Check whether the dust receptacle is full.
If debris builds up in the dust bin or dust cup all the way to the “MAX FILL” line, you’ll usually notice a loss of suction in your Shark vacuum. Also, dirt and debris can block the openings on the dust bin or dust cup, which could prevent the vacuum from cleaning properly. How to fix it: Empty the dust bin or dust cup. Also, check any openings in the dust receptacle to make sure they’re not blocked by dirt, hair, or other debris. If there’s a screen inside the dust receptacle, make sure this is clear of any debris as well.
Check the brush roller for blockages.
Turn over the vacuum and look at the brush roller (sometimes called the beater bar). Hair or fibers wrapped around this brush could keep it from turning. There could also be a small item trapped near the brush that's stopping its rotation. If your vacuum has additional brushes—like a Shark robot with a side brush—check these as well. While you're checking the brushes, also look inside the nozzle opening attached to the brush head for debris that could be blocking it. How to fix it: Pull any hair, fibers, dust, or objects away from the brush, then test it to make sure it spins freely. If you need to, use scissors to carefully snip the obstruction from the brush roll. Use your fingers to clear any obstructions out of the nozzle openings. Deep clean: On some Shark vacuums, you may be able to remove a cover from the brush head, allowing you to check for debris buildup. Check your owner’s manual to exactly how to do this on your model.
Clean out the air filters if they’re dirty.
Refer to your owner’s manual to see where the air filters are located in your Shark vacuum—there may be one or you might have more than one. Take out each filter and inspect it—if it’s dirty or clogged with hair or other debris, that could be why your Shark vacuum isn’t sucking. How to fix it: If your air filter is disposable, replace it with a new one. If your air filter is reusable, rinse it until the water runs clear. Allow the filter to dry for at least 24 hours, then replace it to see if that fixed the problem. Quick tip: If you’re in a hurry or don’t have a replacement filter, you may be able to clear out the filter by tapping it against the inside of your garbage can. (This will produce a lot of dust, so you might want to do it outside.) But this is only a temporary fix, so change or clean the filter as soon as you can.
Check for clogs in the hose or wand.
Drop a coin down the wand or hose on your Shark vacuum—if the coin doesn’t come out the other side, there’s probably a blockage. If you have a hose vacuum, you may be able to feel the blockage by running your fingers along the hose. How to fix it: On a hose vacuum, squeeze the hose to carefully work the blockage toward one end so you can reach in and remove it. If that doesn’t work, or if you have a wand vacuum, push a rounded stick (like a broom handle) into one end of the hose to push the blockage out the other side, being careful not to damage the vacuum.
Check the settings on the vacuum.
If your Shark vacuum has an energy-friendly setting (Eco Mode), it may use lower power as a way to reduce the vacuum’s electrical pull. Or, if you’re trying to vacuum deep carpet, you might not get as much suction if you’re using a setting meant for hard floors or low carpet. How to fix it: Use a different setting to see if the suction improves. For instance, try Boost Mode or Max Mode instead of Eco Mode. If your Shark vacuum has an adjustable height, try lowering it—this will concentrate the vacuum’s power to a smaller area, which may help increase the suction.
Make sure the vacuum has power.
Your Shark vacuum won’t work properly if it isn’t getting power. If you have a corded model, make sure it’s plugged in, or move the plug to another outlet if that one isn’t working. If you have a battery-powered model, be sure the battery is charged. If it’s still not working, the problem could be with the power cord, battery, or motor. How to fix it: If you suspect an issue with the unit’s power supply or motor, visit Shark’s support site for troubleshooting tips or to reach out to their customer service team. Safety tip: Do not attempt to repair a faulty power cord on your own, and don’t disassemble the Shark vacuum to try to fix the motor—you’ll run the risk of an electric shock, and you could void your warranty. Did your Shark vac overheat? If your vacuum was working normally then suddenly shut off and won’t come back on, it may have overheated. Wait about an hour for it to cool down, then try to turn the vacuum on again.
Look for leaks or cracks in the hose or frame.
Over time, your Shark vacuum can develop cracks or breaks in the hose. If the unit is dropped, the frame could crack as well. Cracks in the vacuum will prevent it from sucking properly. How to fix it: Contact Shark customer service to determine whether the hose or frame can be repaired on your model. If it can’t be fixed, they may send you a new vacuum if yours is still under warranty.
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