult the table below for solutions. If the problem persists, visit global.irobot.com.

Runtime Errors:

To repeat a Roomba error message, press the CLEAN button.

Problems During Charging:

To reset Roomba's software: Press and hold the CLEAN button for 10 seconds. This will erase programmed cleaning times, reset the clock, and resolve some software issues.

Replaceable Modules

Visit global.irobot.com to order replacement parts. Roomba has several replaceable modules, including steering wheels, spinning side brush, main cleaning head, dust bin, caster wheel, and battery. To access Roomba's replaceable modules, remove the following parts in order:

1. The screw holding the side brush
2. The two screws holding the battery cover
3. The battery
4. The two screws holding the bottom cover

Exploded view diagram of the Roomba showing replaceable modules such as wheels, brushes, cleaning head, dust bin, and battery.

To order replacement modules, visit global.irobot.com.

Battery Extraction

Follow the instructions below to remove and reinstall the Roomba battery.

1. Unscrew the two screws shown below and remove the battery cover and battery.
2. Reinstall the Roomba battery with the iRobot logo facing upwards.
3. Replace the battery cover and the two screws.

Diagram shows the location of battery cover screws and the battery itself, with instructions for removal and installation.

Registration

Register your Roomba now to activate the warranty and enjoy exclusive access to:

• Award-winning iRobot Customer Care: Receive assistance tailored to your specific robot, with answers to your questions, maintenance tips, video demonstrations, and live chat.
• Product updates and other information of interest: Be among the first to receive news about new robots, exclusive discounts, and special offers.

When you register, you can share your experience with your Roomba. iRobot listens to customer feedback and makes improvements based on valuable comments. We would love to hear your opinion.

To register your Roomba, visit the 800 Series User Center at global.irobot.com/register. There, you can also find a quick start guide, usage videos, accessory information, FAQs, etc.

Declaration of Conformity

Manufacturer: iRobot Corporation, 8 Crosby Drive, Bedford, MA 01730, USA.

iRobot Corporation declares that the Roomba vacuum cleaner, battery chargers 17062 & 17063, and the Home Base comply with the requirements of:

• Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC, as amended by Directive 93/68/EEC, and EMC Directive 89/336/EEC, as amended by Directive 92/31/EEC.

Furthermore, it is declared that the Roomba vacuum cleaner and Roomba SE and their accessories comply with the following approved European standards:

• CE Mark Year: 2004
• EN 60335-1:2002 + A11:2004 - Household and similar electrical appliances – Safety: Part 1 – General requirements
• EN 60335-2-2:2003 - Household and similar electrical appliances – Safety: Part 2 – Particular requirements for vacuum cleaners and water-suction cleaning appliances
• EN 60335-2-29:2002 - Household and similar electrical appliances – Part 2-29 – Particular requirements for battery chargers
• EN 55014-1:2000 + A1:2001 + A2:2002 - Electromagnetic compatibility – Requirements for household appliances, electric tools and similar apparatus – Part 1: Emissions
• EN 55014-1:1997 + A2:2002 - Electromagnetic compatibility – Requirements for household appliances, electric tools and similar apparatus – Part 2: Immunity – Product family standard

Low voltage and electromagnetic compatibility tests were performed by: TUV Rheinland of North America.

This equipment has been evaluated and complies with the requirements for Class A digital devices, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These requirements are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Use of this equipment in a residential area may cause harmful interference, in which case the user will be obligated to correct the interference at their own expense.

iRobot Customer Care

USA and Canada:

If you have any questions or comments about this product, please contact iRobot before contacting a retailer. Visit our website at global.irobot.com for tips, FAQs, and information about accessories and other iRobot products.

If you continue to need assistance: Call our customer care team at 877.855.8593. Customer Care Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM (EST); Saturdays, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (EST).

iRobot Customer Care Outside the USA and Canada:

Visit global.irobot.com if you wish to:

• Consult tips and tricks to improve your robot's performance.
• Get answers to your questions.
• Download a product manual with detailed information.
• Contact your local distributor.