Fully charged? Check. Plugged Home Base? Check. Set a cleaning schedule? Check.
Your Roomba is ready to go out into the world.
Until… “Uh-oh.” *beep*
Your Roomba’s display shows “Error 14.”
Don’t panic.
Instead…
Read on to find out:
- Why your Roomba displays “Error 14”.
- 5 easy steps to solve “Error 14” in seconds.
- How often you should clean each part of your Roomba.
- Why you should check the condition of your Roomba’s dustbin.
- And much, much more…
What does it mean when Roomba displays error 14?
When your Roomba displays “Error 14”, it means it’s not detecting an installed bin. This is due to the sensors, bin, and filters getting too dirty to work. Also, your Roomba’s software may be corrupted. Your dustbin isn’t firmly placed and has damages. Or the battery is low.
Roomba error 14: 5 causes & ways to fix it
#1: The sensors, filters, and bin are dirty
Don’t neglect your Roomba. After all, it does all the dirty work for you. Getting on the ground. Getting rid of all that dust, dirt, and grime.
It dives into the hard-to-reach areas of your home. As a result, it gets filthy.
The Roomba is made up of sensitive parts. It has sensors, filters, and a bin.
Your Roomba has 3 types of sensors, which are:
- Cliff sensors.
- Full bin sensors.
- Floor tracking sensors.
Cliff sensors detect changes in the floor’s level. Like staircases, steps, or ledges. It helps the Roomba swerve or stop.
Full bin sensors alert you when the bin needs cleaning. And floor tracking sensors get the room’s data. Like the location of walls and furniture.
For Error 14, the full bin sensors are significant. These can sense an installed bin. Once these get dirty, they don’t function well. And so the Roomba can’t detect the bin.
Another part to check is the filter. The filter sifts the dust into smaller particles. Which then goes into the bin.
Some dust, wool, or bigger objects may accumulate there. Then, they end up on other parts of the device.
The bin catches everything passing through the filter. This may be the dirtiest part of your Roomba.
“So, how often should I clean the sensors, filters, and bin?”
For the floor tracking sensors and cliff sensors, once a month. The full bin sensors need it every 2 weeks.
Have the Roomba running daily? Clean the filter once a week. If you have hairy pets, twice a week. Also, replace the filter every 2 months.
Empty the bin after cleaning. It wouldn’t hurt to wipe it too.
“What’s the safest way to clean these parts?”
Before starting, you can see what the sensors look like:
Step 1: Have a microfiber cloth in hand. Make sure it’s clean.
Step 2: Flip over the Roomba. Locate the sensors. Each model may differ. Some sensors are found under the device. You may check your Roomba’s manual.
Step 3: Gently wipe the sensors with the cloth.
Step 4: Now, you have to disassemble the bin unit. So that you can reach the filter and the bin. Before that, clean the fan too. Use a Q-tip for this. This is to reach the smaller corners. Expect this part to be covered in dust too.
Step 5: To clean its filter, look for the release button. It’s on top of your Roomba. Slide the bin out. Then, empty the bin. Press the yellow lever to open it.
Step 6: The filter is usually colored blue. Push the tabs on each side. Then, pull the filter out.
Step 7: Tap the filter inside your garbage can. Repeat until all the dust is gone. Once done, slide it back.
You can also scrape the dust off using a paper towel. Or use a hand vacuum. Never clean your filter with water. Once done, slide it back.
You can clean the bin with water. Rinse it with only warm water. Make sure no debris gets stuck on the sides.
Once everything is put back, check if error 14 persists.
Learn more: How often do you need to empty your Roomba?
#2: The firmware is corrupted
Software bugs are a device’s biggest enemy.
Your Roomba operates on software too. The latter can malfunction sometimes. Especially when you’ve used it for so long. But not necessarily.
Most likely, it may need a break. Or a deload. And start all over again with a clean slate.
If the software is laggy, the other parts won’t do their jobs. Then, the error appears.
To resolve this, there are 3 ways:
- Resetting the device.
- Restarting the device.
- Reinstalling the battery.
“How do I restart my Roomba?”
This depends on which model you own.
For the I Series and S Series Roomba, press the Clean button. Hold it for 20 seconds. You’ll see the white light around the button spin clockwise. When this happens, release the button. Wait for the Roomba’s white light to turn off. This only takes a few minutes.
For the 700, 800, and 900 Series Roomba, press the Clean button. Hold it for 10 seconds. Release when it beeps. Then, your Roomba will reboot.
Still didn’t work? Move to the next step.
“How do I reset my Roomba?”
A factory reset may help. Like how you study for weeks. And finally, finish taking the big exam. You’d want to clear your mind ASAP.
That’s how your Roomba feels.
A reset deletes all custom settings, maps, and schedules. Make sure to note all your data before doing this. Also, check that your Roomba is connected to the iRobot Home app.
To reset, open the iRobot Home app. Go to Settings. Choose Factory Reset. Confirm the prompt that will appear. Wait for it to finish resettings.
If this fails, open the app again. Disable the Edge Clean Mode. This mode tells your Roomba to focus on the outer edges of a room. You can find this in Cleaning Preferences.
“How do I reinstall the battery?”
No improvements? Let’s do something with the battery.
To reinstall the battery:
- Completely turn off the Roomba.
