On the covered iRobot Roomba i Series, j Series and s Series, error 22 or error 24 means both point to the robot's environment. For error 22 the spoken message is "Move to a new area, then press Clean." For error 24 it is "Place on a flat surface, then press Clean." First, move the robot to a new area (error 22) or place it on a flat surface (error 24) and press CLEAN.
Differential
Likely causes of “iRobot Roomba i Series, j Series and s Series error 22 or error 24”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The robot is in a spot it cannot read
What separates it Error 22 says to move to a new area
How to confirm Move it to another area and press Clean
- 2
The robot is not on a flat surface
What separates it Error 24 says to place it on a flat surface
How to confirm Put it on level floor
- 3
Dirty or covered sensors
What separates it The robot misjudges the floor
How to confirm Wipe the sensors with a dry cloth
- 4
Reflective or dark flooring
What separates it Dark rugs read as drops
How to confirm Use a keep-out zone
- 5
A wheel problem
What separates it Error 24 points to the wheels
How to confirm Check the wheels for hair
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Whether the error is 22 or 24
- Where the robot was
- Whether the floor is dark or reflective
- Whether the wheels are clean
Try in this order
0 of 8 completedWhat to do first
ReversibleMove the robot to a new area (error 22) or place it on a flat surface (error 24) and press CLEAN.
Correct only the documented fault domain
ReversibleiRobot's chart lists the robot's surroundings (22) and the wheels (24) as what to check and has no separate article for these on this page.
Read the spoken message
Reversible22 or 24.
Move the robot to a new area
ReversibleFor error 22.
Place it on a flat surface
ReversibleFor error 24.
Wipe the sensors
ReversibleWith a dry cloth.
Check the wheels
ReversibleFor hair and debris.
Press Clean
ReversibleTo restart.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Two codes, one theme
- iRobot's chart lists the robot's surroundings for error 22 and the wheels for error 24. The robot is telling you it cannot navigate where it was left, either because the spot confuses its sensors or because the wheels cannot get a grip.
- Where it goes wrong
- Thresholds, thick rugs, black carpet and glossy floors are the usual culprits. A robot left on a rug edge, or half on a stair, will report one of these.
- A simple routine
- Move the robot to an open, flat part of the room, press Clean and watch the first minute. If it behaves, the earlier spot was the issue, and a keep-out zone in the app can avoid it.
- Using the app to prevent it
- The iRobot Home app lets you draw keep-out zones around rugs, thresholds and stair edges, and to schedule cleans when the floor is clear. Once the robot has learned the map, repeated environment errors in the same spot are a good sign that a keep-out zone is needed there.
- Cleaning sensors
- The cliff sensors on the underside look at the floor to detect drops. Dust and pet hair on them make the robot think it is at an edge. Wipe them with a dry microfibre cloth weekly.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If the error repeats on a flat, clean floor, contact iRobot
- !Check the wheels and sensors
- !Keep the robot software updated
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions
What does error 22 or error 24 mean on a iRobot Roomba i Series, j Series and s Series?+
Both point to the robot's environment. For error 22 the spoken message is "Move to a new area, then press Clean." For error 24 it is "Place on a flat surface, then press Clean."
What do Roomba errors 22 and 24 mean?+
Both point to the robot's environment.
What does it say for 22?+
Move to a new area, then press Clean.
What does it say for 24?+
Place on a flat surface, then press Clean.