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My friend bought a Roomba on my recommendation because he didn’t find enough time on his busy schedule to clean his house.
He thought the robot was convenient as he could set a schedule and watch as the Roomba went around cleaning his home.
I told him that if he ever ran into issues with his Roomba, he could call me for help because I have a lot of experience working with Roombas.
He took the advice to heart because he called me up a few months after he got his Roomba and told me it was acting strange, and he needed me to check on it.
So I immediately went over and saw that the Roomba had indeed stopped working properly and was showing an Error 14.
To find out more about what happened to his Roomba, what exactly Error 14 was and how to get it fixed, I went to iRobot’s support pages and poured through pages and pages of manuals.
With the help of iRobot’s extensive documentation and a few people over at Roomba user forums, I solved the issue for my friend.
The guide that you will be reading shortly was made with the help of that research and a bit of trial and error from my side so that you can take a shot at fixing Error 14 yourself.
Error 14 on your Roomba means that the dust collector bin needs to be reinstalled. If the bin was installed correctly, clean the Roomba of dust and grime, or try restarting or resetting the robot.
I’ve also gone into great detail on how you can reset and restart your Roomba, as well as how you can reset the battery on the Roomba and recover lost charge cycles.
What does Error 14 mean on my Roomba?
Error 14 on a Roomba generally means that there was an issue with the Roomba being unable to detect if a bin had been installed.
The Roomba either has failed to detect a properly installed Roomba, or you may not have installed the bin correctly.
This error code can show up as Error 1-4 in some Roomba models as well.
Why am I getting Error 14 on my Roomba?
Error 14 shows up when the Roomba fails to detect a properly installed dust bin, which can happen due to various reasons.
The error can show up you had installed the dust collector bin on the Roomba incorrectly.
It can also happen if the Roomba doesn’t correctly detect the bin, even if you installed it correctly.
The error can appear if you haven’t cleaned out the Roomba in a long while since dust and grime from the floor can accumulate on the Roomba and stop the Roomba from sensing if the bin was correctly installed.
Reinstall the Bin
The most straightforward troubleshooting step would be to do what iRobot usually recommends for this error.
They suggest you remove and reinstall the dust collector bin, this time making sure it is correctly installed.
Press the bin release button and take the bin out.
This is also what you do when you face the Roomba Bin Error.
Carefully place it back in and make sure it fits properly.
Check if the bin has damage, and replace the bin with a new authentic part, which you can get from store.irobot.com.
After installing the bin, press the Clean button on the Roomba and see if Error 14 comes back.
Clean the Roomba
Cleaning the Roomba can help with detection issues and can solve Error 14.
To clean the Roomba:
- Turn the Roomba off and flip it over.
- Unscrew the bottom of the Roomba near the bin unit and take off the plastic panel.
- Clean the internals of the Roomba with a can of compressed air. You can also use Q-tips to get to difficult-to-reach areas.
- Reassemble the panel and screw everything back in.
Make the Roomba run its scheduled routine and see if Error 14 persists.
Reinstall the Battery
Reinstalling the battery of your Roomba kind of acts like a soft reset and can help fix temporary issues with your Roomba.
It’s pretty easy to do and won’t take you more than five minutes.
To reinstall your battery:
- Flip the Roomba onto its back.
- Loosen all screws, including the one at the spinning brush.
- Remove the bottom cover.
- Lift the two tabs on the battery to remove it.
- Wait for at least 10-15 seconds and put the battery back in.
- Reassemble everything back by retracing your steps.
After you close everything up, flip the Roomba over to its correct side and let it run through its cleaning routine.
Check if it runs into Error 14 again.
Reset the Battery
Roombas have a neat battery reset function that not only can fix temporary issues with your Roomba but can recover some of the battery’s lost charge cycles.
To reset the battery on your 500 or 600 series Roombas:
- Press the Clean button.
- Press and hold the Spot and Dock buttons for at least 15 seconds and release them when it beeps.
- Leave your Roomba on the charging dock for about 10 hours or until the Clean button turns green.
To do this with a 700 series Roomba:
- Connect the Roomba to the charging dock or the charging cable.
