iRobot Roomba Robot Vacuum Cleaner User Manual

Welcome, Roomba Owner!

Thank you for purchasing an iRobot Roomba vacuum cleaning robot. You are joining a community of millions who discover how useful, practical, and simple a home robot can be. Some owners even give their Roomba robots nicknames!

We are passionate about our robots. For 20 years, building robots has been our sole focus. We hope you enjoy many pleasant experiences with your Roomba.

Best regards,
Colin Angle
Chairman, CEO, and Founder, iRobot Corporation

Taking Care of Your iRobot Roomba

For best results, use your Roomba often! After each use, empty the dustbin and clean the filter. Clean the brushes weekly to remove hair and lint.

Extend battery life by charging it as soon as possible and keeping your Roomba plugged in. For long-term storage, remove and store the battery in a cool, dry place.

Safety First: As your Roomba contains electrical parts, do not immerse it in water. Clean only with a dry cloth. Before first use, please read the important safety instructions at the end of this manual.

Getting Started

Before using your Roomba, turn it upside down and pull the battery tab. Use the Home Base™ to charge the battery overnight. Charge Roomba for at least 16 hours for its first use.

Preparing Your Cleaning Area

Your Roomba is smart, but it needs some help. Clear away clutter, loose cords, and small objects. It is designed for normal dust, dirt, and debris, but avoid wet messes.

Preparing Roomba

Set up the Home Base. To guide your Roomba, use Virtual Wall® or Auto Virtual Wall accessories to create virtual barriers.

Ready to Go!

If you have a remote control, set it up. Otherwise, start your Roomba manually:

• Press CLEAN once to start. You will hear a beep, and the CLEAN light will illuminate.
• Press CLEAN again to begin a cleaning cycle.
• When docked on the Home Base, simply press CLEAN.
• To pause cleaning, press CLEAN.
• To resume, press CLEAN again.
• To turn off, press and hold the CLEAN button until the lights turn off.

Children and pets may find Roomba fascinating. Ensure they do not perceive it as a toy or intruder.

Cleaning Modes and Patterns

Roomba uses iAdapt™ Responsive Navigation technology, an advanced system of software and sensors. iAdapt allows Roomba to scan the cleaning area 64 times per second and use over 40 different movements for efficient cleaning.

Roomba models 600 and higher have 2 cleaning modes:

• Clean Mode (all models): Roomba automatically calculates the room size and adjusts its cleaning time accordingly.
• Spot Mode (all models): Roomba moves in a spiral pattern approximately 1 meter in diameter and then returns to its starting point – an intensive, limited cleaning for quick touch-ups.

Floor Surfaces

Your Roomba works on most surfaces: wood, carpet, tile, plastic, and linoleum. It automatically detects stairs and other steep drops. It may get stuck on rounded edges or slip on extremely slick surfaces. Very dark floors can interfere with its sensors. Roomba is not designed for outdoor use.

Anti-Tangle System

Roomba will not get tangled in tassels or fringe. If it detects a tangle, it will automatically stop its main brushes and back up to free itself. You may hear a clicking sound when this happens.

Virtual Wall® Accessory

Virtual Walls create an invisible barrier that your Roomba will not cross. This helps you confine it to a specific room or area and prevent it from getting too close to delicate or hazardous items.

• Each Virtual Wall requires two R14 alkaline batteries (not included).
• You can set Virtual Walls to block an opening up to two meters wide. It creates a cone-shaped barrier, widening as it extends.
• For best results, place the Virtual Wall outside the doorway you wish to block. Aim the arrows on top towards the opening.

Manual Virtual Wall

Turn on a manual Virtual Wall before starting a cleaning cycle. It will turn off after 135 minutes. If the power light blinks green, you need new batteries soon.

Automatic Virtual Wall

When an Auto Virtual Wall is set to "AUTO" mode, the light blinks continuously. If battery levels are low, the Virtual Wall light will blink twice continuously. In "AUTO" mode, batteries typically last about 6 months. Turn it OFF to conserve battery.

Home Base

Place the Home Base on a hard, level surface against a wall. Ensure it is at least 120 cm from any stairs and that your Roomba has a clear path to reach it.

When Roomba finishes cleaning, it returns to its Home Base to recharge. The Home Base light stops blinking and glows solid green when Roomba makes a good connection. Roomba's CLEAN button then pulses yellow to indicate charging, and turns solid green when fully charged and ready to clean again!

Remote Control Accessory

Use this like a TV remote. Aim and click to turn Roomba on/off, steer it, and operate SPOT and other functions. It requires 2 AA batteries (not included). If used near a "Virtual Wall" or "Home Base", it may become confused. If lost, check under sofas or nearby.

?️ CLEAN/Power Button
? SPOT Button
⬆️ Directional Buttons
... Other Button

Battery Storage and Charging

Roomba is powered by a rechargeable battery. Before first use, charge the battery overnight. Ensure Roomba is fully charged before each cleaning cycle. For maximum battery life, always keep Roomba plugged in.

