Roomba® 205 DustCompactor™ Owner's Guide
Getting Started
- Remove protective film from camera and foam inserts behind bumper.
- Place the dock on hard surface flooring. Ensure good Wi-Fi® Coverage. Maintain 1.6 ft (0.5 m) clearance on both sides and 5 ft (1.5 m) in front and from stairs. NOTE: Do not place the dock in direct sunlight. Ensure the area around the dock is free of clutter for optimal docking performance. WARNING: To prevent the risk of your robot falling down stairs, ensure the dock is placed at least 5 feet (1.5 meters) away from stairs.
- Plug in the dock. Plug the power cord into the wall. Wrap the cord back to prevent it from interfering with the robot's movement.
- Install the Edge Sweeping Brush. Align the edge sweeping brush and press down until it clicks.
- Wake up the robot. Place your robot in front of the dock, then slide it toward the dock, aligning the metal charging contacts. After a few minutes, a sound will indicate it is awake. NOTE: Your robot comes with a partial charge, but it is recommended to charge the robot for 4 hours before the first cleaning.
- Download the Roomba® Home App. Scan the QR code with your mobile device or find the Roomba® Home App in your app store. The app will guide you through setup and allow you to: control cleaning times and locations, create automatic cleaning schedules, set custom cleaning preferences, unlock digital features, and access tips and answers to frequently asked questions. IMPORTANT: Read the enclosed safety information guide before using your robot.
About your Roomba® 205 DustCompactor™ Robot
Top View Components:
- 1 Bin Release Button
- 2 Bin Lid Release Button
- 3 Bin Port
- 4 Arm Control
- 5 Home Button
- 6 Power Button
- 7 Bumper
- 8 ClearView™ LIDAR
- 9 Edge Infrared Sensor
- 10 Water Tank Release Button (combo models only)
- 11 Water Tank (combo models only)
Bottom View Components:
- 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)
DustCompactor™ Bin Components:
- 1 Compacting Arm
- 2 Filter
- 3 Bin Lid Release Button
- 4 Bin Lid
Water Tank Components (Combo models only):
- 5 Water Tank Release Button
- 6 Electrode Plates
- 7 Mop Pad
- 8 Water Tank Cap
Dock Components:
- 9 IR Window
- 10 Charging Contacts
- 11 Power Port
- 12 Cord Attachment
- 13 Cord Wrap
- 14 Plug
Charging
Power Icon Indicator
- POWER Button: 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 the robot cannot start due to low battery. Flashing Red - Low battery/Error.
Charging during a cleaning:
Your robot will return to the dock whenever 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. You can put it in a further-reduced power state by pressing the Home button for 10 seconds. To exit low power mode, short press the Home button.
Storing your robot:
For long-term storage, turn off your robot by removing it from the dock and holding the Power 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 will automatically explore and clean your home in neat rows. It will return to the dock at the end of a cleaning routine or when it needs to recharge.
Tips:
- Remove excess clutter from floors before cleaning.
- Use your robot frequently to maintain well-conditioned floors.
After 90 minutes of inactivity off the dock, your robot will automatically end its cleaning. If you are unsure if it is finished or paused, visit the Roomba® Home App to check its status.
Spot clean:
Tap the Home button two times to spot clean a designated area. After spot clean is complete, your robot will end the job. Press the Home button to send it back to its dock.
NOTE: It is highly recommended to use the Roomba® Home App for cleaning control. The mobile app can be used to clean specific rooms, set up cleaning routines, and create automations/schedules.
NOTE: Roomba robots are generally designed for most floor types for vacuuming. iRobot does not recommend using mopping functions on unsealed hardwood floors and certain laminate/vinyl planks due to potential water damage to the flooring and/or subfloor. For more information, visit global.irobot.com.
Vacuuming Only
- If the DustCompactor™ Bin is full, empty it before starting a cleaning.
- Remove the water tank and mop pad by pressing the tank release buttons on both sides of the robot to slide them out.
- To start cleaning, place the robot back on the dock and use the app or press the Power button. IMPORTANT: Regularly cleaning the DustCompactor™ Bin can prevent dirt buildup. Otherwise, the performance of the vacuum-mop may be reduced.
Vacuuming and Mopping (combo models only)
Your robot can vacuum and mop simultaneously when the water tank and mop pad are installed. Your robot will automatically avoid carpets in vac + mop or mop-only cleaning modes.
IMPORTANT: Do not add liquids such as hot water, detergent, or disinfectant, as they could damage the robot. Only use cold water or iRobot approved cleaning solution as shown on the support site at global.irobot.com.
After completing mopping and vacuum cleaning, ensure the water tank is empty and the mop pad is replaced.
- Slide the mop pad along the slot of the water tank, and then attach the pad firmly onto the velcro.
- Fill the tank with water by opening the tank lid, filling the tank, and reattaching the lid. CAUTION: Do not rinse the water tank or immerse it in water. To avoid corrosion and damage, do not use detergent, disinfectant, solid cleaner, or other cleaning products on the water tank. CAUTION: Do not add hot water to the water tank, as this may cause it to become deformed.
- Reinstall the water tank. Slide the water tank horizontally into the bottom of the robot until it clicks into place. NOTE: If your robot needs water mid-job, tap the Home button or press PAUSE in the mobile app to pause. Remove the tank, add water, and reinstall the tank. Press the Home button or RESUME in the app to resume.
