How to Know If Roomba Is Charging: A Guide for New Robot Vacuum Users

However, there are many different Roomba models, and they don't work the same. That said, if you're asking "how do I know if my Roomba is charging," you've come to the right place. This article will walk you through the different light settings for all Roomba models when they're charging. I'll also show you how to fix your Roomba when it doesn't charge and how to reset it. Let's dive in!

1. How to Tell If Roomba Is Charging

Roomba robot vacuum cleaners are powered by a rechargeable battery, making them convenient to use. When the battery dies, just recharge it before your next cleaning session. Roomba battery life is quite impressive compared to other robots on the market: it can run for 2 hours and last for more than 400 charges. Still, this is an estimation, and it all depends on how well it is taken care of and how often you keep up with regular maintenance.

The quickest way to confirm your Roomba is charging is to plug it in and check the indicator light. A solid green light means it's charging. Simple — but only for certain models.

In some higher-end machines, the power light blinks for a few seconds after being plugged in, and then it stops. In others like the i3 and i7 series, the light stays completely off during charging. That's normal — not a sign that something's broken.

Now, if you're using a modern Roomba model like the i3 or i7 and experience this, you might be wondering: "Is my Roomba charging?" While this question is rational, there's nothing to worry about. Each machine has its own design with different light displays, and knowing these specific signals will help you identify whether your Roomba model is charging.

The charging light indicator on Roomba vacuums varies depending on the model.

Light Indicators by Model Series

To keep things simple and useful for all readers, I've put together this guide to share the battery status indicator for all Roomba models. Older versions like Roomba 500 or 600 will be at the top, while the latest ones like i3 and i7 will come towards the end:

Roomba 500 and 600 Series: The Roomba 500 and 600 series show amber pulse while charging, solid amber when partially charged, solid green when fully charged, and red for low battery. The light pulses every four seconds during charging.

Roomba 700, 800, and 900 Series: The Roomba 700, 800, and 900 series show amber pulse while charging, solid green when fully charged, and red for low or no battery. The light is only on for the first 60 seconds of the charging cycle.

Roomba i3 and i3+: The i3 and i3+ blink white while charging and show solid white when fully charged. There is no light on during the charging process itself. A white swirl indicates a software update.

Roomba i7 and i7+: The i7 and i7+ also blink white while charging and show solid white when fully charged. Unlike the i3, the light stays on throughout charging. A white swirl indicates a software update in progress.

From this guide, you can quickly tell that the Roomba 500 and 600 series show blinking light every four seconds when they're charging. The 700, 800, and 900 models show blinking light for the first 60 seconds of their charging cycle. The i3 and its sibling, i3+, have no light during charging.

Owners of i7 and i7+ can also find their answer from the above guide. Both i7 and i7+ have a light that blinks white while charging. For those models that do not show a light during the charging process, press the CLEAN button on the top of your machine once; it will display battery status and quickly return to normal.

When the i7 series is charging, its LED indicators flicker white.

2. What to Do When Your Roomba Is Not Charging

For best results, battery-operated gadgets like Roomba vacuums must be fully charged. However, sometimes it doesn't charge or doesn't fully charge, which might leave you frustrated. Here are a few quick and easy tips to fix your Roomba when it doesn't charge.

Clean the Contact Points

Dirt and debris accumulate after each vacuuming session and get trapped on the contact points — the small metal pins on the bottom of your Roomba and on the dock. Wipe them down with a microfiber cloth, or use a little rubbing alcohol if there's buildup. Once you finish cleaning, try plugging it back in to see if it's charging.

Check the Outlet

As obvious as it sounds, your power outlet needs to work properly to supply sufficient power for your Roomba vacuum to charge. If it doesn't, your Roomba won't charge. Try plugging another electronic device into that same outlet to test it. Alternatively, you can also try plugging the Roomba into a different outlet to see if it charges.

Clean the Docking Station

Dirt can easily get stuck in the contact points, and it can also accumulate on the connection ports of the docking station. When dirt blocks these ports, it prevents charging. You can quickly fix this charging issue by cleaning the docking station with alcohol. Your Roomba should charge normally after its dock is cleaned.

To ensure optimal performance, clean the charging dock on a regular basis.

Fix the Battery Position

Some Roomba owners reported that they face a charging problem right after plugging in a brand new machine. However, this shouldn't be an issue since your Roomba's batteries likely shifted from their original position during the shipping process. Fix the position by unscrewing the base of the Roomba battery compartment, reinserting the battery properly, then putting the screws back in. Now you can plug the Roomba in and check if it charges properly.

Check the Charging Dock

If your Roomba's docking station malfunctions, it won't get enough power supply for charging. If you've followed the above tips to clean the contact points and the docking station and your Roomba still doesn't charge, it's probably time for a dock replacement. However, if your warranty is still valid, call iRobot's customer service, and it will take 5-7 days to get your dock replaced.

