My Shark Robot Vacuum Says Disconnected? (Proven Fixes!)

If you are asking the question why my Shark robot vacuum says disconnected, it’s likely due to an issue with your WiFi configuration or with the robot firmware or configuration.

If you face this exact scenario, don’t worry; our guide has multiple fixes for this Shakr robot issue.

To keep your Shark robot from saying it’s disconnected, verify your WiFi network for speed and stability, reset your Shark robot, and re-add it through the app.

Now that you know a couple of the fixes we will attempt, let’s first try to understand the underlying cause of the Shark robot saying it’s disconnected.

Why Does My Shark Robot Vacuum Stay Disconnected?

Shark robots can pair through your WiFi network, so you can control and program them through a mobile app.

This handy feature, however, can sometimes malfunction if there is an issue with your data transmission, signal consistency, or a runtime error.

Here is a quick overview of the top causes for Shark robot vacuum saying it’s disconnected:

How to Fix My Shark Robot Vacuum Says Disconnected

Tip: If your Shark robot is blinking in red, check its brushes for entanglement or issues.

Step #1: Check WiFi Connection

Shark robot disconnected from WiFi may occur because your WiFi network is not sufficiently strong or the router is too far away for a stable connection to your Robot.

To fix this issue, you have to verify that your WiFi connection is properly working.

Here are the steps on how to verify your WiFi configuration for issues:

1. Go to your WiFi router and verify that other devices you possess can connect to it error-free.
2. If you notice that your router’s WiFi or Internet lights are not blinking, then get in touch with your Internet service provider. 
3. Ensure your Shark robot vacuum is physically close to your WiFi router, at least until the pairing issue is resolved.
4. Check that your WiFi network is set up to 2.4GHz, as some shark robots can’t work on the 5GHz broadcasting frequency. 
5. Take a smartphone and move it next to your Shark robot – if you see that your phone has 4 or 5 filled WiFi signal bars, it means there is sufficient WiFi coverage in that room.

Note: Consider installing a WiFi repeater if your Shark robot is too far away from your main router.

Step #2: Ensure the Latest Firmware Version on the Shark Device

If you are not running the latest software version on your Shark robot, it’s likely going to cause issues such as limited functionality or errors.

To ensure your Shark device is not encountering issues due to outdated firmware, you must manually check for new updates through the app.

Here are the general steps to update your Shark robot to the latest firmware available:

1. Please note that the steps below might vary based on your Shark app version.
2. Find and open the Shark app on your phone or tablet where it is installed.
3. Be sure that your smartphone or tablet is paired to the proper WiFi network and not over 4G or 5G.
4. Navigate to the Shark vacuum settings or configuration panel and see if an Update notification is present.
5. Install any pending updates for your Shark robot, and then try pairing it again through its proprietary app. 
6. Check if the issue persists and if you still get a disconnected alert.

Note: You can attempt to restart your Shark robot if it can't connect after updating its firmware.

Step #3: Reset Your Shark Robot

One of the most universal workarounds to issues like “Disconnected” error messages is to power cycle your Shark robot.

This process can clear and remove multiple different issues or runtime errors for your device.

Here are the steps on how to correctly reset your Shark robot vacuum: 

1. Before proceeding, ensure your Shark robot is not connected to its charging base.
2. Try holding the “Clean” button, usually found next to the Dock button, for at least 10-13 seconds.
3. Alternatively, on some models, you can also press and hold the “Dock” button instead to clear the issue.
4. On some Shark models, instead, you have to restart the device by pressing and holding its power button while it’s disconnected from the doc for at least 30-35 seconds.
5. After these steps, try to pair your Shark robot to the app again and see if the “Disconnected” notification persists. 

Note: Sometimes, hard resetting your Shark robot can clear its settings and save presets or schedules.

Step #4: Add and Remove Robot From the App

A clever workaround for the issue of getting a “Disconnected” message from your Shark robot or app is to manually remove and then re-add the device.

Doing so can clear system glitches that might prevent your robot from functioning as intended by ensuring a fresh setup.

Here are the steps to remove and then add your Shark robot to the devices list:

1. Remove or delete your original Shark robot vacuum where the connectivity problem persists from the mobile app.
2. Manually add the robot again, and start the WiFi synching procedure for your Shark device by holding Clean and Dock together at the same time.
3. When you hear an indication that it’s ready to pair, connect your Shark robot to the desired network.
4. Finish the setting up process and set it to run on a schedule to confirm if this solution fixed the issue.
5. If the problem persists on your Shark device, follow through with the steps below instead.

Note: Regularly service your Shark robot by cleaning its wheels and main brush to ensure efficient operation.

Step #5: Ensure No Interference on the Network

Sometimes, your Shark robot might not have any hardware or software issues, but rather, it’s your network bandwidth that is the limiting factor.

If you have multiple devices on the same WiFi network, your shark robot might not get its signals through properly, resulting in it being disconnected. 

Here are some tips to ensure your WiFi network is free of interference for your Shark robot:

1. Identify other devices you have paired to your WiFi network, such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, smart TVs, and other smart home devices.
2. Limit the background network usage of your devices, such as the downloading of large files or apps, as this can deplete your available WiFi bandwidth capacity.
3. Try removing or temporarily disconnecting some devices that are not in use to free up your WiFi router signal.
4. Update your WiFi router firmware, as sometimes it can malfunction if it’s not updated automatically.

Note: If you notice that your router is too hot to the touch, please power it off and let it cool down.

Step #6: Check For Incorrect Router Configurations

All routers have a specialized control panel from where users can change advanced settings.

In some instances, due to incorrectly configured WiFi settings, your Shark robot might fail to connect and stay connected for longer periods.

Here is how to ensure your WiFi is properly configured for your Shark robot to connect:

1. Take a laptop or desktop that is connected to your WiFi network, and type in your IP address in any browser’s search bar, then hit enter.
2. This will take you to your router’s configuration page – input the administrator credentials to log in.
3. All routers have a different interface, so keep that in mind when searching for the settings outlined below.
4. Navigate to your WiFi advanced settings and look for any WiFi restrictions, such as MAC address filtering, as this can prevent some devices from pairing properly.
5. Check if there is a limit on the amount of devices that can be paired.
6. Ensure you are not using any firewalls or VPN routing services, as these can cause your Shark robot to assign the incorrect IP.

After following these steps, check if your Shark robot can now successfully pair without getting disconnected.

Note: Check your Shark robot WiFi module for obstructions or signs of damage.

Quick Recap

To fix My Shark Robot Vacuum Says Disconnected, start by resetting your Robot and verifying your WiFi network.

Next, add and remove your Shark robot from its app.