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ROOMBA·FAULT SYM WARN

Roomba not auto-emptying into the Clean Base

Severity: Warning — the robot still cleans; the bin just fills up between runs ijs
Last verified: 2026-07-05 Tools: none (Phillips screwdriver for deep clogs) Time: ~15 min Difficulty: easy

DIRECT ANSWER

When the Clean Base stops emptying the bin, check the bag first, then the airway. A full or mis-seated bag, a clogged evacuation port, or a blocked bin flap causes almost every failure.
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COMMON CAUSES · RANKED

1

Bag full or badly seated MOST COMMON

A full AllergenLock bag leaves the base no suction. A bag whose card isn't fully slotted breaks the seal the same way.

2

Clogged evacuation port or tube

Clumps of pet hair jam the port on the bottom of the base. A blinking red light on the Clean Base is its clog signal.

3

Bin flap or bin port blocked

Debris wedges the flap on the robot's bin shut, so nothing leaves the bin no matter how hard the base pulls.

4

Robot not sealing against the base UNCOMMON

Misdocked, or debris on the base platform — the airway leaks and suction never reaches the bin.

5

Base vacuum motor failure RARE

No evacuation roar at all after a dock, with a fresh bag and clear ports. Warranty or replacement territory.

HOW TO FIX IT

No battery or electrical work involved in this fix.

Check and reseat the bag

Open the lid, slide the bag's card fully into its rails — or fit a new one — and press the canister lid firmly closed.

Clear the evacuation port

Unplug the base, tip it over, and pull any debris out of the port on the underside.

Open the bin flap

Take the bin off the robot, flip it, and clear the flap and the evacuation opening so the flap swings freely.

Test with a manual empty

Re-dock the robot and trigger Empty Bin from the app. You should hear the base's motor spool up hard for several seconds.

Deep clog? Open the tube

With the base unplugged and on its side, remove the five screws holding the evacuation tubing cover on the bottom and clear it out.

COMPATIBLE PARTS

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

Clean Base dirt disposal bags, 3-pack

i1+i3+i4+i6+i7+i8+j7+j9+s9+Combo j7+Combo j9+

iRobot rates a three-pack at roughly six months of typical use; the bag seals itself when you pull it out.

Check price on Amazon ↗

Replacement dust bin — i series

i1i3i4i6i7i7+i8

Rinse the bin with water only after removing the filter; a cracked latch is the usual reason to replace it.

Check price on Amazon ↗

Clean Base automatic dirt disposal dock — i series

i1+i3+i4+i6+i7+i8+

Blocked evacuation ports cause most Clean Base faults; check the bag port before replacing the dock.

Check price on Amazon ↗

Sources

Verification

OFFICIAL SOURCE

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

Corrections

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