Shark Error 23 — Cannot return to base
DIRECT ANSWER
COMMON CAUSES · RANKED
Dock moved or blocked MOST COMMON
A dock relocated mid-map, tucked behind furniture or short on clearance is invisible to the returning robot.
Robot carried away or started off the dock
Missions started away from the dock leave the robot without a mapped path home.
Charging fault on IQ-generation robots
The IQ owner's guide ties Error 23 to charging — dock the robot by hand and confirm the indicator turns blue.
Dirty charging contacts UNCOMMON
If the robot reaches the dock but never starts charging, oxidized contact strips are the usual culprit.
HOW TO FIX IT
Place the robot on the dock by hand
Set it on the base and check the charging indicator lights up (blue on IQ/AI models).
Fix the dock placement
Keep the dock against a wall on level floor with about a metre of clear space on each side and nothing in front.
Clean the charging contacts
Wipe the metal strips on the dock and under the robot with a dry cloth.
Start missions from the dock
Always launch cleans with the robot docked so the map's return path stays valid.
COMPATIBLE PARTS
As an Amazon Associate, RoboFaults earns from qualifying purchases. Prices are shown on the retailer's site.
Charging dock — AI robots
Wipe the two metal charging strips with a dry cloth before blaming the dock; give it a metre of clearance each side so the robot can line up.
Compatibility and replacement details → Check price on Amazon ↗Sources
Verification
Last verified: 2026-07-06 · How we verify a fault code
Corrections
Spotted an error? Report a correction — fixes ship within 48h and are logged on this page.