Roomba batteries are designed to work with short charge times and high discharge rates. This means, once your battery has been charged for the first time, the normal charging time should be about two hours. Life isn’t quite as simple as this, though. There are a few other battery needs you may discover along the way.
First Time Use
Charge your Roomba battery overnight before using it for the first time. This initial charge provides a boost to the life of the battery. iRobot points out the importance of this first charge for all versions of their products.
After the first use, the normal charging time will be about two hours. A full charge should provide around sixty minutes of cleaning time. Once your robot learns your home’s layout, sixty minutes should provide plenty of time for a good cleaning.
We don’t want to leave you with just this little bit of information. Instead, we’re going to give you a few maintenance ideas for your Roomba. We’ll also answer a few of the most frequently asked questions people have about their batteries.
Maintenance Ideas for your Roomba Battery
Giving your Roomba an intense first charge will add to its battery life. There are a few other things you do. Try out these ideas:
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- Roomba batteries are designed to be charged and discharged frequently. Run your Roomba often – every day even. This will put the battery through its charging cycle regularly.
- Don’t use fake batteries or off-brand replacements. Your battery should easily last for more than two years before needing a replacement. If it ever does need to be swapped out, then go to iRobot’s website for a new one.
- Connect the vacuum to the charging station and leave it on all the time. If the battery is left empty for a long period of time, the battery’s lifespan could be degraded.
- Roomba batteries are made to operate at room temperature. Don’t store your unit in a chilly or hot space.
- Charge the unit after each use.
- Keep your robot tidy. Clean its wheels and moving parts. This will reduce the amount of charge it needs to clean.
- If you are going away for a while, charge the robot fully. Then unplug it and store it somewhere safe.
- The Roomba will enter a special 16-hour charging cycle if it has been disconnected from its base for a long time. This is normal! A battery light should blink while this is occurring. [/thrive_text_block]
Frequently Asked Questions about Charging a Roomba
How do I know if my Roomba is charged?
Press the CLEAN button. The LED lights will indicate the charge level. Here is a guide to the meaning of the lights:
- Red – Solid: The battery is empty. Please charge Roomba.
- Red – Flashing: The battery is too low to start cleaning.
- Amber – Pulse: Roomba is charging.
- Green – Solid: Roomba is fully charged.
- Amber – Quick Pulse: Roomba is in a 16-hour refresh charge mode.
Why are red lights flashing on my Roomba?
The battery is too low to allow any cleaning. Return the robot to its charging station and allow it to charge. If the battery has been depleted for a long time, the vacuum will go into a 16-hour refresh cycle.
Can I reset my Roomba battery?
If you notice the cleaning time of your Roomba decreasing, it may mean your vacuum needs to be reset. You may not need a new battery. There are some simple steps you can follow to reset your Roomba and get some more life from its battery.
Different Roomba models have different ways of rebooting:
For Roomba with Dock and Spot Buttons (e, 500, 600, and 800 Series)
- Press and hold the Dock and Spot button for about 10 seconds.
- Upon the release of the button, the reboot tone will play.
For Roomba with the CLEAN button
- Roomba s and I Series: Press and hold the CLEAN button for about 20 seconds. The light ring around the button will swirl for about 90 seconds, after which the reboot procedure is completed.
- Roomba 700, 800, and 900 Series: Press and hold the CLEAN button for about 10 seconds. The reboot tone will play when the button is released.
- Braava Jet M Series: Press and hold the CLEAN button for about 20 seconds. The light ring will swirl clockwise when you release the button. It takes about 90 seconds before the robot completes the reboot.
Why is my Roomba flashing orange?
As we said, this indicates the Roomba has entered its 16-hour refresh cycle. Just leave it alone and it will come back online normally when the battery is ready.
When should I replace my battery?
There is no magic number here. However, if you take good care of cleaning your robot, then the battery should last for a long time. Buildup of dirt, hair and debris in the wheels of the robot will stress its parts during cleaning. This could lead to more discharging than required.
You only need to replace the battery if its cleaning time has been severely reduced from normal.
Can I replace the battery?
Of course! Go to iRobot’s website and order a replacement. They should also have clear instructions to guide you through the process. Don’t use a cheap, fake battery. These may cause problems during charging and cleaning.
Should the Roomba stay constantly connected?
Absolutely! The battery is made to be discharged and recharged frequently. If you allow it to return to its charging station after every use, you will be extending the life of the battery. The exception to this is vacation storage. If you’re going away for more than a few days, let the Roomba charge and then store it somewhere safe.
How often should I use my Roomba?
Every day or every other day. There are two reasons for this:
- The battery is designed for frequent use. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and use the Roomba often.
- Using the Roomba to maintain a very tidy home will help the little robot. Less dirt will accumulate in its wheels and moving parts during each run.
Summary
How long does it take to charge a Roomba? Just two hours. Of course, there’s more to it than such a simple answer. Let us know if you have more questions or better suggestions.
