---
title: "Roomba® Essentials: Error 18, Docking Error"
description: Error eighteen (18) means your Roomba® cannot return to the Home Base™ or starting position.
---

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# Roomba® Essentials: Error 18, Docking Error

## Error eighteen (18) means your Roomba® cannot return to the Home Base™ or starting position.

### **Please check the Home Base™ and charging contacts:**

1. Ensure the Home Base™ did not get unplugged, moved, or rotated during the cleaning cycle

2. The charging contacts on both the Home/Clean Base™ and robot should be clear of residue or debris. Use a clean lightly dampened melamine foam, such as a Magic Eraser, to remove any residue or debris that may have built up. The power indicator on the HOME/Clean Base™ will illuminate when your Roomba® is charging.

![](https://prod-help-content.care.irobotapi.com/files/Essential/Chargingconatctsrobot.png) ![](https://prod-help-content.care.irobotapi.com/files/Essential/Chargingcontactshomebase.png)

3. Ensure there is no clutter around or near the Home/Clean Base™

4. The position of the Home Base™ is on a hard, level surface against the wall. Your Roomba® should have a clear path to the Home Base™, and the Home Base™ should be at least 4 ft (1.2 m) from any stairs.

![](https://www.irobotweb.com/support-content/roomba/900/hblocexample.jpg)

5. Ensure there are no obstructions (e.g., stickers, tape, or paint) on the bumper or on the Home Base™

6. Please check if your Roomba® can detect the Home Base™. To do this, please Roomba® on the base manually and confirm that the base and robot light up.

- If the base does not light up, check the line cord or outlet. **N****ote:** the base light will go off after 4 seconds
- If the robot does not light up after 90 seconds, check the charging contacts on the robot and base for debris or damage

7. If your Roomba® is not starting on a Home Base™, ensure there are no obstacles in front of the starting position. This will prevent your Roomba® from being able to return to the original starting position when the cleaning cycle is complete.

 

**If the message persists**, try [moving your Home/Clean Base™ to a different location](https://homesupport.irobot.com/s/article/10224) and start your Roomba® from the Home Base™. Environmental interference may prevent your Roomba® from navigating as expected.

 

For more information, please contact us at [iRobot Customer Care.](https://homesupport.irobot.com/s/article/200)