iRobot Roomba 600 Series User Manual

Introduction

Dear iRobot Roomba User:

Thank you for purchasing an iRobot Roomba vacuum cleaning robot. You are now part of the millions of people who enjoy cleaning with robots – the smarter way to clean. Please take a few minutes to read this manual and familiarize yourself with your Roomba, so you can get the most out of your robot. If you have any questions, visit our website at www.irobot.com for more information.

Register your robot to immediately activate your warranty and start enjoying the following exclusive benefits:

• Benefit from iRobot's award-winning customer service: Get assistance tailored to your specific robot, answers to frequently asked questions, maintenance tips, video demonstrations, live chats, etc.
• Get product updates and other valuable information: Be among the first to hear about new robots, exclusive discounts, and special offers.

When you register, you can tell us about your Roomba experience; iRobot listens to customer feedback and makes improvements to robots based on this valuable feedback. We love to hear what our customers think.

Register your robot now at www.irobot.com/register.

On behalf of the entire team, thank you for choosing iRobot. We appreciate your dedication, feedback, and loyalty.

This is the moment when robots make a difference. Save time on your household chores and enjoy life more.

Colin Angle
President, CEO & Co-founder
iRobot Corporation

P.S.: Don't miss out on our exclusive benefits. Register your Roomba online now at www.irobot.com/register.

Important Tips

⚠️ Before using Roomba for the first time, you must activate it. To do this, you must remove the battery pull-tab. Charge Roomba overnight before using it for the first time.

[Diagram: Shows a hand pulling a red tab from the battery compartment on the underside of the Roomba.]

Powering On and Off

• To turn on Roomba, press the CLEAN button once. You will hear a beep, and the CLEAN button will illuminate.
• To start a cleaning cycle, press the CLEAN button again. Roomba will begin a cleaning cycle.
• To stop Roomba, press the CLEAN button while the device is running.
• To resume a cleaning cycle, press the CLEAN button again.
• To turn off the device, press and hold the CLEAN button until the light turns off.

For Maximum Performance

• Remove and clean Roomba brushes after each use.
• Empty Roomba's dustbin and clean the filter after each use.
• Use a Virtual Wall® accessory (optional) to have Roomba clean where you want it to.
• Use Roomba frequently.

Frequent Use

To prolong Roomba's battery life and achieve maximum cleaning performance:

• Keep Roomba plugged in at all times when not in use.
• Recharge Roomba whenever possible. If you wait several days to recharge Roomba, the battery could be damaged.
• To store Roomba, unplug it from the power source, remove the battery, and store it in a cool, dry place.
• Blue or black batteries should be stored after use.
• Yellow batteries should be stored after being fully charged.

⚠️ Roomba contains electronic parts. DO NOT immerse it in water or spray water on it. Clean it only with a dry cloth.

Table of Contents

• Anatomy of iRobot Roomba
• Cleaning Pattern
• Cleaning Modes
• Cleaning System
• Battery Charging and Storage
• Optional Accessories
• Virtual Wall®
• Home Base®
• Remote Control
• Scheduling Roomba (Selected Models)
• Routine Maintenance
• Language Selection Mode
• Troubleshooting
• Replaceable Modules
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Important Safety Instructions
• Declaration of Conformity
• iRobot Customer Support

Anatomy of iRobot Roomba

Top View

The top view shows the front cover, dustbin release button, dustbin, infrared sensor, handle (varies by model), and power port.

Buttons and Lights

Diagrams illustrate the buttons and lights for Models 620 & 630 and Models 650 & 660. Key controls include the CLEAN/Power button, SPOT button, and DOCK button. Lights indicate problem resolution and Dirt Detect status.

Bottom View

The bottom view displays cliff sensors, a side cleaning brush for edges, a right drive wheel module, contact points for the Home Base (selected models), a removable front wheel, a left drive wheel module, and the Dirt Detect™ sensor. It also shows the main brush, flexible brush, brush guard, and brush guard tabs.

Cleaning Pattern

Roomba uses intelligent robotics to clean floors effectively, including under and around furniture and along walls. It calculates an optimal cleaning path and determines when to use its various cleaning modes:

Spiral Cleaning

Roomba uses a spiral motion to clean a concentrated area.

Wall Following

Roomba uses this technique to clean the entire perimeter of a room and navigate around furniture and obstacles.

Room Crossing

Roomba crosses the room to ensure complete cleaning coverage.

Dirt Detect

If Roomba detects dirt, the blue Dirt Detect™ light will illuminate, and Roomba will clean that area more intensely.

