Vacuum cleaners have become a part of our daily life, simplifying tasks and helping us keep our homes neat and clean.
One such popular and sophisticated vacuum cleaner is the Roomba, produced by iRobot.
However, like all gadgets, the Roomba might sometimes act a bit off, like turning on by itself.
While it might seem unusual, this behavior can be due to several reasons.
But fret not, as we have compiled an ultimate guide to help you figure out and fix this issue step by step 🙂
Why Does My Roomba Turn on by Itself? Here’s Your Answer!
An automated Roomba turning on by itself can be due to several reasons. It could be a result of a scheduling glitch, an issue with the clean button, software bugs, or even malfunctions with the infrared sensors.
It’s crucial to remember that each case could require different methods for troubleshooting, and our guide will take you through each step with simple and easy-to-understand instructions.
We also have advice for when these steps might not solve your problem, as dealing with electronic gadgets can sometimes be unpredictable.
Scheduled Cleaning Glitches
Roombas are designed to clean at scheduled times, but sometimes they might have glitches causing them to turn on by itself.
How to fix it:
- Open the iRobot Home App on your phone.
- Select your Roomba model from the listed devices.
- Go to the ‘Schedule’ tab and check if any cleaning schedule has been set. If yes, remove all the schedules.
- Try setting a new schedule and observe if the problem persists.
Clean Button Issues
If your Roomba turns on by itself, it might be due to an issue with the Clean button.
How to fix it:
- Carefully inspect the Clean button on your Roomba. Make sure there’s no visible debris stuck around it.
- Try pressing and releasing the button a few times to ensure that it’s not getting stuck.
- If the issue persists, it might be a case of a defective button that might require professional help.
Software Bugs
Like all smart devices, your Roomba operates on software, and sometimes, bugs in this software might cause it to turn on by itself.
How to fix it:
- Open the iRobot Home App.
- Select your Roomba from the listed devices.
- Check if there are any available software updates for your Roomba. If there is, update your Roomba’s software.
- If your Roomba is already on the latest software but still turns on by itself, a factory reset might help. However, remember that a factory reset will erase all data, including the cleaning schedules and maps.
Infrared Sensor Malfunction
Roombas are equipped with infrared sensors to navigate around your home. A malfunction with these sensors might cause the Roomba to turn on by itself.
How to fix it:
- Carefully inspect the sensors on your Roomba. Ensure that they are clean and not blocked by any dust or debris.
- If the sensors appear clean but the problem persists, the sensors might be malfunctioning and need professional attention.
Dust or Debris in Charging Contacts
The charging contacts on your Roomba and Home Base might have accumulated dust or debris, causing the Roomba to think it’s off the charger and needs to start cleaning.
How to fix it:
- Unplug your Roomba’s Home Base from the power outlet.
- Look for the metal charging contacts on both the Roomba and the Home Base. They’re usually gold-colored and located on the back of the Roomba and on the front of the Home Base.
- Clean these contacts gently with a dry cloth. Be careful not to scratch them.
- Plug the Home Base back in and place the Roomba on it. If the Roomba no longer starts by itself, you’ve fixed the issue.
External Interference
Interference from other electronic devices or reflective surfaces can sometimes confuse Roomba’s infrared sensors and make it start cleaning.
How to fix it:
- Make sure there are no electronic devices close to the Roomba or its Home Base. Things like TVs, computers, and even some types of lights can cause interference.
- If the Home Base is near a reflective surface like a mirror or a window, move it somewhere else. Reflective surfaces can reflect the infrared signals and confuse the Roomba.
- If the Roomba no longer starts by itself after these adjustments, the problem was likely caused by interference.
Battery Issues
A faulty battery could cause the Roomba to turn on unexpectedly.
How to fix it:
- Reset the Roomba’s battery by removing it from the Roomba, waiting a few seconds, then putting it back in.
- If the problem persists, you may need to replace the battery. Remember to only use iRobot-approved batteries to avoid potential issues.
Motherboard Issues
Sometimes, the problem could be due to a malfunctioning motherboard. This is a more serious issue and you shouldn’t try to fix it yourself unless you’re trained to do so.
How to fix it:
If you suspect a motherboard issue, contact iRobot customer service. If your Roomba is under warranty, they might replace it for you. If it’s not, they can still provide advice and possibly offer repair services for a fee.
What If None of These Steps Help?
If you’ve gone through each of these steps and the problem still persists, it’s time to check if your Roomba is still under warranty. If it is, contact the iRobot customer support and describe your issue to them. They might provide you with a solution or replace your Roomba if it’s confirmed to be defective.
If your Roomba is not under warranty, you might want to consider getting professional help. While it might cost a bit, it’s important to remember that trying to repair electronic devices on your own can sometimes do more harm than good.
Concluding Thoughts
Roombas turning on by themselves can be a bit unsettling, but with the right troubleshooting steps, you can solve this problem.
Remember that understanding why it’s happening is the key to fixing it.
If the issue persists, don’t hesitate to seek professional help or contact iRobot customer support if it’s still under warranty.
