Error Code 1
LIDAR Malfunction
Symptoms & Causes
Symptoms:
Robot stops, spins, or won't start, announcing "Error 1"
Common causes:
- •Lidar turret is physically blocked
- •Sensor is dirty
- •Drive motor has failed
Severity Level
High Priority
Requires immediate attention
Required Tools
- • Lidar Motor (if needed for replacement)
- • Basic Electronics Toolkit
- • Q-tips or Cotton Swabs
- • Canned Air (Optional)
Step-by-Step Solution
Solution 1: The 60-Second Fix (Start Here)
Before you grab any tools, let's try the two fixes that solve the problem for most people.
Step 1.1: Reboot Your Robot
Just like a computer, a simple reboot can clear temporary software glitches. Press and hold the main power button (the largest one) for 3-5 seconds until the indicator light turns off completely. Wait for about 30 seconds. Then, press the power button again to power it back on. Listen to see if the error clears.
Inspect and Manually Spin the LIDAR Turret
The Lidar unit is the raised, circular turret on top of your Roborock. It's the robot's "eye" and is supposed to spin constantly.
Often, a single strand of hair or a piece of debris is enough to jam it, causing Error 1.
With the robot powered on, look at the turret.
Is it spinning?
If not, use your index finger to gently push the turret clockwise or counter-clockwise.
You should feel almost zero resistance.
It should glide smoothly for a few rotations.
If you feel any grittiness, stickiness, or if it stops abruptly, you've found the physical blockage. Try to see if any hair or lint is caught in the thin gap between the spinning part and the housing.
Solution 2: The 5-Minute Fix (For Stubborn Dust)
If the Lidar spins freely but the error persists, fine dust invisible to the naked eye is the likely culprit, confusing the internal sensors.
Grab a can of compressed air or a hairdryer. IMPORTANT: If using a hairdryer, you MUST use its coolest setting, as heat can permanently damage the sensitive electronics.
Aim the nozzle into the small gap between the spinning turret and the fixed housing. Give it several short, sharp bursts of air.
Rotate the turret as you do this to ensure you are cleaning it from all angles. This will dislodge any hidden dust that is blocking the internal laser emitter or receiver.
Solution 3: Deep DIY Repair (Check the Lidar Motor)
WARNING: Proceeding with this step will likely void your warranty. Only attempt this if your robot is out of warranty and you are comfortable with basic disassembly.
If nothing else has worked, the small motor that drives the Lidar has likely failed. This is the most common hardware failure for Error 1.
First, remove the dustbin and any water tanks.
Flip the robot over onto a soft towel.
You will see several screw holes.
Unscrew all of them, including the ones inside the brush compartment.
Then, flip it back over.
Use a plastic pry tool or a credit card to carefully work your way around the seam, releasing the clips that hold the top white cover in place.
Be gentle and patient.
Lift the cover off to expose the robot's internals.
With the cover off, the Lidar assembly is the black circular unit in the center.
Look closely at it.
You will see a tiny, black rubber band – this is the drive belt. You will also see a small, silver cylindrical motor that the belt connects to.
Is the belt snapped or stretched out? If so, that's your problem.
If the belt looks fine, the motor itself has likely burned out.
This is extremely common.
You can confirm this by trying to start the robot with the cover off. If the belt doesn't move, the motor needs replacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Roborock Error 1 mean?
Roborock Error 1 indicates a malfunction with the Laser Distance Sensor (LDS), also known as the Lidar. The robot's "eye" is either blocked, stuck, or has failed, preventing it from navigating your home.
Will hitting the Roborock gently fix Error 1?
Some users on Reddit report that a gentle tap on the Lidar housing can temporarily fix a stuck motor. While it might work, it's not a reliable long-term solution and could damage the unit. It's better to follow the cleaning and inspection steps.
Still Need Help?
If these steps don't resolve your issue, it may be time to contact professional support.
Contact Roborock Support