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

Cleaning Modes

Roomba will clean the room according to the mode you select. You can choose from three cleaning modes:

Cleaning Mode (All Models)

Roomba automatically calculates the room size and adjusts cleaning time accordingly.

Spot Mode (All Models)

Roomba moves in a spiral for an area approximately one meter in diameter, then spirals back to where it started, allowing for intense cleaning of a localized area.

Scheduled Cleaning Mode (Models 650 and up)

When a future cleaning schedule is set, Roomba enters Scheduled Cleaning Mode. If cleaning is scheduled, Roomba will occasionally display its next cleaning time to remind you of the programmed schedule. At the specified time, Roomba will leave the base, clean the floor, and then return to the base to recharge when finished.

Cleaning System

Roomba incorporates a patented three-phase cleaning system:

[Diagram: Shows the three-phase cleaning process: 1. Side brush sweeps edges. 2. Two counter-rotating brushes collect debris. 3. Vacuum sucks up fine particles, with a filter shown.]

Floor Surfaces

Roomba cleans wood, carpets, tiles, vinyl, and linoleum, and automatically adjusts to different floor types.

Roomba automatically detects stairs and other drop-offs. The device may get stuck when encountering rounded edges and may slip on particularly slippery surfaces. Very dark floor colors may reduce the effectiveness of Roomba's cliff sensors.

Anti-Tangle System

Roomba will not get stuck when vacuuming cords, carpet fringes, or tassels. When it detects it has vacuumed a cord or tassel, it will automatically stop its main brushes and attempt to exit the area. The device may emit a click when the anti-tangle function is activated.

Battery Charging and Storage

Roomba operates with a rechargeable battery. The battery can last hundreds of cleaning cycles if properly cared for.

Battery Life

To prolong battery life, iRobot recommends keeping Roomba connected to the power source at all times. For more detailed information on Roomba battery life maintenance, visit www.irobot.com/support.

Suggestion: Recharge Roomba whenever possible. If you wait several days to recharge Roomba, the battery could be damaged.

Suggestion: To store Roomba, unplug it from the power source, remove the battery, and store it in a cool, dry place.

Cleaning Time

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

16-Hour Renewal Charge

If Roomba has been disconnected from the power source or base for a prolonged period, Roomba will initiate a special 16-hour charging cycle. This exhaustive charge renews the device's battery and prolongs battery life. During charging, the device's "Clean" button will flash rapidly. Note: For best results, do not interrupt this renewal charge.

Suggestion: For maximum performance, charge Roomba's battery overnight before using it for the first time.

Charging Roomba

Charge Roomba in one of these two ways:

[Diagram: Shows two methods: 1. Using the Home Base (robot docking). 2. Using the power adapter only.]

Suggestion: When Roomba is on the base, always ensure the base's power light is on.

Charging Lights

Roomba uses the CLEAN button light to indicate it is charging. Use this table to determine battery status.

Virtual Wall®

(Optional accessory for all models)

Virtual Walls create an invisible barrier that Roomba will not cross. This invisible barrier can be used to limit Roomba's space to a room or specific zone, while also preventing it from getting too close to electrical cords or computer equipment, delicate objects on the floor, etc. Virtual Walls can be set to block an opening up to 2.15 meters long. Note that the width of the virtual wall beam also increases with its length, creating a cone-shaped area that Roomba cannot cross. The Virtual Wall also creates a halo of protection around itself, thus preventing Roomba from getting too close.

Suggestion: Move the arrows on the top of the virtual wall towards the opening you wish to block.

Suggestion: For maximum performance, place the virtual wall on the outside of the door frame you wish to block.

Manual Virtual Wall

To activate the barrier, a manual Virtual Wall must be activated at the start of the cleaning cycle. The manual Virtual Wall (and its power light) will turn off after 135 minutes. When the battery level is low, the Virtual Wall's power light will flash slowly to indicate that the batteries need to be replaced.

Automatic Virtual Wall

When an automatic Virtual Wall is set to "Auto" mode, the power light will flash repeatedly to indicate it is activated. When the battery level is low, the Virtual Wall will flash twice repeatedly to indicate that the batteries need to be replaced. To conserve battery, switch the automatic Virtual Wall to "Off". In "Auto" mode, batteries should last approximately six months.

[Diagram: Shows the Virtual Wall accessory with AUTO/OFF switch and battery compartment, indicating it requires two "C" alkaline batteries (not included).]

