Roomba displays charging error 1 when its battery fails to connect with its terminals on the robot, possibly due to rust, dust or corrosion on either its contacts or dock connectors. Roomba is a convenient and popular vacuuming solution for many households, but like any machine, it’s not without its flaws.
One of the most common issues Roomba owners encounter is “Roomba charging error 1,” which can prevent the robot from charging properly and render it unusable. If you’re experiencing this frustrating problem, don’t worry – our comprehensive troubleshooting guide has you covered.
In this article, we’ll walk you through six easy-to-follow steps to diagnose and fix Roomba charging error 1, from checking the power supply to contacting Roomba support.

Check Roomba’s Power Supply
Follow the steps below to check Roomba’s power supply.
- Make sure the power cord is properly plugged into both the charging dock and the wall outlet.
- Ensure that the power outlet is functioning by plugging in another device.
- If the outlet is not working, try another outlet in a different room.
If the charging contacts of your Roomba are dirty, it may lead to various problems. First, switch power supplies; if this doesn’t help, remove and clean its battery with rubbing alcohol; also make sure it contains only genuine Roomba batteries, without counterfeit or noncompliant third-party ones present.
If the problem continues, consider reaching out to iRobot’s customer support for additional guidance. They may be able to schedule an appointment for you with one of their experts to inspect your robot, or give you a replacement battery so you can continue using Roomba without issue.
Inspect Roomba’s Charging Contacts
Roomba’s charging contacts may become clogged up with dirt and debris over time. To address this, check both your robot’s battery door and Home Base cover to ensure there is nothing obstructing them, if any are. If there is, lightly dampen melamine foam such as Magic Eraser to wipe down its pins and contacts as soon as possible to restore contact charging pins and contacts to normal function.
Verify the power outlet is working properly by testing it with a multimeter. Finally, if the indicator light on your Home Base isn’t green try switching to another outlet to see if that solves it; if that doesn’t do it then perhaps replacing your battery may be required.
Clean Roomba’s Charging Contacts
Roomba battery contacts may become covered in corrosion or dust over time. To resolve this, remove your robot’s backplate and use a Q-tip dipped in isopropyl alcohol to wipe down each contact point on its battery – this should clean away any corrosion while still allowing charging of its chargeable batteries.
Consider cleaning the charging contacts in both your Home Base and robot to ensure proper charging of both. Dust accumulation could impede proper charging between these components.
This issue could be the result of either an overheated battery, or poor connectivity between the robot and docking station. Rebooting or performing a factory reset could sometimes solve this issue as well.

Replace Battery for Roomba Charging Error 1
Getting Roomba Charging Error 1 when trying to charge your robot could indicate that either its battery is defective, or something is off with your charging system. To troubleshoot, start by replacing it – make sure it’s an original iRobot lithium-ion battery, installed correctly into its Home Base slot, with proper contact between its charging port and battery case; or add a shim between its charging port and battery in order to help ensure contact is made between each.
You can also review the table below, which includes possible battery problems and their solutions.
Issue | Possible Cause | Solution |
Roomba still not charging after replacing the battery | Defective replacement battery | Return the battery and get a new one |
Roomba charging error 1 still persists | Problem with charging system | Try resetting the charging system or contact Roomba support |
Battery life is shorter than expected | Battery not fully charged or old battery | Ensure the battery is fully charged and consider replacing it if it’s old |
To replace a battery on a robot, begin by unscrewing four screws located on its bottom and carefully unlatching its cover. Next, clean all terminals and internal robot contacts using rubbing alcohol before replacing and screwing back in its screws to test if your problem still exists. Afterward, charge your robot before testing whether your issue reoccurs.
Reset Roomba’s Charging System
Follow the steps below to reset Roomba’s charging system.
- Unplug the charging dock from the wall outlet and wait for 60 seconds.
- Plug the charging dock back in and place your Roomba on the dock.
- Wait for the charging indicator light to turn on, indicating that your Roomba is charging.
Error codes could be caused by anything from dust or debris buildup on charging contacts to low battery charge levels. You can try cleaning them by unplugging your robot, using lightly dampened melamine foam (such as Magic Eraser) to scrub both Home Base and robot, to get rid of any dirt that might be blocking them and try charging again. This has proven very effective.
If the problem continues, iRobot customer support could be of great assistance in troubleshooting further and identifying whether there may be more serious problems with Roomba’s power system. They may even provide you with replacement batteries as an effective alternative to buying an entirely new robot.

Contact Roomba Support
If you have tried all the troubleshooting steps outlined above and are still experiencing Roomba charging error 1, it may be time to reach out to Roomba support. Their customer service team is highly knowledgeable and can help you resolve any issues you’re experiencing with your Roomba.
To contact Roomba support, visit their website and navigate to the “Support” section. From there, you can access helpful articles, videos, and FAQs that may help you resolve the issue on your own. If you’re still having trouble, you can contact their customer service team via phone or email for personalized assistance.
When you contact Roomba support, be sure to have your Roomba model number and serial number handy, as well as any troubleshooting steps you have already taken. This will help their team quickly diagnose the issue and provide the best solution for you.
Remember, Roomba support is here to help you get the most out of your Roomba. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them for assistance with Roomba charging error 1 or any other issues you’re experiencing with your Roomba.
Conclusion
In conclusion, troubleshooting Roomba charging error 1 can be a simple process that involves several steps. It is essential to start by checking the power supply, inspecting and cleaning the charging contacts, and resetting the charging system. If these solutions do not work, replacing the battery might be necessary. In some cases, contacting Roomba support is the best option to fix the issue.
Even the most advanced technology can have its quirks, and Roomba charging errors are no exception. But with the right troubleshooting techniques, you can keep your robot vacuum up and running smoothly.
Remember to always follow safety guidelines when handling the Roomba and its components. By following the steps outlined in this troubleshooting guide, you can get your Roomba back to charging efficiently and keeping your floors clean.
Frequently Asked Questions
Roomba charging error 1 is caused by a poor connection between the robot and its charging base. It can be due to dirty charging contacts, a faulty power supply, or a defective battery.
To fix Roomba charging error 1, you can try cleaning the charging contacts, checking the power supply, replacing the battery, or resetting the charging system. If none of these methods work, contacting Roomba support is recommended.
Regularly cleaning the charging contacts and ensuring a stable power supply can prevent Roomba charging error 1 from happening again. Also, replacing the battery every 1-2 years can help maintain the robot’s performance.
Yes, if the robot cannot charge properly due to Roomba charging error 1, it can affect its cleaning performance and shorten its battery life. Therefore, it is essential to troubleshoot and fix the error as soon as possible.
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