The iRobot brand is popular for its vacuum cleaners. However, there is nothing more annoying to see your Roomba keep on stopping for no reason. So why does your iRobot Roomba keep stopping? 

A iRobot Roomba will keep stopping because of one of two things: the iRobot Roomba is stuck and cannot move, or something is stuck inside the main brush roller. Once you clean the cylinder brush thoroughly, an iRobot Roomba should work normally.

With that said, there are several simple things you can do to troubleshoot the issue and prevent it from happening again in the future. In this post, we answer the question: why does my iRobot Roomba keep stopping? By the end of this post, your beloved iRobot Roomba should be up and running properly.

Why Does My iRobot Roomba Keep Stopping?

Think of it this way: whenever a iRobot Roomba keeps stopping, it is clearly sending you a signal that it needs your attention. A well-functioning Roomba will not keep on stopping repeatedly if something needs fixing. We have found that a iRobot Roomba stops repeatedly for two reasons:

1. The iRobot Roomba is Stuck

Usually, a iRobot Roomba stops repeatedly because it is stuck and cannot move. In other words, something is blocking the path of the Roomba. Your first order of business is to check for any obstructions in the iRobot Roomba’s path. Alternatively, an uneven floor may cause it to stop moving.

Make sure that your iRobot Roomba is able to move freely by moving it to a new location on a level surface. Additionally, make sure that the front bumper is not stuck.

Now, let us move on to the next step.

2. The Main Brush is Clogged

The most common cause, however, is a clogged brush roller. We have a number of iRobot Roomba owners who tell us that this is the reason. When the brush roller is clogged, the iRobot Roomba will stop, giving an error message (Error 2). This means you need to open Roomba’s brush cage and clean brushes.

How to Fix a iRobot Roomba That Keeps Stopping

Now that you know the two main reasons why a iRobot Roomba may keep stopping, it is time to address the issue. Fortunately, fixing the problem is easier than you think. All it takes is the right understanding of the machine and some cleaning. Here is how to fix an iRobot Roomba that keeps stopping:

1. Check for Obstructions

The first thing you need to do is to check for obstructions. Sometimes, household items may block the path of an iRobot Roomba, causing it to stop. Furniture or children's toys can sometimes obstruct the destination of an iRobot Roomba. Additionally, it may also have difficulty navigating dark floors.

2. Clean the Brush Roller

Once you have cleared the area from every possible obstruction, you need to thoroughly clean the brush roller. If you have pets, you may notice some fur wrapped around one of the gears. Truth be told, this is possibly the reason why your iRobot Roomba keeps stopping in the first place.

Start by opening your iRobot Roomba and take out both the brush motor and gear. The yellow square tip is actually removable and is tightly pushed onto the motor gear. Pet hair and fur can get stuck under the yellow square that physically spins the main brush roller. Remove any hair you can find.

3. Apply Lubrication

You can finish off the process by giving your Roomba enough lubrication once you have cleaned the brush roller from any pet hair and fur. Spray WD-40 (link to Amazon) into the side of the brush roll that spins (with the metal tip). Make sure it spins freely. Put the brush roller and gears back in place, you are done!

WD-40 Multi-Use Product, Industrial...

• MULTI-USE AEROSOL SPRAY: With a traditional spray nozzle, this unique lubricant comes in an industrial 16 oz. size. Offering easy to use application, this...
• ONE FORMULA. FIVE FUNCTIONS: WD-40 Multi-Use Product offers one formula with five functions. It lubricates, penetrates, protects, removes, and displaces...
• THOUSANDS OF WAYS TO LUBRICATE: This lubricating spray can be used on alloy wheels, engines, hedge trimmers, hinges, bikes, and all the nuts and bolts you...

Check Today's Price Features and benefits as advertised by the seller

The Last Resort

If all else fails, you can try resetting your iRobot Roomba to its factory settings. Like any other digital devices, an iRobot Roomba cleaner may deal with excessive data in its memory. One way to fix this issue is to reboot it. Once you determine your Roomba model, you can reset it the right way with our simple guide.

Bottom Line

And there you go, the simple, yet complete answer to the question: why does my iRobot Roomba keep stopping? As with every other cleaning appliance, your iRobot Roomba will need your care and attention every once in a while. By keeping the main brush roller clean, it should run properly.

You may also be interested in:

• Best robot vacuums for dark floors
• Why is my Roomba not charging