Roomba Clog Detected But No Clog? – Try These Solutions

Roomba robots are great, but they are also sensitive to failures in their hardware and software. A common issue is reported as “Roomba clog detected but no clog.”

So how should one fix it?

When Roomba says there is a clog, but you don’t see any clog, you might want to check its entire cleanliness or how the firmware is behaving. If that is not the issue, then the docking station, battery, or dustbin could also be at fault.

Are you puzzled by the alert that your Roomba is sending? Keep reading to learn how to fix it. 

Roomba Clog Detected But No Clog – Causes

Sometimes the Roomba says clog detected, but no clog is actually visible. In those situations, there certainly is something wrong with your Roomba robot.

However, what is it? Here are some of the most common causes of the false alert: 

✅ The Dustbin

There could be a problem with your robot’s dustbin, such as it is loose, defective, or with excessive dust. Even if you empty the bin, some dust always remains.

✅ Malfunctioning Sensors

The Roomba has some sensors which help it navigate your house. When those are dirty, they will malfunction, and the “clog detected” alarm might trigger.

✅ Battery

It is not usual, but it can also cause false alerts. It could be defective or not well-adjusted. 

✅ Firmware

A firmware’s odd behavior can cause a false alert. In that case, it is worth checking for updates or resetting the robot. 

Fix The Roomba When It Falsely Alerts For Clog

Once you know the potential causes behind this annoying issue, it becomes easier to navigate the solutions.

Below we will go through them according to the probabilities of what is happening.

1. Check The Bin 

Since your Roomba is saying that there’s clog, the first thing you must do is check the dustbin.

It could have residual dust, or it could be damaged. It is time to know for sure.

1. Press the bin’s release button;
2. Pull the bin out;
3. Dispose of its contents;
4. Get a wet cloth;
5. Wipe inside and outside the bin;
6. Let it dry;

How To Wash The Bin

Only some Roomba models feature washable dustbins. If that’s the case for you, washing it will ensure even better functionality.

Do the following:

1. Remove the bin from the Roomba;
2. Dispose of its contents;
3. Detach the filter;
4. Rinse the bin with water;
5. Let it dry;
6. Reattach the filter;

Check For Damages

Once it is clean, you must check its surface to see any cracks or damaged parts in the bin.

One possible reason for the false alert is that the dustbin does not fit well into the robot.

If that is the case, you might want to do this:

1. Try fitting the bin back into the robot;
2. Find the loose spot;
3. Insert some corrugated paper or thin cardboard to help it fit.

If that doesn’t work, you might want to buy a replacement.

Clean The Bin Sensors

When you remove the dustbin from its place to clean it, you must pay attention to the robot’s inside. You will see that there are sensors on the bin location. 

1. Get a soft cloth and rubbing alcohol;
2. Wipe the sensors;
3. Wait for everything to dry up;
4. Reassemble the bin.

2. Clean Everything

Many issues, such as false alerts or odd behavior on your Roomba, stem from it being dirty on the surface.

If the robot gets dirty, its sensors will not operate correctly.

Therefore, you should never let your Roomba’s sensors accumulate dust!

1. Clean the robot’s surface with a cloth;
2. Ensure the sensors are well-cleaned;
3. Scrub the wheels with a brush;
4. Wipe the base station as well;
5. Remove all dirt and debris from the charging pins/contacts;
6. Finish with rubbing alcohol to eliminate any stubborn dirt.

3. Examine The Battery

Like the dust, the battery is also a potential cause of many problems on the Roomba. However, the procedure here is just like with the dustbin.

You will not wash it, but you must check if it is damaged or loose inside the battery container.

Do the following:

1. Turn the robot upside down;
2. Locate the battery’s cover;
3. Unscrew and remove it;
4. Carefully detach the battery;

Once you have detached the battery, it is time to check its condition. Do you see any leaks or cracks on it?

Perhaps it is burned, or its color is unusual. In those situations, it is better to acquire a new battery.

Solve Fitting Issues

If none is the case here, you must now check the battery container. Perhaps the robot has suffered damage, which made the battery loose inside.

Do this:

1. Attempt to fit the battery into the container;
2. Use corrugated paper or thin cardboard to help fit if the battery stays loose.

If that is not a problem, then the battery is fine, and you must move to the next solution.

Tip: Cleaning the battery container is a great idea when you take the battery out.

4. Assess The Base Station

Have you already cleaned the base station’s surface? That could not suffice, as the base station for some models also has dirt disposal.

If that is your model, you have to do the following:

1. Take the robot away from the base;
2. Push down the canister lid;
3. Eliminate all debris from the evacuation port;
4. Locate the evacuation tubing on the bottom and clean it too;

Further, check if the charging contacts are fine and if no parts of the station look damaged. The clog alert should be gone now.

5. Check For Software Updates

If checking firmware causes has not yielded any results, it is time to look at the firmware.

Sometimes false alerts are triggered by a lack of updates on your Roomba.

So you must do the following:

1. Open the iRobot HOME App 
2. Select More 
3. Click Settings 
4. Choose About (robot name)

If there indeed is an update available, it will show up. Then choose to download it and wait a bit.

6. Reset The Robot

Ultimately, it is possible that the robot’s firmware is glitched and needs a reset. Depending on your model, it is possible to soft reset it.

Otherwise, you will have to hard reset it straight away.

How To Soft Reset

The methods to soft reset vary slightly. Here are the steps to reset the Roomba S, I, or 900 series:

1. Hold the “Spot Clean,” “Home,” and “Clean” buttons together;
2. Wait for the light around “Clean” to swirl;
3. A light ring indicates you can release the buttons;
4. Wait for the Roomba to restart.

If you have Roomba 800 and 600 series, you have to do this:

1. Hold the “Home,” “Spot Clean,” and “Clean” buttons together;
2. Pay attention to the beeping sound;
3. Let go of the buttons.

Hard Reset Your Roomba

If your Roomba doesn’t have the soft reset option or it hasn’t worked, you will have to perform a hard reset.

Here are the steps:

1. Ensure your phone and Roomba are on the same Wi-Fi;
2. Open the iRobot HOME app;
3. Tap “Settings”;
4. Choose “Remove/Factory Reset.”

How To Use The Robot Again

After resetting the robot, it will no longer send any alerts because it’s been erased from the app.

You must add it again:

1. Select “Add your product”;
2. Choose the correct model;
3. Connect to a network supported by your model;
4. Follow the prompts.

Note: After this, the robot should no longer send false alerts. However, if it keeps doing it and you can't figure out why, you must contact Roomba support. Your robot might be defective.

What We Learned

Have you been facing the issue of a Roomba clog detected but no clog? The issue is well known and can be caused by accumulated dust in the device overall.

Alternatively, you are dealing with a problem unrelated to dust that makes the device behave oddly.

Read Next: Roomba Keeps Saying Empty The Bin?