How To Add Shark Robot To Google Home

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If you’ve just bought a Shark robot vacuum, you probably want to make your cleaning routine as easy as possible. Learning how to add Shark robot to Google Home is the key to controlling it with your voice or from your phone. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from setup to troubleshooting, so you can start enjoying a smarter home.

How to Add Shark Robot to Google Home

This process involves two main apps: the SharkClean app and the Google Home app. You’ll need to have both installed and ready to go. Before we start, make sure your robot vacuum is charged and on its dock, and that your phone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network you want your devices to use.

What You’ll Need Before You Start

  • A Shark robot vacuum with Wi-Fi capability (IQ, AI, or AV series models).
  • The SharkClean app installed on your smartphone or tablet.
  • The Google Home app installed on the same device.
  • A Google account.
  • A stable 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network. Most Shark robots do not support 5GHz networks.
  • Your robot vacuum powered on and in its home dock.

Step 1: Setting Up Your Shark Robot in the SharkClean App

If your robot is brand new, this is your first step. If it’s already set up in the SharkClean app, you can skip to the next section.

  1. Download the SharkClean app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
  2. Create an account or log in if you already have one.
  3. Tap the “+” or “Add Device” button in the app.
  4. Select your robot model from the list. The app will usually guide you with pictures.
  5. Follow the in-app instructions. This typically involves pressing and holding the Wi-Fi button on your robot until you hear a tone.
  6. Connect your phone to the robot’s temporary Wi-Fi network (it will have a name like “Shark-xxxx”).
  7. Return to the SharkClean app. It will then prompt you to select your home’s 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network and enter the password.
  8. Wait for the app to finalize the connection. Your robot should now appear in the SharkClean app’s dashboard.

Step 2: Connecting SharkClean to Google Home

Now that your robot is in the SharkClean app, it’s time to link that service to Google. This is called “linking services” or “adding a works with Google device.”

  1. Open the Google Home app on your phone.
  2. Tap the “+” (Add) button on the main screen.
  3. Select “Set up device.”
  4. Choose “Works with Google.” You’ll see a list of compatible brands.
  5. Scroll through the list or use the search bar to find “Shark.” Tap on the Shark icon.
  6. You will be asked to log in to your SharkClean account. Enter the same email and password you used in the SharkClean app.
  7. Review and accept the permissions. Google Home will ask for access to control your device.
  8. Once linked, your Shark robot vacuum should automatically appear as a new device in your Google Home app. It might take a moment to populate.

Step 3: Assigning a Room and Testing Voice Commands

For the best experience, it helps to organize your devices in the Google Home app. This makes voice commands more natural.

  1. In the Google Home app, find your Shark robot. It might have a generic name like “Vacuum 1.”
  2. Tap on the device card, then tap the gear icon (Settings) in the top right.
  3. Select “Device name” and give it a simple name, like “Living Room Vacuum” or “Sharky.” Avoid complex names.
  4. Go back to settings and select “Room.” Assign it to the correct room, like “Living Room” or “Bedroom.”
  5. Now, test a voice command! Say, “Hey Google, start the Living Room Vacuum.” Your robot should leave its dock and begin cleaning.
  6. Other useful commands include “Hey Google, stop the vacuum,” “Hey Google, pause the vacuum,” and “Hey Google, send the vacuum home.”

Common Voice Commands to Try

  • “Hey Google, start [vacuum name].”
  • “Hey Google, stop [vacuum name].”
  • “Hey Google, pause [vacuum name].”
  • “Hey Google, send [vacuum name] home.”
  • “Hey Google, what is [vacuum name]’s battery level?”

Troubleshooting Connection Issues

Sometimes, things don’t go as smoothly as planned. Here are solutions to common problems.

SharkClean App Won’t Find the Robot

  • Ensure the robot is on and charged. The power button should be lit.
  • Check that you’re pressing the correct Wi-Fi button on the robot. Consult your manual if your unsure.
  • Make sure your phone’s Bluetooth is turned on, as it sometimes aids the setup.
  • Restart your robot by taking it off the dock, turning it off, and turning it back on.

