ROOMBA·FAULT ERR 26 WARN

Roomba Error 26 — Vacuum airflow choked

Q: Roomba Error 26 — Vacuum airflow choked

Error 26 means airflow through the vacuum is restricted — almost always a dirty filter. Clean or replace the filter, check the fan inlet and exhaust for debris, then reboot with a twenty-second CLEAN hold.

Severity: Warning — suction is gone until the filter and airway are cleared ijs

Last verified: 2026-07-05 Tools: compressed air recommended Time: ~15 min Difficulty: easy

DIRECT ANSWER

Error 26 means airflow through the vacuum is restricted — almost always a dirty filter. Clean or replace the filter, check the fan inlet and exhaust for debris, then reboot with a twenty-second CLEAN hold.

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COMMON CAUSES · RANKED

Filter past its service life MOST COMMON

Dust-caked filters are behind most error 26 reports. Two months is the practical limit.

Debris in the fan path

Wedged fluff at the vacuum entrance or exhaust chokes flow even with a fresh filter.

Worn cleaning head module RARE

If the error keeps returning with a clean airway, the module's fan assembly is failing.

HOW TO FIX IT

No battery or electrical work involved in this fix.

Replace or clean the filter

Tap the filter clean against a trash can, or better, fit a new one. Keep water away from it.

Inspect entrance and exhaust

Check both ends of the vacuum path for lodged debris and blow them out with compressed air.

Reboot with a long CLEAN hold

Hold CLEAN for about twenty seconds, let the robot restart, and run a test job.

Replace the cleaning head if it persists

A recurring error 26 with clean parts means the cleaning head module itself needs replacement.

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COMPATIBLE PARTS

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High-efficiency filter, 3-pack — e, i & j series

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iRobot recommends replacing the filter about every 2-3 months; tap it clean weekly, never rinse it.

Check price on Amazon ↗

High-efficiency filter, 3-pack — s series

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The s series filter is wider than the i series part; the two are not interchangeable.

Check price on Amazon ↗

Sources

Verification

OFFICIAL SOURCE

Last verified: 2026-07-05 · How we verify a fault code

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