Replace Batteries

Faulty batteries cause many charging issues, so if you've used your Roomba for a while, you might need to replace it with a new one. The good news is new batteries are not expensive, and replacing batteries is easy. Unscrew the battery compartment, clean up any accumulated dirt, then install the new battery and screw the compartment back in. You can now test if it charges. In almost all cases, it should work just fine.

Try a Reset

If you're still asking "how do I know if my Roomba is charging" after trying these fixes, another solution is to reset your robot. But how do you reset a Roomba? Resetting is a good troubleshooting method before considering other solutions. Read on as I explore more in the next section. I'll take you through a step-by-step guide on how to reset three key types of Roomba vacuums.

3. How to Reset a Roomba

If you've tried every fix above and are still having charging issues, a reset is often the missing step. Follow the instructions below for your specific model line.

Resetting a Roomba is simple

Reset Roomba 500 and 600 Line

Step 1: Turn your device off.

This is an absolute first step for any type of vacuum you have, not just a robot vacuum. After turning it off, move the machine out from its charging dock. If you need to replace the battery, turn it off, install the new battery, then press the CLEAN button. When the green light is on, release that button.

Step 2: Hold the SPOT and DOCK buttons at the same time.

Keep holding them for about ten seconds.

Step 3: Release the buttons.

Now, you'll hear a beep, which means the vacuum is rebooting.

Step 4: Put the robot back on its charger to restore its connection.

Then wait until the green light shows up. If you're not sure whether your robot has rebooted, press the CLOCK button. If all clock settings are cleared, your Roomba has been successfully reset.

Step 5: Set the date, time, and all other details as you wish.

This ensures the robot can resume its cleaning schedule.

Reset Roomba 700, 800, 900 Line and Roomba 960

Step 1: Press and hold the CLEAN button for about ten seconds.

Keep holding until the text "rSt" shows up on the display screen.

Step 2: Once you see the text "rSt," release the CLEAN button.

Leave it powered off, and you'll hear a chime indicating that your Roomba unit has been reset successfully.

Step 3: When you reset, all settings are cleared.

Reprogram your time, date and get your robot back on schedule.

If you're using a Roomba 960, chances are you've come across several Roomba 960 reviews, buying guides, or troubleshooting guides before. Steps to reset a Roomba 960 are similar to Roomba 700, 800, or 900 lines. Follow these steps to get it rebooted.

Reset Roomba i3 and i7

Step 1: Press these three buttons simultaneously: CLEAN, SPOT CLEAN, and HOME

Step 2: Hold those three buttons until the white light ring on the CLEAN button becomes bright.

Now, release all three buttons.

Step 3: Leave your robot 20 to 30 seconds to reboot.

Step 4: It's now done.

Reset other details like time and date to get it back on track.

4. How Long Does Roomba Take to Charge

If you've just got a new Roomba, it's best to remove the battery pull tab, then let it charge overnight. This extended initial charge will provide an essential boost for the battery life, and this advice applies to all Roomba versions. After this first charge, your Roomba will usually take about 2 hours to charge, depending on your battery's health condition.

To extend the battery life, which is also an important factor for the longevity of your robot, charge your Roomba right after each use. Don't wait several days, or you risk damaging the battery. With proper maintenance, Roomba batteries can last several years.

5. How to Maintain Your Roomba Battery

You've learned how to know if Roomba is charging and that giving it a full initial charge will prolong its battery life. Besides that, there are a few other tips that can help you extend the lifespan of your Roomba battery:

Roomba batteries are made to be charged and discharged frequently. If the battery is left empty for a long time, it can degrade. Therefore, use it regularly. If you're usually away, consider purchasing higher-end models so that you can set up the cleaning schedule while you're away. Regular use will ensure that the battery goes through its normal charging cycle.

If used properly and maintained regularly, your Roomba battery should last for about two years. If you're about to replace the battery, use those from reliable brands only; otherwise, you risk damaging your robot. It's best to use batteries recommended by iRobot.

If used and maintained correctly, the Roomba's battery is fairly long-lasting

Key maintenance tips:

• Keep a regular maintenance schedule by cleaning its wheels, contact points, and other moving parts.
• If you're away for a long time, fully charge it, then unplug it and store it away.
• Your Roomba robot will have a 16-hour charging cycle after being disconnected from its base for a long time. But, again, this is perfectly normal.

The Bottom Line

I hope you're getting some useful information in this guide. "How do I know if my Roomba is charging" is a common question, yet its specific answers vary depending on which model you're using.

Roomba robot vacuums are well-engineered and easy to use, but they require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance like any other electronic device. Which Roomba model do you have — and is the charging light working properly? Drop your model number in the comments below.