Thank you for purchasing an iRobot Roomba vacuum cleaning
robot. You’ve joined the millions of people who clean with robots -
the smarter way to get it done.
Please take a few moments to read this manual and get acquainted
with your Roomba, to get the best performance from your robot.
If you have any questions, visit our website at www.irobot.com for
more information.
Register your robot to instantly activate your warranty and enjoy
these exclusive benefits:
• Take advantage of iRobot’s award-winning customer serviceGet support tailored to your specific robot, including answers
to questions, maintenance tips, video demos, live chat and
more.
• Get product updates and other valuable informationBe among the first to find out about new robots, exclusive
discounts and special promotions.
When you register, you can also tell us about your experience
with your Roomba; iRobot listens to our customers and makes
enhancements to our robots based on your valued feedback. We’d
love to hear from you!
Register your robot right now at www.irobot.com/register.
On behalf of the entire team, thank you for choosing iRobot; we
appreciate your business, feedback and loyalty.
Here’s to robots that make a difference!
Yours for less chores and more life,
Colin Angle
Chairman, CEO and Co-Founder
iRobot Corporation
P.S. Don’t miss out on your exclusive benefits! Register your
Roomba online right now at www.irobot.com/register.
Important Tips
Turning Roomba on and off
• Roomba does not have a power button.
• To turn Roomba ON, press CLEAN once. You will hear a
beep and the CLEAN button will be lit.
• To start a cleaning cycle, press CLEAN again. Roomba will
start a cleaning cycle.
• To pause Roomba, press CLEAN while Roomba is cleaning.
• To resume the cleaning cycle, press CLEAN again.
• To turn Roomba OFF, press and hold the CLEAN button
until Roomba’s lights turn OFF.
For Best Performance
• Remove and clean Roomba’s brushes after every use.
• Empty Roomba’s bin and clean its lter after every use.
• Use a Virtual Wall® (optional accessory) to keep Roomba cleaning where
you want it.
• Use your Roomba frequently.
Battery Life
To extend Roomba’s battery life and keep Roomba cleaning at peak
performance:
• Always keep Roomba plugged in when not in use.
• Recharge Roomba as soon as possible. Waiting several days to
recharge Roomba can damage the battery.
• For storage off the charger, remove the battery from Roomba and store
in a cool, dry place.
• Blue or black batteries should be stored after Roomba has been
used.
• Yellow batteries should be stored after being fully charged.
Roomba contains electronic parts. DO NOT submerge Roomba or spray it
with water. Clean with a dry cloth only.
For more detailed information, visit: www.irobot.com3
important Safety Instructions ....................................15
iRobot Customer Care ...............................................16
4iRobot Roomba Owner’s Manual
iRobot Roomba Anatomy
CLEAN/Power
Button
Bin Release
Button
Bottom View
Edge-Cleaning
Vacuum Inlet
Bin
Cliff Sensor
Openings
Side Brush
Battery
Virtual Wall Sensor
SPOT Button
Serial Port
Battery Charger
Socket
Replaceable
Caster Wheel
Flexible
Brush
Main
Brush
Brush
Guard
Brush Guard Release Tabs
Brush Bearings
Brush Caps
For more detailed information, visit: www.irobot.com5
Cleaning Pattern
Roomba is a robot that cleans floors differently than the way most people
clean their floors. Roomba uses its robot intelligence to efficiently clean
the whole floor, under and around furniture, and along walls.
Roomba calculates the optimal cleaning path as it cleans and determines
when to use its various cleaning behaviors.
Spiraling: Roomba uses
a spiral motion to clean a
concentrated area.
Wall Following: Roomba uses
this technique to clean the
full perimeter of the room and
navigate around furniture and
obstacles.
Room Crossing: Roomba
crisscrosses the room to
ensure full cleaning coverage.
Cleaning Modes
Roomba will clean based on the cleaning mode you select. Roomba has
two cleaning modes:
Clean Mode
Roomba automatically calculates the room size and adjusts its cleaning
time appropriately.
