Roomba Error 15 typically means an Internal Communication Error or a Navigation Failure. It basically means the robot’s “brain” (motherboard) has lost contact with its navigation sensors or the map file is corrupted.
Here is the step-by-step fix, ordered from the easiest solution to the most effective.
1. The “Ignore It” Fix (One-Time Glitch)
If you just replaced the battery or the robot died completely and you just put it back on the base, Error 15 is normal behavior.
Action: Simply press the CLEAN button once. The error should clear, and it will start the job.
2. The Hard Reboot (Soft Reset)
If the error persists, you need to force the software to reload without deleting your maps.
For s9 and i7 Series: Hold the CLEAN button down for 20 seconds. The light ring will swirl white. Release and wait for it to turn on (can take up to 2 minutes).
For j7 / j9 Series: Hold the button for about 10 seconds until all LEDs flash.
Test: Once it reboots, try a “Clean Everywhere” run (not a specific room yet).
3. The “Smart Map” Fix (Most Likely Solution)
If you have a mapping robot (i7, s9, j7, j9), Error 15 is notoriously caused by a corrupted map file. The robot tries to load the map, fails, and crashes with Error 15.
Open the iRobot Home App.
Go to History.
Find a “Clean Map” from a previous successful run (before the errors started).
Tap the three dots in the top right corner.
Select “Update Smart Map”.
Why this works: It forces the robot to overwrite the currently corrupted map with an older, working version.
Also read : Outlast Trials Failed to Join a Lobby
4. Delete the Map (If Step 3 Fails)
If reverting doesn’t work, you must delete the map entirely.
Go to Maps in the app.
Select your map and choose Delete Map.
Start a new “Mapping Run.”
Note: This is annoying because you lose your room names, but it has a very high success rate for fixing Error 15 permanently.
5. Factory Reset (Last Resort)
If none of the above work, the firmware itself might be glitched.
Open the App > Product Settings.
Select Factory Reset (Remove/Unbind Robot).
This deletes everything (Wi-Fi, Maps, Schedules). You will set it up as a new robot.
Is your model an s9 or s9+?
Warning for s9 Owners: On the s9 specifically, Error 15 can sometimes indicate a hardware failure in the Wheel Motors or the LIDAR window.
Check the clear window on the front bumper. If it is scratched or dirty, wipe it with a microfiber cloth.
Spin the wheels by hand. If one feels “gritty” or stuck compared to the other, the motor module may be dead (requiring a part replacement).
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