When your Roomba shows Error 14, it indicates that you need to reinstall the dust collector bin. If the bin is already correctly installed, then you should clean the Roomba of dust and grime. Alternatively, you can restart or reset the robot.
I recently got a Roomba and was so excited to use it. But then, one day, the Roomba stopped working and displayed an error code 14. We had no idea what this meant, so we decided to do some research.
In our research, we found out that Error 14 or 1-4 means that the Roomba is not detecting an installed bin. To fix this issue, we needed to check the bin contacts and make sure that the bin was installed properly.
We also learned that it could be helpful to wipe down the contacts on both the robot and the bin with a dry cloth.
However, it could be due to a malfunctioning battery or dustbin damage too.
So, I decided to put everything in this blog to make our research helpful for others as well. Here are some other Roomba error codes that we found in our research.
What does Error 14 mean on Roomba?
If you see Error 14 on your Roomba, it may mean that the Roomba is having trouble detecting whether the bin is correctly installed.
This error code can also appear as Error 1-4 in some models.
Check that the bin is properly installed, or else the Roomba may not be able to detect it.
Why am I getting Error 14 on my Roomba?
The Roomba may display Error 14 if it is unable to detect a properly installed dust bin.
This can occur if the dust bin has been installed incorrectly or if the Roomba is not able to detect it even when it has been installed correctly.
The error could be caused by a build-up of dust and grime on the Roomba if it hasn’t been cleaned in a while. This build-up can prevent the Roomba from detecting whether the bin has been properly installed.
How do I fix error 14 on Roomba?
To troubleshoot this issue, you should follow these steps:
- First, check if the bin is properly seated in the Roomba. If it’s not, remove and reinstall it.
- Second, look for any obstructions that might block the sensor, such as dust or pet hair.
Different Roomba models have different sensor contact locations. In Roomba 600 and 700 series, the contacts are situated on top of the dustbin in the center, while in Roomba 800 and 900 series, there are two contacts located on the top left and right sides of the dustbin.
To clean any built up debris off the contacts, use a lightly dampened melamine foam or Magic Eraser.
Re-install Roomba’s Bin
For this error, iRobot recommends removing and reinstalling the dust collector bin and ensuring that it is properly installed.
- First, press the bin release button and remove the bin.
- Then, inspect the bin for any damage before placing it back in and ensuring a proper fit.
If the issue persists, replace the bin with an authentic part available on store.irobot.com. Once the new bin is installed, press “Clean” button on the Roomba and monitor for Error 14.
Clean Your Roomba Vacuum
If you clean your Roomba, it could help you with detection issues or Error 14.
Here are the steps for cleaning your Roomba:
- Turn off the Roomba and flip it over.
- Remove the plastic panel by unscrewing the bottom of the Roomba near the bin unit.
- Use a can of compressed air or Q-tips to clean the inside of the Roomba, including difficult-to-reach areas.
- Reattach the plastic panel and screw everything back in place.
Re-install Roomba Battery
If your Roomba is experiencing temporary issues, reinstalling the battery can act as a soft reset and potentially help resolve the problem.
This process is straightforward and can be completed in under five minutes.
To re-install your Roomba battery, follow these steps:
- Turn the Roomba over onto its back.
- Loosen all screws (including the one located near the spinning brush), and then remove the bottom cover.
- Lift both tabs and then remove the battery. After removing the battery, wait for 10-15 seconds before putting it back in.
- Install all the unscrewed parts as it was before.
Once you have finished closing everything, turn the Roomba over to its proper side and allow it to perform its cleaning cycle. You can also use a replacement battery (if available) and check if this solves the issue.
Do Roomba Battery Reset
The Roomba has a battery reset function that can resolve temporary issues and restore some of the lost charge cycles of the battery.
To reset the battery on your 500 or 600 series Roombas, follow these steps:
- Press on the Clean button.
- Now, press and hold the Dock and Spot buttons for 15 seconds.
- Release the buttons when you hear a beep.
- To ensure your Roomba is fully charged, place your Roomba on the charging dock for at least 10 hours or until the Clean button displays a green light.
To reset battery on a 700 series Roomba:
- Connect the Roomba to either the charging dock or the charging cable.
- Now, press and hold the Clean button for at least 10 seconds.
