Roomba i7/i7+ Complete Troubleshooting Guide - All Common Problems

Your Roomba i7 or i7+ is acting up. Maybe it won't charge, keeps losing its map, or shows error codes you don't understand.

Here's the good news: Most Roomba i7 problems are fixable in 10-15 minutes with no tools required. The i7 series (including i7+) shares common issues with simple DIY fixes.

This guide covers the 12 most common Roomba i7/i7+ problems and exactly how to fix them.

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Try This First (3 Minutes)

Before diving into specific problems, try these universal fixes:

• ✅ Restart Roomba (30 seconds) - Hold CLEAN button for 10 seconds until reboot
• ✅ Check battery level (10 seconds) - Ensure it's charged above 20%
• ✅ Clean sensors (2 minutes) - Wipe cliff sensors (bottom) and camera (top) with dry microfiber cloth
• ✅ Update firmware (if connected) - Open app → Settings → Software Update

↳ Most Common Cause: Dirty sensors and outdated firmware cause 40% of Roomba i7 issues.

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Problem 1: Won't Charge or Keeps Returning to Dock

Symptoms:

• Won't charge on Home Base or Clean Base
• Charges for a few seconds then stops
• Keeps leaving and returning to dock
• Battery dies quickly (under 30 minutes)

Quick Fix (Works 70% of Time):

1. Clean charging contacts - On both Roomba (gold contacts on bottom) and dock (metal prongs)
2. Use dry cloth only - No water or cleaning solutions
3. Check dock positioning - Must be on hard flat surface, 1.5ft clearance on sides, 4ft clearance in front
4. Test different outlet - Dock needs dedicated outlet (not power strip)
5. Inspect Home Base wire - Check for damage where wire enters dock

For i7+ Clean Base Specific:

• Check if dirt disposal bin is properly seated in Clean Base
• Ensure Clean Base bag isn't full (LED indicator shows status)
• Verify Clean Base power brick is connected

If Still Not Working: Battery replacement needed if 2+ years old ($50-70, 30-minute DIY replacement).

Time: 5 minutes
Cost: Free (cleaning) or $50-70 (battery)
Success Rate: 70%

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Problem 2: Keeps Losing Map or Won't Map Correctly

Symptoms:

• Map disappears after every cleaning
• Says "Mapping Run Complete" but no map appears in app
• Creates multiple maps of same room
• Gets confused and can't return to dock

Quick Fix (Works 65% of Time):

1. Delete all existing maps - App → Smart Maps → Edit → Delete Map
2. Do training runs during daytime - Camera needs good lighting (not nighttime)
3. Clear 3-run minimum - Takes 3 cleaning cycles for i7 to "learn" your home
4. Keep dock location consistent - Moving dock confuses mapping
5. Clean camera lens - Top-mounted camera lens (wipe gently with microfiber cloth)
6. Remove reflective objects - Mirrors, glass furniture confuse vSLAM camera

For Persistent Issues:

• Turn on "Carpet Boost" - App → Cleaning Preferences → Carpet Boost (Auto or Performance)
• Check for firmware update - Older firmware has mapping bugs
• Reset to factory settings - App → Settings → Factory Reset (last resort)

Time: 15 minutes
Cost: Free
Success Rate: 65%

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Problem 3: Error Code 2 (Open Roomba's Brushes)

Symptoms:

• Roomba stops and says "Error 2"
• Red light ring blinks
• Voice says "Open Roomba's brushes and clean them"

Quick Fix (Works 85% of Time):

1. Flip Roomba over
2. Press green tabs - Release brush cage (two green tabs on either side)
3. Remove both brushes - Green rubber extractor and second rubber extractor
4. Check for hair/string - Remove wrapped hair from brush ends (bearing caps)
5. Inspect brush cage bearings - Clean yellow square bearing sockets
6. Reinstall brushes - Yellow bearing caps must face outward
7. Snap cage back - Should hear solid click

Prevention: Clean brushes weekly if you have pets, bi-weekly otherwise.

Time: 5 minutes
Cost: Free
Success Rate: 85%

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Problem 4: Error Code 15 (Clean Roomba's Cliff Sensors)

Symptoms:

• Roomba stops immediately after starting
• Says "Error 15" or "Move Roomba to new location"
• Thinks it's on stairs when it's on flat floor

Quick Fix (Works 90% of Time):

1. Flip Roomba over
2. Locate 6 cliff sensors - Small black circles on bottom (front, sides, corners)
3. Wipe each sensor - Use DRY microfiber cloth (no water)
4. Check for dust buildup - Compressed air helps if very dusty
5. Test on different floor - Ensure not actually near stairs/drop-off

Common Cause: Dark floors (black tile, dark hardwood) can trigger false cliff detection.