When Roomba is on the Home Base, ensure the Home Base power light is on. If you return Roomba to the Home Base after it has been off for a long time, it will begin a 16-hour refresh charge, and the CLEAN button light will blink rapidly. Do not interrupt this refresh charge if possible.

For long-term storage, fully charge the battery, remove it, and store it in a cool, dry place. When plugged in or on the Home Base, always leave the battery inside.

Charging Lights

The CLEAN button light indicates battery charging status:

How to Remove the Battery (Models 600 and Up)

If you do not plan to use your Roomba for an extended period, we recommend removing the battery. To access the battery, turn Roomba upside down and remove the side brush screw, along with the four screws holding the bottom cover in place. For further instructions, visit global.irobot.com.

Roomba Scheduling

This feature allows you to set specific cleaning times for your Roomba, even when you are away from home (for models 650 and up).

Setting the Time

1. Press and hold the CLOCK button.
2. While holding CLOCK, use the DAY, HOUR, and MINUTE buttons to set the time.
3. Release the CLOCK button. Roomba will beep to confirm the time has been set.

Setting 12/24 Hour Format

To switch between the two display formats, press and hold the DAY and MINUTE buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds until Roomba beeps and the clock briefly illuminates, indicating the format has changed. Roomba's clock reverts to the 12-hour (AM/PM) default format when the battery is removed or significantly drained.

Setting a Schedule

You can schedule Roomba to clean once per day, up to seven times per week. You must set the time before setting a schedule.

1. Press and hold the SCHEDULE button.
2. While holding SCHEDULE, use the DAY, HOUR, and MINUTE buttons to set the schedule.
3. Release the SCHEDULE button. Roomba will beep to confirm the schedule has been set.

Viewing a Schedule

1. Press and hold the SCHEDULE button.
2. While holding SCHEDULE, press the DAY button to cycle through scheduled cleaning times.
3. Release the SCHEDULE button.

Deleting a Schedule

1. Press and hold the SCHEDULE button.
2. While holding SCHEDULE, press the DAY button to cycle through scheduled cleaning times.
3. When Roomba displays the scheduled time you wish to delete, press and hold DAY to erase it. Roomba will beep to indicate the time has been deleted.
4. Release the SCHEDULE button.

Changing a Schedule

1. Press and hold the SCHEDULE button.
2. While holding SCHEDULE, press the DAY button to cycle through scheduled cleaning times.
3. When Roomba displays the scheduled time you wish to change, use the HOUR and MINUTE buttons to make the adjustment.
4. Release the SCHEDULE button.

Light Maintenance Goes a Long Way

To keep your Roomba performing perfectly, regular maintenance is recommended. Pay special attention to the following:

• Look for the yellow and green parts – these are designed to be removed and cleaned.
• Empty the dustbin and clean the brushes after each use if possible.
• Excessive hair buildup can permanently damage your Roomba or floor, so clean brush bearings and brush guards regularly.

For more information or to order accessories, please visit global.irobot.com.

Important Maintenance

Emptying the Dust Bin

This should be done after every use.

Diagram Description: Illustration showing how to remove and empty the dustbin.

Cleaning the Filter

Regular cleaning is important, and you should replace the filter every two months of normal use.

Diagram Description: Illustration showing how to press down and remove the filter for cleaning.

Cleaning Brushes and Related Parts

1. Remove the brush guard by lifting the two yellow tabs.
2. Remove and clean the brushes, brush guards, and brush bearings.
3. Use the included cleaning tool to easily remove hair from the brushes by drawing it over the brush.
4. For cleaning the side brush, use a small Phillips screwdriver to remove the screw from the center. Remove the brush, clean it, and reassemble.

Cleaning the Front Wheel

1. Firmly pull the front wheel to remove it.
2. Remove any debris from inside the wheel housing.
3. Remove the wheel from its holder and wipe it clean. Firmly pull to remove the axle and clear any hair wrapped around it.
4. Reassemble all parts, ensuring the wheel clicks back into place.

Cleaning the Edge Sensors

Simply wipe all four sensor openings with a clean, dry cloth.

Diagram Description: Illustration showing the location of the edge sensor openings on the Roomba.

Troubleshooting

Sometimes things go wrong, but don't worry – there's an early warning system. Your Roomba will make an "uh-oh" sound and alert you to the problem. The troubleshooting light will also blink. To repeat an error message, simply press CLEAN.

Running Problems

Charging Problems

Language Selection

Your Roomba can display troubleshooting messages in multiple languages, including English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish, Polish, Russian, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese.

Setting the Language

The default language is English. To change it:

1. Turn off your Roomba.
2. Press and hold the CLEAN button until it beeps and states the current language.
3. Release the CLEAN button.
4. Press the CLEAN button repeatedly until you hear the desired language.
5. Press and hold the CLEAN button to turn off Roomba and confirm your language selection.

How to Reset the Program

Simultaneously press and hold the two buttons above and below the CLEAN button for ten seconds. This will clear all scheduled cleaning times, reset the clock, and may resolve some software issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does the side brush spin backward occasionally?

