A Roomba that does not charge is not automatically a failed battery. The dock must receive power, its pads must meet clean robot contacts, and the robot must accept current without reporting a safety fault. Begin with the wall plug and dock cable, then clean only the contact pads using iRobot's approved method. Read any spoken or app error before removing the battery. This order avoids buying an unnecessary part and preserves the distinction between ordinary dirt, a damaged contact, a temperature fault and an authentic battery problem.
Models covered
Safety first
- Use only a lightly dampened cloth or melamine foam on charging contacts; keep liquid away from sensors and openings.
What the symptom may indicate
Checks in the right order
- Check dock power
Seat the power cord fully in both the dock and wall outlet. If the dock has a power light, check its expected response for the model.
- Clean the charging contacts
Unplug the dock and wait 60 seconds. On a flat surface, wipe robot and dock contacts with a clean, lightly dampened cloth or lightly dampened melamine foam. Do not use abrasive material.
- Clean the sensor separately
Wipe the dock sensor window with a clean, dry microfiber cloth. Do not use melamine foam or spray liquid on a sensor opening.
- Re-dock and read the exact error
Reconnect power, align the contacts and allow the app to update. If a numbered charging error appears, use iRobot's official chart for that code before removing the battery.
Stop and get qualified help when
- Stop if contacts are green, copper-coloured, stuck, burnt or physically damaged; the robot or dock may need replacement.
- Contact support for a swollen battery, liquid ingress, unusual heat, smoke or a burning smell.
Sources used
- iRobot — iRobot specifies unplugging the dock for 60 seconds and cleaning contacts only with lightly dampened cloth or melamine foam.
- iRobot — The official chart links charging codes to contacts, temperature, battery communication and support actions.
Last checked: August 26, 2026