Replace the battery by removing the old one from the underside of the robot, then sliding in a new one until it clicks

Most Roomba models use a removable lithium-ion battery that sits underneath the unit. You do not need tools or technical knowledge—the whole job takes about two minutes. The battery slides out from a slot on the bottom, and a new one slides back in the same way. Once it clicks into place, your Roomba is ready to charge and use again.

The exact steps vary slightly between older and newer models, but the principle is the same across all removable-battery Roombas. If your model has a non-removable battery (some newer models do), you will need to contact iRobot support or a repair service instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn off your Roomba and flip it upside down to access the battery compartment on the underside.
  • Press the release tab or button on the battery slot, then slide the old battery straight out toward you.
  • Slide the new battery in the same direction until you hear or feel a click, which means it is fully seated.
  • Flip the Roomba right-side up and place it on the dock to charge the new battery for at least two hours before first use.
  • Dispose of the old battery at an electronics recycling center or through a retailer battery take-back program, not in the trash.

What you need before you start

You will need a replacement battery made for your specific Roomba model. Roomba batteries are not universal—a battery for a Roomba 600 series will not work in a Roomba 900 series. Check your model number (usually printed on the underside or in the app) and order the correct battery from iRobot, Amazon, or an authorized retailer.

You do not need a screwdriver, wrench, or any other tool. The battery compartment opens by hand. Have a flat surface ready to work on—a table or countertop works well. You may also want a small container nearby to hold the old battery while you work, so you do not lose track of it.

Step-by-step battery replacement

Step 1: Power off the Roomba and flip it over. Press the power button on top of the unit until it shuts down completely. Wait a few seconds to make sure it is not in sleep mode. Then flip the Roomba upside down on a clean, flat surface so you can see the underside. The battery compartment is always on the bottom.

Step 2: Locate and open the battery compartment. Look for a rectangular slot or door on the underside, usually near the center or toward the back. On most models, you will see a small tab or button next to the slot. Press or pull this tab to unlock the compartment. Some models have a straightforward sliding door with no button—just slide it to the side to open it.

Step 3: Remove the old battery. Once the compartment is open, you will see the battery sitting in a horizontal slot. Grip the battery by its sides (not the terminals) and slide it straight toward you. It should come out smoothly without resistance. If it feels stuck, make sure the release tab is fully pressed or the door is fully open, then try again.

Step 4: Insert the new battery. Take the new battery and align it with the empty slot. The battery has a specific orientation—the connector end goes in first, toward the back of the robot. Slide it in slowly until you feel resistance, then push firmly until you hear a click or feel it snap into place. The click means the battery is fully seated and making contact with the connectors.

Step 5: Close the compartment and flip the Roomba over. Slide the compartment door closed or let the tab snap back into place. Flip the Roomba right-side up and place it on its dock to charge. Let the new battery charge for at least two hours before you run the Roomba for the first time. Most models show a charging light on top—wait until it turns solid or changes color to indicate a full charge.

Common mistakes to avoid

Do not force the battery in or out. If you feel strong resistance, stop and check that the release tab is fully engaged or the door is fully open. Forcing it can damage the connectors or the slot itself. The battery should slide smoothly with gentle, steady pressure.

Do not touch the metal connector terminals on the battery or inside the slot. Oils from your skin can interfere with the electrical connection and cause charging problems. Hold the battery by its plastic sides only.

Do not run the Roomba on a partially charged new battery. Lithium-ion batteries perform better and last longer if you charge them fully before first use. Plug it in and wait for the full charge cycle to complete.

Do not throw the old battery in the trash. Lithium-ion batteries are a fire hazard in landfills and contain materials that can harm the environment. Take it to an electronics recycling center, a Best Buy, or another retailer that accepts battery take-back. Many accept them for free.

How long a new Roomba battery lasts

A new Roomba battery typically holds a full charge for 60 to 120 minutes of runtime, depending on the model and floor type. Carpeted areas use more battery power than hard floors, so you may get less runtime on a heavily carpeted home. Over time, the battery will hold less charge—after two to three years of regular use, you may notice the Roomba runs for 30 to 50 minutes before returning to the dock.

When the battery no longer holds enough charge to complete a full cleaning cycle, it is time to replace it again. You will know it is failing when the Roomba returns to the dock much sooner than it used to, even on the same floor type and cleaning mode.

Charging and caring for your new battery

Place the Roomba on its dock after every cleaning session, even if the battery is not fully drained. The dock will top it up automatically. Leaving the Roomba on the dock between uses actually extends battery life because the charger maintains the battery at an optimal level.

Do not leave the Roomba sitting unused for more than a few weeks without charging. If you are storing it for the winter or a long trip, charge the battery fully before you put it away, then charge it again every month or two while it sits. A battery that sits completely drained for months may lose the ability to hold a charge.

Keep the battery and dock contacts clean. If you notice the Roomba is not charging, flip it over and wipe the metal connectors on the battery and the underside of the robot with a dry cloth. Dust or debris can block the connection.

When to replace the battery versus repair the Roomba

A battery replacement is the right choice if your Roomba is otherwise working well—it picks up dirt, the brushes spin, it navigates your home, and it returns to the dock. The only problem is that it does not run as long as it used to. In that case, a new battery will restore it to full performance.

If the Roomba has other problems—it does not turn on at all, it does not move, the brushes do not spin, or it does not recognize the dock—a new battery will not fix those issues. Contact iRobot support or a repair service for those problems. A battery replacement costs between $50 and $150 depending on the model, while a full repair or replacement unit may cost more, so it is worth diagnosing the real problem first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a third-party battery instead of an official Roomba battery?

Third-party batteries are cheaper and often work, but they may not last as long or charge as reliably as official Roomba batteries. They also may not fit as snugly in the slot. If you choose a third-party option, buy from a seller with good reviews and make sure it is made for your exact model number. Official batteries come with a warranty, while third-party ones usually do not.

How do I know which battery model I need?

Check the underside of your Roomba for a model number printed on a sticker—it usually looks like "Roomba 690" or "Roomba j7+". You can also open the iRobot app and look in the settings or device information section. Once you have the model number, search for the battery on iRobot's website or Amazon and confirm it matches before you order.

What if the new battery does not click into place?

Make sure the battery is oriented correctly—the connector end should go in first, toward the back of the robot. Check that the release tab or door is fully open. If the battery still will not slide in smoothly, inspect the slot for debris or damage. A small amount of dust can block it; use a flashlight and a dry cloth to clean inside the slot, then try again.

Can I charge the new battery outside the Roomba?

No. Roomba batteries charge only when they are installed in the robot and the robot is on the dock. You cannot charge the battery separately with an external charger. Install the new battery, place the Roomba on the dock, and let it charge there for at least two hours before first use.

Is it normal for the new battery to feel warm while charging?

Yes, a slight warmth is normal during charging. If the battery or robot becomes too hot to touch, unplug the dock when ready and contact iRobot support. Excessive heat can indicate a problem with the battery or charger.