- Press and hold the Clean button for at least 10 seconds and release them when the display says “r5t” to hear a beep.
- Leave the Roomba to charge for about 15 hours.
Let the Roomba run through its schedule and see if Error 14 comes back.
Restart the Roomba
Rebooting can also help with Error 14 if it was a temporary bug in the software.
Different models of Roomba have different ways to go about restarting, so make sure you are following the steps for your model.
To restart an s Series Roomba:
- Press and hold the Clean button for at least 20 seconds and release it when the white LED ring around the bin’s lid starts spinning clockwise.
- Wait for a few minutes for the Roomba to turn back on.
- When the white light turns off, the restart has been completed.
To restart an i Series Roomba
- Press and hold the Clean button for at least 20 seconds and release it when the white light around the button starts spinning clockwise.
- Wait for a few minutes for the Roomba to turn back on.
- When the white light turns off, the restart has been completed.
To restart a 700, 800, or 900 Series Roomba:
- Press and hold the Clean button for about 10 seconds and release it when you hear a beep.
- The Roomba will then reboot.
After your Roomba reboots, let it run through its schedule and see if the error comes back.
Reset the Roomba
If cleaning or restarting your Roomba didn’t work, try performing a factory reset on the Roomba.
First, make sure that you have connected the Roomba with the iRobot Home app on your phone.
To hard reset your Roomba:
- Go to the Settings > Factory Reset in the iRobot Home app.
- Confirm the prompt.
- The Roomba will start its factory reset procedure after you accept the prompt, so let it finish the reset.
When the reset completes, and the Roomba can start working again, try running a cleaning cycle and see if Error 14 persists.
Contact Support
If you are still having trouble with Error 14 and none of these troubleshooting steps have worked for you, feel free to contact iRobot support.
They can give you more troubleshooting tips that are more personalized for your Roomba.
They can also make a more informed call on whether you need to turn the robot in for service.
Final Thoughts
After disassembling the robot and reinstalling the bin, make sure it still can charge.
People online reported running into the creatively titled Charging error 1 on their Roomba after changing or reinstalling a battery.
If you ever run into this issue, make sure the battery has been reinstalled correctly.
For other charging issues that your Roomba can run into, try cleaning the battery charging contacts with rubbing alcohol to remove dust and grime that might have accumulated there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Roomba going backward?
The reason why your Roomba goes backward can sometimes be attributed to a blocked or jammed front wheel.
When the wheel is jammed in the forward direction, the Roomba thinks it cannot go forward because of some obstacle and will try to move backwards to clear that obstacle.
What does it mean when Roomba flashes clean?
When the Clean button on your Roomba flashes when it is on its home base, it means that it is updating its software.
How long should I let my Roomba run?
iRobot recommends you run the Roomba for its entire cleaning cycle according to the schedule you’ve set, and this can take upwards of 20-40 minutes because it depends on the size of your home.
Does Roomba memorize your house?
Roombas use their advanced sensors on the front of the robot to learn the layout of your home and makes a map of it.
The Roomba then uses this map to clean your home according to a schedule that you set.
Roomba прост в использовании, но он также подвержен ошибкам. Робот предназначен для работы только в оптимальных условиях, и если что-то выходит из строя, он выдает сообщение об ошибке. Ошибка 14 или 1-4 на Roomba, в частности, является распространенной, когда корзина устройства не закрывается должным образом.
Бункер может не закрываться из-за аппаратных дефектов, связанных с контактами бункера. Когда это происходит, появляется ошибка 14 или 1-4, что означает, что Roomba не обнаруживает установленную корзину. Без обнаружения корзины Roomba не начнет процесс очистки. Поэтому в этой статье мы рассмотрим все возможные решения этой проблемы. Итак, без лишних слов, давайте перейдем к делу.
Как исправить ошибку 14 или 1-4 на Roomba?
Вы сможете исправить эту ошибку, просто полностью очистив робота. Поскольку эта ошибка связана с мусорным баком устройства, вы должны убедиться, что он правильно подключен к вашему устройству.
Очистите робот-пылесос Roomba:
- Переверните пылесборник.
