How to Fix iRobot Roomba Charging Error 1?

iRobot Roomba charging error 1 is known to appear on all Roomba® and Braava® models and it means that the battery is not being recognized.

In that set of thoughts, the iRobot cannot charge the battery if it doesn’t know it’s there, so we’re here to help you overcome this hurdle!

To resolve the iRobot Roomba error 1, begin verifying the integrity of the battery and if the battery brick is correctly embedded in the robot.

In case “error 1” continues to show up upon charging the robot, power cycle the home base and reset the iRobot’s battery!

There is quite a lot to learn so let’s keep reading!

What is Roomba Charging Error 1 – Explained?

First, know that you’re not alone. The “charging error 1” on iRobot Roomba is a really frequent error, encountered by many users, just like you.

Luckily the error is not fatal, and there are many different ways to troubleshoot or at least find out what’s wrong with our little cleaner robot…

Here are some of the most impactful causes for error 1 on iRobot Roomba:

• A non-original ungenuine battery pack was installed.
• The battery pack was not embedded the correct way.
• There is an obstruction on the battery terminal pins.
• The iRobot Roomba’s battery has to be firmly reset.
• A power issue with the iRobot home base charging.
• A software-related fault with the iRobot Roomba!

How to Fix the iRobot Roomba Charging Error 1 in Minutes!

Tip: Follow the solutions in consecutive order for the best efficiency!

1. Verify the Battery’s Integrity!

Note: Skip this step if you haven’t replaced the original battery of your iRobot!

The cleaner iRobot Roomba typically rejects the battery when the piece is not genuine, which means that the battery is not original. You need to confirm that the battery is authentic and is an iRobot® Lithium-Ion Battery.

The only way to receive a genuine-proven iRobot Roomba battery is by purchasing the unit from the iRobot Store, Local Authorized Retailer, or through iRobot Customer Care.

Note: For identifying the right type of battery for your iRobot you need the serial number!

2. Power Cycle Roomba’s Base

Sometimes, after a power outage or power fluctuations in your home, the electrical outlet might not supply the Roomba’s base with enough current.

Well, in some glitchy scenarios, this would bring up the “charging error 1”, even when the robot is fully recognizing the installed battery!

• To power cycle the Roomba’s home base unplug the device from the power!

Keep the iRobot Roomba’s base this way for about 60 seconds, then reconnect the device and test whether the iRobot is not charging.

If possible, also replace the charging cable and test by plugging the iRobot Roomba directly into an electrical outlet.

Avoid having power extenders, power strips, or any sort of smart plugs and test charing your Robot directly.

In case the “charging error 1” continues to appear, keep reading the next steps!

3. Install the Battery Correctly!

One of the primary reasons for iRobot Roomba error 1 is a mistake during the installation of the battery.

Even when the battery is genuine, when it’s not properly embedded into the iRobot, the component might not be recognized by the robot, ultimately leading to charging error 1 to show!

Here’s how to correctly, reinstall the battery of the iRobot Roomba:

1. First, flip the iRobot Roomba upside down on a soft surface.
2. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to undo the sweeping brush.
3. Next, undo the 5 screws that secure the bottom robot cover.
4. When you remove the bottom cover, you’ll unveil the battery.
5. Tip: The battery is located behind the iRobot Roomba wheels.
6. You need to press the release tab to pull up the robot’s battery.
7. Then, gently embed the battery brick by aligning it with the rails.
8. The battery *clicks* when it’s installed correctly inside the robot.

Note: If you don’t hear a click, double-check if the orientation of the battery is correct and align the battery casing with the channels in the battery compartment.

4. Clean the Battery Connectors

The reason why the iRobot Roomba is not recognizing the battery could be due to dust, dirt, or hair accumulation and entanglement in the battery compartment.

The absence of a *click* upon inserting the battery might be indicating that the battery connectors are obstructed.

• Use scissors and toothpicks to remove hair and dust accumulation!

When you remove the battery, you’ll see a small terminal located on the bottom of the channels that are part of the battery casing and the robot’s compartment.

The copper pins must be clear and visible before the battery casing is aligned and inserted until a “click” downwards!

Note: In addition, we recommend cleaning the charging pads on the iRobot Roomba’s bottom and on the Roomba’s home base!

5. Reset the iRobot Roomba Battery!

One of the most powerful solutions is to reset the battery of the iRobot Roomba, which will eliminate errors that shouldn’t be there.

This method is particularly helpful to recover any lost charge cycles, which is an excellent troubleshooting against the “charging error 1”.

Reset the Battery on Roomba 500/600 Series:

1. First, position the iRobot onto the home base.
2. Then press the “Clean” button on the robot.
3. Press and hold Dock + Clean buttons for 10 seconds.
4. Release the buttons when you hear a *beep*.
5. Next, charge your Roomba to test for the error.

Reset the Battery on Roomba 700 Series:

1. Connect Roomba to the power outlet directly.
2. Press and hold the “Clean” button for 10 seconds.
3. Release the button when the display shows “r5t”.
4. After the message, you should hear a beep.
5. Leave the Roomba to charge and test for the error!

Reset the Battery on Roomba 900 Series:

1. Connect your iRobot to the power outlet directly.
2. Press and hold Dock + Spot Clean + CLEAN.
3. Hold all three buttons for 20 seconds.
4. Release only after all LEDs illuminate.

Reset the Battery on Roomba e Series:

1. Plug the robot to power or position it on the base.
2. Press and hold Home + Spot Clean + CLEAN.
3. Hold all three buttons for at least 20 seconds.
4. Release the buttons after the reset indication.

If your iRobot Roomba has now recognized the battery, the robot should start charging.

Also, many people recommend leaving the robot chagrin for 16+ hours (deep charge) and claim that this helped their robot overcome error 1.

So, feel free to leave the robot chagrin overnight.

6. Support & Secure the Battery!

An unusual solution to Roomba error 1 is to use a piece of folded paper or another object to support the battery in place and secure it tightly. 

This method is actually helpful in cases where the rails on the battery or the rails on the battery compartment are broken or deformed, forming a battery looseness!

Even if you hear a click, check whether the battery falls down when you flip the robot the correct way up, with the battery cover still open.

When the battery’s plastic enclosure is old, deformed, or broken, you need some kind of additional support to hold the battery in place tightly!

In case that doesn’t help either, here’s what to do next…

Need More Help?

In case the iRobot still doesn’t recognize the battery and shows error 1 when charging, then it’s time to seek some qualified help.

Prepare your iRobot Roomba serial number and simply go to Roomba Customer Care for more information and assistance in regard to the issue.

Tip: Don’t forget to share what you’ve tried in this guide!

Quick Recap:

Now we know why iRobot Roomba charging error 1 appears and that the error only tells us that the battery is not being recognized.

The solution is to check whether the battery is correctly embedded and *click*, before performing a battery reset to resolve the issue!

Follow us for more iRobot Roomba troubleshooting tips and tricks!

Read Next: Roomba Flashing Red Light While Charging? – Here’s How to Fix