Shark Robot Vacuum Not Charging? (Try These 7 Simple Solutions)
Is your Shark Robot Vacuum Not Charging? Don’t worry, your Shark Robot Vacuum will start charging after reading this post.
The Shark Robot Vacuum cleans your home thoroughly in minutes.
If it is not charging then these are some of the reasons we are going to tell you.
We will tell you 7 simple solutions that you can follow to recharge your shark robot vacuum.
Key Highlights
- Shark robot vacuum not charging? Contacts and dock of the charging device should be cleaned. 🧼
- Software that is outdated can cause charging issues. You should regularly update the software on your Shark. 📲
- Shark robot vacuums that won’t charge after trying these solutions should be replaced with new batteries. 🔋
1. Checking the Battery and Power Cable Connection
Did you recently move your Shark vacuum to a new spot?
It’s possible the power cable got knocked loose or isn’t fully plugged in.
Double-check that the cable is securely plugged into both the wall outlet and the charging dock.
It’s also a good idea to inspect the actual battery.
Over time, the metal contacts where the battery connects to the charging dock can get dirty or corroded, preventing a solid connection.
Gently wipe the contacts on both the battery and dock with a clean, dry cloth to remove any debris.
If the charging cable and contacts look fine, the issue could be with the battery itself.
Rechargeable batteries lose capacity over time and with use, so if your Shark is more than a couple of years old, the battery may need replacement.
2. Cleaning the Charging Contacts and Dock
If your Shark robot vacuum isn’t charging, don’t panic.
More often than not, it’s an easy fix.
One of the first things to try is cleaning the contacts on the charging dock and your robot.
Over time, dirt and debris can build up on the metal charging contacts, preventing a solid connection.
To clean them, unplug the charging dock and use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to wipe down both sets of contacts, the ones on the docking station itself and the ones on your robot vacuum.
Let everything air dry completely, then plug the dock back in and place your robot on it to charge as usual.
With freshly cleaned contacts, it should start charging right up.
If that doesn’t do the trick, double check that the docking station is properly plugged in and the outlet itself is working.
An unplugged or faulty outlet is a common culprit.
You should also make sure there’s nothing obstructing your robot from docking fully, like cords, furniture legs or area rugs.
Give the dock a once over to ensure it’s level for the best connection.
Tip: With regular maintenance like wiping down the contacts, keeping the dock clear and checking the outlet, your Shark robot vacuum should have no trouble docking and recharging for its next cleaning cycle.
3. Resetting Your Shark Robot Vacuum
Resetting your Shark robot vacuum is one of the first things you should try if it’s not charging.
Here are the steps:
- Locate the reset button on your Shark robot vacuum. It’s typically a small pinhole button on the side or bottom of the unit.
- Press and hold the reset button for 3 to 5 seconds. Release the button.
- This will reset your Shark robot vacuum to factory default settings. Give it a few minutes to restart itself.
- The charging light should come back on, indicating it’s charging again.
- If the charging light still does not come on, try unplugging the charging base for 30 seconds.
- Then plug it back in and place your Shark robot vacuum onto the charging contacts to reboot the battery.
- As a last resort, you may need to do a hard reset of your Shark robot vacuum. Unplug the charging base from the wall for 5 minutes. This will reset the internal computer and battery.
- Plug it back in and the charging light should illuminate, showing it’s ready to charge again.
Resetting and rebooting your devices is always a good first step when troubleshooting technical issues.
4. Updating Firmware and Software
Outdated software on your Shark robot vacuum can sometimes interfere with charging.
It’s a good idea to periodically check for software and firmware updates to ensure optimal performance.
To update your Shark’s software;
- First download the Shark ION Robot app on your smartphone or tablet and connect your vacuum.
- The app will automatically check for available updates and prompt you to install them.
- You can also manually check for updates in the app settings.
- It only takes a few minutes to download and install, so update whenever one becomes available.
You may need to update firmware directly through the Shark website for your specific robot vacuum model.
Head to sharkclean.com/firmware, select your vacuum, download the update, and follow the instructions to install it.
Updating software and firmware is one of the simplest ways to fix charging issues and keep your Shark running at peak performance.
Regular updates help ensure maximum battery life, improved navigation, enhanced cleaning capabilities and the latest security patches.