- Открутите винты, которые находятся внизу бункера. Обычно это от 4 до 6 винтов.
- Полностью разберите бункер и начните процесс очистки. Для начала, вы можете использовать фен с очень высокой скоростью, чтобы обеспечить сильный поток воздуха. Это удалит пыль и мусор, прилипшие к вентилятору.
- Используйте ватную палочку, чтобы тщательно прочистить вентилятор на конце.
- Кроме того, прочистите вентиляционное отверстие в задней части бункера и вакуумное отверстие.
После того, как вся эта очистка будет завершена, переместите вентилятор в мусорное ведро, используя любые необходимые средства, прежде чем все собирать. Если вентилятор двигается или вращается свободно без каких-либо проблем, все в порядке. Снова соберите устройство и попробуйте снова его включить.
Если ошибка 14 по-прежнему возникает, попробуйте следующее решение.
Читайте также
Исправлено: код ошибки Roomba 17 (Roomba не может завершить уборку)
Другие обходные пути:
Во-первых, попробуйте вынуть, а затем снова вставить аккумулятор робота Roomba. Это удалит все сохраненные изменения в роботе. Если какой-либо дефект программного обеспечения вызывает проблему, это должно устранить это.
Во-вторых, убедитесь, что пылесборник правильно и плотно закрыт и ничего нигде не торчит. При необходимости вы можете использовать такой материал, как алюминий, чтобы все поставить на место.
Итак, это все решения, которые вы можете попробовать исправить ошибку 14 или 1-4 на Roomba. яЕсли у вас есть какие-либо вопросы или вопросы по этой статье, оставьте комментарий ниже, и мы свяжемся с вами. Также не забудьте ознакомиться с другими нашими статьями на Советы и хитрости iPhone,Советы и хитрости для Android, Советы и хитрости для ПКи многое другое для получения дополнительной полезной информации.
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.
#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)
Have you opted for a Roomba vacuum model 600, 700 or 800 because of its automated features, and now it’s giving you the error 14 code?
An error code on your Roomba is a sure sign that your vacuum is experiencing some type of issue, but what does the Roomba error 14 mean, and are you able to fix it? With the Roomba vacuum manufactured to work at an optimum level, if anything is not working at its best degree, an error code will appear.
The Roomba error 14 is connected to the functioning of the bin section of the vacuum. We have created this easy-to-follow guide for you, so you know exactly what to do to amend the bin area of your Roomba and anything else that may be aiding in this error code, so it can get back to excelling in cleaning your floors.
Why does my Roomba keep saying error 14
Photo by Pawel Czerwinski on Unsplash
If you have a Roomba model 600, 700, or 800, you may be witnessing an Error 14 or Error 1-4 on your hoover.
This error code relates to the bin part of your Roomba vacuum.
An error code could be coming up on your Roomba for the bin because it has not been closed securely, or parts of the bin are faulty, causing the bin to be seen as not installed properly.
This then means the Roomba will not begin the cleaning process because it is seen as there is no bin for the contents to go into.
Another reason why your Roomba may be experiencing this issue is if you perhaps haven’t cleaned out the bin area for quite some time, causing it to become too full.
How do I fix Error 14 on Roomba
How do I fix my Roomba error
If you are asking yourself, ‘How do I fix my Roomba error’, this can be done in a few simple steps.
Fix 1. Clean your Roomba
Error 14 on your Roomba is transpired because your bin is seen as not installed. So the first thing to do is to ensure you have completely cleaned its contents and that there is no more trace of built-up dust and dirt in the bin as well as on its connectors.
Step 1. Turn your Roomba over so its bottom is facing upwards
Step 2. The screws on the bottom of the Roomba can be unscrewed
Step 3. Once the bin has been unscrewed, disassemble the parts so you can get inside.
It is advised to use a hairdryer to blow out all the dust that is surrounding the fan in the Roomba. A brush is also a good tool for cleaning the contents in the center of the vacuum.
Step 4. Clean out every other part of the vacuum, eg; the vent
Step 5. Move the fan in the vacuum to make sure it is moving smoothly and without getting stuck
Step 6. Put the Roomba back together again, screwing it closed.
