iRobot Says Vacuuming But Not Moving

Your iRobot says “Vacuuming” but just sits there? Frustrating, especially when you’re expecting a clean floor. The quick fix: power cycle the robot and clear any stuck wheels. Hold down the Clean button for 10–20 seconds to reboot, flip the robot over, spin each wheel by hand, and remove hair or debris. For many Roomba, Braava Jet, and other iRobot models, that’s often enough to get it moving again.

In this guide, you’ll learn every proven solution—from simple checks to deeper diagnostics. We’ll cover wheel maintenance, sensor issues, software resets, base station interference, and when to contact iRobot support. By the end, you’ll know exactly why your iRobot says it’s vacuuming but not moving—and how to fix it for good.

Common Causes of iRobot Says Vacuuming But Not Moving

• Wheel obstructions: Hair, threads, or debris wrapped around wheel axles or inside the wheel wells.
• Stuck caster/front wheel: The front pivot wheel seizes, stopping navigation.
• Deteriorated wheel treads: Worn or slick tires cause slippage without movement.
• Cliff or wheel drop sensor errors: Dirty or faulty sensors make the robot “think” it’s on a ledge.
• Motor or gearbox issues: Failed drive motor or stripped gears in one or both wheels.
• Software glitch: Firmware hiccups, paused job states, or mapping conflicts.
• Trapped on a dock or rug edge: Robot thinks it’s working but is physically wedged.
• Battery voltage sag: The robot powers on but lacks torque to start moving.
• Virtual walls/Keep Out Zones: Digital boundaries or base IR signal preventing movement.
• Wrong cleaning mode (mopping carriers): On some models, accessory installed limits movement.

How to Fix iRobot That Says Vacuuming But Won’t Move

Method 1: Quick Reboot and Wheel Check

This solves most “on but not moving” issues.

Diagnosing the Issue

• Robot displays “Vacuuming” or shows cleaning lights but doesn’t move within 5–10 seconds.
• No error tone or voice prompt.

Fix Steps

1. Power cycle
   – Press and hold Clean for 10–20 seconds until the robot restarts (on many Roomba models).
   – For Braava, hold Clean until it beeps and restarts.
2. Flip and inspect
   – Turn the robot over on a towel.
   – Spin both side wheels by hand. They should spring down and spin smoothly with slight resistance.
   – Remove hair, lint, and threads from wheel axles and the wheel wells. Use tweezers or a toothpick.
3. Check front caster
   – Pull the front caster straight up to remove it.
   – Remove the axle pin and wheel, clear hair inside the socket.
   – Reassemble and ensure the caster swivels freely.
4. Test
   – Place the robot on a hard, flat surface with good lighting.
   – Press Clean and observe movement for 60 seconds.

Testing

• If it moves a few inches and stops, proceed to sensor cleaning.
• If one wheel spins and the other stalls, go to Method 3.

Method 2: Clean Cliff and Wheel Sensors

Dirty sensors can falsely detect a drop and stop movement.

Diagnosing the Issue

• Robot stays stationary near dark rugs, transitions, or edges.
• It backs up or refuses to move forward despite clear path.
• You see no error message, just “Vacuuming” status.

Fix Steps

1. Clean cliff sensors
   – Locate the 4–6 cliff sensors along the front underside (small dark windows).
   – Wipe gently with a dry microfiber cloth. If needed, dampen with water or 70% isopropyl alcohol, then dry.
2. Clean wheel drop sensors
   – On many models, these are integrated near wheel wells. Wipe the areas under/around the wheels.
3. Clean bumper and front IR window
   – Press the front bumper repeatedly to ensure free movement.
   – Wipe the front IR window and any dust on the bumper seams.
4. Lighting and floor considerations
   – Test on a light-colored, non-reflective hard floor.
   – Avoid direct sun glare or dark, glossy surfaces that can confuse sensors.

Testing

• Start a Spot Clean or small-area clean. If it moves normally on hard floors but not on dark carpets, your sensors are sensitive—keep carpets clean at transitions or consider “cliff sensor disabled” mode only if your model supports it and the area is single-level. Warning: Disabling cliff sensors is risky near stairs.

Method 3: Wheel and Tire Health (Traction and Motor)

If the robot “tries” but doesn’t move, wheels or motors may be the issue.

Diagnosing the Issue

• One side sags or doesn’t spring down.
• Wheel spins freely without resistance or makes grinding/clicking noises.
• Robot rocks but doesn’t move, or spins in circles.

Fix Steps

1. Tire tread check
   – Inspect rubber treads. If smooth, cracked, or peeling, traction is poor.
   – Clean treads with a damp cloth; remove oily residue. Replace treads if worn.
2. Wheel spring action
   – Press each wheel up and release; it should spring back smoothly.
   – If stuck, compress and release repeatedly to free it; blow out debris.
3. Deep clean wheel wells
   – Use compressed air or a small brush around the axle and springs.
   – Avoid soaking with liquids.
4. Side brush clearance
   – Remove the side brush (single screw) and test movement without it. Over-tightened or bent side brushes can pin the robot.
5. Motor/gearbox assessment
   – If a wheel still won’t drive: power on, lift the robot slightly, and press Clean. Watch if both wheels spin in the air. If one doesn’t, that drive module may be faulty.

Testing

• If after cleaning both wheels spin and the robot moves, you’re done.
• If one wheel fails, consider replacing the wheel