iRobot Vacuum Cleaner 500 Series User Manual

500/600 Series Owner's Manual  
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Dear iRobot Roomba Owner,  
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.  
more information.  
Register your robot to instantly activate your warranty and enjoy  
these exclusive benefits:  
Take advantage of iRobot’s award-winning customer service  
Get support tailored to your specific robot, including answers  
to questions, maintenance tips, video demos, live chat and  
more.  
• Get product updates and other valuable information  
Be 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!  
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  
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Important Tips  
Before using Roomba the first  
time, you need to activate Roomba  
by removing the battery pull tab.  
Charge Roomba overnight before  
first time use.  
Remove battery pull tab  
Turning Roomba on and off  
To turn Roomba ON, press CLEAN once. You will hear a  
beep and the CLEAN button will light.  
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 filter 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 power supply, 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.  
4
iRobot Roomba 500 Series  
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Table of Contents  
iRobot Roomba Anatomy.............................................6  
Cleaning Pattern...........................................................7  
Cleaning Modes............................................................8  
Cleaning System...........................................................9  
Cleaning Bins..............................................................10  
Battery Storage and Charging............................. 11-12  
Optional Accessories .................................................13  
Virtual Wall® ..................................................... 13-14  
Virtual Wall® Lighthouses.............................. 15-16  
Home Base® ..........................................................17  
Wiresless Command Center .................................18  
Remote Control .....................................................19  
Scheduling Roomba (selected models) .................. 20-21  
Regular Maintenance ........................................... 22-24  
Language Selection Mode (selected models)................25  
Troubleshooting.................................................... 26-27  
Replaceable Modules........................................... 28-32  
Frequently Asked Questions......................................33  
Important Safety Instructions ....................................34  
iRobot Customer Care ...............................................35  
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iRobot Roomba Anatomy  
Infrared Sensor  
Faceplate  
Bin Release Button  
Power Supply Socket  
Bin  
Buttons and Lights  
(Models 500 - 549)  
(Models 550 and above)  
Scheduling  
Interface  
SPOT Button  
SPOT Button  
Troubleshooting  
Troubleshooting  
Light  
Light  
Dirt Detect™  
Dirt Detect™  
CLEAN/Power  
Button  
CLEAN/Power  
Button  
SPOT/DOCK Button  
(varies by model)  
DOCK Button (models 550-599)  
MAX Button (models 600+)  
Bottom View  
Brush  
Bearings  
Cliff Sensor  
Openings  
Contact Points  
for Home Base  
(selected  
Flexible  
Brush  
models)  
Edge-Cleaning  
Side Brush  
Main  
Brush  
Removable  
Caster Wheel  
End Caps  
Right Wheel  
Module  
Left Wheel  
Module  
Brush  
Guard  
Dirt Detect™  
Sensor  
Brush Guard Release Tabs  
6
iRobot Roomba 500 Series  
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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.  
Dirt Detection (selected  
models): When Roomba  
senses dirt, the blue Dirt  
Detect™ light is lit and  
Roomba cleans more  
intensely in that 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 efficient cleaning, clear your floor of clutter and use a Virtual  
Wall to confine Roomba to one room.  
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Cleaning Modes  
Roomba will clean based on the cleaning mode you select. Roomba has  
three cleaning modes.  
Clean Mode (all models)  
Roomba automatically calculates the room size and adjusts its cleaning  
time appropriately.  
Spot Mode (all models)  
Roomba will spiral approximately three feet in diameter and then spiral  
back to where it started, intensely cleaning a localized area.  
Scheduled Cleaning Mode (Models 550 and above)  
When a future cleaning time is programmed, Roomba enters Scheduled  
Cleaning Mode. When scheduled to clean, Roomba will occasionally flash  
its next cleaning time to remind you of its schedule. At the specified time,  
Roomba leaves its Home Base, cleans, and then returns to the Home  
Base to recharge when it’s done.  
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Cleaning System  
Roomba features a patented three-stage cleaning system.  
Filter  
Two counter-  
rotating brushes  
scoop up dirt,  
hair, and debris  
into the bin.  
Powerful vacuum picks up the  
remaining fine particles, dirt, and  
hair. The filter traps dust and  
small particles.  
