iRobot Roomba Keeps Saying “Empty Bin”? Fix This Common Issue with These Easy Solutions


iRobot Roomba Keeps Saying “Empty Bin”? Fix This Common Issue with These Easy Solutions

Roomba is telling you that its bin is full, not empty. This means it needs to be emptied before it can continue cleaning. You can simply open the lid and empty the contents into a trash can, then let Roomba get back to work!


I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen iRobot Roomba owners stumped by that pesky “Empty Bin” error message.

It’s as if their usually reliable robotic companion has suddenly gone rogue, refusing to budge until this seemingly trivial issue is resolved.

As someone who’s spent countless hours wrangling these whirring wonders, I’m here to tell you that it’s not a matter of “oh, just empty the bin and be done with it.” No, no – there’s more to it than that.

In fact, I’ve found that this error message is often a symptom of a larger problem, one that requires some serious troubleshooting detective work.

So, if your Roomba has been stuck in this frustrating loop, fear not!

With the right strategies and techniques, you’ll be back to enjoying your tidy floors and stress-free living in no time.

Understanding the Error Message: “Empty Bin”

I’m guessing you’re not a fan of seeing that dreaded error message on your iRobot Roomba – “Empty Bin”.

Am I right?

It can be frustrating, especially when you’re in the middle of cleaning.

But don’t worry, I’ve got your back!

In this section, we’ll dive into what’s behind this pesky issue and explore some easy solutions to get your Roomba up and running again.

So, why do you see that “Empty Bin” error message in the first place?

It’s quite simple, really.

Your iRobot Roomba is designed to work efficiently with a clean and clear bin.

When the bin gets clogged or dirty, the robot can’t properly collect dirt and debris, which leads to the “Empty Bin” error.

But that’s not all – incorrect placement or misplacement of the bin can also trigger this issue.

Imagine if you will, your Roomba trying to navigate around a cluttered floor while simultaneously dealing with a wonky bin.

It’s like trying to solve a puzzle blindfolded!

And let’s not forget about insufficient clearance around the bin.

If there are obstacles or furniture blocking the way, your Roomba might struggle to access the bin, resulting in that dreaded error message.

Now that we’ve covered the common causes of the “Empty Bin” error, it’s time to tackle some easy solutions.

Here are my top tips to get you back on track:

  • Clean the bin regularly: This one might seem obvious, but trust me, it’s crucial! Take a few minutes each week to empty the bin and wipe it down with a damp cloth. This will prevent dirt and debris from building up and causing issues.
  • Check the bin placement: Make sure the bin is correctly positioned and easily accessible for your Roomba. If you’ve got any furniture or rugs that might be blocking the way, consider rearranging them to give your robot some breathing room.
  • Clear the surrounding area: Take a few minutes to tidy up around the bin. Remove any clutter, toys, or other obstacles that might be getting in the way of your Roomba’s navigation.

By following these simple tips, you’ll be well on your way to avoiding those pesky “Empty Bin” errors and keeping your iRobot Roomba running smoothly.

Happy cleaning!

Troubleshooting Steps: Fixing the “Empty Bin” Issue

Ah, the infamous “Empty Bin” issue with your iRobot Roomba!

Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.

Let’s get to the bottom of this frustrating problem and have your robot friend back to its usual cleaning self in no time.

Before we dive into the troubleshooting process, let me ask: Have you ever felt like you’re stuck in a never-ending loop of “Empty Bin” notifications?

You know, when it seems like your Roomba is more concerned with complaining about the trash can than actually cleaning up the mess?

I get it.

It’s annoying, right?

But fear not, friend!

Today, we’ll tackle this common issue step-by-step, and you’ll be back to enjoying a hassle-free cleaning experience in no time.

Step 1: Check and Clean the Bin Regularly

The first thing I want you to do is take a closer look at your Roomba’s bin.

Yep, it’s that simple!

Make sure it’s not clogged with debris or old dust bunnies.

Give it a good clean with a soft brush or cloth, and voilà!

Your Roomba will thank you for the TLC.

Step 2: Ensure Correct Placement of the Bin During Setup

Next up, double-check that your bin is properly positioned during setup.