Time: 3 minutes
Cost: Free
Success Rate: 90%

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Problem 5: Won't Connect to Wi-Fi or App Shows Offline

Symptoms:

• Can't add Roomba to iRobot Home app
• App says "Roomba is offline"
• Wi-Fi light won't turn on
• Recently changed Wi-Fi password

Quick Fix (Works 60% of Time):

1. Confirm 2.4GHz Wi-Fi - i7 ONLY works with 2.4GHz (not 5GHz)
2. Reset Wi-Fi on Roomba - Hold HOME button for 15 seconds until light ring swirls blue
3. Ensure Roomba on dock and charged - Must be 20%+ battery
4. Stay within 15 feet during setup - Bluetooth range limitation
5. Use iRobot Home app - NOT generic smart home apps
6. Check router compatibility - WPA2 required (WPA3-only routers won't work)

For Persistent Issues:

• Temporarily disable 5GHz band during setup
• Move router closer to Roomba dock
• Update app to latest version
• Try different phone (Android vs iPhone)

Time: 10 minutes
Cost: Free
Success Rate: 60%

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Problem 6: Weak Suction or Poor Cleaning Performance

Symptoms:

• Leaves debris behind
• Dirt still visible after cleaning
• Suction sounds weak
• Works on hard floors but not carpet

Quick Fix (Works 75% of Time):

1. Empty bin completely - Press bin release, remove, tap out all debris
2. Clean filter - Tap filter against trash can (don't wash HEPA filters)
3. Check for clogs - Remove bin, look into vacuum intake for blockages
4. Clean brushes - Remove hair from rubber extractors
5. Enable Carpet Boost - App → Cleaning Preferences → Carpet Boost → Performance

For i7+ Clean Base:

• Check if evacuation tube is clogged (tube from robot to base)
• Replace Clean Base bag if full
• Ensure bin contacts are clean (oval-shaped contacts on bin)

Time: 8 minutes
Cost: Free
Success Rate: 75%

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Problem 7: Side Brush Not Spinning

Symptoms:

• Side brush (edge sweep) doesn't rotate
• Debris piles up along walls
• Side brush module loose or missing

Quick Fix (Works 80% of Time):

1. Remove side brush - Twist yellow cap counterclockwise, pull off
2. Remove wrapped hair - Pull hair off brush bristles and center post
3. Clean brush mount - Wipe square metal post on Roomba
4. Check for debris - Inspect inside yellow cap
5. Reinstall firmly - Press down while twisting clockwise until tight

Replacement: If motor failed (no sound when running), replace module ($12-18, 2-minute install).

Time: 5 minutes
Cost: Free to $18
Success Rate: 80%

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Problem 8: Keeps Getting Stuck on Furniture or Thresholds

Symptoms:

• Gets stuck under couch/bed repeatedly
• Can't climb over door thresholds
• Stuck on chair legs

Quick Fix (Works 70% of Time):

1. Clean front bumper - Press bumper in and release several times
2. Wipe bumper sensors - Two sensors behind bumper (clean with dry cloth)
3. Check wheels for debris - Remove and clean drive wheels
4. Use Dual Mode Virtual Wall Barriers - Block problem areas ($30 for 2-pack)
5. Adjust furniture height - Add furniture risers if clearance is 3.5-4 inches (Roomba needs 3.6")

For Thresholds:

• Roomba i7 can climb up to 0.75" (3/4") thresholds
• Use threshold ramps for taller transitions ($15-25)

Time: 10 minutes
Cost: Free to $30
Success Rate: 70%

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Problem 9: Error Code 31 (Communication Error with Clean Base)

i7+ Specific Issue

Symptoms:

• Roomba won't auto-empty into Clean Base
• Says "Error 31" or "Communication error with base"
• Docks successfully but doesn't evacuate

Quick Fix (Works 65% of Time):

1. Remove Roomba from Clean Base completely
2. Unplug Clean Base - Wait 30 seconds
3. Clean bin contacts - Oval metal contacts on bin and inside Clean Base port
4. Plug in Clean Base - Wait for full startup (green light)
5. Manually dock Roomba - Ensure it seats properly
6. Test evacuation - Press CLEAN button twice rapidly (forces evacuation)

If Evacuation Motor Failed: Clean Base motor replacement ($80-120 professional, or $40 DIY part + 1 hour).

