Roomba Charging Dock Light Goes Off (Is it Normal?)

In most Roomba models, the light on the charging dock turns off once you place the Roomba on the home base.

But what does this mean? Is it charging correctly?

Typically, when the charging dock light goes off, it suggests that the vacuum is indeed charging correctly.

However, some models are different and may actually have problems!

In this guide, I will walk you through the process that a Roomba uses to charge and why the dock light goes off when you place the Roomba on it.

Let’s move on…

So, why does this actually happen?

why does my roomba's dock light go off

The light on your Roomba’s charging dock turns off to show it’s charging properly.

When you put your Roomba on the dock, the light turns solid green, meaning it’s charging. After a bit, the light switches off to save power.

If you’re unsure, you can always check the charging status on the iRobot app.

However, if you think the charging dock isn’t working, do the following things:

  • Check the power source: Ensure that the power source is working and that the charging dock is correctly connected to the outlet.
  • Clean the charging contacts: Clean the charging contacts on the Roomba and the charging dock with a dry cloth.
  • Reset the charging dock: Try resetting it by unplugging it for 30 seconds and then plugging it back in.

Why is my Roomba’s dock light flashing red?

A flashing red light on the dock means your Roomba battery is too hot. This can happen if you leave the Roomba in direct sunlight or use it on a high-pile carpet.

In such cases, wait for the battery to cool down before you can continue using your Roomba.

Why is the Roomba home base light blinking?

A blinking light on the Roomba’s base station indicates a few different things. If the light flashes blue or green, it means that the Roomba is charging and its battery is in the process of being replenished.

However, if the light flashes red, it indicates an error with either the Roomba or the charging dock. In some cases, if the battery gets too hot, the base light may also flash red.

How to tell if my Roomba is charging?

If you’re wondering whether your Roomba is charging, there are a few things you can check.

  • Take a look at the charging dock. Is the charging light illuminated? If so, that’s a good sign that your Roomba is charging.
  • Another way to tell is to check the battery indicator on your Roomba. If the battery is fully charged, it will be indicated with a green light. If it’s charging, the light will be amber. And if the battery is low, the light will be red.
  • You can also check your Roomba’s charging stats via iRobot Home App.

Keep in mind not all the Roomba models work in the same way. In some models, the power light blinks for a few seconds after plugging in and then stops. In others, like the i3 and i7 series, their light indicators are off when charging, which is perfectly fine.

However, I’ve created a table to share the battery status indicator for every Roomba model to keep things simple and helpful.

The top of this table will have older models like the Roomba 500 or 600, while the bottom will have more recent models like the i3 and i7:

 Model  Charging  Partially charged  Fully charged
 Roomba 500 series  Amber Pulse  Amber  Green
 Roomba 600 series  Amber Pulse  Amber  Green
 Roomba 700 series  Amber Pulse  None  Green
 Roomba 800 series  Amber Pulse  None  Green
 Roomba 900 series  Amber Pulse  None  Green
 i3 and i3+  Blinking white    White
 i7 and i7+  Blinking white    White

You can read this article if The Home Base light is on but your Roomba is still not charging!

Determining whether the robot is charging or not can be challenging at times. The Roomba charger light indicators should blink green to signify that the robot is charging, as you learned after reading this article.

If you’re going to charge it with the Home Base, ensure the battery indicator is green by pressing the CLEAN button on the unit.


F.A.Q.s

Q: What should I do if the Roomba charging dock light goes off and my Roomba doesn’t charge?

If the charging dock light goes off and your Roomba doesn’t charge, start by checking the connections between the dock and the power outlet.

Ensure that they are secure and undamaged. Next, inspect the charging contacts on both the dock and the Roomba to ensure they are clean and free of debris.

If the issue persists, try resetting the Roomba by holding down the CLEAN button for about 10 seconds.

Q: Is it normal for the Roomba to blink or flash red instead of remaining steadily lit?

No, blinking or flashing red light typically indicates an error or a problem with the charging process.

When a Roomba blinks red, it means the battery is too low to start cleaning.

However, Different Roomba models may have specific blinking patterns associated with certain issues.

Consult your Roomba’s user manual or visit the manufacturer’s website to identify the specific meaning behind the blinking light pattern. It could be signaling a battery issue, a faulty connection, or another problem that requires attention or troubleshooting.