Spot Mode
Roomba will spiral approximately three feet in diameter and then spiral
back to where it started, intensely cleaning a localized area.
TIP: Roomba takes approximately 25 minutes to clean an average room and
will pass over the same area of the floor multiple times to ensure total
floor coverage.
TIP: For most efcient cleaning, clear your oor of clutter and use a Virtual
Wall to confine Roomba to one room.
6iRobot Roomba Owner’s Manual
Cleaning System
Roomba features a patented three-stage cleaning system.
Filter
Side brush
1
sweeps along
edge of walls and
into corners.
Two counter-
2
rotating brushes
scoop up dirt,
hair, and debris
into the bin.
Powerful vacuum picks up the
3
remaining fine particles, dirt, and
hair. The filter traps dust and
small particles.
Floor Surfaces
Roomba works on wood, carpet, tile, vinyl, and linoleum, and adjusts
automatically to different floor types.
Roomba automatically senses stairs and other cliffs. Roomba is not
recommended for shag carpet or rugs with tassels.
For more detailed information, visit: www.irobot.com7
Battery Storage and Charging
Roomba is powered by a rechargeable battery.
Roomba’s battery can last for hundreds of
cleaning cycles if cared for properly.
Battery Life
To extend the battery life, iRobot recommends always storing Roomba
plugged in. For more details on how to maintain Roomba’s battery life,
visit www.irobot.com/support.
TIP: Recharge Roomba as soon as possible. Waiting several days to recharge
Roomba can damage the battery.
TIP: For storage off the charger, remove the battery from Roomba and store in
a cool, dry place.
Cleaning Time
You should fully charge Roomba’s battery before each cleaning cycle.
When fully charged, Roomba’s battery will last for at least one full clean
cycle.
16-Hour Refresh Charge
If Roomba has been left off the charger for an extended period, Roomba
will initiate a special 16-hour charge cycle. This extensive charge
refreshes Roomba’s battery and extends the battery life. While charging,
Roomba’s “Clean” button will pulse quickly. Note: For best results, do not
interrupt this Refresh Charge.
TIP: For best performance, charge Roomba’s battery overnight before using
Roomba for the first time.
8iRobot Roomba Owner’s Manual
Charging Roomba
Charge Roomba by plugging the charger directly into Roomba’s battery
charger socket.
Charging Lights
Roomba uses the CLEAN button light to indicate that it is charging. Use
the chart to determine that status of the battery.
CLEAN/Power
Button
CLEAN Button Light Battery Status
Solid redBattery empty
Amber pulseCharging
Solid greenFully charged
Quick amber pulse16-hour refresh charge
For more detailed information, visit: www.irobot.com9
OFF
AUTO
(optional accessory)
Virtual Wall
Virtual Walls create an invisible barrier that Roomba will not cross. This invisible barrier
can be used to confine Roomba to a particular room or area, and prevent it from
getting too close to electrical or computer cords, delicate objects on the floor, etc.
The Virtual Walls can be set to block an
opening up to seven feet long. Note that
the width of the Virtual Wall’s beam also
increases as its length increases, creating
a cone-shaped area which Roomba cannot
pass. The Virtual Wall also creates a halo
of protection around itself, preventing
Roomba from getting too close.
TIP: Point the arrows on top of the Virtual Wall towards the opening you
would like to block.
TIP: For best performance, place the Virtual Wall on the outside of the
doorway you wish to block.
Manual Virtual Wall (selected models)
A Manual Virtual Wall must be turned on by
hand at the beginning of the cleaning cycle to
activate the barrier. A Manual Virtual Wall (and
its power light) will shut off after 135 minutes.
Auto Virtual Wall (selected models)
When an Auto Virtual Wall is set to “Auto”
mode, the power light blinks repeatedly to
indicate it is on. When battery levels are low, the
Virtual Wall blinks repeatedly twice to indicate
that it needs new batteries. To save battery
power, the Auto Virtual Wall can be switched
to “Off”. When in “Auto” mode, the batteries
should last approximately six months.