- Turn the Roomba over on its back. Get a screwdriver. Loosen the screws. Don’t forget the one at the spinning brush.
- Remove the bottom cover. Lift the two tabs of the battery. Then, remove it.
- Wait for at least 15 seconds. Insert the battery.
- Close the cover, and put back the screws.
- Turn the device back on. This should resolve the error.
#3: The dustbin isn’t placed firmly
The sensors are cleaned. And the software got a refresh. But Error 14 continues to flash. Mocking you in a way.
Get it together! There’s still another solution.
Your Roomba may not detect the bin. All because it isn’t secured firmly. It should be installed correctly. So that the sensors can pick it up.
“What’s the right way to install the bin?
To install the bin:
- Press the release button.
- Take the dustbin out.
- Put the dustbin back. Make sure it closes properly.
- Press down on the bin’s sides. Do this after removing the handle.
Another tip is to rub the sides of the bin with sandpaper. This ensures proper placement.
There shouldn’t be anything sticking out. Use aluminum if there are loose corners.
Once reinstalled, press the Clean button. See if it cleared the error.
#4: The dustbin is damaged
What if the problem lies within the dustbin itself?
Now that you’ve been navigating through every part of your Roomba…
You may have noticed. Cracks, scratches, dents – all over your dustbin.
A busted dustbin disrupts your Roomba’s processes. The sensors may not detect due to being deformed.
“How often should I change my Roomba’s dustbin?”
There isn’t any specific lifespan for its bin.
But if there are any significant defects. Like the changes in its shape. Or even broken pieces. Then, you should probably get a new one.
Follow the steps in removing the dustbin. Buy a dustbin from a trusted store.
You can get a replacement bin. This is explicitly sold under the Roomba brand.
Note: Minor damages like surface-level scratches don’t affect your Roomba’s performance.
#5: The battery is dying
Admit it. Skipping your morning coffee makes life a gazillion times more difficult.
You lose your focus. You feel like falling asleep. And you get grouchy – really grouchy. Over the tiniest things.
Like how caffeine turns into your energy source. Your Roomba relies on its battery to function.
A weak battery may cause some processes to crash.
“How do I know that I need to charge my Roomba?”
See a flashing red light on your Roomba? That means its battery is running out.
A solid red light stands for a completely drained battery.
Note: Your Roomba’s Home Base should always be plugged in. That way, it is always ready for charging.
Two ways to charge your Roomba are:
- Using the Home Base.
- Using only a power supply.
After cleaning, your Roomba returns to the Home Base. It also goes there when its battery is low.
You can also charge your Roomba by plugging it into a wall socket.
Warning: Don’t wait for days before charging your Roomba. This can damage the battery.
An amber red pulse light means it’s charging. A solid green light means it’s full.
There’s also a 16-hour refresh charge. This is when the Roomba has been away from the Home Base for a long time.
The Roomba starts this by itself. It refreshes the battery. And also extends the battery life.
The battery can work for up to two hours.
“Can I change my Roomba’s battery?”
A Roomba’s battery can be replaced. It doesn’t take much technical know-how to take it out.
Remember: A Roomba’s lifespan is 2 to 6 years. But a battery’s life depends on how much TLC it gets.
You should consider getting a new battery if yours:
- Doesn’t charge.
- Quickly drains in less than two hours.
- Is almost at the device’s maximum age of 6 years.
Buy it from a trusted manufacturer. Be sure it’s the same battery you had previously.
Reading tip: Roomba Not Charging: 9 Ways To Fix It In 30 Seconds
Bonus: More tips!
Whether you’re a Roomba newbie. Or a seasoned user. It wouldn’t hurt to know these. So you can make the most out of your Roomba!
“Should I charge my Roomba after every cleaning?”
It may take an hour or less for your Roomba to clean.
Once the flashing red light appears, charge it. Don’t wait for the battery to drain. This can damage it.
“Is my Roomba waterproof? Can it clean spills?”
Your Roomba shouldn’t get wet. It can only pick up dust and dirt. And other solid materials.
The same goes for the Roomba brushes. They can only be a little damp when cleaned using alcohol wipes.
Your Roomba should only clean on dry floors and surfaces.
One more thing: Never let your Roomba clean dog poop. Or any waste, for that matter. It can only clean pet hair.
“Can I still use my Roomba without Wi-Fi?”
Without Wi-Fi, you have to press the Clean button. Every time you want it to clean.
You need Wi-Fi to make use of scheduled cleaning times.
“Does my Roomba have a warranty?”
Your Roomba has a one-year warranty. You can file a warranty claim here. Especially if you experience issues within a year.
Once they receive your claim, they check the issue, making sure it’s covered by the warranty.
If approved, they’ll either:
- Fix the Roomba.
- Give you a new product of the same model.
- Give you a new product with an upgraded function.
They will decide which option to do for you.
The repaired Roomba is under a 90-day warranty. The new products are covered by the same warranty you had. For the remaining period.
They won’t accept the claim if the Roomba:
- Has broken seals.
- Has changed or replaced parts.
- Has a short-circuited or tampered battery.
- Is damaged due to power or Wi-Fi issues.
- Is broken due to mishandling, accidents, or improper packaging.
Never use any cleaning solutions. And never change your Roomba’s parts. Unless these parts are from the official store.
You might also want to check out: 6 Steps To Fix “Roomba Error 2” In Seconds (How-To)