Side brush  
1
2
3
sweeps along  
edge of walls and  
into corners.  
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 might  
stall when confronting rounded edges and might slide over particularly  
slippery surfaces. Extremely dark-colored floors may contribute to  
Roomba’s cliff sensors working less effectively.  
Anti-Tangle system  
Roomba won’t get stuck on cords, carpet fringe or tassels. When Roomba  
senses it has picked up a cord or tassel, it will automatically stop its main  
brushes or side brush and try to escape. Roomba may make a clicking  
noise when anti-tangle is activated.  
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Cleaning Bins  
Roomba is compatible with three interchangeable cleaning bins.  
TM  
Aero-Vac or Original Vacuum Cleaning Bin  
The Aero-Vac or Original vacuum cleaning bin should be used for  
everyday cleaning. The dual action, counter-rotating brushes pick up  
debris, while the vacuum sucks up the dirt and dust.  
High-Capacity Sweeper Bin (optional accessory for all models)  
The high-capacity sweeper bin can hold more debris than the vacuum  
cleaning bin. Use this bin when cleaning larger-than-usual amounts of dirt  
and dust, or when cleaning bigger pieces of debris.  
TM  
Original Vacuum Cleaning Bin  
Aero-Vac Vacuum Cleaning Bin  
High-Capacity Sweeper Bin  
iRobot Roomba 500 Series  
10  
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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,  
TIP: Recharge Roomba as soon as possible. Waiting several days to recharge  
Roomba can damage the battery.  
TIP: For storage off the power supply, 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 power supply or Home Base 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.  
11  
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Charging Roomba  
Charge Roomba in one of two ways:  
Or  
Using the Home Base  
Using the Power Supply Only  
TIP: When Roomba is on the Home Base, always make sure that the Home  
Base power light is on.  
Charging Lights  
Roomba uses the CLEAN button light to indicate that it is charging. Use  
this chart to determine the status of the battery.  
CLEAN button light Battery status  
Solid red  
Battery empty  
Charging  
Amber pulse  
Solid green  
Fully charged  
16-hour refresh charge  
Quick amber pulse  
CLEAN/Power  
Button  
12  
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Virtual Wall®  
(optional accessory for selected models)  
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: For best performance, place the Virtual Wall on the outside of the  
doorway you wish to block.  
Original Virtual Wall  
The Virtual Wall requires 2 “D” batteries and  
automatically shuts off after 135 minutes. If the  
power light blinks green, the batteries will soon  
need replacement. Use the slider bar to adjust  
the length of the barrier. A higher range will drain  
the battery faster.  
TIP: Point the iRobot logo towards the opening you would like to block.  
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Virtual Wall®  
(continued)  
Compact Manual Virtual Wall  
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. When battery  
levels are low, the Virtual Wall power light will  
blink slowly to indicate that it needs new batteries.  
TIP: Point the arrows on top of the Virtual Wall towards the opening you would  
like to block.  
Compact Auto Virtual Wall  
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, switch the Auto  
Virtual Wall to “Off.” When in “Auto” mode, the  
batteries should last approximately six months.  
TIP: Point the arrows on top of the Virtual Wall towards the opening you would  
like to block.  
Compact Virtual Wall Battery Installation  
To open the battery compartment, simply apply pressure on both iRobot  
logos located on either side of the Virtual Wall and pull the bottom out,  
separating the pieces.  
Two “C” Alkaline Batteries  
(not included)  
Battery  
Compartment  
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Virtual Wall® Lighthouses™  
(optional accessory for selected models)  
Virtual Wall Lighthouses turn on and off automatically as Roomba is  
turned on and off. When they are on, a light illuminates on the top of the  
Virtual Wall Lighthouse. A Virtual Wall Lighthouse can be used in two  
modes, either in Lighthouse mode or Virtual Wall mode, set by the Mode  
Selector.  
Power Light  
Mode Selector  
Lighthouse  
Two “C” Alkaline  
Virtual  
Wall  
Range Selector  
Batteries  
0-3”  
4-
8”+  
0-1.5m  
1.5-3m  
3m+  
(not included)  
Distance  
Lighthouse Mode  
In Lighthouse mode, the Virtual Wall Lighthouse helps Roomba navigate  
around your home and allows Roomba to clean room-to-room. Roomba  
will clean the room it starts in, navigate to the next room, and then clean  
the second room. When Roomba has completed cleaning, it will use the  
Lighthouse to navigate back to the Home Base for recharging.  