- When the screen displays “r5t” and you hear a beep, release the button.
- Let your Roomba charge for around 15 hours.
Restart Your Roomba
If Error 14 was caused by a temporary software glitch, rebooting the Roomba can help. However, it’s important to follow the specific rebooting steps for your particular Roomba model as they can vary between models.
For restarting an s Series Roomba, follow these steps:
- First of all, press and hold the Clean button on your Roomba for 20 seconds.
- Now, release the button once the white LED light ring around the bin’s lid starts spinning clockwise.
- After a few minutes, the Roomba will turn back on. You’ll know the restart is complete when the white light turns off.
Here’s how you can restart an i Series robot vacuum
- Press and hold the Clean button for 20 seconds.
- Release it when the white light around the button starts spinning clockwise.
- Wait for a few minutes until Roomba turns back on.
- The restart is complete once the white light turns off.
Here’s how you can restart your 700, 800, or 900 Series Roomba:
- Press and hold the Clean button for approximately 10 seconds.
- Release the button when you hear a beep.
After rebooting, allow your Roomba to complete its schedule and check if the error occurs again.
Reset Your Roomba
If cleaning or restarting your Roomba didn’t solve the issue, try doing a factory reset on it. Ensure to connect the Roomba to the iRobot Home app on your phone.
To perform a hard reset on your Roomba, follow these steps:
- Open the iRobot Home app and go to “Settings.”
- Look for “Factory Reset” and select it.
- Confirm that you want to reset your Roomba by accepting the prompt.
- Allow your Roomba to complete the factory reset procedure.
After the reset is finished and the Roomba can function, run a cleaning cycle and check if Error 14 is still happening.
Contact Support
If you’re still unable to resolve Error 14 using the troubleshooting steps provided, you can contact iRobot support for more personalized tips specifically for your Roomba.
They can also assist in deciding whether to send in your robot for service.
Conclusion
Make sure that your Roomba can still charge after you have reinstalled the bin following the disassembly of the robot. Other users have reported encountering the “Charging Error 1” on their Roomba after changing or reinstalling a battery.
If you experience this problem, make sure to reinstall the battery correctly.
To resolve other charging issues, you can clean the battery charging contacts with rubbing alcohol to remove any accumulation of dust or grime.
Also, here are our takes of Roomba Error 43, go through this guide to fix the error code.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to do if your Roomba is showing Error 15?
Roomba Error 15 means that the robot is having trouble communicating with the home base and the App. You can easily solve this issue by pressing the CLEAN button on your Roomba robot. However, there could be other reasons too, so, if pressing the CLEAN button once doesn’t solve the issue, go through our troubleshooting guide on how to fix roomba error 15.
Why is my iRobot not working?
If your irobot is not working, check that all connections between the robot and its power source are secure. Additionally, make sure to use a reliable power outlet for charging. If these connections appear to be functioning properly, try resetting the robot by pressing the Reset button on the bottom of the device.
If this does not work, contact iRobot customer support for further assistance. They will be able to guide you through troubleshooting processes or provide a replacement if necessary.
Additionally, make sure that the cleaning area is free of any obstacles such as objects, cords, and furniture. If any of these are blocking the robot’s path, it may cause your iRobot to malfunction or become stuck.
How do you do a hard reset on Roomba?
To perform a hard reset on your Roomba, you will need to:
1. disconnect the robot from its power source.
2. Then, press and hold the “Clean” and “Spot” buttons simultaneously for 10 seconds. This will initiate a factory reset that will restore all of your Roomba settings to their original defaults.
Once the reset is complete, you can reconnect the robot to its power source and it will be ready for use.
Be sure to configure your Roomba’s settings according to your needs before beginning any cleaning cycles.
How do I know if my Roomba battery needs to be replaced?
To determine if your Roomba battery needs to be replaced, pay attention to the following signs:
- If the Roomba’s run time has decreased significantly—for example, if it used to last for an hour but now runs for only 15 minutes.
- If your Roomba is failing to return to its charging dock before it runs out of power.
- If the Roomba is taking a long time to charge and not reaching full charge.
- If your Roomba’s battery indicator light stays red or flashes yellow, which indicates that it is running low on power.
If you notice any of these signs, it is most likely time to replace your Roomba battery.