When caught on objects like carpet fringes or cords, the side brush may spin slowly or backward to free itself. This can also happen on high-pile carpets. If it occurs at other times, clean the brush.

Why does my Roomba make a bumping sound occasionally?

When Roomba brushes encounter objects like carpet fringes or cords, they briefly change direction to free themselves, producing a bumping sound. If you hear this sound at other times, clean the main brushes.

Why does my Roomba slow down when approaching certain objects?

Your Roomba typically identifies objects quickly, allowing it to slow down and gently touch the object with its bumper before changing direction. However, it may be less effective at detecting very dark objects or objects smaller than 5 cm wide. Keep small items like bottle caps and toys out of its path.

Important Safety Precautions

WARNING: NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. SERVICE SHOULD ONLY BE PERFORMED BY QUALIFIED PERSONNEL. FOR CHARGING, USE ONLY STANDARD OUTLET (220-240V). Always exercise caution when using your Roomba. To reduce the risk of injury, keep these safety precautions in mind when setting up, using, and performing maintenance on your equipment.

General

• Read all safety precautions and user instructions before using Roomba.
• Keep safety precautions and user instructions for future reference.
• Heed all warnings on Roomba, battery, AC adapter, and in the user manual.
• Follow all user instructions.
• Do not attempt to service Roomba yourself. Refer all non-routine service to qualified service personnel.

Roomba Usage

• Roomba is for indoor use only.
• Do not use Roomba on wet surfaces or where contact with, or immersion in, water is possible.
• Before using this appliance, pick up items such as clothing, loose papers, drawstrings for blinds or curtains, electrical cords, and any fragile items. If the appliance passes over an electrical cord and wraps it around itself, there is a risk that an object could fall from a table or shelf.
• Roomba is not a toy. Do not sit or stand on this appliance. Small children and pets should be supervised when Roomba is in use.
• Keep loose clothing, hair, fingers, feet, and all parts of the body away from brushes and moving parts.
• Do not use this appliance to pick up anything that is burning or smoking, such as cigarettes, matches, or hot ashes.
• Do not use this appliance to pick up liquids.
• Do not use this appliance without the particle bin in place.
• If the room to be cleaned contains a balcony, a physical barrier must be used to prevent access to the balcony and ensure safe operation.
• Always remove the battery before long-term storage or transport.

Roomba Battery Pack and Charging

• Power your Roomba from the type of power source indicated on the rating label. If you are unsure of the type of power supplied to your home, consult your local dealer or electric company.
• Use only standard outlets (220-240V AC) for charging. The product must not be used with any type of power converter. Any such use will immediately void the warranty.
• Use only the charger supplied by the manufacturer for charging this appliance.
• Do not use a charging adapter with a damaged cord or plug.
• Charge indoors only.
• Never handle the charging adapter with wet hands.
• Remove the battery from the appliance before it is scrapped or recycled. Do not dispose of battery packs with household waste. Please contact your local authority/contractor for the address of the nearest battery collection point.

Need More Help or Accessories?

Visit global.irobot.com to:

• Order accessories for your robot
• Get advice and tips to increase your robot's performance
• Get answers to your questions
• Download a detailed product manual
• Contact your local iRobot distributor

Declaration of Conformity

Roomba and Robot Vacuum Cleaner and Accessories

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

Hereby declares that Roomba and Robot Vacuum Cleaner, along with models 11296 and 11267 Battery Charger and "Home Base", comply with the requirements of:

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

It is also declared that Roomba and Roomba Robot Vacuum Cleaner and accessories comply with the following European standards:

• Year of CE marking: 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 - Safety - Part 2-29: Particular requirements for battery chargers
• EN 55014-1:2000 + A1:2001 + A2:2002: Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) - Requirements for household appliances, electric tools and similar apparatus – Part 1: Emission
• 55014-2:1997 + A2:2002: Electromagnetic compatibility - Requirements for household appliances, electric tools and similar apparatus -- Part 2: Immunity - product family standard

Machine noise information method - 3. GPSGV, the highest registered sound pressure level is 70 dB (A) or lower.

Low voltage and EMC tests were performed by: TUV Rheinland of North America

© 2007-2012 iRobot Corporation, 8 Crosby Drive, Bedford, MA 01730. All rights reserved. iRobot, Roomba, and Virtual Wall are registered trademarks of iRobot Corporation. Dirt Detect, iAdapt, Home Base, and Lighthouse are trademarks of iRobot Corporation.

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U.S. Patent No.: D556,961 | 6,594,844 | 6,690,134 | 6,809,490 | 6,883,201 |6,956,348 | 7,155,308 | 7,173,391 | 7,196,487 | 7,288,912 | 7,332,890 | 7,388,343 | 7,429,843 | 7,430,455 | 7,441,298 | 7,448,113 | 7,459,871 | 7,567,052 | 7,571,511 | 7,579,803 | 7,636,982 | 7,663,333 | 8,087,117. Additional patents pending.