Roomba® 205 DustCompactor™
Robot Vacuum Cleaner
User Manual
Getting Started
- Remove the protective film from the camera and the foam inserts located behind the bumper.
- Place the Home Base on the floor, on a hard, level surface. Ensure good Wi-Fi® coverage. Maintain clearance: 0.5 m (1.6 ft) on both sides, 1.5 m (5 ft) from stairs, and 1.5 m (5 ft) in front. Note: Do not place the base in direct sunlight. Ensure the area around the base is clear for optimal performance.Warning: To prevent the robot from falling down stairs, ensure the base is located at least 1.5 meters (5 ft) from any stairs.
- Connect the base. Plug the power adapter into the wall. Coil the cable at the 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 you hear a click.
Activating the Robot
Place the robot in front of the base and slide it towards the base, aligning the metal charging contacts. After a few minutes, a sound will indicate it has activated.
Note: The robot comes with a partial charge, but we recommend charging it for 4 hours before the first cleaning.
Important: Read the attached safety information guide before using the robot.
Download the Roomba® Home App
Scan the QR code with your mobile device's camera or search for the Roomba® Home app in your app store. The app will guide you through the necessary steps to set up your robot. Once the robot is configured in the app, you can:
- Control when, where, and how you clean
- Create automatic cleaning schedules
- Define personalized cleaning preferences
- Unlock digital features
- Access tips, tricks, and answers to frequently asked questions
[QR Code for App Download]
[App Store Download Button] [Google Play Download Button]
About the Roomba® 205 DustCompactor™ Robot
Top View
[Diagram: Top view of Roomba with numbered parts]
Bottom View
[Diagram: Bottom view of Roomba with numbered parts]
Parts List:
- 1. Bin Release Button
- 2. Bin Door Release Button
- 3. Bin Port
- 4. Clean Base® Control (for Self-Emptying Base)
- 5. Start Button
- 6. Power Button
- 7. Bumper
- 8. ClearView™ LIDAR
- 9. Edge-IR Sensor
- 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 Attachment Point (Combo models only)
- 22. Mopping Pad (Combo models only)
Robot Components
DustCompactor™ Bin
[Diagram: DustCompactor™ Bin components]
- 1. Compactor Arm
- 2. Filter
- 3. Bin Door Release Button
- 4. Bin Door
Water Tank (Combo models only)
[Diagram: Water Tank components]
- 5. Water Tank Release Button
- 6. Electrode Plates
- 7. Mopping Pad
- 8. Water Tank Cap
Note: The water tank may contain a small amount of residual water due to quality inspection. This is normal.
Home Base
[Diagram: Home Base components]
- 9. IR Window
- 10. Charging Contacts
- 11. Power Port
- 12. Cable Management
- 13. Cable Storage
- 14. Plug
Note: The DustCompactor™ bin must be installed for both vacuuming and vacuuming and mopping modes; otherwise, the robot vacuum-mop will not turn on.
Charging
Power Button Light Indicator
- White: Fully charged and connected.
- Pulsing White: Returning to base to charge.
- Intermittent White: Charging, low battery. If the user attempts to start a job, the buttons will flash red and a sound will activate indicating the job cannot start due to low battery.
- Pulsing Red: Low battery/error.
Charging During Cleaning
The robot will return to the base when it needs to recharge. Once sufficiently charged, it will resume cleaning where it left off.
Standby Mode
The robot uses a small amount of energy while on the base. You can put the robot into a deeper power-saving mode when not in use by pressing and holding the power button for 10 seconds. To exit low power mode, briefly press the power button.
Robot Storage
If you are storing the robot for an extended period, remove it from the base and press and hold the power button for 10 seconds to turn it off. Store it in a cool, dry place.
Cleaning
Control Buttons
- Home Button: Tap to send the robot to the base. Press during operation to pause. Press during pause to send the robot to the base. Press when the robot is going to the base to stop it.
