Connect Your Shark to a New WiFi Network in Four Steps

To change the WiFi network on your Shark robot vacuum, you use the Shark app on your phone. Open the app, go to Settings, select your vacuum model, choose WiFi Settings, and follow the prompts to forget the old network and connect to the new one. The whole process takes about five minutes if your new WiFi password is ready.

Most Shark models — including the IQ, ION, and EZ series — use the same basic method. The vacuum needs to be powered on and within range of the new WiFi network you want to connect to. If your vacuum is an older model without app support, you will need to reset it manually using the physical buttons on the unit instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the Shark app, tap Settings, select your vacuum, and choose WiFi Settings to begin the connection process.
  • The vacuum must be powered on and within WiFi range; it cannot connect from across the house or in a closed garage.
  • You will need your new WiFi network name and password before you start, so have that information ready.
  • If the app method does not work, you can reset the vacuum to factory settings and set it up as new using the physical reset button.
  • Older Shark models without app support require manual reset using the buttons on the vacuum itself, not the app.

Step-by-Step: Using the Shark App to Switch Networks

Start by opening the Shark app on your phone and signing in with your account. If you do not have the app yet, read it from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store — it is free. Make sure your phone is already connected to the new WiFi network you want the vacuum to use.

Tap the Settings icon (usually a gear symbol) at the bottom or side of the app screen. Find your vacuum in the list of devices and tap it. Look for a WiFi Settings or Network Settings option — the exact wording varies by model, but it will mention WiFi or network. Tap that option.

The app will show you the network your vacuum is currently connected to. Tap the option to forget or disconnect from that network. Then select your new WiFi network from the list that appears. Enter your new WiFi password when prompted and tap Connect. Wait 30 to 60 seconds for the vacuum to join the network — you will see a confirmation message in the app when it succeeds.

What to Do If the App Method Does Not Work

If the app shows an error or the vacuum will not connect, the fastest fix is usually to reset the vacuum and set it up as new. Locate the reset button on your Shark — it is typically a small recessed button on the underside or back of the unit. You may need a paperclip or pen to press it. Hold the button for 10 to 15 seconds until you hear a beep or see lights flash.

Once reset, the vacuum will no longer be connected to any WiFi network. Open the Shark app and go through the initial setup process as if you were connecting the vacuum for the first time. When prompted, select your new WiFi network and enter the password. This method works even if the app is not recognizing your vacuum or if the WiFi settings menu is not responding.

If you still cannot connect after a reset, check that your WiFi router is working and that other devices can connect to it. Move the vacuum closer to the router — WiFi range issues are the most common reason a vacuum will not join a network. If the router is more than 30 feet away or separated by multiple walls, the vacuum may not be able to reach it.

Connecting an Older Shark Vacuum Without App Support

Some older Shark models, particularly those released before 2018, do not have WiFi capability or app support at all. If your vacuum has no WiFi button on the unit and the Shark app does not show it as a device, it is not a connected model. These vacuums run on a timer or remote control only and cannot be changed to a new network because they were never connected to one.

If you have an older model that does have a WiFi button but no app, look for a small WiFi icon button on the top or side of the unit. Press and hold it for three seconds until the light blinks. This puts the vacuum in pairing mode. Use your phone's WiFi settings (not the Shark app) to find the vacuum's temporary network and connect to it, then follow the on-screen prompts to select your home network and enter the password.

Why Your Vacuum Might Lose WiFi Connection

Shark vacuums sometimes drop their WiFi connection after a power outage, a router restart, or if the WiFi password changes. If your vacuum was connected before but is no longer showing up in the app, the first step is to power the vacuum off and on again. Wait 30 seconds after powering it on, then open the app and see if it reappears.

If the vacuum still does not show up, your router may have changed the WiFi channel or band it uses. Some routers automatically switch between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, and Shark vacuums typically only connect to 2.4 GHz. Log into your router settings and check that 2.4 GHz is enabled. If your router is set to 5 GHz only, the vacuum will not be able to connect.

Another common issue is that the vacuum is too far from the router. WiFi signal weakens with distance and through walls. If your vacuum is in a basement or garage far from the router, it may lose connection during cleaning. Moving the router closer or using a WiFi extender that broadcasts on 2.4 GHz can solve this problem.

Changing WiFi When You Move to a New Home

If you are moving and need to connect your Shark to a different WiFi network, the process is the same as changing networks at your current home. Open the app, go to WiFi Settings, and select the new network. The vacuum will forget the old network automatically once you connect it to the new one.

Before you move, write down your new WiFi network name and password so you have it ready when you set up the vacuum in the new location. If you do not have the password, you can find it in your new router's settings or contact your internet provider. Set up the vacuum in a room close to the router for the strongest connection during initial pairing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I connect my Shark vacuum to a 5 GHz WiFi network?

No. Shark robot vacuums only connect to 2.4 GHz networks. If your router broadcasts only on 5 GHz, you will need to enable the 2.4 GHz band in your router settings. Most modern routers can broadcast both bands at the same time, so you can have 2.4 GHz available for the vacuum while other devices use 5 GHz.

Do I need to delete the vacuum from the app before connecting to a new network?

No. You can change the WiFi network directly through the WiFi Settings menu without removing the vacuum from your app account. The vacuum will stay in your app and straightforward connect to the new network instead of the old one.

How long does it take for the vacuum to connect to a new WiFi network?

The connection usually completes within 30 to 60 seconds. If it takes longer than two minutes, the connection has likely failed. Go back and check that you entered the password correctly and that the vacuum is within range of the router.

What if I forgot my WiFi password?

You can find your WiFi password by logging into your router's settings page on a computer or phone. The router's IP address and login instructions are usually on a sticker on the back of the router. Alternatively, contact your internet provider — they can tell you the password or reset it for you.

Will changing WiFi networks erase my vacuum's cleaning schedule?

No. Changing the WiFi network does not affect the vacuum's internal settings, schedules, or cleaning history. The vacuum will keep any schedules you set up and will straightforward use the new network to communicate with the app.