Your Roomba should now detect an installed bin.
Fix 2. Reinsert the bin
Your Roomba may not be recognising that the bin has been installed because you did not insert it back in properly.
Removing the bin and reinserting it, making sure you have done so correctly may just do the trick and install the bin securely without any errors.
Fix 3. Reboot the battery
Removing the battery from your Roomba will reset any changes you have made, and remove any bugs or faulty software that may be causing the Roomba to inadvertently suspect that no bin has been installed.
Remove the battery and wait a couple of minutes before placing it back in.
Fix 4. Reset your Roomba
Resetting your Roomba is similar to rebooting the battery, and can help reset the Roomba’s software.
Step 1. Press down on the ‘Clean’ button for 20 seconds
Step 2. Repeat Step 1 another two times
Step 3. After the third time, your Roomba will turn back on. Wait a minute or two before attempting to switch on the cleaning mode.
Your vacuum should now recognize that a bin is installed.
Fix 5. Check the Roomba is securely closed
Your Roomba may not detect an installed bin because the bin has not been properly closed in or some of the connections are too loose where your bin gets assembled.
Check to see that everything is connected securely as a tight fit will ensure the bin gets recognized.
Related Post:
- iRobot App Not Working – Fix In These Quick Simple Steps
Fix 6. Replace the bin
Replacing the bin would be the last resort if you are still experiencing the error 14 code.
If your bin happened to be faulty, a new one would eradicate any issues with not being able to pick up the bin being installed.
A bin replacement can be found on the iRobot website, or even on Amazon or Ebay.
How do I know when Roomba bin is full
With the Roomba vacuum being run by technology, it has an iRobot app that you can use to tell your Roomba what to do and even schedule it to turn on and complete a clean.
You will be able to see if your Roomba bin is full by using the iRobot app on your mobile device, otherwise, there will be a dustbin light that will flash red on the top of your Roomba, confirming that it is full and needs to be emptied.
It is recommended, however, to empty out your bin after every use as this will prolong the longevity of your device and avoid any issues, like error 14 that may come with a bin that is too full.
Conclusion
With the Roomba vacuum series being the next best thing when it comes to having a cleaning device, we understand that if you are experiencing an error on your hoover, you would want to sort the issue out as quickly as possible.
We hope this guide has provided you with all the necessary information you needed to be able to fix the error 14 from appearing on your Roomba, and that we have supplied you with enough knowledge to be able to look after your Roomba vacuum so it can last longer than the estimated maximum of 5 years.
If you have any other queries or concerns regarding your Roomba, you can make use of their iRobot support page.
Plugged the home base in? Check. Completely charged? Check. Set a cleaning schedule? Check. Your Roomba vacuum cleaner is ready to go out in the world.
Until… *beep* — Error 14 is displayed on your Roomba. But no need to panic; we have written this guide to assist you with handling Error 14 on Roomba.
Read on to find the cause of this error, the best troubleshooting steps to resolve it, and more. By the end of the guide, you will be able to use your Roomba like before!
Roomba Error 14 Meaning
Error 14 on Roomba occurs due to many reasons. But usually, it means that the Roomba is not detecting an installed bin. To resolve this error, clean the dust bin and filter. Error 14 can also happen due to software bugs. It’s important to look after your Roomba vacuum cleaner and schedule cleaning sessions.
What Does Error 14 on Roomba Mean?
Error 14 usually refers to a problem with the robot vacuum being incapable of detecting whether a bin is installed. Either the owner has not installed the bin correctly, or the device has failed to seat the bin properly. The same error shows up as 1-4 in some models.
Also, Error 14 displays when the vacuum can’t detect an accurately installed dust bin. This can happen due to different reasons. If the user has installed the bin incorrectly, the same error will be shown.
Moreover, the inability to detect the bin can be due to accumulated dust and grime in the sensors if you haven’t cleaned your Roomba in a long time.
Check the filters, bin, and sensors of the device regularly to determine if it’s clean. Other causes can be a low battery or corrupted software.
How to Fix Roomba Error 14
If you have invested in a Roomba vacuum cleaner — say the 600, 700, or 800 series, after being impressed by the automated features, but now it’s showing you Error 14, don’t worry.