- Power Button: Press to start, pause, or resume a job. Press and hold for 3 seconds to turn on. Press and hold for 10 seconds to turn off.
Cleaning Pattern
The robot will systematically clean your home in orderly rows. It will return to the base when a cleaning routine is finished and whenever it needs to recharge.
Tips:
- Before cleaning, pick up any objects from the floor.
- Use the robot frequently to keep floors in good condition.
After 90 minutes of inactivity away from the base, the robot will automatically end the cleaning job. If you are unsure whether the robot has finished or is paused, check its status in the Roomba® Home app.
SPOT Clean
Tap the button twice to perform a SPOT Clean in a designated area. Once SPOT Clean is complete, the robot will finish the job. Press the Home button ? to send it back to its base.
Note: We strongly recommend using the Roomba® Home app to control cleaning. The mobile app can be used to clean specific rooms, set up cleaning routines, and create automations/schedules.
Note: Roomba robots are generally designed to vacuum most floor types. We do not recommend using the mopping features on unsealed hardwood floors or certain vinyl/laminate planks due to potential water damage to the floor or subfloor. For more information, visit global.irobot.com.
Vacuuming Only
- If the DustCompactor™ bin is full, empty it before starting cleaning.
- Remove the water tank and mopping pad by pressing the tank release buttons on both sides of the robot to detach it.
Vacuuming and Mopping (Combo models only)
The robot can vacuum and mop simultaneously when the water tank and mopping pad are installed.
The robot will automatically avoid carpets in vacuum and mop or mop-only modes when the water tank and mopping pad are installed.
Important: Do not add liquids such as hot water, detergent, or disinfectant, as they may damage the robot. Use only cold water or an iRobot-approved cleaning solution as indicated on our support site at global.irobot.com.
After vacuuming and mopping, be sure to empty the water tank and reattach the mopping pad.
- Slide the mopping pad into the water tank slot, then firmly attach the pad to the velcro.
[Diagram: Attaching mopping pad to water tank]
To start cleaning, place the robot back on the base and use the app or press the Home button ?.
Important: Regular cleaning of the DustCompactor™ bin can prevent dirt buildup. Otherwise, the performance of the robot vacuum-mop may be reduced.
Water Tank Cleaning (Combo models only)
- Simultaneously press and hold the two water tank release buttons, then slide the tank out from the bottom of the robot vacuum-mop as shown.
[Diagram: Removing water tank]
- Empty the used water and rinse with clean water.
- Thoroughly dry the exterior of the tank before reinstalling it on the robot.
Note: If using detergent to clean the tank, use only dish soap and ensure it is rinsed thoroughly before using it on 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 mopping pad to prevent odors and mold.
Mopping Pad Cleaning
Hand wash the mopping pad thoroughly with cold water and allow it to air dry.
Robot Care and Maintenance
To keep your robot performing optimally, be sure to perform the following basic care and maintenance tasks periodically. Additional instructional videos are available in the Roomba® Home app. If you notice the robot is picking up less dirt from the floor, empty the bin and clean the filter and brushes.
| Part | Maintenance Frequency | Replacement Frequency* |
|---|---|---|
| DustCompactor™ Bin | Empty as needed | - |
| Water Tank (Combo models only) | Empty after each job | - |
| Filter | Clean once a week (twice if you have pets) | 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 once a month or as needed | - |
| Sensors | Clean once a month or as needed | - |
| Mopping Pad (Combo models only) | Clean after mopping | Every 3-6 months. Dispose of with household waste when no longer usable. |
| Brush Cover | Inspect every 6 months | Replace if visibly worn or damaged |
Important: Replacement frequency may vary. Parts should be replaced if visible wear appears. If you believe you need a replacement part, contact iRobot Customer Care for more information.
Cleaning the Edge-Sweeping Brush
Pull to remove the edge-sweeping brush. Remove any hair or debris with the cleaning tool, then reinstall the edge-sweeping brush.
