Shark App Can't Connect To Robot?

The Shark Robot cleaning system relies on the Shark application to work. If the Shark app can’t connect to robot, you cannot work.

In most cases, the connection between the app and the robot is affected by the Wifi signal. The Shark Robot is designed to only use a 2.4 GHz connection.

This can be a problem when modern routers offer both 2.4 and 2.5 frequencies.

To fix the Shark app not connecting to the robot, reset Wifi SSID to ensure that both phone and robot are on 2.4 GHz.

Once this is resolved, other issues that could cause a problem are minor and easy to resolve.

In our review of the problems affecting the functioning of the Shark app with a robot, we will also consider the use of VPNs.

Some internet regulations can have a role. Read on to find the ideal solution to your problem.

Reasons Why Shark App Can’t Connect to Robot

The main reasons why your Shark application is not connecting with the robot are:

There is no strong Wifi connection at home
Your Wifi connection uses dual bands
You are using applications that limit the use of Wifi on devices
You have not turned on location on your phone

If the Shark app won’t connect to the robot after solving all of the above issues, you may have to contact the manufacturer.

Basically, your application should not have any problem connecting to the robot as long as all factors are aligned.

Solutions to Shark App and Roboto Connection Problems

The problems you are experiencing can be solved in simple steps.

We will start by looking at your wifi connection and find out that the type of connection frequency is the most common cause of failed connection.

Solution #1 Connect to a Single Band Wifi With Both Phone and Robot

To solve the problem, you have to connect both your robot and application to a 2.4GHz Wifi.

This is because the Shark Robot is only designed to use a 2.4GHz connection.This can be a problem considering that most modern routers offer both 2.4 and 5GHz bands.

Smart devices such as phones are also designed to connect to either of the options.

Phones connect to 5GHz when close to the router and 2.4GHz when at a long distance from the router. This ensures that there is a good experience and a faster connection.

Since 2.4GHz offers the best experience at long range, the Shark robot only uses this band.

Therefore, you will have to switch your wifi bandwidth to 2.4GHz alone to ensure that both phone and robot are on the same band.

How to switch Wifi router to 2.4GHZ only

Visit the Manufacturer’s website and check the SSID name for your router.
If 2 frequencies are being broadcasted check the MAC address associated with your SSID.
In the administrative section of the Wifi Access Point manual, check for your MAC details.
To prevent band steering, give your bands different SSIDs
Login to your wifi provider network and allocate different SSIDs to your 2.4 and 5GHZ Bands.
Always select the 2.4 GHz band when using your robot.

Alternatively, if you do not have logins and access to your Wifi router, you may try setting up the robot some distance from the router.

When your phone is about 20 ft from your router, it is more likely to connect to the 2.4GHz band.

Given that your robot automatically connects to the 2.4GH, the two devices should link.

Solution #2 Turn on Location on Your Phone

Device location can also affect the connection between the Shark Robot and the Shark application.

The Shark Robot is designed to use location.

Unfortunately, the manufacturer does not specify the need to turn on location when synchronizing devices.

From past experiences, you have to turn on your device location to be able to connect the app with Shark Robot.

Below are the steps to turn on the location for your phone.

How to turn on location on iPhone

Go to Settings
Select Privacy
Tap on Location Services
Toggle the button to Turn On Location Services

Turn on the location on the Android

Go to your phone’s Settings
Scroll down to Personal
Tap on Location Access
Turn on Location Access

Note: For some devices, go directly to the location once you open your settings.

Toggle the location button to turn it on and off.

Solution #3 Change the Location of the Robot and Phone

The physical location of the robot and the phone can affect app functionality. The app will not connect to the robot unless you are in close proximity.

At the same time, the app will not connect to the robot unless they are both connected to the same wifi.

How to locate robot and phone to wifi

To connect the Shark app with the Shark robot, your router should be located at a central position in your house.
Turn the robot on and place it approximately 5 to 10 meters from the location of your router.
Stand with your phone right over the robot
Push the Wifi button on the robot once to turn the Wifi on and wait until the Wifi icon turns green.
Turn on wifi on your phone and wait until the device is connected
Open the Shark app and try connecting to Wifi. Make sure both the robot and phone are on 2.4GHz wifi.

Note: If this does not work, you may try closing the app and restarting your robot again.

Start the process all over to see if the connection will happen. In some situations, you may have to wait up to 20 minutes for the app to connect to the robot.

Solution #4 Turn off VPN and Firewall

The other reason you may be having trouble could be that your Shark Robot itself is not connected to the Wifi. A firewall on your Wifi can prevent the connection.

Even if the Robot is connected, there could be a missing link between the robot and the phone due to VPN.

When you use VPN on your phone, you alter the IP address of your device.

For Shark Robot to connect to the Shark app on your device, they must share an IP address.

If you are using a VPN, you have to force it to stop.

To deal with the problem of VPNs and firewalls

Turn off your VPN on the phone
Turn off the firewall on the router
Connect to the 2.4GHZ network after naming it with the appropriate SSID.
Make sure your robot is turned on and close to the connection

Solution #5 Turn off WiFi Isolation

The last reason why your devices may fail to communicate is if you have turned on Wifi Isolation.

This is a factor that most people do not know about. As a matter of fact, most devices that should be linked through Wifi will fail in this situation.

Wifi Isolation(Wireless Client Isolation) is a security feature meant to protect users from interference.

As a result, it blocks communication between devices on the same Wifi. While Wifi isolation is good for your security, it hinders communication between devices.

If your Wifi isolation is turned on, your Shark app will not detect the Shark Robot. To deal with this problem, you simply have to turn off Wifi Isolation.

How to turn off Wifi Isolation

Login to your Router Portal using the username and password at the back of your router
Go to Settings
Select Advanced Wireless Settings
Select AP Isolation
Check the box to turn Wifi Isolation on or uncheck it to turn it off

Note: On some devices, the path to wireless isolation may slightly vary.

However, you can be sure to find it under advanced wireless settings.

Summary

If Shark app can’t connect to robot, you will have to configure your Wifi such that it only uses the 2.4GHz band.

If your Wifi is already on the 2.4GHZ band, move on and try diagonalizing the other problem.

Kevin Wood

Kevin has over five years of experience working in various Tech startups and providing Technical solutions. He has contributed to many Tech publications and websites. Check out more about him here.