Fix a Roomba that will not charge on its dock
Separate outlet, dock, contact, temperature, battery, and robot faults using the charging error before replacing parts.
Direct answer
The shortest reliable path.
Read the charging error in the app or from the robot first. Confirm the dock power cord and outlet, then clean the robot and dock charging contacts as iRobot directs and seat the robot correctly. Let a battery that is too hot or cold return to room temperature. Remove and reinstall a user-accessible battery only when the exact model instructions allow it.
Official visual references
Match what you see before you act.
These visuals are tied to the cited support pages. Read each model scope and observation before using it as a match.
Robot charging-contact locations
The two highlighted pads are the robot side of the charging path; inspect both before assuming the battery has failed.
- Look for
- Look for debris, a stuck contact, or green or copper discoloration at either highlighted pad.
- Applies to
- The Roomba contact layout illustrated in iRobot’s Charging Error 4 and 5 article; confirm the exact model layout before cleaning.
Clean Base charging contacts
The highlighted Clean Base contacts must align with the robot pads and remain clean, springy, and undamaged.
- Look for
- Compare the two contacts for equal position and check whether either is stuck, dirty, or visibly discolored.
- Applies to
- Clean Base docks represented in iRobot’s Charging Error 4 and 5 support article.
System view
Check the whole path.
- 01Wall outlet and cord
- 02Home or Clean Base
- 03Dock charging contacts
- 04Robot charging contacts
- 05Battery and charging controller
Scope before steps.
Roomba and Braava models covered by iRobot’s current charging error chart and model-specific support instructions.
Opening sealed battery packs, bypassing authentic-battery checks, liquid-damaged charging systems, or internal dock repair.
Procedure
Do this in order.
- 01
Use the error code to choose the branch
Read the app or robot message and match it to iRobot’s charging error chart before moving parts.
- 02
Prove the dock power path
Secure the power cord at the dock and wall outlet and verify the base shows its documented power response.
- 03
Clean and inspect both contact sets
Clean the robot and base contacts using iRobot’s specified method and check for contacts that are stuck, green, copper-colored, or damaged.
- 04
Seat the robot without forcing it
Place the robot on a flat, level dock as the model guide shows and confirm the charging indication.
- 05
Use the model-specific battery reset last
If the error directs it and the battery is user-accessible, power down and remove and reinstall the battery exactly as the model instructions state.
Diagnostic matrix
Read the result, not the guess.
| What you see | Check next | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Error reports no or low current | Prioritize outlet, cord, dock, contacts, and seating. | The charging path is incomplete before battery capacity is relevant. |
| Error reports battery too hot or too cold | Let the robot reach room temperature before retrying. | Charging is intentionally paused for temperature protection. |
| Contacts are stuck or discolored green or copper | Stop cleaning and arrange replacement of the damaged robot or base part. | iRobot identifies these contacts as damaged. |
| The robot starts charging on another compatible dock | Reinspect the original dock power and contacts. | The original base side is the stronger fault candidate. |
Stop conditions
Know when not to keep changing things.
- Stop charging a wet, swollen, leaking, damaged, or unusually hot battery or robot.
- Do not bypass charging contacts or substitute an unsupported battery or power supply.
- Contact iRobot when the error persists after its documented user-serviceable steps.