Home Base®

(Optional accessory for all models)

Roomba will return to the base at the end of each cleaning cycle or when the battery level is low. Roomba must locate the base's infrared signal to be able to return. Keep the base connected at all times. While the base is connected, the power light flashes to indicate that the base is connected to the power supply. When Roomba connects to the base, the power light stops flashing to indicate that Roomba has connected correctly to the base. When Roomba has charged, Roomba's "Clean" button will flash intermittently in amber, as described in the "Battery Charging and Storage" section of this manual. The "Clean" button will illuminate solid green when Roomba is fully charged.

Home Base Placement

You must place the base on a flat, sturdy surface and in an area where Roomba has a clear path to return at the end of the cleaning cycle. Place the base against a wall or other stationary object to prevent it from moving during docking. If Roomba cannot dock with the base on the first attempt, it will try again until it succeeds.

[Diagram: Illustrates optimal Home Base placement, showing it against a wall with clear space around it, and indicating common household objects like a chair, table, and stairs.]

Remote Control

(Optional accessory for all models)

[Diagram: Shows the remote control with SPOT button, CLEAN/Power button, and directional buttons.]

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

Before using the remote control for the first time, install two "AA" batteries (not included).

Suggestion: Ensure there is a direct line of sight from the remote control to Roomba, and that the remote control is aimed at Roomba.

⚠️ Remote control, Virtual Walls, and Home Base accessories operate via an invisible infrared beam. If all are used in the same area, Roomba may detect multiple infrared signals and not function. The remote control does NOT work if Roomba is near the Virtual Wall accessory.

Scheduling Roomba

(Models 650-660)

Setting the Clock

You must set the time before programming Roomba to perform a cleaning cycle.

1. Press and hold CLOCK.
2. While pressing CLOCK, use the DAY, HOUR, and MINUTE buttons to set the correct time.
3. Release CLOCK. Roomba will emit a beep to indicate the time has been set.

Setting a Schedule

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

To set a schedule:

1. Press and hold SCHEDULE.
2. While pressing SCHEDULE, use the DAY, HOUR, and MINUTE buttons to set the schedule.
3. Release SCHEDULE. Roomba will emit a beep to indicate the schedule has been set.

Viewing and Deleting Schedules

To view Roomba's scheduled cleaning times:

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

Modifying a Schedule

To delete a schedule:

1. Press and hold SCHEDULE.
2. While holding SCHEDULE, press the DAY button to cycle through Roomba's scheduled cleaning times.
3. If the scheduled cleaning time you wish to delete appears on the Roomba screen, press and hold the DAY button to delete the scheduled cleaning time.
4. Release SCHEDULE.

To modify a schedule:

1. Press and hold SCHEDULE.
2. While holding SCHEDULE, press the DAY button to cycle through Roomba's scheduled cleaning times.
3. If the scheduled cleaning time you wish to modify appears on the Roomba screen, press and hold the HOUR and MINUTE buttons to modify the scheduled cleaning time.
4. Release SCHEDULE. Roomba will emit a beep to confirm the schedule has been modified.

Suggestion: Roomba's clock can be displayed in 12-hour (AM/PM) or 24-hour format. To switch between views, press and hold the DAY and MINUTE buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds until Roomba beeps, indicating the clock format has been changed. Roomba's clock will revert to the default 12-hour (AM/PM) format when Roomba's battery is disconnected or nearly discharged.

Routine Maintenance

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

Emptying the Dustbin

Remove and empty Roomba's dustbin after each use.

[Diagram: Shows pressing a button and pulling to remove the dustbin.]

Cleaning the Filter

A. Clean or replace the filter*

[Diagram: Shows emptying the dustbin and cleaning the filter compartment.]

*Replace the filter every 2 months

Visit www.irobot.com for information on how to get the most out of your Roomba.

Suggestion: Empty the dustbin and clean the brushes after each cleaning cycle. Remove and clean Roomba's front wheel regularly.

Suggestion: If you notice Roomba picking up less dirt from the floor, empty the dustbin and clean the brushes.

Cleaning Roomba Brushes

A. Lift the two yellow tabs to remove the brush guard.

B. Remove and clean Roomba brushes.

[Diagram: Shows lifting yellow tabs, removing brush guard, and removing brushes.]

Suggestion: During Roomba maintenance, look for the yellow parts. These parts are designed to be removed and cleaned each time you empty Roomba's dustbin.

C. Remove hair and debris from Roomba's yellow brush bearings.

D. Slide the cleaning tool included with the device over Roomba's brush bristles to remove hair.

[Diagram: Shows cleaning brush bearings and using the cleaning tool.]

⚠️ Excessive hair can permanently damage Roomba. Remove brushes and inspect bearings regularly.

⚠️ Do not attempt to operate Roomba without these bearings.

