Error 13 / charging error — will not charge on dock
Where to look: Metal charging contacts on the dock and matching pads under the robot; dock power cable socket.
Error 13 (charging error) or the robot sits on the dock but battery % does not rise. Official steps cover oxidised contacts, dock power, and cable seating before any battery swap.
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Quick answers
What is wrong?
Error 13 (charging error) or the robot sits on the dock but battery % does not rise. Official steps cover oxidised contacts, dock power, and cable seating before any battery swap.
What you might notice
- Error 13 charging error
- Battery % not rising on dock
- Dock indicator behaviour looks wrong
Can I fix this myself?
Often yes with careful cleaning. Difficulty: medium · about 15-30 min (+ repair if recurring). If unsure or it returns after parts cleaning, use mail-in repair.
What you need
- Soft cloth
- Alcohol solution or soft eraser
- Flashlight
Do this
- If contacts show stains or rust, clean dock and robot charging pads with a cloth lightly moistened with alcohol solution, or use a soft eraser. Dry fully before docking.
- Confirm dock power: with the robot off the dock the front/top indicator should be solid on; with the robot docked it should turn off (per Roborock Error 13 guidance for your dock style).
- Push the power-cable head firmly into the dock socket — a loose cable is a common false “dead battery”.
- Unplug the dock for about 2 minutes, plug back in, try another wall outlet.
- Seat the robot centred so both pads touch. If Error 13 / no-charge persists after clean contacts and verified dock power, request battery/dock repair — do not open the battery pack yourself.
Parts (only if cleaning fails)
- Dock power cable
- Battery pack (service — lithium)
Official references
- https://support.roborock.com/hc/en-us/articles/36835084556953-What-should-I-do-when-error-13-occurs
- https://support.roborock.com/hc/en-us/articles/360035369312-What-should-I-do-when-error-13-occurs
- https://support.roborock.com/hc/en-us/article_attachments/46135756890521
- https://support.roborock.com/hc/en-us/article_attachments/48523675069849