Roomba Not Charging – Check Brush And Wheel Alignment

I’ve had my Roomba for a solid two years, and it’s been a lifesaver in keeping my house clean.

But, about a month back, it suddenly started acting up and eventually stopped charging altogether.

I was bummed, thinking I’d have to buy a new one.

But then, I decided to try troubleshooting the issue myself before giving up on the robot.

Turns out, it was a simple issue that I could easily solve at home.

If your Roomba is not charging, clean the charging contact points on the dock and the vacuum. If this doesn’t work, remove the brushes and the Caster wheel, clean them thoroughly, and properly place them back. Misaligned parts can prevent Roomba from charging.

Before Jumping Into Troubleshooting, Try Using Another Outlet

Before diving into complicated fixes, let’s start with a basic check to resolve the charging issue.

First, take a look at the power outlet and make sure it’s working properly. Plug in another device, like a phone charger, to see if it gets power.

Next, examine the power cord and check for any visible damage or frayed wires. If you spot any issues, it’s crucial to replace the damaged cord to ensure safe and efficient charging.

Once you’ve confirmed that the outlet and power cord are in good condition, try connecting the Roomba to a different outlet. Sometimes, the problem might be with the original outlet, and a new one might solve the issue.

Also, make sure not to wrap the cord too tightly on the cord wrap, as doing so could potentially pull the cord out of the connector on the back.

If your Roomba is still not charging, you can move on to troubleshooting the issue.

Clean the Electrical Contact Points To Remove Any Debris Accumulation

Roomba’s electrical contacts are notorious for forming an oxide layer or gathering gunk and dust on the charging port.

This debris can prevent proper charging, which might be the reason why your Roomba is having charging issues.

Don’t worry, you don’t need a professional to deep clean your Roomba; a couple of simple household cleaning solutions will do the trick.

Grab a soft, dry cloth and some 99% isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol to clean the contact points.

Alternatively, wiping with a microfiber cloth or a damp melamine foam can also be an excellent option to cleanse the charging contacts.

After giving it a thorough clean, if the problem persists, move on to the next step.

Clean The Roomba Brushes and Caster Wheel To Prevent Misalignment

When debris becomes trapped in Roomba’s Caster Wheel and brushes, they won’t align correctly with the vacuum’s body.

As a result, the electrical contacts on both the vacuum and charging dock won’t connect properly, leading to charging problems.

Here’s how you can clean them and snugly fit them into their compartments.

For the brushes:

Open the Cleaning Head Module door using the green tab on the right side of the multi-surface brushes.

Remove the brushes from the robot and clear any hair and debris from the square and hex pegs.

Clean any debris accumulated on and under the gray bearings.

Reinsert the bearings on the multi-surface brushes.

Ensure the vacuum path is clear and align the pegs of the multi-surface brushes with the shape of the Cleaning Head Module.

For the caster wheel:

Firmly pull on the Front Caster Wheel to remove it from the robot.

Clear any debris from inside the well of the Front Caster Wheel.

Push the wheel and axle free from the housing and remove any debris build-up along the side.

Push the wheel and axle back into the housing until it clicks into place.

Insert the clean Front Caster Wheel back into the robot and ensure it clicks securely.

To maintain optimal performance, inspect the multi-surface brushes and cleaning head module weekly, or twice a week if you have pets. Regularly clean the brushes and caster wheel using the provided procedure.

Once you’ve cleaned the contacts, caster wheel, and brushes, plug the Home Base back in. The light on the Home Base should turn on now.

Reposition The Roomba Battery

If your Roomba’s battery is misaligned, it will not charge. This can happen if the vacuum falls down the stairs or if it crashed against something.

You can access the battery compartment by removing five screws on the back panel and reinstalling the battery in the right place tightly. Then, put the screws back right after and plug in the Roomba.

If this does not fix the issue, then you need to get in touch with the company.

If Nothing Works, Call iRobot Support

If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps and your Roomba is still experiencing charging issues, it’s time to reach out to iRobot Support for assistance.

They have trained professionals who can provide further guidance and help resolve any technical problems with your Roomba.

You will most likely have to get your Roomba battery replaced. This is common if your vacuum is more than two years old.