Lighthouse  
Home  
Base  
Room 1  
Room 2  
Lighthouse  
Start  
Roomba  
here  
With two Virtual Wall  
Room 3  
Lighthouses in lighthouse  
mode, Roomba will clean  
Room 1 for approximately  
25 minutes, then clean  
Rooms 2 and 3 for 25  
minutes each, and then  
return to the Home Base.  
TIP: When in Lighthouse mode, do not manually move Roomba from room to  
room while it is cleaning.  
15  
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Virtual Wall® Lighthouses™  
(continued)  
In Lighthouse mode, place the Virtual Wall Lighthouse in the doorway  
between two rooms with the iRobot logo facing forward.  
Place Lighthouse  
in the center of  
the door frame  
Virtual Wall Mode  
In Virtual Wall mode, the Lighthouse creates an invisible barrier that  
Roomba will not cross. It automatically turns off when Roomba turns off.  
In Virtual Wall mode, place the Virtual Wall Lighthouse in the center of  
the door frame. It blocks an opening up to seven feet or longer in three  
increments: 0-3 ft., 4-7 ft., 7+ ft. Use the range selector to adjust the  
length of the barrier. A longer range will drain the battery faster.  
Range  
Selector  
Distance  
TIP: Avoid placing Virtual Wall Lighthouses too close to each other, the  
Home Base, or furniture that could block the beams. Doing so could  
prevent Roomba from recognizing the Lighthouses and navigating to the  
next room.  
TIP: To conserve battery life, remove the batteries if you are not planning to  
use the Virtual Wall Lighthouse when cleaning. When battery levels are  
low, the Virtual Wall Lighthouse power light will flash repeatedly.  
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Home Base®  
(optional accessory for selected models)  
Always keep the Home base plugged in.  
Original Home Base  
When Roomba is on the Home Base, the power and  
docked lights are green to indicate Roomba is charging.  
Compact Home Base  
When the Home Base is plugged in, the power light  
blinks to indicate that it is connected to the power  
source. When Roomba connects to the Home Base, the  
power light is solid to indicate that Roomba successfully  
connected to the Home Base. When Roomba is  
charging, Roomba’s “Clean” button pulses amber as  
described in the “Battery Storage and Charging” section  
of this manual. The “Clean” button is a solid green when  
Roomba is completely charged.  
Home Base Location  
You should position the Home Base on a hard level surface and in an  
area where Roomba has a clear path to return at the end of a cleaning  
cycle. Locate the Home Base against a wall or other immovable object to  
prevent it from sliding during docking. If Roomba is unable to dock on its  
first attempt, it will try again until it docks successfully.  
Home  
Base  
Chair  
Table  
Stairs  
Area Rug  
TIP: Do not place the Home Base within 4 feet of a stairwell.  
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Wireless Command Center  
(optional accessory for selected models)  
The Wireless Command Center lets you conveniently control Roomba’s  
functions. You can use it to turn Roomba on and off, schedule Roomba to  
clean, and steer Roomba around your room.  
Troubleshooting  
Light  
...  
Battery  
Indicator  
. . .  
Roomba spirals approximately three feet in diameter and then spirals  
back to where it started, intensely cleaning a local area.  
SPOT  
CLEAN  
. . .  
Roomba automatically calculates the room size and adjusts its  
cleaning time appropriately.  
Models  
570-599  
Roomba attempts to dock on the Home Base, if present.  
Models  
600+  
Roomba enters Max mode and cleans as long as the  
battery allows.  
Pairing Roomba with the Wireless Command Center  
Wireless Command Centers are set up to control only one Roomba. To pair  
a Wireless Command Center with a Roomba, you need four “AA” batteries  
(not included).  
1
2
3
4
Make sure Roomba’s battery is fully charged.  
Unplug the power supply or remove Roomba from its Home Base.  
Install three “AA” batteries into the Command Center.  
Hold down the left drive button while installing the fourth battery.  
