# How to remap a Roomba, and what moving its base does

> Start a mapping run in the iRobot HOME app. That covers a new room or a renovation. On an i3, i4 or i5 you delete the map first, because it keeps only one map and does not update it while cleaning. If you move the base, those models need a new map.

Edited by Martin Kilarski. Published on October 28, 2026, updated on October 28, 2026. Founder and editor of Best at Best, with ten years in web development and a focus on search, conversion and data analysis.

## Which way fits your situation?

Remapping is not always the same job. iRobot separates a few situations, and what you do also depends on your model. The table shows what iRobot says for each.

| Situation | What you do | Source |
|---|---|---|
| A new room or space | Start a mapping run. The robot learns the new space and updates the map by itself. | [iRobot](https://homesupport.irobot.com/articles/en_US/Knowledge/64102) |
| Furniture moved or a renovation | Do a mapping run or a clean everywhere run (i3, i4, i5: delete the map and remap). | [iRobot](https://homesupport.irobot.com/articles/en_US/Knowledge/64102) |
| Another floor or another home | Put the robot down there and start a new map with the plus button in the app (i3, i4, i5: delete the existing map first). | [iRobot](https://homesupport.irobot.com/articles/en_US/Knowledge/64102) |
| The map is out of date (i3, i4, i5) | Delete the map and make a new one with a mapping run. | [iRobot](https://homesupport.irobot.com/articles/en_US/Knowledge/64103) |
| The map has gone wrong | Update the map from an earlier Clean Map report, or delete it and start over. | [iRobot](https://homesupport.irobot.com/articles/en_US/Knowledge/64102) |

## Starting a mapping run

A mapping run is the best way to make a map, says [iRobot](https://homesupport.irobot.com/articles/en_US/Knowledge/64102). The robot drives around without cleaning, which saves battery, and it is faster and better at building a map than a normal cleaning run. One complete run is enough to start customizing. To start one:

1. Turn the lights on or open the blinds. The robot recognizes landmarks such as picture frames, windows and lights, and it needs light to see them.
2. Clear cords, socks and shoelaces so the robot does not get stuck.
3. In the iRobot HOME app, tap the map icon on the right side of the home screen.
4. Choose “+ Create a new Smart Map” and start the mapping run.

On the i3, i4 and i5 the mapping run has to start and end on the dock and finish without an error or help from you. If it does not, you start over, [writes iRobot](https://homesupport.irobot.com/articles/en_US/Knowledge/64103). On the LiDAR models ([iRobot](https://homesupport.irobot.com/articles/en_US/Knowledge/64102) lists the Roomba Mini, 100/1000, 200/2000, Plus 400, Plus 500 and Max 700) you choose “Create a Map”. It can take up to 30 minutes and the robot may recharge on the way. Do not pick up the robot or the dock and do not press any button, or the map ends up incomplete, [says iRobot](https://homesupport.irobot.com/articles/en_US/Knowledge/20500).

## Adding a room or a new space

You add a new room without starting over. Send the robot on a mapping run and do not put it in the new space yourself. Let it clean the whole area you want on the map, and make sure it can reach all of it. After the run your Clean Map shows “New Space Found” and the map updates by itself, [according to iRobot](https://homesupport.irobot.com/articles/en_US/Knowledge/64102). That is for Imprint Smart Maps. On the LiDAR models, press the power button on the robot instead of starting from the app. The i3, i4 and i5 do not update their map, so delete it and remap.

If the robot has trouble getting back to the dock, your space may be larger than the maximum map size. A Dual Mode Virtual Wall splits the area (so does a large keep out zone, but the i3, i4 and i5 do not support those). The limit is 1,600 square feet for the i3, i4 and i5, 2,500 square feet for the i6, i7, i8, j series and m6, and 3,000 square feet for the s9. The LiDAR models have [no map size limit](https://homesupport.irobot.com/articles/en_US/Knowledge/20500).

## Deleting the map and starting over

An i3, i4 or i5 keeps only one map. To remap the same space or map another floor, you have to delete the existing map first, [writes iRobot](https://homesupport.irobot.com/articles/en_US/Knowledge/64103). Here is how, [according to iRobot](https://homesupport.irobot.com/articles/en_US/Knowledge/64102):

1. Tap the map icon on the home screen.
2. In the list, pick the map you want to delete and tap “Delete Map”.
3. Or open the map itself, tap the three dots at the top right and choose “Delete Map”.
4. Start a new mapping run, as above.

The i3, i4 and i5 do not update their map while the robot is cleaning. Any change to the map therefore means deleting it and running a new mapping run, [writes iRobot](https://homesupport.irobot.com/articles/en_US/Knowledge/64103).

## What happens if you move the base?

The robot uses the dock as a fixed reference point when it starts a job. That is why [iRobot](https://homesupport.irobot.com/articles/en_US/Knowledge/64102) advises against moving the dock to another floor. If you clean two spaces often, buy a second dock.

For the i3, i4 and i5 iRobot is clear: after major changes to the layout, or when the dock has moved, the map has to be deleted and remapped, [writes iRobot](https://homesupport.irobot.com/articles/en_US/Knowledge/64103). On the LiDAR models you may move the dock, but [iRobot](https://homesupport.irobot.com/articles/en_US/Knowledge/20500) recommends against doing it often. For the other models iRobot states no fixed rule. If the robot then cannot find its way to a room, iRobot says to delete the map and create a new one.