Battery Installation
Battery Compartment
Two “C” Alkaline Batteries
(not included)
10iRobot Roomba Owner’s Manual
Remote Control (optional accessory)
. . .
SPOT
Button
CLEAN/Power
Button
Directional
Buttons
. . .
Button
The Remote Control lets you conveniently control Roomba’s functions.
You can use it to turn Roomba on and off, and steer it around your
room without bending down. It also gives you remote access to these
commands:
SPOT
CLEAN
. . .
Roomba spirals approximately three
feet in diameter and then spirals back
to whe
re it started, intensely cleaning a
rea.
local a
Roomba automatically calculates the
room size and adjusts its cleaning time
app
ropriately.
Models 430-519Roomba enters Spot
Models 520-599Roomba attempts to
Models 600+Roomba enters Max
mode.
Dock on the Home
Base, if p
mode and cleans
until the battery is
discharged.
resent.
Before using your remote for the first time, install 2 AA batteries (not
included).
TIP: Check that there is a direct line of sight from the Remote Control to
Roomba and that the
The Remote Control and Virtual Walls operate using an invisible infrared
beam. If they a
red signals and will not operate. The Remote WILL NOT work when
infra
Roomba is near
re all used in the same area, Roomba may see multiple
For more detailed information, visit: www.irobot.com
remote is pointed at Roomba.
Virtual Walls.
Maintenance
To keep Roomba running at peak performance, it is recommended that
you perform the following maintenance regularly:
1
Remove and empty Roomba’s bin
Press button and pull to remove bin
2
Clean Roomba’s filter compartment
A. Clean or replace filter*
B. Clean filter compartment
Empty bin
*Replace filter every 2 months
TIP: Bin emptying and brush cleaning should be done after every cleaning cycle.
Also be sure to regularly check the front caster wheel for hair build up.
TIP: If you notice Roomba picking up less debris from your floor, empty the
bin and clean the brushes.
12iRobot Roomba Owner’s Manual
3
Clean Roomba’s brushes
A. Remove brush guard by
lifting both yellow tabs.
TIP: When replacing brush caps, make sure the alignment feature is properly
rotated so it snaps into place.
C. Remove and clean hair and
dirt from Roomba’s yellow
B. Remove and clean Roomba’s
brushes.
Brush Caps
D. Remove and clean Roomba’s
brush caps.
brush bearings.
Brush
Bearings
Alignment Feature
E. Use the included cleaning
tool to easily remove hair
from Roomba’s brushes.
Visit www.irobot.com/support for information on keeping Roomba running
at peak performance.
Excessive build up of hair in Roomba’s brushes and bearings can
Do not attempt to run Roomba without the bearings. If you
misplace Roomba’s brush bearings, contact iRobot Customer Care
for replacement bearings.
For more detailed information, visit: www.irobot.com13
Troubleshooting
Roomba will tell you when something is wrong with a two-tone “uh-oh”
sound followed by beeping. Refer to the chart below to resolve Roomba’s
problem. If the problem is not resolved, visit www.irobot.com/support.
Number of
beeps after
“uh-oh”
No beepsA wheel is stuck or is
1The main brushes
2The side brush cannot
3The vacuum cannot run Remove and empty Roomba’s bin. (See page 12)
4A wheel cannot runYour Roomba may be stuck or something may be wrapped
5The cliff sensors have
6Wheel obstruction or
9Sensor errorPlease contact iRobot Customer Support.
10Roomba is stuckPick up Roomba and start it again somewhere else. Use a
Likely causeWhat to do
not touching the ground
cannot turn
turn
failed or are blocked
robot attempting to
drive over an obstacle
Pick up Roomba, place it down securely on the floor and
touch the clean button to restart the cycle.