- Place the robot back on the dock and use the app or the Power button to start cleaning. NOTE: Before using, wipe the electrode plates of the water tank clean with a dry cloth.
Care and maintenance for your robot
To keep your robot performing optimally, periodically perform the following basic care and maintenance. Additional instructional videos are available in the Roomba® Home App. If your robot is picking up less debris, empty the bin, clean the filter, and clean the brushes.
Part | Care Frequency | Replacement Frequency* |
---|---|---|
DustCompactor™ bin | Empty bin as needed | - |
Water tank (combo models only) | Empty after each job | - |
Filter | Clean once a week (twice a week if you have a pet) | Every 3-6 months |
Edge sweeping brush | Clean every 2 weeks or as needed | Every 3-6 months |
Multi-surface brush | Clean once a week | Every 6-12 months |
Front caster wheel | Clean every 2 weeks or as needed | - |
Charging contacts | Clean every 2 weeks or as needed | - |
Sensors | Clean once a month or as needed | - |
Mop pad (combo models only) | Clean after mopping | Every 3-6 months. Dispose in household waste when no longer usable. |
Brush cover | Inspect every 6 months | Replace if worn or damaged |
*Replacement frequency may vary. Parts should be replaced if visible wear appears. For replacement parts, contact iRobot Customer Care.
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:
- Press the brush cover release tabs and lift to remove the brush cover.
- Remove the multi-surface brush.
- Remove any hair and debris from the cleaning brush.
- Reinstall the multi-surface brush and brush cover in the robot.
NOTE: For instructions on deeper cleaning of the multi-surface brush, see 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:
- Pull the caster wheel upwards to remove it.
- Remove hair and debris from the front caster wheel and the caster wheel cavity.
- Reinstall the caster wheel.
IMPORTANT: A front wheel clogged with hair and debris could 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 and wipe charging contacts and sensors with a clean, dry cloth or lightly dampened melamine foam. Inspect the components to ensure they are clear of debris.
IMPORTANT: Do not spray cleaning solution or water onto the sensors or sensor openings.
Emptying the DustCompactor™ Bin and Cleaning the Filter:
- Press the DustCompactor™ bin release button to remove the bin.
- Ensure the bin is upright and over the trash, then push the release tab to open the bin.
- Empty contents into the trash.
- Remove the filter by pinching the tab and pulling the filter out.
- Remove debris by tapping the filter against your trash container.
- Wipe the Bin with a clean cloth.
- Reinsert the filter.
- Securely close the bin by closing the latch and ensuring all sides are sealed.
- Place the bin back in the robot.
IMPORTANT: Squeeze all gaps around the lid's perimeter. A proper seal on the bin is required for optimal operation.
Cleaning the water tank (Combo models only):
- Simultaneously press and hold both release buttons of the water tank, then slide it out from the bottom of the vacuum-mop as illustrated.
- Empty old water, rinse with fresh water.
- Dry the exterior of the tank thoroughly before reinstalling into the robot.
NOTE: If using detergent to clean the tank, use only dish soap and rinse thoroughly before using in the robot again. Soap can damage the robot during operation.
NOTE: After mopping, immediately remove the water tank, empty any remaining water, and clean and dry the mop pad to prevent lingering odor and mildew.
Cleaning the mopping pad:
Thoroughly hand wash the mopping pad with cold water and let it air dry.
Care and maintenance for your dock
To keep your dock running optimally, perform the procedures on the following pages.
Part | Care Frequency | Replacement Frequency* |
---|---|---|
Charging contacts | Clean once a month | - |
IR window | Clean once a month | - |
*Replacement frequency may vary. Parts should be replaced if visible wear appears. For replacement parts, contact iRobot Customer Care.
Cleaning the charging contacts and IR window:
Inspect the 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 a voice announcement or audio alert if something is wrong. The Roomba® Home App will also provide notifications with steps to troubleshoot any issues. If you are unsure if the robot is finished or paused, consult the Roomba® Home app to check its status.
Factory Reset:
To factory reset, press and hold the Home button for 5 seconds, and then (within 5 seconds) press and hold the Power button for 5 seconds.
BATTERY SAFETY & SHIPPING:
WARNING: Lithium-ion batteries and products containing them are subject to stringent transportation regulations. If you need to ship this product for service, travel, or any other reason, you MUST follow the below shipping instructions.
- The battery MUST be turned off before shipping.
- Turn off the battery by removing the robot from the dock and holding the Power button for 10 seconds. Press the bumper in for 10 seconds while holding the Home button. All indicators will then turn off.
- Package the robot securely for shipping.
If you need further assistance, visit the Roomba® Home app, contact iRobot Customer Care, or visit global.irobot.com.
Troubleshooting your dock:
If the dock is not performing as expected, check the Roomba® Home app for errors.
Need further assistance? We're here to help.
Download the Roomba® Home App or visit global.irobot.com for product support or to contact your local support center. For assistance in the US & Canada, call the US Customer Care team at (877) 855-8593.
iRobot USA Customer Care Hours: Monday to Friday, 9AM - 9PM Eastern Time; Saturday and Sunday 9AM - 6PM Eastern Time.
Safety Information: Please see the safety guide that came with your robot, or visit global.irobot.com.