Roomba Error 1: How To Fix The iRobot "Move Roomba to a new location" Issue


Roomba Error 1 is the first and hopefully last error you'll encounter with your robot vacuum cleaner. And if you were wondering what exactly this error is, and how to fix it, you've come to the right place. And soon, your small robot slave will be back doing its job once again. Whether it dreams of a time when it can be free, is anybody's guess.

But rather than ponder the existential question of how your Roomba feels, let's focus on getting it working again. Here's what you need to know.

How To Fix The iRobot "Move Roomba to a new location" Issue

In good news, error 1 does not mean your vacuum is broken, and that you will have to resume the old-fashioned method of doing it yourself. It's also really simple to fix. Here's what you need to do:

Start by moving your Roomba from wherever it is, back to the centre of the room. Once you've done this, restart the clean cycle, and hope it doesn't happen again. You can assist in this by removing any obstacles that might have caused the issue (if applicable).

roomba error 1 how to fix
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Credit: Roomba

If however, the error appears when your robot is on a flat, level surface, then it's more likely to be an issue with the wheels themselves. In this scenario, check the wheels for any debris that may become wedged.

  • Push the wheels up and down several times. This will help loosen anything that has become wedged, You can then shake out any debris.
  • You can also spin the wheels briskly using your hand. Make sure the wheels turn freely. Each wheel should have the same level of resistance. So if one is more resistant than the others, or looser, that may indicate a problem.
  • If you've tried all of the above without success, then a factory reset may be worth considering. This will revert the robot to its original settings, which can help if any software glitches have appeared. To do this, there are two main methods:
    • Use the iRobot Home app. Open the app, go to Settings > Remove/Factory Reset (name of your robot)
    • Alternatively, you can reset on the robot itself. This varies from model to model:
      • For S Series, I series, E series, 900 Series, and wi-fi connected 600 and 800 Series models, press and hold the Home, Spot Clean and Clean buttons. Depending on your model, you'll either see a swirling white light, LEDs illuminating, or your robot may make a sound, at which point you can release the buttons. On the E Series, you'll need to hold the buttons down for 20 seconds.

If you need to get your robot repaired, and you are still under warranty, you can contact the iRobot Customer Care team for additional support. The support team will also be able to advise you on what to do if you are out of warranty.

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What Is Roomba Error 1?

You'll know if your robot vacuum is suffering from this error through one of two possible indicators:

First, you may get a message on your Roomba that says, "Error one (1). Move Roomba to a new location then press CLEAN to restart".

Alternatively, some models will play a two-tone "Uh-oh" sound followed by a single beep.

Whichever notification method you receive, the error is the same. Error 1 means that your robot has encountered an obstacle or an uneven surface which means it has got stuck. And it needs your help.

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Of course, you can be a maverick and choose to leave your poor defenceless vacuum cleaner to fend for itself, in a really dull version of The Hunger Games. But it's probably best to follow the simple steps we outlined above, to get your vacuum working again. After all, you didn't buy it so that you could live in squalor.

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