1. Try Different Restart Methods
Error 15 on the iRobot often indicates that a crucial firmware module either didn’t load correctly or is locked in a loop. To resolve this, try various restart methods as detailed below.
Reboot Through the App
Hard Reboot Through the Buttons
Restart and Remove the Robot’s Battery
2. Fully Charge the Robot’s Battery
As Error 15 is a general communication error, insufficient battery power can affect the robot’s ability to communicate. Before indicating a low battery, the robot may instead display Error 15. Fully charging the robot’s battery can resolve this issue.
3. Check for Electromagnetic Interference
Electromagnetic interference near the robot can disrupt its communication with your Wi-Fi network, resulting in the error in question. Eliminating potential sources of interference such as microwaves, cordless phones, large metal objects, and wireless devices like headsets is beneficial.
4. Connect the Robot to the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi Band
If your router supports dual-band connectivity, ensure that the iRobot is connected to the 2.4 GHz band, as it may not support the 5 GHz band, leading to communication failures. Ensuring a connection to the correct frequency band can clear the error.
5. Check the Wi-Fi Signal Around the Robot
A weak Wi-Fi signal in specific areas where the robot operates can cause Error 15. Improving the Wi-Fi signal strength in such spots can resolve the issue.
6. Delete and Relearn the Map on the Robot
Conflicts between the robot’s and the app’s maps can cause errors. Deleting the existing map and guiding the robot to relearn it can correct this mismatch.
7. Thoroughly Clean the iRobot
Dirt accumulation on the robot may cause it to use more power than usual during operations. This, in turn, may affect the current provided to the Wi-Fi antenna and result in Error 15. A thorough cleaning can solve the issue.
8. Reinstall the iRobot App
Damage to the iRobot’s firmware core could cause the app to deliver conflicting commands to the device, consequently leading to Error 15. Reinstalling the iRobot Home app may address the issue. Steps for an Android phone:
9. Reset iRobot to Factory Defaults
If the robot’s firmware is damaged—perhaps due to an improper patch during a recent update—resetting the iRobot to factory defaults can help. Keep in mind, this action will erase all settings and remove the robot from your account if completed through the app.
Through the App
Through the Robot’s Buttons
10. Test the Robot in Diagnostic Mode
If a factory reset fails to resolve the issue, you can use the diagnostic mode to identify the problematic component. To enter the diagnostic mode on the Roomba Discovery model #4100, follow these steps: Should the issue persist, it might be related to hardware, and you should consider having the robot examined for hardware errors. If your robot is still under warranty, contact iRobot Support for further assistance.
