ROBOFAULTS
ROBOROCK·FAULT SYM WARN

Roborock not charging

Severity: Warning — robot keeps working until the battery runs flat S5S6S7S8Q
Last verified: 2026-07-05 Tools: pencil eraser, alcohol wipe Time: ~15 min Difficulty: easy

DIRECT ANSWER

A Roborock that won't charge usually has oxidized charging contacts — rub them with a pencil eraser — or a dock without power. The dock light should be on with the robot away, and off once it docks.
#meaning · #causes · #fix · #parts — link straight to any section

COMMON CAUSES · RANKED

1

Oxidized or dirty contacts MOST COMMON

The metal strips under the robot and the pins on the dock build up an oxide layer that blocks current. Roborock's own fix list starts here.

2

Dock cable loose or outlet dead

The cable head has to click fully into the slot on the bottom of the dock — a half-seated plug is a classic miss.

3

Robot misaligned on the dock

Docked at an angle, the strips never meet the pins. The dock light staying on with the robot parked gives it away.

4

Deep-discharged battery UNCOMMON

After months in storage the battery drops below its wake threshold. It can need hours on the dock before showing any light.

5

Dock board failure RARE

S5-era docks have a documented capacitor failure — there's an iFixit board-level repair guide — but for most owners the answer is a replacement dock.

HOW TO FIX IT

SAFETY · READ THIS FIRST

Unplug the dock before cleaning its contacts, and never bridge the two contact strips with a metal tool.

Read the dock light

With the robot away, the indicator should be solid on. Dark means power — check the outlet and push the cable head firmly into the dock slot.

Erase the oxidation

Dock unplugged, rub each contact strip on the robot and each pin on the dock about ten strokes with a pencil eraser, then finish with an alcohol wipe.

Re-dock straight on

Plug the dock back in and guide the robot on square. The dock light turning off and the robot chiming means charge is flowing.

Power cycle both units

Robot off (hold power 3–5 seconds), dock unplugged for two minutes, then bring both back and dock again.

Give a stored battery time — then replace

Left it in a closet all summer? Leave it docked for several hours before judging. If it still won't take a charge, the battery or the dock is done.

COMPATIBLE PARTS

As an Amazon Associate, RoboFaults earns from qualifying purchases. Prices are shown on the retailer's site.

Lithium-ion battery — S5

S5

Power the robot off and remove the bottom screws to reach the pack; buy from a reputable seller, since no-name cells are a fire risk.

Check price on Amazon ↗

Charging dock — S5 & S6

S5S5 MaxS6S6 MaxV

Check the dock contacts and the regional plug type before ordering a replacement.

Check price on Amazon ↗

Sources

Verification

OFFICIAL SOURCE COMMUNITY-VERIFIED

Last verified: 2026-07-05 · How we verify a fault code

Corrections

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