It’s a love-hate relationship between most people and their Roombas. These nifty smart vacuums do a heck of a job cleaning but can also get pretty noisy.
The constant beeping and sudden phrases that Roombas blurt out can distract your daytime concentration or disrupt a peaceful evening.
Is there any way to stop Roombas from talking? Is there a hidden mute feature they don’t tell you about? Here’s what you need to know.
- Roombas don’t have software or hardware to change the volume or turn off sounds.
- Some owners have successfully removed the Roombas speaker, but it may void your warranty.
- Changing your Roomba’s schedule can help you avoid its noises.
- Robot vacuums from other brands might offer volume and sound controls. If your Roomba is too noisy, consider replacing it with another brand and model.
Despite the widespread complaints from Roomba users claiming that their smart vacuums are a little too noisy, the company has yet to develop a feature that allows volume and sound controls.
So no, there is no way to turn off your Roomba’s talking feature through its built-in system management. On the upside, here are some other methods you can try.
How To Stop a Roomba From Talking
Across all of the Roomba models, there has yet to be one that allows users to manage volume and sounds. That’s mainly because the sounds and voice prompt exist for a reason.
Your Roomba will beep if it encounters any issues or errors during operations. This can include problems with WiFi connectivity or if your Roomba falls off a ‘cliff’ or can’t move forward for whatever reason.
Regardless of how annoying the voice prompts and beeping noises can be, they serve a purpose and tell you when something is wrong.
That’s mainly why the manufacturers do away with the option to change volume and sound settings. But if you don’t need your Roomba to make any noise, here’s a drastic option you can try.
Remove the Speakers
Some Roomba owners have successfully removed the speakers from inside their robot vacuums. However, the process can be a little technical and may require careful execution.
Removing the speaker from inside your Roomba will inevitably void the warranty. The process entails separating the vacuum and exposing its delicate internal parts.
If you’re not particularly skilled with electronics, it’s very possible to damage your Roomba when attempting this removal.
To remove the Roomba’s speaker, follow these steps:
- Remove the Roomba’s dust bin and brushes.
- Unscrew the bottom plate.
- Carefully remove the battery pack by pulling on the green tabs on their ends.
- Use a small screwdriver to remove the screws on the bumper plate, then pull the plate off.
- Gently remove the sensor, disconnecting its cables before completely pulling it away.
- Turn the Roomba over and remove the top cover plate. Make sure to support the exposed bottom.
- Locate the speaker and disconnect it from the motherboard.
Although it might seem simple, removing the speakers can get confusing. Make sure to take pictures after you remove and unscrew every part, so you know how each piece goes back.
You can also check video tutorials online to find out how to disassemble and reassemble your Roomba after disconnecting the speaker.
Other Ways To Manage Roomba’s Sounds
If you’re not confident that you can disconnect your Roomba’s speaker by tinkering with its internal parts, then you might want to consider these other options:
- Schedule for Hours When You’re Away – One practical way to avoid the annoying prompts that Roombas make is to schedule it to operate when you’re not around. Set a cleaning schedule during your work hours and keep the Roomba in its dock throughout the night. This option should let you sleep peacefully without hearing your iRobot Roomba’s incessant prompts.
- Check Roomba Alternatives – As of writing, iRobot has yet to release a Roomba model with sound controls. But there are other brands out there that sell smart vacuums with no voice prompts or sounds. If your Roomba’s noises have become too annoying, you can try finding a replacement vac.
Takeaway
We’re all eagerly awaiting the day that iRobot finally comes out with a Roomba model that lets you take full control of functionality — from cleaning features to sounds and volume.
Right now, though, your only option to stop your Roomba from talking would be to disconnect its speaker. If you’re not ready to commit to such a drastic measure, you can always manage your Roomba schedules or look for an alternative smart vac.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Don’t Roombas Have a Mute Function?
Although you might want to mute your Roomba’s sounds entirely, all those noises play a vital role. They tell you when your vacuum needs your attention.
So the manufacturer doesn’t incorporate a mute function, so you can address any functional issues when needed.
Can You Make a Roomba Go Silent at Night?
There’s no nighttime function on the Roomba that lets you operate the vacuum cleaner on silent mode as it cleans at night. The best thing you can do is to set a schedule so that the vacuum runs when you’re not around.
Although turning it on at night might seem practical, the vacuum noises can sufficiently wake the entire household.
