How to reset your iRobot Roomba

While it’s unlikely with any robot vacuum, even iRobot’s well-known Roomba models might sometimes need a reset if they’re running into glitches or you’re giving them away. Here’s how to perform software and hardware resets of some popular Roomba lines.

How to do a software reset of your iRobot Roomba

A software reset is the easiest method, and offers the option of saving any Smart Maps you’ve created so a robot doesn’t have to re-learn your home. Just follow these steps:

• Launch the iRobot Home app.
• Tap Settings (the gear icon), then Remove/Factory Reset [robot name].
• Flip on the Save maps during factory reset toggle if you want to restore Smart Maps later.
• Tap Factory Reset [robot name].

How to do a hardware reset of your iRobot Roomba

If a software reset is impossible, a hardware reset is an option, but instructions will vary based on your vacuum.

s- and i-Series

• Press and hold the Clean, Home, and Spot Clean buttons simultaneously.
• When a white ring stars swirling around the Clean button, let go.

j-Series

• Remove the dust bin.
• Press and hold the Clean button for 7 seconds, then let go.
• When the Roomba emits a tone, tap the Clean button again.

e-Series

• Press and hold the Clean, Home, and Spot Clean buttons simultaneously for 20 seconds, then let go.

900-Series

• Press and hold the Clean, Dock, and Spot Clean buttons simultaneously.
• When all LEDs are lit, let go.

600- and 800-Series

• Press and hold the Clean, Dock, and Spot Clean buttons.
• When you hear a beep, let go.

Combo

• Open the lid, and find the Reset button to the left of the on/off switch.
• Press and hold Reset for 10 seconds.

What happens when you factory reset a Roomba

As the term suggests, a reset wipes out local data and settings for your Roomba, which means you’ll need to set it up again. If you perform a hardware reset, you’ll still need to do a software reset too if you want to scrub associated app and cloud data. You should always perform a software reset if you’re giving a Roomba away.

Read more: The best smart home devices