Roomba Schedule Not Working? – Here’s How to Fix

Roomba is very convenient because it allows you to set a schedule. That way, the robot will clean at determined moments.

Sometimes, though, it doesn’t work. Is your Roomba schedule not working? Check below what to do.

The schedule not working on your Roomba can be caused by a bad connection between the robot and the app or the app having problems sending commands. Further, you might want to clean the unit thoroughly, check the battery, arrange the furniture better, or reset the robot.

Keep reading to learn all the methods to get your Roomba unit back on track. Then, we will show you all the steps for each solution.

Roomba Schedule Not Working – Reasons

Is your Roomba not working on schedule? That will put a lot of problems into your daily routine as the house won’t get cleaned.

Moreover, it makes you ask the question: what is wrong? Is it the app or the robot?

Here are some possible causes:

✅ Battery

Sometimes, the Roomba fails to run according to the app’s commands if the battery is low or defective.

✅ Obstructions

Although you have set a schedule, the robot might return home or not finish the course because objects are blocking the way.

✅ Internet Connectivity

You must ensure that the robot has a stable internet connection and can answer the commands you send from the app.

✅ Malfunctioning App

Perhaps the app is the culprit, either because it is outdated, its data is corrupted, or there are problems at the Roomba server.

Fix The Roomba Schedule Problems

After reading about the most likely causes of the Roomba failing to act according to the schedule, you must be eager to fix that.

So check all the suggestions below to fix your Roomba cleaner in a few minutes.

1. Check The Connection

The first step you must take when the Roomba robot is not acting according to the schedule set in the app is to check the connection.

Next, you must go to the app and check if your Roomba device is correctly added.

If it is, there are some things you must do:

• Restart your main router (press the power button>wait a minute>turn it on);
• Ensure that you are connected to a network supported by the Roomba robot;

Ensure The Correct Frequency

When using a Roomba robot, you must note that each model has some specifications regarding the network:

• 600, 800, 900, i1, i2, i3, i4, i5 – Can connect only to 2.4GHz;
• i6, i7, i8, j7, s9, m6 – Can connect to 2.4GHz and 5GHz.

If your phone is connected to a network not supported by the robot, that might prevent the robot from receiving data correctly.

Reconnect The Robot To The Network

It might be necessary to reconnect your robot to the network. You will have to do the following:

1. Open the Roomba app;
2. Find “Settings”;
3. Select “Remove [device name].”

After that, do this:

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

After that, try setting up schedules again.

2. Manage The App

If the problem is not the network connection, then it is highly likely that the app is having trouble. The first thing you must try is reinstalling the app.

If that doesn’t work, you might check the app version. Sometimes the installation doesn’t install the latest software.

Do this:

1. Go to the PlayStore/AppStore;
2. Check the iRobot’s app page;
3. You will learn whether an update is available.

Delete The Schedules

If the issue is not the app’s installation, it might be the data of your schedules.

Then you need to do this:

1. Hold “Schedule”;
2. Press “Day” to cycle through the set schedules;
3. Hold “Day” when it shows a schedule you want to delete.

You might want to delete only a certain schedule that is not working. Or you might want to delete all of them. After that, simply add the schedules again.

3. Adjust The Furniture

Do you notice that the Roomba robot undocks, starts cleaning, and suddenly returns to the dock before finishing the cycle?

That might be caused by a bad arrangement of the furniture in your house.

Here are some measures you can apply:

• Check the length of the Roomba robot and ensure there is at least that much distance between all furniture where it needs to clean;
• If you have kids, remember to organize their toys before sending the Roomba out to clean the house;

4. Investigate The Battery

When the Roomba robot cannot finish schedules correctly, the cause might be that the robot is always battery low.

Such a problem is caused when the dock or the robot is not clean enough. That prevents correct charging.

So do this:

1. Locate the charging contacts on the robot;
2. Wipe them clean with a soft cloth;
3. Find the charging pins on the dock and do the same.

Examine The Battery

If cleaning the robot and the dock doesn’t help it charge correctly, the battery may be somewhat loose inside. It could also be damaged.

Here is what you can do:

1. Turn the Roomba upside down;
2. Take away the battery cover screws;
3. Remove the battery;
4. Reinsert it and ensure it stays firmly put.

After doing that, check if the robot can charge correctly. If it can’t, it might be necessary to replace the battery. 

Tip: Don't forget to try plugging the dock into another power outlet. It is possible that the one at current use is defective or doesn't provide enough power for your Roomba.

5. Clean The Unit

Roomba robots have many problems when you forget to clean them regularly. That is because their sensors work poorly when they are dirty.

So here are the steps you must take to clean your Roomba:

1. Wipe all of the robot’s exterior, remove all the dust;
2. Turn it upside down and clean its bottom;
3. Remove all the dirt from its wheels;
4. Take out the bin and empty it;
5. Scrub the bin and wash if it is a washable model;
6. Wipe the dust out of the inner sensors;
7. Wipe all the dust away from the dock, especially where the robot “rests.”

After cleaning the unit, it will be able to perform all the schedules as programmed. Not only that, but you will notice that its cleaning capacities will increase drastically.

6. Update The Firmware

Another probable cause preventing the Roomba robot from following the set schedule is its firmware being corrupted or outdated.

An outdated firmware will decrease its ability to communicate with the servers.

Here is how to update the firmware:

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

It will show up if an update is available, and you can download it. After installing the update, restart the Roomba and see if it can follow schedules.

7. Reset The Robot

Finally, you might have to reset your Roomba robot. That solution aims to eliminate all firmware errors.

Those might be connectivity, communication, or inability to follow commands. 

Soft Reset Your Roomba

Soft reset on Roomba S, I, and 900 series proceeds like this:

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.

The soft reset on Roomba 800 and 600 series proceeds this way:

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 The Roomba

If soft resetting doesn’t change anything regarding the issue, you must go for a hard reset.

Remember that a hard reset will erase all the settings.

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.”

After the reset is successful, you will need to add the Roomba to the app again.

What We Learned

Is the Roomba schedule not working? As you have seen, the causes can stem from a lack of cleaning or software issues.

However, we are certain that the solutions explained in this guide can get your Roomba to follow the schedule correctly from now on.

Read Next: Roomba Keep Cleaning When Full?