Time: 8 minutes
Cost: Free to $120
Success Rate: 65%

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Problem 10: Noisy Operation (Grinding, Clicking, or Squealing)

Symptoms:

• Loud grinding sound
• Clicking from wheels
• High-pitched squealing
• Much louder than when new

Quick Fix (Works 75% of Time):

1. Identify noise source:

   • Brushes: Hair wrapped around bearings
   • Wheels: Debris in wheel wells
   • Side brush: Loose or damaged
   • Fan/bin area: Clog in vacuum pathway

2. Clean brushes thoroughly - Remove all hair from bearing caps

3. Pop out wheels - Pull wheels straight out, remove hair/string from axles

4. Check side brush - Ensure tight and not hitting body

5. Inspect for damage - Cracked parts need replacement

Time: 15 minutes
Cost: Free to $25 (replacement parts)
Success Rate: 75%

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Problem 11: Battery Dies Too Quickly (Under 60 Minutes)

Symptoms:

• Used to run 90+ minutes, now dies in 30-45 minutes
• Returns to dock multiple times per cleaning
• Battery 2+ years old

Quick Fix (Maintenance):

1. Check battery age - Roomba i7 batteries last 2-3 years with daily use
2. Reset battery - Let Roomba drain completely to 0%, then charge for 16 hours straight
3. Disable Carpet Boost - Uses more battery (only enable when needed)
4. Reduce cleaning frequency - Longer runtime = fewer recharge cycles = longer battery life

Battery Replacement:

• Official iRobot battery: $80-100 (18 months warranty)
• Compatible third-party: $40-60 (works well, 12 months warranty)
• Installation: 5 screws, 10-minute DIY job

Time: Variable
Cost: $40-100
Success Rate: 100% (with new battery)

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Problem 12: App Features Not Working (Scheduling, Keep Out Zones, Room Selection)

Symptoms:

• Can't create schedules
• Keep Out Zones don't work
• Room selection grayed out
• "Smart Map" not available

Quick Fix (Works 55% of Time):

1. Complete 3+ mapping runs - Smart features require completed map
2. Update firmware - App → Settings → Software Update
3. Check subscription status - Some features require iRobot Genius (free, but must activate)
4. Re-enable Smart Maps - App → Smart Maps → Enable
5. Force-close and reopen app - Refresh connection
6. Reinstall app - Delete and reinstall iRobot Home app (maps saved in cloud)

Time: 15 minutes
Cost: Free
Success Rate: 55%

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Preventive Maintenance Schedule for Roomba i7/i7+

Keep your i7 running perfectly with this simple schedule:

After Every Cleaning:

• Empty bin (or check Clean Base bag monthly)
• Quick visual check for tangled brushes

Weekly:

• Clean brushes (remove hair from bearing caps)
• Tap out filter (don't wash)
• Wipe cliff sensors and camera lens

Monthly:

• Deep clean all sensors
• Pop out wheels and clean axles
• Check side brush for wear
• Wipe charging contacts

Every 2-3 Months:

• Replace filter ($12-15 for 2-pack)
• Check for firmware updates

Annually:

• Replace side brush ($10-15)
• Replace rubber extractors if worn ($30 for pair)
• Consider battery replacement if 2+ years old

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When to Contact iRobot Support

Call support if:

• Under 1-year warranty (free repairs/replacement)
• Error codes persist after trying fixes
• Physical damage to robot
• Wheel or motor failures
• Clean Base (i7+) evacuation system broken

iRobot Support: 1-877-855-8593 (US) or support.irobot.com

Average Repair Costs (Out of Warranty):

• Battery: $40-100 (DIY) or $120-150 (professional)
• Wheel module: $25-40 (DIY) or $80-100 (professional)
• Brushes: $20-30 (DIY)
• Clean Base repair: $80-150 (professional)

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Common Questions

What's the difference between i7 and i7+?

i7+ includes the Clean Base (automatic dirt disposal station). i7 requires manual bin emptying. Both robots are identical otherwise - same cleaning performance, mapping, suction. You can upgrade i7 to i7+ by purchasing Clean Base separately ($300).

How often should I empty the i7+ Clean Base bag?

Depends on home size and dirt level. Average: every 30-60 days. LED indicator on Clean Base turns red when bag is full. Clean Base holds about 30 bins worth of dirt.

Can Roomba i7 work without Wi-Fi?

Yes. Press CLEAN button to start manual cleaning. You lose scheduling, remote start, Keep Out Zones, and room selection features. Basic cleaning works fine without Wi-Fi.

Why does my i7 keep remapping instead of using saved map?

Common causes: (1) Moved dock location, (2) Major furniture changes, (3) Cleaned in low light/nighttime, (4) Camera lens dirty. Delete all maps and do 3 daytime training runs with dock in permanent location.

Is Roomba i7 worth repairing or should I upgrade?

If i7 is under 3 years old and repair costs under $100, repair is worth it. i7 performance matches newer i8 model. If 4+ years old or repair costs $150+, consider upgrading to i8+ or j7+ (newer obstacle avoidance).

Can I use third-party batteries and parts?

Yes. Reputable brands (Green Label, Energup, Powerextra) work well and cost 50% less than OEM. Filters and brushes perform identically. Batteries last slightly less long (2 years vs 2.5 years) but at half price, good value.

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Written by the RoboFixHub Technical Team

We specialize in robot vacuum troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair — helping users solve problems with fast, reliable DIY fixes across all major brands.