ROBOFAULTS
Search a code or symptom…
EN ES
ROOMBA·FAULT ERR 18 WARN

Roomba Error 18 — Docking problem

Severity: Warning — robot finished or gave up away from the dock and will run flat if ignored 600eijs
Last verified: 2026-07-05 Tools: melamine foam for the contacts Time: ~10 min Difficulty: easy

DIRECT ANSWER

Error 18 means the robot couldn't get back onto its charging dock. The dock moved or lost power, its contacts are dirty, or clutter blocks the approach. Fix the dock placement and wipe both sets of contacts.
#meaning · #causes · #fix · #parts — link straight to any section

COMMON CAUSES · RANKED

1

Dock moved or unplugged mid-job MOST COMMON

If the dock shifts even slightly during cleaning, the robot returns to a spot that no longer works.

2

Dirty charging contacts

The robot reaches the dock but never registers a charge, so it reports a docking failure.

3

Blocked approach

Shoes, cables or furniture within the dock's clear zone force the robot to abort its approach.

4

Infrared interference near the dock UNCOMMON

A Virtual Wall or second dock within 2.5 m can scramble the docking beam.

HOW TO FIX IT

No battery or electrical work involved in this fix.

Reposition the dock properly

Hard level floor, back against a wall, roughly a meter clear on each side and no stairs within 1.2 m.

Wipe the charging contacts

Clean the metal strips on both the dock and the robot's underside with lightly dampened melamine foam. Dry before use.

Clear the runway

Remove clutter in front of and around the dock, and move any Virtual Wall at least 2.5 m away.

Test a short-range dock

Place the robot about 1.5 m in front of the dock and send it home from the app. Watch where the approach fails.

COMPATIBLE PARTS

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

Home Base charging dock

614675690694890891960980e5e6i3i7i8

Clean the metal charging contacts with a dry cloth before assuming the dock itself has failed.

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

Spotted an error? Report a correction — fixes ship within 48h and are logged on this page.