5
6
7
Continue holding the button for 3 seconds or until the days of the  
week lights flash in a sequence from right to left (Saturday to Sunday).  
Install the battery door and place the Command Center on top of  
Roomba.  
Press and hold the DAY and MINUTE buttons on the Command Center  
for 2 seconds. The lights on the Command Center will flash to indicate  
the pairing has completed, and Roomba will make a two-tone beep.  
8
When the Command Center is powered on from now on, the lights will  
flash in sequence from left to right until Roomba is under control.  
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Remote Control  
(optional accessory for selected models)  
Directional  
Buttons  
SPOT  
Button  
. . .  
Button  
CLEAN/Power  
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:  
Roomba spirals approximately three  
feet in diameter and then spirals back  
to where it started, intensely cleaning a  
local area.  
SPOT  
Roomba automatically calculates the  
room size and adjusts its cleaning time  
appropriately.  
CLEAN  
. . .  
Models 500-519 Roomba enters Spot  
mode.  
. . .  
Models 520-599 Roomba attempts to  
dock on the Home  
Base, if present.  
Models 600+  
Roomba enters Max  
mode and cleans as  
long as the battery  
allows.  
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 remote is pointed at Roomba.  
The Remote Control, Virtual Walls and Home Base operate using an invisible  
infrared beam. If they are all used in the same area, Roomba may see  
multiple infrared signals and will not operate. The Remote WILL NOT work  
when Roomba is near Virtual Walls.  
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Scheduling Roomba  
(Models 550 and above)  
Setting the Time  
You must set the time before scheduling Roomba to clean.  
1
Press and hold CLOCK.  
While holding CLOCK, use the DAY, HOUR,  
and MINUTE buttons to set the correct time.  
2
3
Release CLOCK. Roomba will beep to  
indicate that the time has been set.  
Setting a Schedule  
You can schedule Roomba to clean once per day, up to seven times  
per week. You must set the time before setting a schedule.  
To set a schedule:  
1
Press and hold SCHEDULE.  
While holding SCHEDULE, use the DAY,  
HOUR, and MINUTE buttons to set the  
schedule.  
2
3
Release SCHEDULE. Roomba will beep to  
indicate that the schedule has been set.  
Viewing and Deleting Schedules  
To view Roomba’s scheduled cleaning times:  
1
Press and hold SCHEDULE.  
While holding SCHEDULE, press the DAY  
button to cycle through Roomba’s scheduled  
cleaning times.  
2
3
Release SCHEDULE.  
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To Delete a Schedule  
1
Press and hold SCHEDULE.  
While holding SCHEDULE, press the DAY  
button to cycle through Roomba’s scheduled  
cleaning times.  
2
3
When Roomba is displaying the scheduled  
cleaning time you’d like to delete, press and  
hold DAY to delete the scheduled cleaning  
time.  
4
Release SCHEDULE.  
To Change a Schedule  
1
Press and hold SCHEDULE.  
While holding SCHEDULE, press the DAY  
button to cycle through Roomba’s scheduled  
cleaning times.  
2
3
When Roomba is displaying the scheduled  
cleaning time you’d like to change, press the  
HOUR and MINUTE buttons to change the  
scheduled cleaning time.  
4
Release SCHEDULE. Roomba will beep to  
confirm that the schedule has been changed.  
TIP: Roomba’s clock can be viewed in either the 12 hour (AM/PM) format or  
the 24 hour format. To toggle between the two views, press and hold the  
DAY and MINUTE buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds until Roomba  
beeps and the clock briefly illuminates, indicating the clock format has  
been switched. Roomba’s clock will switch back to the default 12 hour  
(AM/PM) format when Roomba’s battery is disconnected or significantly  
discharged.  
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Regular 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 after each use  
Press button and  
pull to remove bin.  
2
Clean Roomba’s filter  
Original Vacuum Bin  
Aero-Vac Vacuum Bin  
A. Push down and remove to clean filter*  
A. Clean or replace filter*  
Empty bin  
Empty bin  
B. Clean filter compartment  
*Replace filter every 2 months  
Visit www.irobot.com/support for information on keeping Roomba running at peak  
performance.  