If you misplace Roomba's brush bearings, contact iRobot Customer Care for replacement supports.

Cleaning the Front Wheel

1. Pull the Roomba front wheel firmly to remove it from the robot.

2. Remove dirt from inside the front wheel cavity.

3. Remove the front wheel from its housing and remove any hair wrapped around the axle. Push firmly on the wheel axle to remove it completely from the wheel.

4. Clean the wheel.

5. Reinsert the wheel into its housing and the module onto the robot.

⚠️ Front wheels obstructed by hair and dirt can damage the floor.

Cleaning the Cliff Sensors

Clean the 4 cliff sensors with a clean, dry cloth.

[Diagram: Points out the location of the four cliff sensors on the underside of the Roomba.]

Language Selection Mode

The Roomba 600 series can communicate troubleshooting messages in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish, Polish, Russian, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese.

Roomba's default language is English.

Setting the Language

1. Turn off Roomba. (Press and hold the CLEAN button until Roomba's lights turn off.)
2. Press and hold the CLEAN button until Roomba beeps and announces the currently selected language.
3. Release the CLEAN button. Roomba will enter language selection mode.
4. Press the CLEAN button several times until you hear your desired language.
5. Press and hold the CLEAN button to turn off Roomba and confirm your language selection.

Troubleshooting

Light Troubleshooting

Roomba will indicate if something is wrong with a two-tone sound from a voice ("uh-oh"). Additionally, the troubleshooting light will flash. Consult the table below to troubleshoot Roomba. If the problem is not solved, visit www.irobot.com/support.

Suggestion: To repeat a Roomba error message, press the "clean" button.

Execution Errors

Charging Errors

Suggestion: To reset Roomba software, press and hold the two buttons above and below CLEAN simultaneously for 10 seconds. This will clear all programmed cleaning times, reset the clock, and may resolve software issues.

Replaceable Modules

Roomba has several replaceable modules. These include the drive wheels, side brushes, main cleaning head, vacuum bin, caster wheel, and battery.

To access Roomba's replaceable modules, remove Roomba's bottom cover. To do this, remove the four screws securing the bottom cover and the retaining screw for the spinning side brush.

[Diagram: An exploded view showing the various components of the Roomba that can be replaced, including the battery, brushes, dustbin, wheels, and cleaning head.]

Removing the Front Cover

Follow the instructions below to remove and install Roomba's front cover.

1. Remove Roomba's dustbin.

[Diagram: Shows removing the dustbin.]

2. To remove Roomba's front cover, pull upwards on the dustbin. The front cover is secured in several places.

[Diagram: Shows lifting the front cover after removing the dustbin.]

3. To install Roomba's front cover, insert the tabs into the appropriate slots, then push down firmly on the inner and outer edges of the front cover.

4. Reinstall Roomba's dustbin.

Removing the Battery

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

1. Remove the screw for Roomba's side brush.

2. Remove Roomba's side brush.

[Diagram: Shows removing the side brush screw and then the side brush.]

3. Unscrew the four screws as shown below, and remove Roomba's bottom cover.

[Diagram: Shows unscrewing the bottom cover.]

4. Remove Roomba's battery.

[Diagram: Shows removing the battery.]

5. Reinstall Roomba's battery with the iRobot logo facing up.

6. Reinstall Roomba's bottom cover and the four screws.

7. Reinstall Roomba's side brush and the side brush screw.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the Roomba side brush sometimes spin backward?

If it gets tangled with cords or carpet fringes, the side brush may spin slowly or backward to free itself. This can also happen on thick carpets. If you observe this behavior on hard floors or when there are no cords or fringes, you should clean the side brush. Use a small Phillips screwdriver to remove the screw in the center of the side brush. Then, remove the side brush and completely remove any hair and debris surrounding the axle. Then, reinstall the side brush and the side brush screw.

Why does the Roomba sometimes make a loud noise?

If Roomba's brushes get tangled in cords or carpet fringes, the brushes will quickly change direction to free themselves. This action creates a loud noise that can be heard approximately once per second until the brushes are freed from the obstruction. If Roomba emits a loud noise without being tangled in cords or carpet fringes, the main brushes will need to be cleaned, as described on page 18.

Why does the Roomba slow down when approaching certain obstacles?

Roomba uses its soft-touch bumper technology to identify walls and other obstacles, allowing it to slow down and gently touch the obstacle with the bumper before changing direction. Roomba's sensitivity may be reduced on black or very dark surfaces, or on objects less than 5 centimeters wide.

Suggestion: For more help, visit www.irobot.com/support.