Shark Service Doesn’t Appear in “Works with Google”

  • Force close and reopen the Google Home app.
  • Check that you’re using the same Google account in the Home app that you want to control the device with.
  • Search for “Shark” carefully; sometimes it’s listed under “SharkNinja.”

Google Home Says “Device Not Found” or Commands Don’t Work

  • Verify both your phone and robot are on the same 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network. This is the most common issue.
  • Unlink and relink the Shark service in the Google Home app. Go to Settings > Works with Google, find Shark, and select “Unlink.” Then add it again.
  • Reboot your Wi-Fi router. A simple restart can fix many connectivity problems.
  • Ensure your robot’s firmware is up to date in the SharkClean app.

Optimizing Your Shark Robot and Google Home Experience

Once connected, you can do more than just start and stop cleaning.

Creating Cleaning Routines

Google Home Routines are powerful. You can create a routine called “Goodbye” that starts your robot when you leave for work. Or a “Clean Up” routine that starts the vacuum and turns on the living room lights. To create one, go to the Routines section in the Google Home app and set your preferred triggers and actions.

Integrating with Other Smart Devices

With your Shark in Google Home, it becomes part of your smart home ecosystem. You can include it in scenes with smart lights or plugs. For example, you could have a scene called “Movie Night” that dims the lights and ensures the vacuum is docked and quiet.

Using the Google Home App for Scheduling

While the SharkClean app has scheduling, you can also use voice commands to set impromptu cleanings. For regular schedules, the SharkClean app is usually more feature-complete for your specific robot model.

Security and Privacy Considerations

Linking devices involves sharing data between services. Shark’s privacy policy will detail what data is collected. When you link to Google, you are allowing Google to send commands to your robot. Always use strong, unique passwords for both your Shark and Google accounts, and keep your apps updated to the latest versions for security patches.

What to Do If You Get a New Router or Change Wi-Fi

If your home network changes, you will need to update the Wi-Fi settings on your robot. You cannot do this from Google Home. You must use the SharkClean app to reconnect your robot to the new network. After that, it should automatically reappear in Google Home if the service is still linked. If not, you may need to relink the Shark service.

FAQ Section

Can I add any Shark vacuum to Google Home?

No, only Shark robot vacuum models with Wi-Fi connectivity can be added. This includes most of the IQ, AI, and AV series. Check your model’s specifications or the SharkClean app to confirm it has Wi-Fi.

Why does my Shark robot need a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network?

Most smart home devices, including robot vacuums, use 2.4GHz because it has a longer range and better wall penetration than 5GHz. It’s also a more common standard that keeps the device’s cost lower.

Can I start a specific cleaning mode with Google Home?

Basic voice commands through Google Home are usually limited to start, stop, pause, and dock. For specific modes like Spot Cleaning or Room Cleaning, you typically need to use the SharkClean app. Some advanced models may support more commands, so it’s worth testing.

My robot disconnected from Google Home. How do I reconnect it?

First, check if it’s still connected in the SharkClean app. If it is, try unlinking and relinking the Shark service in the Google Home app under “Works with Google.” If the robot is offline in the SharkClean app, you’ll need to reconnect it to Wi-Fi there first.

Can I control multiple Shark robots with Google Home?

Yes, you can. Each robot will need to be set up individually in the SharkClean app and will then appear as separate devices in Google Home. Give them distinct names like “Upstairs Vacuum” and “Downstairs Vacuum” for easy voice control.

Is there a delay when using voice commands?

There can be a slight delay of a few seconds. The command goes from your voice to Google’s servers, to the Shark cloud service, and then to your robot. A slow internet connection on either end can increase this delay.

Setting up your Shark robot with Google Home is a straightforward process that pays off with convenient, hands-free cleaning. By following these steps carefully and using the troubleshooting tips, you’ll likely have it working in just a few minutes. Remember, the key is ensuring both devices are on the same 2.4GHz network and that your accounts are linked properly. Once it’s done, you can enjoy telling your Google Assistant to handle the vacuuming while you focus on more important things.