Roomba Error 15: Know The Causes and Fix in Seconds

If your Roomba displays the Error 15 message, it indicates that there are problems that prevent it from communicating effectively with the home base or the app. To solve this issue, press the Clean button on the robot every time it encounters this problem.

If your Roomba is showing an error code and isn’t working properly, it can be difficult to deal with. The Roomba J & I series models may show an Error 15 message, especially after resetting the batteries but you may get this issue with other Roomba models as well.

In this article, I will discuss additional methods for resolving this problem, such as resetting and reconnecting your Roomba to Wi-Fi.

So, what does “Error 15” mean on a Roomba? & How could you fix this?

Let’s check out!

What does Error 15 on Roomba Mean?

iRobot has made it easier to identify issues by creating error codes that classify all errors.

Error 15 usually indicates a communication issue with the Roomba, which could be caused by internal components, Roomba settings, or a Wi-Fi network.

The Error 15 code on your Roomba indicates that either its WiFi connection is not working properly, there is an obstruction in its path, there is an issue with its settings or it may have experienced a glitch.

Why Do You Get Error 15 on Your Roomba?

Identifying the cause of roomba Error 15 is simpler as it suggests a communication problem. The error usually comes from malfunctioning Roomba parts that cannot communicate with either the home base or your phone.

If there are many obstacles, thick walls, or metallic objects between the Roomba and its home base, it might fail to return properly.

Similarly, if you control the robot with your smartphone and experience Wi-Fi router connectivity problems, you may face this issue.

Reasons	How To Fix
Software Glitch	Reboot irobot Roomba vacuum
Internal Navigational Error	Factory reset irobot Roomba
Mapping Errors	Ask Roomba to Remap Your Home
Outdated Firmware	Update Roomba Firmware

How To Fix Error Code 15 On Roomba? My 5 Easy Ways

Step 1: Check Your Internet Connection

If your other connected devices are experiencing problems or if the indicator lights on your router are not lit properly, then it’s likely that the issue is with your internet connection.

To resolve the issue, try rebooting the router. Simply unplug it from the wall for 30 seconds and plug it back in.

Step 2: Reboot Your Roomba

Restarting your device can be a simple solution when dealing with minor technological issues. This clears temporary memory, creating more space and enabling your device to function more smoothly.

But, to reboot your Roomba, you need to know the series of your irobot.

For Roomba 500 and 600 Series: Hold down the “SPOT,” “CLEAN,” and “DOCK” buttons for 10 seconds.
For Roomba 700, 800, and 900 Series: Press and hold the “CLEAN” button on your robot for 10 seconds and then release the button.

For Roomba I and s Series: Press and hold the “CLEAN” button on your robot for 20 seconds. After releasing the button, you will see the white light ring revolving clockwise.

Note: In case you can’t reboot your Roomba using the buttons, you may attempt to resolve the issue by removing the battery for 30 seconds, then reinserting it and turning on the device manually. No important data is lost during the reboot process.

Step 3: Restore a previous Smart Map Version on your Roomba

If your Roomba is not working after rebooting, try restoring a previous version of the map. This may be because the most recent version of the map encountered some problems.

Without restoring a previous version, simply rebooting the device may not resolve the issue.

Instead, revert to the previous version of your Smart Map, so your Roomba can clean without facing any issues.

Here’s how you can do this:

Open the “iRobot Home app” on your smartphone, and then navigate to the “History” section.
Go through the “Clean Maps” reports and select your preferred Map.
Click on the ‘Overflow Menu‘ located in the top-right corner.
Choose the option “Update Smart Maps“.

Now, restart your Roomba and check if the problem has been solved. If the issue was due to your Smart Map, it should work properly now.

Step 4: Delete Old Maps and Remap Your Home

Before remapping your home, it is necessary to delete the old maps. There are situations where a complete remapping of your home might be required.

Here’s how you can do delete the old maps and remap your home again:

Open the iRobot Home App and navigate to the Maps section.
Now, select the Map you want to delete.
To delete the current map, Go to the Menu and Click on “Delete Map.”
Now, place your Roomba on the Home Base and then press the Clean button on your robot.
Wait for the machine to go back to its base. If it comes back without covering the entire house, repeat the steps once again.
Once, the mapping of all the rooms is done, save the map and give it a name.

If this process still doesn’t solve the problem, your final option would be to perform a factory reset on your device.

Step 5: Factory Reset your Roomba

If your issue is still not resolved, it means your Roomba has complex internal issues. Your final option is to perform a factory reset.

You can reset your vacuum using two methods:

Pressing and holding the buttons on the Roomba’s deck, or
Using Home-Apps.

Method 1: Here’s how you can reset your Roomba manually:

Press and hold the HOME, SPOT CLEAN, and CLEAN buttons simultaneously.
After holding for 20 seconds, release all three buttons once you see a spinning white ring light.
Wait for a few seconds and your Roomba will restart automatically after the reset is completed.

Method 2: Here’s how you can reset your Roomba manually:

Open the iRobot Home app on your smartphone and make sure your Roomba and mobile device are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Click on Settings in the drop-down menu and select the factory reset option. Your device will be reset to its default settings.

Your vacuum will restart automatically once the factory reset process is completed.

Nothing Worked For You: Contact Support

If none of the above methods works, it’s time to contact support. iRobot provides technical assistance for all their products.

You should call or chat with a customer service representative and explain your concerns about Error 15 on Roomba. They can quickly detect the issue and provide an appropriate solution.

Conclusion

Has your Roomba been stuck on Error 15? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

First, try to reboot the router and then reboot the vacuum itself.
If that doesn’t work, you can restore a previous version of the Smart Map or delete the old map and remap your home.
The last option would be to perform a factory reset on your Roomba.
If none of these solutions works, don’t hesitate to contact the customer service team for assistance.

If you are seeing an Error 14 code on your Roomba, read our guide on how to fix roomba error 14.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you fix a Roomba that won’t charge?

To fix a Roomba that won’t charge, try the following:

Check if the Home Base is connected to power and properly plugged in.
Make sure the brushes are not clogged with debris or hair, as this can interfere with charging.
Clean all contacts on the battery and Home Base to improve connection.
Reset your Roomba (follow the instructions listed in Step 5).
If all else fails, contact iRobot customer service for assistance. They can help you troubleshoot and repair your device.