Important: It is recommended to replace the edge-sweeping brush every 3 to 6 months for optimal cleaning performance.
Cleaning the Multi-Surface Brush
- Press the brush cover release tab and lift to remove the brush cover.
- Remove the multi-surface brush.
- Remove any hair and debris using the cleaning tool.
- Reinstall the multi-surface brush and brush cover onto the robot.
[Diagram: Multi-surface brush removal and cleaning]
Note: For detailed instructions on how to thoroughly clean the multi-surface brush, consult global.irobot.com.
Important: It is recommended to replace the main brush every 6-12 months for optimal cleaning performance.
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.
[Diagram: Caster wheel removal and cleaning]
Important: An obstructed front wheel with hair and debris could damage the floor. If the wheel does not spin freely after cleaning, contact customer support.
Cleaning the Sensors and Charging Contacts
Disconnect the base from the wall and clean the charging contacts and sensors with a clean, dry cloth or a lightly dampened melamine foam. Contacts de carga [Diagram: Robot charging contacts] Sensores [Diagram: Robot sensors]
Important: Do not spray sensors or sensor openings with any cleaning product, detergents, or water.
Emptying the DustCompactor™ Bin and Cleaning the Filter
- Press the DustCompactor™ bin release button to remove it.
- Ensure the bin is in a vertical position and, over the trash, press the release tab to open it.
- Empty the contents into the trash.
- Remove the filter by squeezing the tab and pulling the filter out.
- Remove dirt from the filter by tapping it against the trash bin.
- Clean 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 into the robot.
[Diagram: Bin and filter removal, cleaning, and reinstallation]
Important: Seal all gaps that may exist around the lid's perimeter. Proper bin sealing is required for optimal performance.
Base Care and Maintenance
To keep your base operating optimally, follow these steps.
| Part | Maintenance Frequency | Replacement Frequency* |
|---|---|---|
| Charging Contacts | Clean once a month | - |
| IR Window | Clean once a month | - |
Important: Do not spray sensors or sensor openings with any cleaning product or water.
Cleaning the Charging Contacts and IR Window
Inspect the components to ensure they are free of debris. Clean them with a clean, dry cloth.
* Replacement frequency may vary. Parts should be replaced if visible wear appears. If you believe you need a replacement part, contact iRobot Customer Care for more information.
Troubleshooting
Robot Troubleshooting
The robot will alert you to any problems with a voice announcement or audible alert. The Roomba® Home app also provides notifications with steps to resolve any issues.
If you are unsure whether the robot has finished or is paused, check its status in the Roomba® Home app.
Base Troubleshooting
If the base is not functioning as expected, check for errors in the Roomba® Home app.
Factory Reset
To reset to factory settings, press and hold the Home button ? for 5 seconds and then (within 5 seconds) press and hold the Power button ⚡ for 5 seconds.
SHIPPING AND BATTERY SAFETY
Warning: Lithium-ion batteries and products containing lithium-ion batteries are subject to strict transportation regulations. If you need to ship this product for maintenance, relocation, or any other reason, you MUST follow the shipping instructions below.
- POWER OFF the battery before shipping.
- Remove the Robot from the Base to disconnect the battery and press and hold the Power button ⚡ for 10 seconds. Press the bumper for 10 seconds while holding the Power button ⚡. All indicators will turn off.
- Pack the robot securely for shipping.
If you need further assistance, visit the Roomba® Home app, contact our customer support team, or visit global.irobot.com.
Need More 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 additional assistance in the U.S. and Canada, call the U.S. Customer Care team at (877) 855-8593.
U.S. iRobot Customer Care Hours
- Monday–Friday: 9:00 AM–9:00 PM (Eastern Time U.S.)
- Saturday–Sunday: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM (Eastern Time U.S.)
Safety Information
Refer to the safety guide included with the robot or visit global.irobot.com.
[Part Number/Version Info: WC# 4851446 vA]
