In recent years, Roomba has become a famous and beloved robot vacuum cleaner among homeowners. However, as its popularity grew, so did the number of questions and concerns expressed by users.
One of the most frequently asked questions is how to determine if the Roomba is charging after it has been placed on its charging dock. This is because the charging dock light on the Roomba turns off after a while, leaving homeowners wondering if their vacuum is still charging.
Well, In this guide, I will discuss the Roomba’s charging process, the meaning of its battery indicator, the reasons why the dock light turns off after a while, and the steps that should be taken if you suspect that your vacuum is not charging.
Understanding the charging process of a Roomba
The charging process is straightforward. When the battery is running low, it automatically returns to its charging dock (if available) or to the last location where it was plugged in.
If you are using a model that features a charging dock, it will navigate back to the dock, connect itself and begin charging automatically.
However, the charging dock is a more convenient option than a direct plug-in because it acts as a home station for the vacuum.
How do I know if my Roomba is charging?
Different models have different indicators that display charging statistics. Some models have a light indicator on the dock or the Roomba itself, which can be a single LED light or a series of lights.
When charging the Roomba, the light indicator will typically turn amber or blink white (depending on the model). This indicates that the device is currently charging, and the battery is not yet at full capacity. Once the Roomba is fully charged, the indicator will turn solid green or white (again, depending on the model).
Here’s a data table that shows the indication of a Roomba, whether it’s charging or not. Please look at this:
Charging Status | Light Indicator |
Charging | Amber or White Blink |
Fully Charged | Solid Green or White |
Remote Status | Check on the Home App |
Steps to take if your Roomba isn’t charging
If you notice that your Roomba is having trouble connecting to the home base or charging itself or that its battery is empty even though you charged it for a whole night, it could be due to a faulty battery or a dirty charging dock. Aside from these, a damaged power cable or damaged charging ports can also trigger this issue.
However, here are some basic troubleshooting steps you might want to try:
Step 1: Make sure the charging cable is securely connected
Make sure the power cable connected to the home base is secure and not loose or frayed. Also, inspect the power cord for any physical damage, such as kinks or cuts, that may prevent a proper connection. If the cable seems to be damaged, buy a new one and then replace it.
Step 2: Clear any dust or carbon build-up from charging ports
Over time, dust, dirt, and carbon can accumulate on the charging ports, hindering the ability of your vacuum to connect and charge effectively.
So, make sure no debris or dust is blocking the charging contacts preventing the Roomba from making a proper connection. Take a soft dry cloth and clean the charging ports of the home base and Roomba.
Note: charging connectors are tiny and can become worn or loose, leading to connectivity issues. If your charging connector appears to be broken, please get in touch with Irobot customer care.
Step 3: Check and replace the battery
If none of the mentioned-above steps works and your vacuum is still not charging, chances are that your Roomba’s battery is damaged or has reached the end of its life.
Roomba’s battery usually has a lifespan of around 2-3 years. If the Roomba is older than that, it may be time to replace the battery. However, I have written a comprehensive guide with detailed step-by-step instructions for resolving this issue. You can read it by clicking on this link.
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F.A.Q.s
Q. how do I know if my Roomba battery is bad?
If you notice that your Roomba is taking longer to charge than usual or is not holding a charge, it is time to replace the battery. Here are a few other signs that your Roomba’s battery might be on its last legs:
- Roomba doesn’t hold a charge as well as it used to.
- Roomba doesn’t start up when you press the “clean” button.
- Roomba moves more slowly than usual.
- Roomba doesn’t seem to have as much power when cleaning.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s probably time to replace your Roomba’s battery. You can find replacement batteries at most major retailers that sell Roomba vacuum cleaners.

Vacuum master from Gazipur, Bangladesh! He knows vacuums inside and out and has been fixing them for ages. When he’s not busy repairing vacuums, Mizanur writes these super helpful guides for Homespoiler.com. His guides are packed with all sorts of tips and tricks to help people fix their vacuums and keep them running smoothly. More about him.