While we know that the error is linked to the functioning of the bin, this section will talk about something else — practical troubleshooting methods to resolve this issue.
Let’s get into it.
Clean it
Don’t ignore your Roomba. After all, it does all the dirty work for you. The vacuum robot is made of three types of sensors, as mentioned below:
- Full bin sensors
- Floor tracking sensors
- Cliff sensors
Cliff sensors recognize changes in the floor level, such as steps, stairs, and ledges. It makes the device stop or swerve.
Full bin sensors notify you when the dust bin requires cleaning. Lastly, floor tracking sensors acquire the room’s data, such as the furniture and walls.
When we discuss Error 14 on a Roomba, the full bin sensors are important. They can detect an installed dust bin too. After it gets dirty, it won’t function properly. This makes your Roomba incapable of sensing the dust bin.
As we’ve stated above, the accumulation of dust is a major culprit for Error 14 on your Roomba. But by cleaning your vacuum, the detection issue will be fixed. To clean it:
- Flip over the dustbin of the device and unscrew the screws present on the bottom of the bin. These vary from 4 to 6 screws. The dust bin is located where the fan is.
- Disassemble the dust bin section. Clean the debris and dust from the fan. You can either shake the component or use a can of compressed air. However, don’t use anything sticky or pointy. If needed, you can use a Q-tip to clean the dust. Plus, don’t forget to clean the compartment above the fan.
- Now, ensure you clean the vent at the back of the dust bin. Also, remember to clean the vacuum hole.
- Run the fan to see if it is stuck or can rotate freely.
- Finally, organize the unit back again.
Check whether the Error 14 message is now gone. If not, you should clean the contacts of the bin and the motor. You can employ a pencil eraser to clean the contacts.
Another component to observe is the filter. The filter sifts the dust into little particles, after which they enter the dust bin. Some wool, dust, or big objects might accumulate here. From there, they end up in other parts of the vacuum cleaner.
The dust bin captures everything passing through the filter. This is the dirtiest part of your Roomba. Many users are unsure how often they should clean these components.
For the cliff sensors and floor tracking sensors, schedule a monthly cleaning routine. And for the full bin sensors, once every two weeks is fine. If you run your Roomba daily, clean the filter each week.
If hairy pets roam around your house, do it two times a week. Plus, make a habit of replacing the filter every two months.
After each cleaning session, empty the dust bin.
You may wipe it as well. To improve your cleaning, wash the bin with warm water, especially on the sides where the dirt gets stuck.
Reinstall the bin
iRobot usually recommends this as it’s the most straightforward troubleshooting step. Simply remove and reinstall the dust bin and guarantee that it’s installed accurately.
To take out the bin, press the release button. Place it back inside carefully and confirm that it fits properly. Also, observe the bin to see if it’s damaged. If it is, replace it. You can get a new bin from the iRobot store.
After reinstalling the bin, press the Clean button to see if the error persists.
Reinstall the battery
Software bugs are the biggest enemies of your Roomba. The robot vacuum cleaner runs on software. And software can malfunction sometimes, especially if you have been using it for a few years. But not necessarily.
It probably needs a break or a reload. And start all over again with a clean slate. If the software is not working optimally, the other components won’t be able to do their job. This is why Error 14 appears on your device.
To resolve any software bugs, three methods exist:
- Reinstall the battery
- Restart the device
- Reset the device
We will start with the first one and explain the rest in the following sections.
Similar to the bin reinstall, it’s a great idea to reinstall batteries too. This troubleshooting step serves as a soft reset and can eliminate temporary issues. Reinstalling the battery won’t take longer than 5 minutes. To do it:
- Remove the battery of your Roomba vacuum cleaner.
- Ensure that the contacts are not sticking out of the device. If yes, it’s a good idea to slip a piece of tin foil/metal strip over the broken piece to allow contact between the unit and the dust bin.
- The dust bin should be firmly and properly closed. You should press the sides of the dust bin after removing the handle. Another way is to rub both sides of the dust bin with sandpaper, so it fits properly.
