Error 34 in a Roomba pops up when there’s some issue with your vacuum’s internal communication, and it can be pretty frustrating to deal with because it doesn’t let you start using your Roomba while trying to figure out what the problem is and how to fix it.
However, this article will walk you through all the steps of troubleshooting error 34, so you can get back to enjoying your Roomba as soon as possible! Check out these seven tips on how to fix Roomba error 34 issue now!
Why does Roomba Error 34 occur?
According to iRobot, Error 34 is an internal communication error that can occur when your Roomba is trying to communicate with its home base. This error can be caused by several things, including
- A low battery.
- A blocked signal.
- Interference from other electronic devices.
- Or a problem with Roomba’s software.
I will discuss all the possible reasons and offer some troubleshooting tips to help you fix the problem.
How to fix Error 34 Roomba?
In short: To troubleshoot error 34 on your Roomba, first reboot your Roomba. If rebooting doesn’t fix the problem, the next step is to move anything around it that might be blocking its movement and then disconnect the WiFi connection and reconnect it. If nothing works, reset your Roomba to Its factory settings.
The above was the one-line solution, but I will explain it in detail below. But before that, take a look at the bellow table for a better understanding…
Reasons | Solutions |
Connecion issue | Power cycle your Modem |
Dirty Sensor | Clean all the Sensor |
Software Glitch | Reboot/Reset |
Outdated Firmware | Update it |
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Step 1: Restart your Roomba
Restarting is the first and most effective way to fix this issue which can sometimes clear up minor software glitches that may be causing the problem.
There are a few different ways you can restart your Roomba. One is to remove the battery and put it back in, and the other is to press and hold the “HOME” and “SPOT” Clean buttons on your Robot for about 10 seconds. If restarting the device doesn’t fix your problem, move on to the next step.
Step 2: Clean the sensors on your Robot
A Roomba has almost three sensors, which are essential for detecting dirt, debris, and cleaning path. If these sensors are dirty, your Roomba may not be able to detect its direction and destination, which can cause error 34.
To clean your Roomba’s sensors, gently use a dry, soft cloth to wipe away any dirt or debris. Ensure that nothing is blocking the sensors, such as a rug or furniture.
Related: Roomba Brush not spinning! (Simple ways to Fix)
Step 3: Check if your network connection is off
If cleaning the IR sensors doesn’t fix the problem, check your internet connection. Because an interruption in the network connection is one of the most common causes of error 34.
This can be due to several factors, including a blocked signal, moving the Roomba too far away from the router, or a problem with the router itself.
To fix this, check if your network connection is off and try restarting your Roomba. If that doesn’t work, try moving your Roomba closer to the router.
Related: (10 Hacks) Get your Roomba to clean whole house!
Step 4: Power cycle your router/modem
Another reason your Roomba may display this error is a problem with your router. In most cases, just rebooting the router fix the problem. Follow the below steps to reboot your router:
- First, unplug your modem/router or power off your wireless access point.
- Wait 10 seconds before everything completely shuts down before plugging in or turning on anything else.
- Once that’s done, wait another 10 seconds before starting up anything else.
- Now turn on your modem first and wait for it to come back online (it might take a few minutes).
- Finally, turn on any other devices one at a time, waiting 10 seconds between each device.
I hope this will fix the error 34 issues. Let me know in the comment box if it works!
Step 5: Update the firmware on your robot vacuum.
iRobot is constantly working to improve the performance of its robots. Firmware updates can provide significant improvements in your Roomba’s cleaning performance. It can also fix bugs that may be affecting your Roomba’s performance.
So it’s always a good idea to keep your Roomba’s firmware up-to-date. To check for any available software updates for your Roomba, follow the below steps:
- First, open the iRobot Home app.
- Then select More > Settings > About (robot name).
- If there is an update available, you will see it here.
Remember, your Roomba will automatically update its software when connected to a WiFi network or the internet. But it will only update its software when it is not cleaning and is on the Home Base.
Step 6: Remove any other smart devices from your home network
If you have other smart devices in your home, such as a Nest thermostat or Amazon Echo, try removing them from your home network. This is because Roombas can sometimes conflict with other devices on the same network.
To remove a device from your network, unplug it or delete it from your wireless router’s list of connected devices. Be sure to also reboot your modem and router before restarting your Roomba.
Step 7: Factory reset your Roomba
Still reading this article? Very bad! If all the troubleshooting tips mentioned above don’t fix the problem, you should reset your Roomba to its factory settings. Resetting is a great option to get your Roomba back on track and fix the internal communication error.
This will restore your Roomba to its original settings and may clear the error 34. Please read our guide based on different models to reset your Roomba properly.
Remember that resetting your Roomba to its factory settings will erase all the custom settings you’ve made, including mapping and your credentials. So, try to back up if needed.
FAQs
Q. Nothing worked! What to do?
There’s only one last thing you can do if your Roomba is still throwing an error 34 message. Contact iRobot customer care for further assistance.
They may be able to help you troubleshoot the issue or replace your Roomba if it’s under warranty. But if your vacuums warranty is invalid, visit your nearest vacuum repair shop and ask them to repair it.
I hope this article helped you fix the issue. If you still have any further questions, feel free to comment here. Stay healthy and be happy with your cleaning assistant. I hope to see you in the next article.

Abdul Kader is the CEO and founder of Homespoiler.com. With his expertise in electronics repair, he provides in-depth information on how to fix appliances, wiring, and other electrical-related issues. More about us