Roomba i7 Won’t Empty Bin – Troubleshooting
By Trae Jacobs,
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While the iRobot Roomba i7 should automatically empty its bin into the home base, sometimes it stops doing so. Here’s how you can fix an iRobot that won’t automatically dispose of debris.
Check if the Bag is Full
It may seem obvious, but if your Roomba won’t empty the bin, you need to check the bag first. If it’s full, the iRobot won’t automatically empty in the bin.
If necessary, change the bag in the Roomba bin and see if it fixes the problem. While you can reuse Roomba bags, it’s best to always replace it with a new one.
Empty the iRobot Roomba i7 Manually
Triggering the iRobot Roomba i7 to empty the bin manually can “reset” the feature and get it to start emptying automatically again:
- Start by pressing the Home button with the iRobot on the base.
- Open the iRobot Home app.
- Look under the “Clean” button and press “Empty Bin.”
If this doesn’t solve the issue, look into possible clogs in the device.
Clear Clogs in Your iRobot
If your iRobot isn’t automatically emptying its bin, there may be a clog inside the Clean Base.
To check for a clog, unplug the Clean Base and turn it on its side. Then, look inside the clear tube. If you see a clog, follow the steps below. If not, move on to the next troubleshooting step.
- Unscrew and remove all five screws that secure the tube to the Clean Base.
- Pull the tube out of the Clean Base.
- Remove any debris from the tube and dispose of them.
- Push the tube back in place and replace the screws.
Be sure to completely remove all the debris from the tube to solve the problem. Once you remove the clog, the Roomba should be able to empty its bin.
Reboot Your iRobot
Like many electronics, sometimes it’s necessary to reboot your iRobot to get it working properly again.
You can reboot your iRobot Roomba i7 following the steps below:
- Open the iRobot Home app.
- Tap “Product Settings”
- Select “Reboot Roomba.”
- Select “Reboot Roomba” again.
Press and hold the “Clean” button on the iRobot for about 20 seconds.
You should hear a tune and see a white spinning light while the device restarts. The process is complete when the light turns off.
Make Sure the Lid and Bag Fit Properly
If there’s something wrong with the way your bag and lid are placed on your Roomba bin, the iRobot might not empty its bin. When this happens, a red light will usually illuminate, and you might get “Error 14.”
To ensure the lid on top of the canister is properly closed, firmly press down on it. Then, use the guide rails on the canister to make sure you’re placing the bag inside properly.
Clean the Charging Contacts and Sensors
Cleaning all your iRobot’s charging contacts and sensors regularly is important for keeping your Roomba in good shape.
If your Roomba isn’t automatically emptying its bin, clean the following areas:
- Charging contacts on the iRobot. These are on the bottom of each side of the caster wheel.
- The floor tracking sensor. Located on the bottom of the Roomba, shaped like a circle.
- Four cliff sensors. These are also on the bottom of the iRobot. They’re shaped like small rectangles on the edges of the device.
You can use a clean, wet microfiber cloth to wipe these areas down. Magic Erasers also work well. If they’re especially dirty, you can even use a can of compressed air.
After cleaning the sensors, reboot your iRobot to help it reconnect.
Get Your iRobot Repaired
If your iRobot Roomba will not empty its bin after trying all the troubleshooting tips above, there may be a deeper issue.
All iRobot Roomba vacuum cleaners come with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty. If you’re still within the warranty period and want to replace or repair your Roomba, contact iRobot Customer Care.
Troubleshooting: iRobot Roomba i7 Won’t Empty Bin
Roomba Says Bin is Full When it’s Empty
Some users have an issue with their iRobots saying the bin is full when it’s actually empty. If this happens, you probably need to clean your Roomba’s bin sensors and evacuation ports.
Clean all six bin sensors thoroughly using a microfiber cloth and compressed air. Then, reboot it. If the problem persists, contact iRobot Customer Care with your serial number.
The iRobot Roomba Empty Bin Button is Missing
If the “Empty Bin” button does not appear in the iRobot Home app, you should:
- Reboot your Roomba
- Check the sensors for debris
- Contact iRobot Customer Care
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