A robot stores a limited number of maps. On the LiDAR models the oldest map is erased when you make too many. A robot with Imprint Smart Maps can store 10.

## The map is wrong: roll it back or start over

Sometimes the robot updates the map incorrectly. If it gets stuck while its wheels still turn, for example, it can draw a long, narrow hallway that does not exist. First remove whatever it can get stuck on. Then roll the map back, [says iRobot](https://homesupport.irobot.com/articles/en_US/Knowledge/64102):

1. Open History and pick a Clean Map report from an earlier run that looks right.
2. Tap the three dots at the top right and choose “Update Smart Map”.

You cannot undo an update, but you can do another one from a different Clean Map report. If that does not help, delete the map and make a new one. If the problem stays, put a keep out zone on the space that does not exist (not available on the i1 to i5).

## Still not working properly?

If the robot still reports an error, see the guide to [a Roomba that goes in circles, beeps or blinks red](https://bestatbest.com/us/blog/roomba-going-in-circles-beeping-red-light) or [reset the robot](https://bestatbest.com/us/blog/how-to-reset-a-roomba). A dirty front wheel or dirty sensors also give odd maps, see [how to clean a Roomba](https://bestatbest.com/us/blog/how-to-clean-a-roomba). Would you rather have a new one? See what iRobot costs today (as of October 29, 2026). Models on sale: 12.

| Model | Station | Today's lowest price | Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| [iRobot Roomba 105 Combo](https://bestatbest.com/us/robot-vacuums/irobot-roomba-105-combo) | charging dock only | $319 at iRobot (brand store) | number 148 in our ranking |
| [iRobot Roomba 105 Vac+](https://bestatbest.com/us/robot-vacuums/irobot-roomba-105-vac-plus) | self-emptying station | $449 at iRobot (brand store) | number 147 in our ranking |
| [iRobot Roomba 105 Combo+](https://bestatbest.com/us/robot-vacuums/irobot-roomba-105-combo-plus) | self-emptying station | $469 at iRobot (brand store) | number 146 in our ranking |
| [iRobot Roomba Plus 415 Combo](https://bestatbest.com/us/robot-vacuums/irobot-roomba-plus-415-combo) | all-in-one station | $599 at iRobot (brand store) | number 109 in our ranking |
| [iRobot Roomba Plus 515 Combo](https://bestatbest.com/us/robot-vacuums/irobot-roomba-plus-515-combo) | all-in-one station | $699 at iRobot (brand store) | number 97 in our ranking |
| [iRobot Roomba Max 715 Vac+](https://bestatbest.com/us/robot-vacuums/irobot-roomba-max-715-vac-plus) | self-emptying station | $699 at iRobot (brand store) | not ranked |
| [iRobot Roomba Plus 4020 Combo](https://bestatbest.com/us/robot-vacuums/irobot-roomba-plus-4020-combo) | all-in-one station | $749 at iRobot (brand store) | not ranked |
| [iRobot Roomba Plus 575 Combo](https://bestatbest.com/us/robot-vacuums/irobot-roomba-plus-575-combo) | all-in-one station | $799 at iRobot (brand store) | number 64 in our ranking |
| [iRobot Roomba Plus 678 Combo](https://bestatbest.com/us/robot-vacuums/irobot-roomba-plus-675-combo) | all-in-one station | $899 at iRobot (brand store) | not ranked |
| [iRobot Roomba Max 775 Combo](https://bestatbest.com/us/robot-vacuums/irobot-roomba-max-775-combo) | all-in-one station | $999 at iRobot (brand store) | number 45 in our ranking |
| [iRobot Roomba Plus 507 Combo](https://bestatbest.com/us/robot-vacuums/irobot-roomba-plus-507-combo) | all-in-one station | $999 at iRobot (brand store) | not ranked |
| [iRobot Roomba Max 875 Combo](https://bestatbest.com/us/robot-vacuums/irobot-roomba-max-875-combo) | all-in-one station | $1,199 at iRobot (brand store) | not ranked |

All iRobot models are on the [iRobot page](https://bestatbest.com/us/robot-vacuums/brand/irobot), and the [advisor](https://bestatbest.com/us/robot-vacuums/advisor) finds the robot that fits your home in seven questions.

## Frequently asked questions

**How do I get my Roomba to remap?**

Start a mapping run in the iRobot HOME app: map icon, “+ Create a new Smart Map”, start the mapping run. On an i3, i4 or i5 you delete the existing map first.

**If I move my Roomba base, do I have to remap?**

On the i3, i4 and i5, yes: iRobot writes that the map has to be deleted and remade. For other models iRobot advises against moving the dock to another floor and gives no fixed rule.

**How do I add a room to my Roomba map?**

Send the robot on a mapping run and do not put it in the new space yourself. After the run the Clean Map shows “New Space Found” and the map updates by itself.

**How do I delete my Roomba map?**

Tap the map icon in the app, pick the map and tap “Delete Map”. Or open the map, tap the three dots at the top right and choose “Delete Map”.

## Sources

- [iRobot: Guide to Imprint Smart Maps](https://homesupport.irobot.com/articles/en_US/Knowledge/64102)
- [iRobot: Smart Maps for i3/i4/i5 Roombas](https://homesupport.irobot.com/articles/en_US/Knowledge/64103)
- [iRobot: Guide to ClearView LiDAR Maps](https://homesupport.irobot.com/articles/en_US/Knowledge/20500)

Page: https://bestatbest.com/us/blog/how-to-remap-a-roomba