Robot Vacuum Not Charging? Match the Error to Your Model

This guide compares charging codes, dock indicators and troubleshooting instructions from five brands, with links to the manufacturer sources. The table identifies the robot families and stations discussed in each entry. As a precaution, use the instructions that match your robot, station and reported symptom.

As a precaution, stop charging if you see a damaged cord, liquid inside the dock, unusual heat or a swollen battery, follow the manufacturer’s safety guidance, keep the battery casing closed, and use only a manufacturer-approved power supply for your model.

Model and dock identification

As a precaution, record the complete message and code, whether the robot reaches the base, and the robot and station model numbers. The Q5+ manual identifies robot Q340RR, docking station SPCDZ01RR and Auto-Empty Dock models AED03LRR and AED04LRR; its electrode-brush illustration belongs to the Auto-Empty Dock. The S7 and S5 Max manuals identify charging dock models CDZ11RR and CDZ12RR.

Related guides cover return-to-dock failures, robots that will not power on and other robot vacuum error codes.

What changes by model

Each row names the model its source names, and links to that source.

iRobot Roomba

The chart covers Roomba and Braava and lists the 500-900, e, i, j, s, 100/1000, 200/2000, Plus 400, Plus 500, Max 700 and m families. As a precaution, match the reported code to its entry and your model documentation. Codes 4 and 5 call for cleaning the charging contacts because a low current fault was detected with the dock or the robot. Code 21 means the robot docked but could not charge, and the chart’s fix is also to clean the contacts. Codes 104 and 105 point to the same contact cleaning.

Codes 1 and 101 mean Roomba cannot detect its battery, and the fix is to remove and reinstall it. Code 8 means Roomba cannot communicate with its battery; the chart asks you to confirm the battery is iRobot Authentic, then remove and reinstall it. Code 19 means charging timed out, and the chart asks you to reinstall the battery and clean the contacts. Code 20 means a battery fault or a battery not ready to charge; the chart asks for a 15-minute removal and reinstallation, and says the battery may need replacing if the error persists. The chart also warns that aftermarket batteries may cause charging errors and says they void the warranty.

Roborock

The three manuals cover the Q5+, the S7 and the S5 Max. The Q5+ manual says: “Use a soft dry cloth to wipe the charging contacts on the robot.” It also says to clean the dock location beacon, charging contacts and electrode brushes on the dock. Its safety text adds: “Do not use wet cloth or liquids for cleaning the charging contacts.”

The S7 manual says: “The Charging Dock indicator is on when the Charging Dock is electrified, and off when the robot is charging.” It also says: “Keep the Charging Dock on a level surface, flat against a wall.” Its maintenance table lists the robot’s charging contacts for monthly cleaning, with “Wipe clean with a soft dry cloth.” The S5 Max manual uses the same indicator wording, and its troubleshooting index pairs the charging dock with a main unit that will not charge.

eufy Omni E25 and E28

The eufy article covers the E25 and E28 robot and its base station. The article uses the indicator on the base station’s clean water tank to check base power. If the base is unpowered, it recommends other outlets, a firmly connected cable and turning on the base’s power switch. If the base is powered, it advises gently pushing the robot fully into the base station and checking whether it powers on. The article then describes a factory reset: hold the robot’s Reset button for three seconds with a pin, then hold the Power button for three seconds.

As a precaution, consult eufy support about unresolved battery questions; the battery replacement guide provides related reading.

ECOVACS

ECOVACS FAQ 479 describes a DEEBOT and a station with a cleaning sink. Once docked, the robot’s AUTO button flashes white, and the page says to try the robot again after four to five hours. Its steps are to check the power cord at the outlet and the station, to set the power switch under the top cover to on, and to hold AUTO for three seconds once the robot powers on in front of the station. The page also says to check that genuine mopping pads are in use, and to clean the cleaning sink and charging electrodes if they are dirty.

Samsung Jet Bot

Samsung’s page covers the Jet Bot, the Bespoke Jet Bot Combo and the docking station it calls the Clean Station. For a Jet Bot that repeatedly goes on and off the dock, the page points to the dock’s level and the charging pins. Its steps are to turn off the power switch on the bottom of the vacuum, unplug the dock, and clean the charging pins on both the dock and the robot with a dry cloth. Then plug the dock into a working outlet, place it on a flat, level surface, and dock the robot again. If the robot still will not charge, contact the Samsung Support Center.

iRobot actions by charging code

The iRobot chart assigns different actions to its charging codes. Codes 4, 5, 21, 104 and 105 call for contact cleaning. Codes 1 and 101 call for reinstalling the battery, and code 20 calls for a timed removal. As a precaution, record the message after the documented step and consult the matching entry if another code appears.

As a precaution, check the iRobot entry before you buy a battery. Code 20’s entry says the battery may need replacing if the error persists after the timed removal. The battery replacement guide covers what to check before you order a part.

Support after model-specific checks

As a precaution, stop repeating unsuccessful checks after completing the documented steps for your exact model and contact its manufacturer with the model, message or light pattern, tested outlet and steps already tried. Samsung directs owners to its Support Center.

Frequently asked questions

Which iRobot code should I look up? As a precaution, match the full code reported by your robot or app to its iRobot chart entry, preserving all digits; codes 1 and 101 have separate entries.

What does the Q5+ manual say about wet cleaning? The Q5+ manual says: “Do not use wet cloth or liquids for cleaning the charging contacts.”