You can replace a Roomba battery yourself in under 15 minutes with no tools
Most Roomba models use a removable lithium-ion battery that clips into the underside of the unit. You do not need a screwdriver, soldering iron, or technical experience — the battery slides out and a new one slides in. The whole job takes longer to order the battery than to install it.
The exact steps depend slightly on your Roomba model, but the principle is identical across the 600, 700, 800, 900, and i-series lines. A replacement battery costs between $50 and $150 depending on the model and where you buy it. OEM (original equipment manufacturer) batteries last longer than third-party alternatives, though third-party options exist and work.
Key Takeaways
- Flip your Roomba upside down, locate the battery compartment on the underside, and press the release tab or button to slide the old battery out.
- Check your model number on the bottom of the unit or in the Roomba app to order the correct replacement battery — using the wrong model can damage the charger.
- Slide the new battery in until it clicks, flip the Roomba right-side up, and place it on the dock to charge for at least two hours before first use.
- OEM batteries from iRobot cost more but hold a charge longer than third-party batteries; check the warranty on any replacement before you buy.
Find your Roomba model number before ordering
Your model number appears on a sticker on the underside of the unit, usually near the battery compartment. It looks like "Roomba 690" or "Roomba i7+" or "Roomba j7+". Write this down or take a photo — you will need it to order the correct battery.
You can also find your model in the iRobot app. Open the app, tap the menu, and look for "About" or "Device Information". The model number will be listed there. Do not guess or order based on a photo of someone else's Roomba — batteries are model-specific, and using the wrong one can prevent the charger from recognizing the unit.
Remove the old battery in three steps
Flip your Roomba upside down and set it on a flat surface so you can see the underside clearly. You will see a rectangular compartment — this is the battery housing. On most models, there is a small tab or button on one side of the compartment. Press or slide this tab, and the battery will pop out slightly or slide toward you.
Grip the battery by its sides (not the terminals) and pull it straight out. Set it aside. Do not throw it in the trash — lithium-ion batteries should be recycled. Many electronics retailers like Best Buy accept old batteries for free recycling, or you can check Earth911.com to find a local drop-off site.
Install the new battery and test it
Before you insert the new battery, look at the terminals — the metal contacts on one end. They should be clean and free of corrosion. If the contacts in the Roomba compartment look dirty or oxidized, wipe them gently with a dry cloth.
Slide the new battery into the compartment with the terminals facing the correct direction — they will only fit one way. Push it in until you hear or feel a click. The battery should sit flush with the compartment and not stick out. Flip the Roomba right-side up and place it on its dock when ready.
Let it charge for at least two hours before you run it. The battery management system needs time to recognize the new battery and calibrate. After two hours, press the CLEAN button and let it run for a few minutes to confirm everything works. If the Roomba does not start or the dock does not recognize it, remove the battery, wait 30 seconds, and reinsert it firmly.
OEM versus third-party batteries: what the difference means
An OEM battery is made by iRobot and carries the iRobot name and warranty. These batteries typically hold a charge for 120 to 150 minutes on a full charge, depending on the model. They cost $80 to $150 and come with a one-year warranty.
Third-party batteries are made by other manufacturers and sold under brand names like Powerex, Tenergy, or generic Amazon listings. They cost $40 to $80 and often claim to match or exceed OEM performance. In practice, third-party batteries usually hold a charge for 90 to 120 minutes and degrade faster after six months of use. They also carry shorter warranties — often 90 days or one year with limited coverage.
If you run your Roomba daily, an OEM battery is worth the extra cost because it will last two to three years. If you run it once or twice a week, a third-party battery may be sufficient. Check the return policy before you buy — some third-party sellers do not accept returns if the battery does not perform as advertised.
What to do if the Roomba does not recognize the new battery
If you install the battery and the dock does not light up or the Roomba will not start, the battery may not be seated correctly. Remove it, wait 30 seconds, and push it back in firmly until you hear a definite click. The terminals must make full contact with the compartment contacts.
If it still does not work, check that you ordered the correct model battery. An incompatible battery will not charge or will cause the dock to display an error light. Look up your model number again and compare it to the battery packaging. If you ordered the wrong model, contact the seller about a return.
If the battery is correct and seated properly but the Roomba still will not start, the issue may be with the dock or the charging contacts inside the Roomba. Try placing the Roomba on the dock for five minutes, then removing it and pressing the CLEAN button. If nothing happens, the dock may need cleaning — wipe the metal contacts on both the dock and the Roomba with a dry cloth and try again.
How long a new battery lasts and when to replace it again
A new OEM battery will run your Roomba for 120 to 150 minutes per charge when it is new. Over time, all lithium-ion batteries lose capacity. After one year of regular use, you can expect about 80 percent of the original runtime. After two years, expect 60 to 70 percent.
You will know it is time to replace the battery again when the Roomba stops before it finishes cleaning your home, or when it returns to the dock after only 30 to 45 minutes of runtime. At that point, the battery has degraded enough that a replacement will restore performance. Most OEM batteries last two to three years with daily use, or three to five years with weekly use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Roomba while the battery is charging?
No. The Roomba must be on the dock to charge, and it cannot run while docked. You can schedule cleaning times in the app, and the Roomba will charge between jobs if needed. If you want continuous cleaning, you will need a second Roomba or a larger battery, which is not available as an aftermarket upgrade.
Do I need to fully drain the battery before replacing it?
No. You can replace the battery at any charge level. Lithium-ion batteries do not have a "memory" like older nickel-cadmium batteries, so draining it first does not extend its life. straightforward remove the old battery and install the new one whenever you are ready.
What happens to the old battery?
Lithium-ion batteries should not go in the trash because they can catch fire in landfills or recycling trucks. Take the old battery to Best Buy, Lowe's, or another electronics retailer that accepts battery recycling. You can also search Earth911.com or Call2Recycle.org to find a drop-off location near you.
Will a third-party battery void my Roomba warranty?
iRobot's warranty covers defects in the Roomba unit itself, not the battery. Using a third-party battery will not void the warranty on the robot. However, if the third-party battery damages the charging dock or the Roomba's battery compartment, iRobot may deny a warranty claim. OEM batteries carry no such risk.
How do I know if my battery is dead or if something else is wrong?
Place the Roomba on the dock and wait five minutes. If the dock light turns on and the Roomba beeps, the battery is charging and the unit is fine. If the dock light does not turn on or stays red, the battery may be dead or the dock may not be receiving power. Check that the dock is plugged in and the outlet works by plugging in another device.