If it’s not aligned correctly, your Roomba might get confused and start complaining about an empty bin when there’s actually plenty of room to store dirt and debris.

Easy fix!

Just make sure the bin is centered and securely fastened.

Step 3: Verify Sufficient Clearance Around the Bin for Proper Movement

Now, let’s talk clearance.

Is your Roomba having trouble moving around the bin because it’s too close or too far away?

Make sure there’s enough space (about 1-2 inches) between the bin and any surrounding objects for your robot to freely roam.

Step 4: Restart Roomba and Perform a System Update (If Necessary)

Finally, try restarting your Roomba and performing a system update if necessary.

Sometimes, a simple reboot can resolve the issue, while other times, a firmware update might be in order.

Don’t worry; it’s an easy process that’ll only take a few minutes.

And that’s it!

By following these four easy steps, you should be able to troubleshoot and fix the “Empty Bin” issue with your iRobot Roomba.

Remember, regular maintenance and proper setup can go a long way in keeping your robot running smoothly.

Happy cleaning (and Roomba-free from those pesky “Empty Bin” notifications)!

Advanced Troubleshooting Techniques: If the Issue Persists

So, you’ve tried the easy fixes to get rid of that pesky “Empty Bin” error on your iRobot Roomba, but it still won’t budge.

Don’t worry; we’re not about to leave you high and dry!

In this section, I’ll walk you through some advanced troubleshooting techniques to help you resolve this issue once and for all.

1. Resetting the Roomba to Its Factory Settings

Think of this step as a digital reboot for your Roomba.

Sometimes, a simple reset can work wonders in getting rid of pesky errors like “Empty Bin”.

To do this:

  • Make sure your Roomba is charged or plugged into its charging base
  • Press and hold the “Clean” button until the lights on the top of the device start flashing
  • Release the button when you see the lights flash twice, indicating that the device has been reset to its factory settings

2. Replacing the Filter or Checking for Blockages

A clogged filter or blockage in your Roomba’s path can definitely cause issues like “Empty Bin”.

So, let’s take a closer look at these potential culprits:

  • Check and clean the filter: Depending on how often you use your Roomba, its filter might need to be cleaned or replaced. Simply remove the filter, wash it with soap and water, and allow it to dry before replacing it
  • Inspect the device’s sensors and wheels: Make sure there are no blockages or debris obstructing the sensors’ view or the wheels’ movement. A quick visual inspection should do the trick

3. Performing a Manual Cleaning of the Device’s Sensors and Wheels

In some cases, your Roomba might be experiencing issues due to dirt, dust, or hair accumulation on its sensors and wheels.

A little TLC can go a long way in resolving this problem:

  • Use a soft cloth or brush to gently wipe down the sensors and wheels
  • Make sure to clean all areas thoroughly, paying particular attention to any crevices or small spaces where debris might be hiding

By following these advanced troubleshooting techniques, you should be able to resolve that pesky “Empty Bin” error on your iRobot Roomba.

Remember, it’s always a good idea to keep your device well-maintained and regularly cleaned to prevent errors like this from arising in the first place.

Final Thoughts

As we’ve seen in this post, the “Empty Bin” error is more than just an annoying message on your iRobot Roomba – it can actually prevent your robot from functioning properly.

By understanding the causes of this issue and taking the simple steps outlined above to troubleshoot and fix it, you’ll be back to enjoying a seamless cleaning experience in no time.

In my own experience with my trusty Roomba, I’ve found that neglecting these easy fixes can lead to a buildup of frustration (not to mention a messy floor!).

But by staying on top of maintenance and taking proactive steps when issues arise, you can enjoy the benefits of a reliable and efficient cleaning companion.

So next time your Roomba starts saying “Empty Bin,” don’t let it get under your skin – instead, take control and follow these straightforward solutions.

Your floors (and your sanity) will thank you!

James Lambert

Repairing and upgrading houses is a hobby that James Lambert is very dedicated to. Many of our more complex home improvement guides are written by him. His objective is to do repairs around the house in the most sensible and cheap manner possible.

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