Turn over Roomba and remove the brush guard by pushing
the two yellow tabs. Remove the brushes, clear any
obstructions, and replace them again. (See page 13)
Turn over Roomba. Look to see if something is wrapped
around the side brush. Remove the side brush with a screw
driver and check for string or hair that may be wrapped
around it.
around a wheel. Look for something wrapped around the
wheels. Push them in and out and make sure they turn
easily.
Turn over Roomba and clear any debris that might be
caught underneath the front bumper in the cliff sensors. You
can also use compressed air to clean them out.
Turn over Roomba and remove any obstructions that
prevent the wheels from seating all the way up into
Roomba’s body. Also, remove any obstacles that Roomba
could drive over.
virtual wall or other barrier to keep Roomba away from the
place it got stuck.
Miscellaneous Troubleshooting
ProblemLikely causeWhat to do
Roomba’s Power
light will not
illuminate
Roomba is not
picking up debris
Roomba does not
charge
14iRobot Roomba Owner’s Manual
Battery not seated
correctly
Bin is fullEmpty the bin and clean Roomba’s brushes.
Charger is not
plugged in
Remove Roomba’s battery by pushing the side clips and
re-insert the battery making sure you hear an audible
click.
(See pages 12-13)
Ensure that the charger is correctly connected to the wall
and to Roomba. Roomba’s charger will illuminate a solid
green light when plugged into a power source.
Important Safety Instructions
CAUTION: DO NOT EXPOSE THE ELECTRONICS OF ROOMBA, ITS
BATTERY, OR THE CHARGER. THERE ARE NO USER-SERVICEABLE
PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
CHARGE USING STANDARD U.S. (120V AC) OUTLET ONLY.
Always exercise caution when operating your Roomba. To reduce the risk
of injury or damage, keep these safety precautions in mind when setting
up, using and maintaining Roomba:
GENERAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
• Read all safety and operating instructions before operating Roomba.
• Retain the safety and operating instructions for future reference.
• Heed all warnings on Roomba, battery, charger and in owner’s manual.
• Follow all operating and use instructions.
• Refer all non-routine servicing to iRobot.
ROOMBA USE RESTRICTIONS
• Roomba is for indoor use only.
• Roomba is not a toy. Do not sit or stand on this device. Small children and pets should be
supervised when Roomba is cleaning.
• Clean with a dry cloth only. Do not pour or spray water onto 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 other chemicals, or anything
wet.
• Before using this device, pick up objects like clothing, loose papers, pull cords for blinds
or curtains, power cords, and any fragile objects. If the device passes over a power cord
and drags it, there is a chance an object could tumble off a table or shelf.
• If the room to be cleaned contains a balcony, a physical barrier should be used to prevent
access to the balcony and ensure safe operation.
• Always remove the battery before long-term storage or transportation.
• Roomba 400 Series is not recommended for shag, high pile carpet or tassels.
• This appliance is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced
physical, sensory or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless they
have been given supervision or instruction concerning use of the appliance by a person
responsible for their safety.
• Children should be supervised to ensure they do not play with the appliance.
ROOMBA BATTERY AND CHARGING
• Charge using a standard U.S. (120V AC) outlet only. Product may not be used with any
type of power converter. Use of other power converters will immediately void the warranty.
• Use only the charger supplied by the manufacturer to charge this device.
• Do not use a charger with a damaged cord or plug.
• Charge indoors only.
• Roomba’s power supply may be protected with a surge protector in the event of severe
electrical storms.
• Never handle chargers with wet hands.
• Always disconnect Roomba from the charger before cleaning.
For more detailed information, visit: www.irobot.com15
iRobot Customer Care
If you have questions or comments about Roomba, please contact iRobot
before contacting a retailer.
Please visit our web site at www.irobot.com for support tips, frequently
asked questions, or information about accessories and other iRobot
products. We would like to hear from you.
Should you still need assistance:
• Visit the iRobot support web site at www.irobot.com/support
• Call our customer care representatives at 877.855.8593