# How to set up and use a Shark robot vacuum Source: https://dockandmop.co.uk/blog/how-to-set-up-a-shark-robot-vacuum Published: 2026-10-12 Publisher: Dock and Mop **In short:** Put the Shark base on hard flooring against a wall with clear space either side and in front, plug it in and dock the robot to charge fully. Install the SharkClean app, add the robot over 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, then run the explore run so it builds a map. Name the rooms, set no-go zones and a schedule, and use Matrix Clean for extra passes on dirty areas. Shark robot vacuums, from the Navigator and Matrix models to the PowerDetect NeverTouch Pro, all use the SharkClean app and follow a similar setup. Most have a bagless self-empty base, and the newer models wash and dry a mop pad as well. This guide covers placing the base, connecting to the app, the first mapping run, rooms and schedules, and how to use Shark's Matrix Clean. Menu names vary between app versions and models, so check your quick start guide alongside it. ## Placing the base Choose a spot on a hard, level floor, against a wall and close to a socket. Shark's manuals give minimum clear distances to each side and in front of the base, so check yours, but allow at least the width of the robot either side and plenty of room in front. Keep the base away from stairs, direct sunlight and areas where it may be knocked. Avoid placing the base on thick carpet, which can stop the robot lining up with the charging contacts. Remove all packing, fit the side brush, and on mopping models fit the pad and fill the water tank. Then place the robot on the base and let it charge fully before starting; the first charge can take a few hours. ## Connecting to the SharkClean app If it will not connect, try moving the robot closer to the router and see our [robot vacuum Wi-Fi fixes](https://dockandmop.co.uk/blog/robot-vacuum-wifi-not-connecting). 1. Download the SharkClean app and create an account. 2. Switch the robot on with the power switch on its side or underneath, depending on model. 3. In the app, tap to add a robot and follow the prompts. 4. Connect your phone to a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network when asked; Shark robots do not use 5 GHz. 5. Wait for the robot to connect and install any firmware update before the first run. ## The explore run and map Shark lidar models, such as the Matrix and Matrix Plus, build a map during an explore or mapping run. Open all internal doors, pick up cables and clothes, and lift light rugs with tassels for the first run. Let the robot finish and return to the base on its own; interrupting it can leave the map incomplete. When the map appears, check room divisions, merge or split rooms as needed and name them. Then add no-go zones for cable areas, pet bowls and anywhere the robot might get stuck. Our guide to [no-go zones](https://dockandmop.co.uk/blog/how-to-set-no-go-zones) covers the different boundary types. ## Schedules, Matrix Clean and modes In the SharkClean app you can set a schedule by day and time, and on mapping models choose which rooms to clean. Recharge and Resume lets the robot top up its battery mid-clean and carry on where it left off, which helps in larger homes. Matrix Clean makes the robot go over an area in a grid with multiple passes. Shark lists it as giving better carpet cleaning than a single pass, so use it for hallways, kitchens and high-traffic rooms rather than every run. On mopping models, choose vacuum only, or vacuum and mop, and use Matrix Mop on stubborn marks where available. | Option | What it does | When to use it | | --- | --- | --- | | Room select | Cleans chosen rooms only | Daily quick cleans | | Matrix Clean | Grid pattern, multiple passes | Dirty or high-traffic rooms | | Spot clean | Cleans a small area | Crumbs, small spills | | No-go zones | Keeps the robot out | Cables, pet bowls, rugs | | Schedule | Starts at set times | When you are out | Common SharkClean options ## Emptying and the first week Shark self-empty bases are bagless. When the bin reaches the max line, lift it out and empty it into the household bin; see [how to empty a robot vacuum](https://dockandmop.co.uk/blog/how-to-empty-a-robot-vacuum). Check the brush roll and side brush after the first few runs, even though the brush roll is self-cleaning. In the first week, watch where the robot gets stuck and add zones. If it reports errors, our [Shark error codes guide](https://dockandmop.co.uk/blog/shark-robot-vacuum-error-codes) lists the common ones, and [how to reset a robot vacuum](https://dockandmop.co.uk/blog/how-to-reset-a-robot-vacuum) covers resets. ## Frequently asked questions **Can I use a Shark robot without the app?** Yes, most models have a clean button on the robot. You lose maps, zones and schedules without the app. **Why does my Shark not go back to the base?** Usually the base is in a poor spot or the contacts are dirty. See [robot vacuum won't dock](https://dockandmop.co.uk/blog/robot-vacuum-wont-dock). **Does Shark work with Alexa?** Yes, through the SharkClean skill. You can start and stop cleaning and pick rooms on mapping models. **Which Shark robot should I buy?** See our [Shark range compared](https://dockandmop.co.uk/best/shark-robot-vacuum-range). ## Buying guides on this topic - https://dockandmop.co.uk/best/shark-robot-vacuum-range - https://dockandmop.co.uk/best/best-self-emptying-robot-vacuums - https://dockandmop.co.uk/best/best-robot-vacuum-for-pet-hair ## Sources - [Shark UK](https://www.sharkclean.co.uk)