TIP: Bin emptying and brush cleaning should be done after every cleaning cycle.  
Regularly pull out and clean Roomba’s front wheel.  
TIP: If you notice Roomba picking up less debris from your floor, empty the bin  
and clean the brushes.  
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3
Clean Roomba’s brushes  
A. Remove brush guard by lifting both  
yellow tabs.  
B. Remove and clean Roomba’s  
brushes.  
Brush  
Bearings  
Brush Caps  
TIP: When maintaining Roomba, look for the yellow parts. These parts are  
designed to be removed and cleaned every time you empty Roomba’s bin.  
C. Remove and clean hair and dirt from  
Roomba’s yellow brush bearings.  
D. Remove and clean Roomba’s brush  
caps.  
Bearings  
Alignment Feature  
E. Use the included cleaning tool to  
easily remove hair from Roomba’s  
bristle brush by pulling it over the  
brush.  
Excessive build up of hair can permanently damage Roomba.  
Remove brushes and inspect brush bearings regularly.  
Do not attempt to run Roomba without the bearings. If you  
misplace Roomba’s brush bearings, contact iRobot Customer Care  
for replacement bearings.  
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Clean Roomba’s front wheel  
Wheel  
1
Pull firmly on Roomba’s front  
wheel to remove it from the  
robot.  
Axle  
2
Remove debris from inside the  
front wheel cavity.  
Housing  
3
Remove the front wheel from  
its housing and clear any hair  
wrapped around the axle. Push  
firmly on the wheel axle to  
remove it completely from the  
wheel.  
4
Wipe the wheel clean.  
5
Re-install the wheel into the housing, and the module into the robot.  
Front wheels clogged with hair and debris could result in floor  
damage.  
Clean Roomba’s cliff sensors  
1
Wipe all four cliff sensors with a clean, dry cloth.  
Cliff Sensor  
Openings  
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Language Selection Mode  
(selected models)  
Roomba 500 Series can provide troubleshooting messages in English,  
French, German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Danish, Swedish, Norwegian,  
Finnish, Polish, Russian, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean and Chinese.  
Roomba’s default language is English.  
Setting the Language  
1
Turn OFF Roomba. (Press and hold  
CLEAN until Roomba’s lights turn off.)  
Press and hold CLEAN until Roomba beeps  
and says the currently selected language.  
2
3
Release CLEAN. Roomba is now in Language  
Selection Mode.  
4
5
Press CLEAN repeatedly until you hear the  
desired language.  
Press and hold CLEAN to turn OFF Roomba  
and confirm the language choice.  
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Troubleshooting  
Roomba will tell you something is wrong with a two-tone “uh-oh” sound  
followed by a series of beeps or a narrated voice. The troubleshooting  
light will also blink. Refer to the chart below to resolve Roomba’s problem.  
Tip : To repeat Roomba's error message, press the "clean" button.  
Runtime Errors  
Roomba Or Roomba says….  
beeps...  
Likely cause  
What to do  
Roomba is stuck with a  
wheel hanging down or  
Roomba is stuck.  
Ensure Roomba’s wheels  
are firmly on the floor. Start  
Roomba in a new location.  
1 beep  
Error 1 ...  
Roomba’s main  
brushes cannot turn.  
Remove and clean  
Roomba’s brushes.  
2 beeps Error 2 ...  
Clean hair and debris from  
Roomba’s side wheels. Push  
them in and out and confirm  
that they both turn freely.  
Start Roomba in a new  
location.  
Roomba’s side wheel is  
stuck.  
5 beeps  
6 beeps  
Error 5 ...  
Error 6 ...  
Roomba’s cliff sensors  
are dirty or Roomba is  
Wipe Roomba’s cliff sensors  
with a dry cloth. Start  
stuck hanging over a cliff. Roomba in a new location.  
Clean Roomba’s side wheels  
of hair and debris. Push  
them in and out and confirm  
that they both turn freely.  
Start Roomba in a new  
location.  
Roomba’s side wheel is  
stuck.  
7 beeps Error 7 ...  
Remove and clean hair and  
debris from Roomba’s front  
wheel. Start Roomba in a  
new location.  
Roomba’s front wheel  
is stuck or Roomba is  
stuck.  
