Roborock not picking up dirt: causes and fixes
A Roborock that is not picking up dirt usually has a full dust bin, a blocked or wet filter, or hair tangled in the main brush. Here are the fixes from Roborock's manuals and support pages, plus when to replace the brush and filter.
Researched by Riley Hart · updated Oct 27, 2026 · How we research
Roborock's manuals list three causes for weak pickup or dust falling out: a full dust bin, a blocked filter and hair tangled in the main brush. Empty the bin, clean the filter and let it dry fully if you washed it, and clear hair from the main brush and its bearings. If the app shows Error 9, 10 or 18, the filter or fan path is the problem. Replace the main brush every 6 to 12 months and the side brush every 3 to 6 months.
| What you see | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Dust falling out, weak suction | Dust bin full | Empty the dust bin |
| Weak suction everywhere | Filter blocked | Clean the filter |
| Filter blocked or wet message | Filter clogged or still damp | Clean the filter, let it dry fully and refit it |
| Hair left on carpet, Error 5 | Main brush tangled or jammed | Remove the main brush and clear hair from it and its bearings |
| Error 6 | Side brush stuck | Remove the side brush and clean it |
| Error 9 | Dust bin or filter missing or not seated | Install the dust bin and filter properly |
| Error 18 | Fan error | Reset the robot |
| Misses spots | Dirty wall, cliff or carpet sensors | Wipe the sensors with a soft, dry cloth |
| Weak on carpet | Owner fix: suction set too low | Owner fix: choose a higher suction mode in the Roborock app, per iFixit owners |
From Roborock's robot vacuum manual on its support site, the Q5 Pro+ and Q Revo manuals and the S8 Pro Ultra manual, checked October 27, 2026. The last row is an owner report from iFixit.
If the same code comes back after the fix, contact Roborock support first, especially under warranty. Out of warranty, compare the repair quote with a new robot's price and 3 year cost.
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Step by step checks, in order
Roborock's common issues table puts weak suction down to the bin, filter and main brush. Check them in this order.
- Empty the dust bin.
- Remove the filter and clean it. If your model has a washable filter, Roborock's S8 Pro Ultra manual says to let it dry for 24 hours before refitting it.
- Refit the bin and filter so they sit firmly. A missing or loose bin or filter triggers Error 9.
- Remove the main brush and clear hair from the brush, its ends and its bearings.
- Remove the side brush and clean it.
- Wipe the wall, cliff and carpet sensors with a soft, dry cloth so the robot covers every area.
- Restart the robot and run a test clean.
What the error messages mean
Error 5 means the main brush is jammed. Error 6 is a stuck side brush. Error 9 means the dust bin or filter is not detected. A filter blocked or wet message means it needs cleaning and drying. Error 18 is a fan error, and Roborock's list says to reset the robot. Our Roborock error codes page lists newer alerts by model.
When to replace a part
Roborock's S8 Pro Ultra manual gives these intervals: clean the main brush every 2 weeks and replace it every 6 to 12 months, clean the side brush monthly and replace it every 3 to 6 months. It says to replace the filter as needed rather than on a fixed date. A filter that stays dirty after tapping and rinsing, or is torn, should be replaced.
Owner fix: iFixit's Roborock Q5 Max Plus wiki says owners also check the bin and filter are seated snugly, since gaps leak air, and replace brushes that are worn or damaged.
When to contact Roborock support or use the warranty
If suction stays weak with a clean bin, a new filter and a clean brush, or if Error 18 keeps coming back after a reset, contact Roborock. In the US, Roborock lists [email protected] and 1 855 960 4321. New robots have one year of US warranty cover. Brushes and filters are consumables and are not covered unless the fault comes from another part.
When a new robot makes more sense
Most pickup problems are fixed with a clean bin, filter and brush. If an older robot needs a fan repair out of warranty, or your home has heavy pet hair and the bin fills every run, a newer model with stronger suction and a self emptying dock may suit you better. See our robot vacuum rankings and pet hair picks.
Questions people ask
Why is my Roborock leaving dirt behind?
Roborock's manuals point to a full dust bin, a blocked filter or a tangled main brush. Empty the bin, clean the filter and clear the brush.
Can I wash my Roborock filter?
Some models have a washable filter. Roborock's S8 Pro Ultra manual says to let it dry for 24 hours before refitting. A wet filter triggers a filter blocked or wet alert.
How often should I replace the Roborock main brush?
Roborock's S8 Pro Ultra manual says every 6 to 12 months, with a clean every 2 weeks.
How often should I replace the Roborock side brush?
Every 3 to 6 months, with a clean every month, per Roborock's S8 Pro Ultra manual.
What does Roborock Error 9 mean?
The dust bin or filter is missing or not detected. Refit both so they sit properly and try again.
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Sources
- Roborock support: robot vacuum user manual (error list and common issues)
- Roborock Q5 Pro+ user manual, common issues (hosted by ManualsLib)
- Roborock Q Revo user manual, common issues (hosted by ManualsLib)
- Roborock support: S8 Pro Ultra user manual, maintenance (German edition)
- iFixit: Roborock Q5 Max Plus suction is weak (owner repair wiki)
- Roborock US: Service and warranty policy