- Robot vacuums
- Robot vacuum
Error 1010
iRobot Error 1010 on Roomba: no path back to the dock
Risk level
Low
Usually safe to check without specialist tools.
Urgency
Low
Quick answer
Roomba shows Error 1010: it was heading back to the dock or its starting point and can no longer cross the space it crossed before. Open doors and clear obstacles from the route, and keep the dock plugged in where it was with its IR window in view.
Safety first
Stop and check this first
- When checking the dock, do not open it or tamper with its power supply: it is plugged into the mains. Only confirm it is connected and uncovered.
Safe checks you can perform
- Clear the route back
- Check the dock and its surroundings
- Review or revert the Smart Map
Leave these tasks to a qualified professional
- Do not attempt this professional task: Docking route review by Customer Care
- Do not attempt this professional task: Warranty if it will not return to a clear dock
What a technician must be able to justify
Technician visit
These are the steps they must carry out and show you. Tick them as they work: if steps are skipped, do not accept a part swap.
These are not instructions for opening or handling the equipment yourself. They are the checks that should support a technical conclusion.
Docking route review by Customer Care
What they doiRobot Customer Care reviews the case when navigation does not improve with a clear route, a visible dock and a reviewed map.
They must show youwhere the robot loses its route to the dock according to its data.
In writingthe diagnosis and whether the robot or dock goes to service.
Warranty if it will not return to a clear dock
What they doIf support decides the robot or dock needs service, iRobot handles the warranty with the serial number and proof of purchase.
They must show youwhy a route or lighting problem has been ruled out.
In writingwhat is repaired or replaced, robot or dock, and the case reference.
Before accepting a part or repair
Nothing has been shown yet. Do not accept a part swap based on the code alone.
Follow these steps
Note: Follow the documented order. An error code identifies the affected system, but it does not prove by itself which part has failed.
Clear the route back
- Who:
- you.
- How:
- remove all obstacles and open all doors on the robot's route to the dock, as iRobot advises.
- Result that matters:
- whether the robot docks on the next job.
- If it docks:
- a door or new obstacle was the cause.
- If it does not with a clear route:
- check the dock.
- Evidence to keep:
- a note of which door or object blocked the way.
Evidence: Roomba® and Braava® Series: Error 1010
Check the dock and its surroundings
- Who:
- you.
- How:
- confirm the dock is still in place, plugged in and uncovered, that the robot can see its Visual Docking Target or IR window, and that the light is good without strong reflections nearby.
- Result that matters:
- whether the dock is visible and powered where the robot expects it.
- If it was moved, covered or unpowered:
- that was the cause.
- If all is fine:
- check the Smart Map.
- Evidence to keep:
- a photo of the dock and its surroundings.
Evidence: Roomba® and Braava® Series: Error 1010
Review or revert the Smart Map
- Who:
- you, in the app.
- How:
- confirm there were no changes or edits to the Smart Map; if the issue persists, revert to a previous map version, as iRobot links.
- Result that matters:
- whether the robot finds the dock with the reviewed map.
- If it does:
- the map was the cause.
- If navigation does not improve:
- contact Customer Care.
- Evidence to keep:
- screenshots of the map before and after.
Evidence: Roomba® and Braava® Series: Error 1010
Still not solved
If the error persists, stop here. See what the technician must do and show you.
Where this code applies
A code is meaningful only inside the right product and version context.
Primary scope
- System
- Robot vacuums
- Brand
- iRobot
- Product type
- Robot vacuum
Known code variants
- Braava Error 1010
- iRobot Error 1010
- Robot is not able to make a path back to the dock
- Roomba Error 1010
What it means
According to iRobot, Error 1010 occurs when the robot is returning to the dock during or after a job and can no longer move across the space it previously crossed. A new obstacle, a closed door, moving, unplugging or covering the dock, or strong reflections and conflicting light that interfere with the docking sensors can cause it. iRobot notes it does not happen because a room is too dark. The code does not prove a sensor fault.
Warnings and stop conditions
- Loweditorial warning
When checking the dock, do not open it or tamper with its power supply: it is plugged into the mains. Only confirm it is connected and uncovered.
Evidence: Roomba® and Braava® Series: Error 1010
Symptoms and causes
Probable causes · in order
- Closed door or new obstacleCommon
A door was closed or an object appeared on the way back during the job, and once it is opened or removed the robot docks again.
Evidence: Roomba® and Braava® Series: Error 1010
- Dock moved, unplugged or coveredPossible
The dock changed place, lost power or something covers it, so the robot reaches where it expects the dock but cannot find it.
Evidence: Roomba® and Braava® Series: Error 1010
- Confusing reflections or lightPossible
Strong reflections or conflicting light near the dock stop the robot identifying the Visual Docking Target or IR window.
Evidence: Roomba® and Braava® Series: Error 1010
Virtual technician
Does Error 1010 still appear after these checks?
Answer a few questions to narrow down the likely cause and the safest next action. Guidance only - it never replaces a professional.
Sources and technical references
- 1
The Roomba i Series Error Messages Chart
iRobot · 2026 · official_doc
- 2
Roomba® and Braava® Series: Error 1010
iRobot · 2026 · official_doc
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