8 beeps  
Briskly tap Roomba’s  
bumper 10-20 times to  
dislodge any debris that  
Roomba’s bumper is  
compressed or the  
9 beeps Error 9 ...  
bumper sensor is dirty. may be trapped under the  
bumper.  
If Roomba is circling in  
place, clean Roomba’s  
side wheels of hair and  
debris. Push them in and  
out and confirm that they  
both turn. If not circling in  
place, Roomba may be in  
an extremely large room.  
Use a Virtual Wall to create a  
smaller cleaning area.  
Roomba’s side wheel  
is stuck or its bumper  
is not registering  
obstacles.  
Error 10 ...  
26  
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Runtime Errors (continued)  
Roomba Roomba says….  
beeps...  
Likely cause  
What to do  
Tap Roomba’s bumper to confirm  
it is working properly. If this error  
occurs when Roomba is circling,  
clean wheels of hair and debris.  
If Roomba is in an extremely  
Roomba’s bumper is not  
registering obstacles.  
Roomba may be stuck in  
one place.  
11 beeps  
12 beeps  
large room, use a Virtual Wall to  
create a smaller cleaning area.  
A cliff sensor is dirty or Inspect and clean Roomba’s cliff  
broken.  
sensors.  
Plug Roomba into the power  
supply or place on the Home  
base to charge.  
Please charge  
Roomba.  
Roomba’s battery is  
discharged.  
Please inspect and  
clean Roomba’s cliff  
sensors.  
Wipe cliff sensors with a dry  
cloth. Ensure Roomba is starting  
with all wheels firmly on the floor.  
Roomba’s cliff sensors  
are dirty.  
Clean wheels of hair and debris.  
Push them in and out and  
confirm that they turn freely.  
Ensure Roomba is starting with  
all wheels firmly on the floor.  
Please inspect and  
clean Roomba’s  
wheels.  
Roomba’s side wheel is  
stuck.  
Please remove and  
clean Roomba’s  
brushes.  
Roomba’s main  
brushes cannot turn.  
Remove and clean Roomba’s  
brushes.  
Charging Errors (while charging)  
Roomba Roomba  
blinks... displays...  
(models 550+)  
Roomba  
says….  
Likely cause  
What to do  
Confirm that Roomba’s  
battery pull-tab is removed.  
Remove the bottom cover of  
Roomba to remove and re-  
install Roomba’s battery.  
Charging  
Error 1.  
Roomba’s battery is not  
connected.  
1 blink  
-
Let Roomba cool down for  
at least one hour and try  
charging again.  
Charging Roomba has a  
2 blinks  
3 blinks  
5 blinks  
6 blinks  
7 blinks  
Err2  
Err3  
Err5  
Err6  
Err7  
Error 2.  
charging error.  
Reset Roomba’s software  
(refer to tip below) and try  
charging again.  
Charging  
Error 3.  
Roomba has a  
charging error.  
Reset Roomba’s software  
(refer to tip below) and try  
charging again.  
Charging  
Error 5.  
Roomba has a  
charging error.  
Let Roomba cool down for  
at least one hour and try  
charging again.  
Charging Roomba’s battery is too  
Error 6. warm.  
Let Roomba cool down for  
at least one hour and try  
charging again.  
Charging Roomba’s battery is  
Error 7. not cooling.  
TIP: To reset Roomba’s software, simultaneously hold down the two  
buttons above and below CLEAN for 10 seconds. This will clear  
all scheduled cleaning times, reset the clock and may resolve  
some software issues.  
27  
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Replaceable Modules  
Roomba has a number of modules that can be replaced, including its  
drive wheels, side brush, main cleaning head, vacuum bin, caster wheel,  
and battery.  
To access Roomba’s replaceable modules, remove the bottom cover of  
Roomba by removing the four screws that hold down the bottom cover  
and the screw that holds the spinning side brush.  
Side brush with screw  
Front caster wheel  
Caster housing  
Bottom cover  
Battery  
Cleaning head module  
Right side wheel module  
Left side wheel module  
Side brush module  
Bin module  
Chassis  
Replaceable faceplate  
28  
iRobot Roomba 500 Series  
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Faceplate Removal  
(models 500 and above)  
Follow these instructions to remove and install Roomba’s faceplate.  