Now, flip the vacuum over to the accurate side and watch it work for the cleaning routine. If Error 14 on the Roomba persists, try to replace the malfunctioning components or the entire dust bin to erase the complication.
Reset the batteries
Roomba models boast a neat battery reset function that can recover the battery’s lost charge cycles and resolve temporary complications.
500 and 600 series
To reset the battery in 500 or 600 series:
- Press the Clean button.
- Now, press and hold down the Dock and Spot buttons for 15 seconds.
- Let the buttons go after it beeps.
- Leave the device on the charging dock until the Clean button goes green (approximately takes 10 hours).
That’s it!
700 series
The instructions for the 700 series are:
- Connect the device to the charging cable or charging dock.
- Press the Clean button for ten seconds.
- Let go of the button when a beep is heard.
- Let the Roomba charge for 15 hours.
Again, make the device run the scheduled cleaning to see if the error is resolved.
Restart it
A reboot is a terrific way to fix Error 14 on Roomba, especially if the culprit is a temporary bug in the software. And, of course, the instructions vary depending on the model. We’ve mentioned different guidelines below.
S-series
If you own the S-series, restart it by:
- First, hold down the Clean button for 20 seconds.
- Let it go once the white LED ring around the bin’s lid is spinning clockwise.
- Wait until the Roomba turns back on.
- After the white light turns off, it means the restart was successful.
This is how you can restart an S-series Roomba.
I-series
For the I-series, do the following:
- Again, hold down the Clean button for 20 seconds.
- Let it go once the white light surrounding the buttons is spinning clockwise.
- Wait for the device to turn on.
- After the white light is gone, it means that the restart was successful.
This is how you can restart an I-series Roomba.
700, 800, and 900 series
To restart the 700, 800, and 900 series:
- Hold down the Clean button for ten seconds.
- Let it go once a beep is heard.
- The device will reboot automatically.
After it reboots, check if it still shows the error.
Factory reset
If restarting or cleaning did not work in your case, consider doing a factory reset on the vacuum robot. To do this, ensure that the device is connected to the iRobot Home app on your mobile.
Remember that doing a factory reset will erase all stored and customized information, like your house map and password. You will need to save this information again as the default settings will be brought back.
The instructions for a hard or factory reset are as follows:
- On the iRobot Home app, navigate to the Settings menu.
- Click on Factory Reset.
- Now, confirm the prompt.
- After accepting the prompt, the robot vacuum will initiate its factory reset process. Allow it to complete the reset.
After the factory reset is successfully done and the device starts functioning again, try running a cleaning cycle to see if the error is gone.
To better understand a hard reset, watch the following YouTube tutorial below.
Customer support
If you have tried all the above-mentioned troubleshooting methods and Error 14 on your Roomba is still present, don’t hesitate to contact iRobot customer service. Their staff will offer advanced troubleshooting fixes according to your particular scenario, personalized for your Roomba.
But that’s not all; they can make a better-informed decision on whether you should schedule a visit to their center with your robot.
Related Read: The Best and Funniest Roomba Names
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have more questions buzzing in your mind? That’s perfectly normal because it can be challenging to understand and work your way around Error 14.
Keeping this in mind, we have answered a few commonly asked questions below.
Why does my Roomba keep saying charging error?
Charging error results due to counterfeit batteries. Ensure that the original battery is installed correctly. Remove the battery and check for any obstruction on the battery contacts, like the yellow battery pull tab.
How do I know if my Roomba battery is bad?
Different lights depict the states of the battery. For example, if the power light doesn’t shine, it could mean that the battery has gone bad. Similarly, the solid green indicates a full charge, and a solid red color depicts an empty battery.
How do I fix a charging error?
There are various troubleshooting steps to fix charging errors. Roomba has indicators for up to 8 different types of charging errors, so it’s best to visit iRobot’s website to find appropriate troubleshooting steps for your Roomba model.
Conclusion
Our helpful guide to understanding and resolving Error 14 on your Roomba ends here. We hope your Roomba vacuum cleaner is back on track, getting rid of all the dirt, dust, and grime and diving into the faraway corners of your home again.
Which one of these methods came to your rescue? Tell us in the comments below!