Roomba Goes In Circles [Try This!]

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Owning a Roomba, the autonomous vacuum cleaner, can make your life a lot easier.

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But what if it starts acting funny, like going around in circles?

Well, don’t worry! I am going to walk you through why this could happen and provide you with step-by-step solutions to fix each issue 🙂

Roomba Goes In Circles – In a Nutshell

Roomba circling or spinning might be due to a dirty sensor, a wheel problem, a bumper issue, a software glitch, or an internal hardware fault.

The good news is you can fix most of these issues at home with minimal equipment and basic technical know-how.

But if all else fails, checking your warranty and contacting iRobot might be the best course of action.

Let’s dive in!

Problem 1: Dirty Sensors

Your Roomba uses a number of sensors to navigate your home.

Over time, these sensors can become dirty, causing the Roomba to act erratically and go in circles.

Solution: Clean the Sensors

Here are the steps to clean your Roomba’s sensors:

  1. Turn off and unplug the Roomba. Safety first, always!
  2. Locate the sensors. The cliff sensors are usually on the bottom, while the wall sensor is on the side of your Roomba.
  3. Clean the sensors. Using a clean, dry cloth, gently wipe the sensors.
  4. Test the Roomba. Turn it on and see if it’s still circling.

Problem 2: Wheel Issues

If your Roomba has a wheel issue, it might keep spinning in circles.

It could be something stuck in the wheel or an issue with the wheel assembly itself.

Solution: Check the Wheels

To solve wheel-related problems, follow these steps:

  1. Turn off and unplug the Roomba. Make sure it’s safe to work with.
  2. Inspect the wheels. Look for any obstructions like hair, string, or small objects in the wheels.
  3. Clean the wheels. If you find any obstructions, remove them carefully.
  4. Check the wheel movement. Make sure the wheels can spin freely.
  5. Test the Roomba. Turn it on and see if the problem persists.

Problem 3: Bumper Issues

The Roomba’s bumper is a physical sensor that detects walls and furniture. If the bumper is stuck, it can make the Roomba go in circles.

Solution: Inspect and Clean the Bumper

Follow these steps to troubleshoot a stuck bumper:

  1. Turn off and unplug the Roomba. Safety first!
  2. Check the bumper. Press it several times to check if it’s stuck.
  3. Clean the bumper. If it’s stuck, clean around and underneath it.
  4. Test the Roomba. Turn it back on and check if it’s still circling.

Problem 4: Software Glitch

Sometimes, your Roomba might just need a “refresh.”

A software glitch could be causing it to behave strangely.

Solution: Reset the Roomba

Here’s how you can reset your Roomba:

  1. Hold the buttons. Press and hold the “Spot” and “Dock” buttons for 10 seconds.
  2. Wait. The Roomba should reboot itself, which might take a few minutes.
  3. Test the Roomba. Once it’s up again, check if it’s still spinning in circles.

Problem 5: Battery Issues

Your Roomba might be circling due to battery issues, especially if it’s old or hasn’t been used for a long time.

Solution: Reset or Replace the Battery

Here’s what you can do:

  1. Reset the battery. Unplug the Roomba, then hold the “Clean” button down for 5-10 seconds. Release the button and plug the Roomba back in. This might help reset the battery.
  2. Replace the battery. If resetting doesn’t work and your Roomba is older or hasn’t been used in a while, you might need a new battery.

Problem 6: Motor Problems

If your Roomba’s motor is malfunctioning, it can cause the device to spin in circles.

However, motor issues are not easy to diagnose or fix at home.

Solution: Contact iRobot or Check Your Warranty

In case of motor problems:

  1. Check your warranty. If your Roomba is still under warranty, you should be able to get it repaired or replaced for free.
  2. Contact iRobot. Reach out to iRobot’s customer service. They can help you diagnose the problem and guide you on the next steps.

Problem 7: Incorrectly Assembled Components

If your Roomba was recently disassembled for a part replacement or cleaning, and it started spinning in circles after being put back together, it’s possible some components were not correctly assembled.

Solution: Check Assembly Instructions

Follow these steps:

  1. Refer to the assembly instructions. If you disassembled your Roomba, refer back to your manual or the guide you used to make sure everything was assembled correctly.
  2. Seek professional help if necessary. If you’re unsure about something, it’s best to get professional assistance to avoid damaging your Roomba.

Problem 8: Navigation System Failure

The Roomba uses a sophisticated navigation system to move around your home.

If this system fails, the Roomba could end up spinning in circles.

Solution: Contact iRobot or Check Your Warranty

If you suspect a navigation system failure:

  1. Check your warranty. If your Roomba is still under warranty, you can get it repaired or replaced.
  2. Contact iRobot. Reach out to iRobot’s customer service. They can help you diagnose the issue and advise you on what to do next.

Problem 9: Internal Hardware Fault

If none of the solutions above works, your Roomba might have an internal hardware fault, which is tricky to fix at home.

Solution: Contact iRobot or Check Your Warranty

In such a case, it’s best to:

  1. Check your warranty. If your Roomba is still under warranty, the repair or replacement could be free.
  2. Contact iRobot. Reach out to iRobot’s customer service for further assistance.

Conclusion

Your Roomba going in circles can be annoying, but most issues have simple fixes.

Remember to regularly clean and maintain your Roomba to prevent these problems from happening in the future 🙂

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