1
Remove Roomba’s bin.  
2
Remove Roomba’s faceplate by pulling up from the bin. The  
faceplate is secured in several places.  
29  
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3
Install Roomba’s faceplate by inserting the tabs into the appropriate  
slots, and then pushing down firmly on the inside and outsides edges  
of the faceplate.  
4
Reinsert Roomba’s bin.  
30  
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Battery Removal  
(models 500 and above)  
Follow these instructions to remove and reinstall Roomba’s battery.  
1
Remove Roomba’s side brush screw.  
2
Remove Roomba’s side brush.  
31  
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3
Unscrew the four screws shown below and remove Roomba’s bottom  
cover.  
4
Remove Roomba’s battery.  
5
6
Reinstall Roomba’s battery with the iRobot logo facing up.  
Replace Roomba’s bottom cover and the four screws.  
Replace Roomba’s side brush and the side brush screw.  
7
32  
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Frequently Asked Questions  
Why does Roomba’s Side Brush occasionally spin backwards?  
When caught on items such as carpet tassels or wires, the Side Brush  
may spin slowly or briefly spin backwards to free itself. This may also  
occur on thick or high-pile carpets. If this behavior should occur on hard  
floor surfaces or when no tassels or wires are present, the Side Brush  
should be cleaned. Using a small Philips head screwdriver, rst remove  
the screw from the center of the Side Brush. Next remove the Side Brush  
and thoroughly clean any hair or debris that is wrapped around the shaft.  
Then reinstall the Side Brush and Side Brush screw.  
Why does Roomba occasionally make a thumping sound?  
When Roomba’s brushes encounter items such as carpet tassels or wires,  
the brushes will briefly reverse direction to get free. This action causes  
a thumping sound that can be heard approximately once per second  
until the brushes are free from obstruction. If Roomba makes a thumping  
sound when no tassels or wires are present, the main brushes should be  
cleaned.  
Why doesn’t Roomba slow down as it approaches certain  
obstacles?  
Roomba uses its Light Touch Bumper technology to identify walls and  
other obstacles, allowing it to slow down and gently touch the obstacle  
with its bumper before changing direction. Roomba may be less effective  
at sensing and slowing down for extremely dark or black surfaces, or for  
objects that are less than two inches wide.  
33  
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Important Safety Instructions  
CAUTION: DO NOT EXPOSE THE ELECTRONICS OF ROOMBA,  
ITS BATTERY, OR THE POWER SUPPLY. THERE ARE NO USER-  
SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED  
SERVICE PERSONNEL. PLEASE ENSURE VOLTAGE RATING FOR  
ENCLOSED POWER SUPPLY MATCHES STANDARD OUTLET VOLTAGE.  
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, power supply 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.  
• 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 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 power supply supplied by the manufacturer to charge this device.  
• Do not use a power supply 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 the power supply with wet hands.  
• Always disconnect Roomba from the power supply before cleaning.  
• Please ensure voltage rating for enclosed power supply matches standard outlet voltage.  
34  
iRobot Roomba 500 Series  
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iRobot Customer Care USA  
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  
iRobot Customer Care Hours:  
• Monday – Friday 9AM – 7PM Eastern Time  
• Saturday 9AM – 6PM Eastern Time  
iRobot Customer Care International  
To contact an international partner near you for sales and technical  
35  
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Get iRobot accessories at:  
store.irobot.com  
© 2009-2010 iRobot Corporation, 8 Crosby Drive, Bedford, MA 01730. All rights reserved.  
iRobot, Roomba, Virtual Wall and Home Base are registered trademarks of iRobot Corporation. Dirt Detect and  
Lighthouse are trademarks of iRobot Corporation. [00152.0110.v1]  
U.S. Pat. Nos. D556,961 | 6,594,844 | 6,690,134 | 6,809,490 | 6,883,201 | 6,956,348 | 7,155,308 | 7,173,391  
| 7,196,487 | 7,288,912 | 7,332,890 | 7,388,343 | 7,389,156 | 7,429,843 | 7,430,455 | 7,441,298 | 7,441,298 |  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
7,448,113. Additional patents pending.  

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