Roomba Error 6: (Here’s 100% Fixes)

If your Roomba displays error 6, it means the cliff sensors are dirty or malfunctioning.

But If the sensors are clean, then a temporary glitch is the main culprit.

Most of the time, simply cleaning the sensor fixes this issue, but sometimes replacing it is necessary!

In this article, I will explain how you can troubleshoot this problem with your iRobot Roomba and get the vacuum working again.

Let’s dive in…

How To Fix Roomba Error 6

 

Here are the detailed guidelines:

Step 1: Clean the Cliff Sensors

Your first step in troubleshooting error 6 should be checking and cleaning the sensor.

Roomba has almost three or four cliff sensors. If one is dirty, you will experience this pesky error.

Olivier Brown emailed us:

“I’ve been facing this error for the last few weeks. I tried everything — cleaning the side brush, roller brush; I even factory reset the vacuum. No luck. But then I cleaned the sensor with a soft cloth. BAM, it worked.”

That’s the same thing I told you at the beginning of this guide—the sensor might be dirty or clogged with debris.

However, here’s how to clean:

♦ Gather cleaning aid

Before you start, you need the following things,

• An old bath towel.
• Some paper towels.
• Cotton Swabs.
• A window cleaner bottle or water.

♦ Locate the cliff sensor and clean it

Turn the Roomba off and set it upside down on a towel in front of you to find the cliff sensors.

Then, use a can of compressed air to blow away any dirt or debris and clean the cliff sensors.

You can also use a cotton swab dampened with rubbing alcohol or a paper towel moistened with window cleaner or clean water. Be sure to clean all three sensors (left, center, and right).

Once you’re done, reboot the vacuum and check whether the problem has been fixed.

If cleaning the sensor doesn’t work, you may need to replace the sensors. But before that, read the further solutions listed below.

Step 2: Check for anything stuck on the brush

If something gets stuck on the brush, Roomba may also display this error.

Check and ensure the brush is clear of any hair or debris.

If it looks clear, try running the brush manually to see if it’s stuck. If the brush doesn’t spin, you may need to replace it.

Pro Tip: Avoid dark surfaces and edges. This is because your Roomba’s cliff sensors may mistake them for a drop-off and stop working. To prevent this, avoid placing the vacuum on or near dark-colored carpets, rugs, or mats.

Step 3: Replace the Sensor

If cleaning the sensor doesn’t solve the issue and the robot is still displaying ‘Error 6’, then one of the cliff sensors has likely been damaged.

If this is the case, replacing the sensor is the only solution to fix this problem.

Simply purchase a new replacement sensor from Amazon or your local vendor, and then install the new one.

That’s it…

How to Prevent Roomba Error 6

To avoid getting Roomba error 6 in the future, there are some preventive measures that you can take to keep your robot in good condition and ensure its optimal performance.

Here are some tips:

Tip 1: Keep the cliff sensors clean

As mentioned earlier, dirty or obstructed cliff sensors are is the primary reason for this issue.

Therefore, it is important to keep them clean and clear of any dust, debris, or hair.

You should check and clean the cliff sensors regularly, at least once a week or more often if you have pets or a dusty environment.

You can use a soft cloth, a cotton swab, or compressed air to clean the sensors.

Tip 2: Place rugs flush with the stair edge

Another way to prevent Roomba Err 6 is to make sure that any rugs that are near stairs are flush with the stair edge.

This will prevent your robot from interpreting a rug hanging over a stair edge as a drop-off and getting stuck on it. You can also use tape or pins to secure the rugs in place.

Tip 3: Adjust the lighting in your home

Finally, you can prevent Roomba error 6 by adjusting the lighting in your home to eliminate any shadows that may confuse your robot’s cliff sensors.

You can do this by turning on more lights, opening curtains or blinds, or moving furniture or objects that may cast shadows on the floor.

You can also use a virtual wall to block off any areas with dark floors that you don’t want your robot to enter.

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F.A.Q.s

Q: Will a factory reset help to fix it?

I don’t know!

When I faced this problem, I cleaned the sensors using a soft cloth, and it worked.

But if none of the above troubleshooting steps fix your situation, you can try a reset before replacing the sensor. But be sure to back up your setting if needed!

Q: What if cleaning the sensors doesn’t fix the issue?

If cleaning the sensors doesn’t resolve the Error 6 problem, you may need to contact iRobot’s customer support.

They can provide advanced troubleshooting steps or recommend professional servicing if required.

Q: Can I disable the cliff sensors to avoid this Error?

While it might be possible to disable the cliff sensors, it’s not recommended.

These sensors are crucial for the safety of your Roomba and preventing it from falling off stairs or ledges.

Disabling them could lead to potential damage to the device or accidents in your home.