Shark Robot Vacuum Keeps Returning To Dock? – (Easy Fix)

Whenever your Shark robot vacuum keeps returning to dock, it can be frustrating as it won’t properly complete its cleaning task and just returns to its dock too early.

If this is the problem you face with your cleaning robot, don’t worry; our guide has you covered with solutions.

To fix your Shark robot constantly returning to its dock, start by performing regular brush and wheel maintenance. Next, adjust the cleaning timer and reset the device.

Now that you have a quick glimpse of some of the solutions we prepared let’s first try to understand better what causes the docking issue for the Shark robot vacuum.

Why is My Shark Robot Vacuum Returning to Dock?

Shark robots that return to their docks too frequently or without completing their cleaning cycle can be due to a power of software issue.

In rarer cases, your dock could have insufficient power or damaged charging cables.

Here is an overview of the common causes of Shark robot vacuum returning to dock:

At this point, you should have a clearer grasp of what causes the Shark cleaning robots to return to the dock too early, and we can start addressing these causes one by one.

How To Fix Shark Robot Vacuum Keeps Returning to Dock

Tip: For optimal Shark robot operation, it's suggested your network frequency is set to 2.4GHz and not 5GHz.

Solution #1: Perform Basic Device Maintenance Checks

The issue of a Shark robot keeps returning to dock can be caused by its wheels or cleaning brush being tangled up in debris.

Before trying any other troubleshooting steps, we first have to ensure your robot is unobstructed.

Here are some general steps to maintain and clean your Shark robot brush and wheels:

1. Before proceeding, power off your Shark device.
2. Check if the Shark robot vacuum is overheating, indicating a filled dust bin. 
3. Allow the vacuum to cool down for 1 hour.
4. In the meantime, remove and clean the dust filters and empty the dust bin.
5. While the robot is flipped over, carefully remove any debris from the brush roll.
6. Ensure there’s no clog in the vacuum vent directly underneath the main brush.
7. Run any cleaning schedule to see if your robot still returns to the dock too quickly.

Note: Check for blinking red lights, indicating your device has a stuck brush or wheels.

Solution #2: Check the Dock Station for Issues

A common cause for cleaning robots to return too quickly to dock is if they don’t get proper charging from it.

This can happen either if the dock is incorrectly set up or if there is some power-related issue.

Here are some tips on how to ensure your charging dock is properly working:

• Check if the docking station’s location is accessible by your cleaning robot.
• Ensure it’s free from obstructions -else it won’t start charging.
• Verify for proper power supply to the dock.
• If your dock is plugged into a power strip, it could receive insufficient power. 
• Clean the docking station charging ports, which usually make small metal parts visible.

Be mindful that Shark robots bought in the USA will only charge elsewhere if they are on a 120 Volt power supply.

Note: Place the dock on a level surface, ideally with its back against a wall.

Solution #3: Adjusting the Cleaning Timer

If you have checked your charging dock and cleaned your robot brush, yet it still returns to the dock too early, there is likely a timer issue.

To prevent this from occurring, you have to manually check how the cleaning schedule is set from the app.

Here are the proper ways to ensure your Shark cleaning robot has the correct cleaning timer:

1. Access your vacuum settings from the cleaning app on your smartphone or tablet.
2. Tap on your Shark robot to access its cleaning timer and schedule.
3. Alternatively, go directly to the timer settings, depending on your app software version.
4. Check if the timer is set to a short duration.
5. Increase the timer duration to over an hour to ensure adequate cleaning time.
6. Save the new timer settings and close the app once the new settings are applied.
7. Test the vacuum to see if the issue with docking has been fixed.

During these steps, your Shark robot must be paired to your smartphone or tablet to receive the updated timer settings. 

Note: Inspect the Shark robot cleaning sensors for obstructions and adequately clean them.

Solution #4: Disable ‘Recharge and Resume’

A Shark robot returning to its dock too fast without cleaning can be caused by an improperly tuned setting called recharge and resume.

This setting can sometimes malfunction and must be disabled to prevent software errors when troubleshooting.

Here are the steps on how to disable the recharge and resume function on your Shark vacuum:

1. Turn on the Shark robot vacuum.
2. Open the vacuum’s control panel and navigate through the menu.
3. Find the ‘Recharge and Resume‘ option.
4. Alternatively, access this setting through the cleaning app.
5. Once you find the setting, toggle it off to disable this feature.
6. Save the changes to ensure that the feature remains off during future uses.

When done with the above steps, monitor the vacuum’s behavior, and if it’s working correctly, you can re-enable the charge option after the issue has been resolved.

Note: Make sure there's enough space for the vacuum to navigate.

Solution #5: Pause Your Robot Before Docking

A clever workaround for your Shark robot going to dock before finishing cleaning is to force it to reset its internal docking timer.

This can be done by telling your robot to return to the dock and then pausing it manually.

Here are the ways you can attempt to pause it before it finishes docking to fix software issues:

1. Start a cleaning cycle with the Shark robot vacuum.
2. Observe its behavior closely, being ready to intervene as it approaches the dock.
3. Before it returns to the dock, pause the cycle through your cleaning app.
4. Alternatively, tap the pause button on the top side of your Shark device.
5. You may repeat these steps a couple of times if your robot tries to dock again.
6. If the issue persists, move on to the next solution.

Note: For optimal Shark robot operation, clear objects like wires and small toys from the floor.

Solution #6: Perform a Soft Reset of Your Shark Robot

Sometimes, Shark robots can encounter software glitches during everyday use, which can cause the robot to return to its dock without actually cleaning.

This can sometimes be fixed by performing a power cycle or static electricity discharge to clear the circuit board.

Here is how to power cycle or soft reset your shark-cleaning robot:

1. Power off your Shark robot vacuum cleaner.
2. Remove the vacuum from its charging dock.
3. Let it rest for about 2 minutes, and press and hold its main button for 10 seconds.
4. Place the vacuum back on the dock before you turn on the vacuum cleaner again.
5. Check for blinking lights to indicate normal operation.
6. Start a cleaning cycle via the app to test the vacuum.

Note: You can also perform a factory reset by pressing the reset button with a thin object for 5-6 seconds.

Solution #7: Check Your Wi-Fi Connection

If you have reset your robot and it still won’t work, the cause of the docking issue is likely in the network itself.

If your WiFi signal is not strong enough or cuts off at a distance, it can make your cleaning robot receive incorrect inputs or operate outside its set schedule.

Here are some basic steps to troubleshoot your WiFi network for speed and stability issues:

1. Ensure your Wi-Fi router is working properly.
2. Remove and then re-add your vacuum to Wi-Fi via the cleaning app.
3. Power cycle your Wi-Fi router the same way you power cycle your Shark robot. 
4. Update your router with the latest firmware, or ask your internet service provider.
5. Remove devices that cause Wi-Fi interference temporarily to prevent congestion.
6. Run a cleaning cycle to check the vacuum’s connectivity.
7. Watch for any disconnection notifications in the Shark Clean app.

Note: If your router can't reach your Shark robot, consider getting WiFi repeaters or repositioning the main router.

Quick Recap

To fix your Shark robot vacuum keeps returning to dock, start by cleaning its brush and emptying its bin.

Next, clean the dock charging ports and check the cleaning schedule setting.