5. Replace the Batteries
If your Shark robot vacuum won’t charge, the issue could be with the rechargeable batteries.
After a few years of use, the batteries can start to lose capacity and won’t hold a charge as well.
Replacing the batteries may get your Shark up and running again.
To replace the batteries,
- You’ll need to open up your Shark vacuum to access the battery compartment.
- Make sure the vacuum is unplugged and powered off before attempting this.
- Locate the screws or latches holding the bottom panel or back panel on, then remove them so you can lift off the panel.
- The batteries will be large rechargeable cells, often nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries.
- Note the orientation of the positive (+) and negative (-) ends before removing the old batteries.
Purchase replacement rechargeable batteries that match the voltage, capacity, and size of your original batteries.
Shark replacement batteries can be found online or in some electronics stores.
Install the new batteries by sliding them into the battery holder, ensuring the positive and negative ends are facing the correct way.
Put the bottom or back panel back on, replace all screws and latches, and charge your Shark robot vacuum for at least 2 to 3 hours before operating.
The vacuum only runs for 10-15 minutes
After a few years of use, the total run time on a charge can drop significantly as the battery ages.
If your Shark used to run for 60-90 minutes but now barely lasts 15, it likely needs a replacement battery.
It’s not charging fully
If the Shark shows the battery as fully charged but only runs for a short time, the actual battery capacity has decreased.
It may also take much longer to charge the vacuum now. In either case, a new battery should resolve the issue.
6. Don’t Charge Under Extreme Temperatures
Extreme temperatures can interfere with your Shark robot vacuum’s charging.
The ideal temperature range for charging is 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit or 18 to 27 degrees Celsius.
Avoid Charging in Very Hot or Cold Areas
Don’t charge your Shark in a garage, attic or other area where temperatures frequently exceed 80 degrees.
High heat can damage the battery and reduce its overall lifespan.
Likewise, avoid charging in an unheated basement, shed or other area where temperatures drop below 65 degrees.
Colder temperatures slow down the chemical reaction in batteries and reduce their ability to hold a charge.
Your Shark may indicate it’s fully charged when it’s really not, only to die shortly after you start vacuuming.
For the best performance, charge your Shark robot vacuum in a climate-controlled area of your home, such as a laundry room, kitchen or spare bedroom.
An area with average room temperature conditions will keep its battery functioning properly and allow for the fastest, most complete recharges.
If you must charge in a warmer or chillier area due to a lack of options, at least make sure the charging station itself is away from vents, radiators and drafts.
Keeping the docking station in a stable temperature environment will help, even if the overall area varies more in temperature.
But for the health and lifespan of your Shark’s battery, aim for average room temperatures whenever possible.
7. Sending Your Shark Vacuum in for Service
If your Shark robot vacuum is still not charging after trying the previous solutions, it may need servicing.
Don’t worry, Shark’s customer service can help get your vac back up and running.
Contact Shark Customer Support
Reach out to Shark’s support team through their website, sharkclean.com or by phone.
Explain the issues you’re having with charging your vacuum.
They may be able to troubleshoot further over the phone or online chat.
If not, they can help arrange to have your Shark vac serviced at an authorized repair center.
Shark wants to ensure you have a quality product that lasts.
They stand behind their robot vacuums with a limited warranty and may repair or replace parts that malfunction under normal use at no cost to you.
Even out of warranty, their support team aims to get your vac fixed and back home as quickly and affordably as possible.
Sending your Shark in for servicing is often an easy process.
They will provide details on how and where to ship your vacuum for repair.
Once the servicing is complete, they ship it back to you good as new.
The total time can take 1 to 2 weeks, so be prepared to go without your robotic helper for a short while.
Conclusion
So there you have it, 7 simple things you can try to get your Shark robot vacuum charging again.
We know how frustrating it can be when your little robotic buddy stops working, but with some basic troubleshooting, you’ll likely be able to get it back up and running in no time.
Even if none of these steps work and you need to contact Shark support, at least you gave it a shot.
And who knows, maybe in the process you discovered some dust bunnies you didn’t even know were there! Either way, stay patient and keep at it.
FAQs;
A flashing battery/charge indicator indicates that the device is charging. The charging will stop flashing once this is complete.
Shark Stratos cordless vacuums offer up to 60 minutes of cleaning time per battery (when used in ECO power mode with a nonmotorized tool).