Important Safety Instructions

⚠️ CAUTION: DO NOT EXPOSE ROOMBA'S ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS, BATTERY, OR POWER BASE. THERE ARE NO USER-REPLACEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL. ENSURE THE RATED VOLTAGE OF THE POWER OUTLET MATCHES THE VOLTAGE OF THE STANDARD POWER OUTLET.

Always exercise caution when using Roomba. To reduce the risk of damage, always observe safety precautions during setup, use, and maintenance of Roomba:

General Safety Instructions

• Read all safety and operating instructions before operating Roomba.
• Keep safety and operating instructions for future reference.
• Heed all warnings on Roomba, the battery, the power base, and the user manual.
• Follow all operating and usage instructions.
• Refer all non-routine maintenance tasks to iRobot.

Roomba Usage Limitations

• Roomba is intended for indoor use only.
• Roomba is not a toy. Do not sit or stand on this device. Supervise pets and young children when Roomba is cleaning.
• Clean only with a dry cloth. Do not pour or spray water on Roomba.
• Do not use this device to pick up anything that is burning or smoking.
• Do not use this device to pick up spills of bleach, paint, or any other chemical or liquid.
• Before using this device, pick up objects such as clothing, loose papers, blind cords or curtains, power cords, and any other fragile object. If the device runs over a power cord and pulls it, an object may be pulled off a table or shelf.
• If the room to be cleaned has a balcony, place a physical barrier to prevent access to the balcony and ensure safe operation.
• Always remove the battery before transporting or storing for a long period of time.
• This device is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced physical, mental, or sensory capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless a responsible person provides them with supervision or necessary instructions related to the use of the device for their safety.
• Children should be supervised to ensure they do not play with the device.

Roomba Charging and Battery

• Charge only with a standard power outlet. The product cannot be used with any type of power converter. Use of other power converters will immediately void the warranty.
• Use only the power base supplied by the manufacturer to charge this device.
• Do not use a power outlet with a damaged cord or plug.
• Charge the device indoors only.
• Roomba's power base can be protected with a surge protector in case of major electrical storms.
• Never handle the power outlet with wet hands.
• Always unplug Roomba from the power outlet before cleaning.
• Ensure the rated voltage of the power outlet matches the voltage of the standard power outlet.

Declaration of Conformity

Roomba Vacuum Cleaning Robot and Accessories

Manufacturer: iRobot Corporation, 8 Crosby Drive, Bedford, MA 01730, USA declares that the Roomba vacuum cleaning robot, battery power base, and base comply with the requirements of the low voltage directive 73/23/EEC, as amended by directive 93/68/EEC, and the electromagnetic compatibility directive 89/336/EEC, as amended by directive 92/31/EEC. TUV Rheinland of North America was the company responsible for conducting low voltage and electromagnetic compatibility testing.

It is also declared that the Roomba vacuum cleaning robot and its 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: Emission
• EN 55014-1:1997 + A2:2002 Electromagnetic compatibility – Requirements for household appliances, electric tools and similar apparatus – Part 2: Immunity – Product family standard

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. If this equipment is used in a residential area, harmful interference may occur, in which case the user will be obligated to correct the interference.

iRobot Customer Support

iRobot Customer Support in the U.S.

If you have any questions or comments about Roomba, please contact iRobot before contacting a retailer. Visit our website at www.irobot.com for tips, frequently asked questions, or information about accessories and other iRobot products. We love to hear from our customers.

If you continue to need assistance:

• Visit the iRobot support website at www.irobot.com/support
• Call our customer support representatives at 877.855.8593

iRobot Customer Support Public Hours:
• Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. (U.S. Eastern Time)
• Saturdays 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. (U.S. Eastern Time)

iRobot International Customer Support

Visit www.irobot.com/international to:

• Order accessories for your robot
• Find tips and tricks to improve your robot's performance
• Read answers to frequently asked questions
• Download a detailed product manual
• Contact your local iRobot distributor

Accessories

Get iRobot accessories at: 800.727.9077 or visit store.irobot.com

International customers should visit www.irobot.com/international

© 2009-2012 iRobot Corporation, 8 Crosby Drive, Bedford, MA 01730 (USA). All rights reserved. iRobot, Roomba, Virtual Wall, and Home Base are registered trademarks of iRobot Corporation. Dirt Detect and Lighthouse are trademarks of iRobot Corporation. [00525.0412.v1]

U.S. Patent Numbers: 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 | 7,389,156 | 7,429,843 | 7,430,455 | 7,441,298 | 7,441,298 | 7,448,113. Other patents pending.