FAQs - WV203

WV203 FAQs

How do I find the model number of my Shark WANDVAC™ Cordless Handheld Vacuum?

The model number is displayed on the vacuum’s rating label, which can be found behind the filter housing.

What cleaning accessories are available to use with the Shark WANDVAC™ Cordless Handheld Vacuum?

A wide assortment of accessories are available for use with the Shark WANDVAC™ Cordless Handheld Vacuum. Some of these accessories may be included with your handheld vacuum.

Duster Crevice Tool

Multi-Surface Pet Tool

Dual Onboard Accessory Storage

ION Charging Dock

What is each accessory used for?

Duster Crevice Tool: two cleaning tools in one: the crevice tool gives you extended reach to clean in tight spaces, while the soft brush lets you dust delicate surfaces.

Multi-Surface Pet Tool: picks up pet hair and large piles of debris from upholstery, carpets, and other surfaces.

What is the light on my Shark WANDVAC™ for?

The blue light indicates the status of your handheld vacuum and its battery. See the light indicator codes below.

Light blinking blue: Low battery

Light blinks blue twice, then pauses: Blockage. Turn off power and remove blockage, then turn power back on

Solid blue light: Power is on

Blue light fades in and out steadily: Unit is charging

Dim blue light: Unit is fully charged

No light: Power is off, or unit needs recharge

What is the weight of the vacuum?

The vacuum weighs 640 grams with an accessory.

What are the dimensions of the vacuum in the dock?

10.4 L X 20.5 W X 38.6 H centimeters.

What is the vacuum made of?

The Shark ION™ W1 Cordless Handheld Vacuum is produced with a combination of durable ABS and PP plastics, along with some metal and rubber components.

What is included with the Shark WANDVAC™ Cordless Handheld Vacuum?

The handheld vacuum comes with a lithium-ion battery, a Charging Dock, and a variety of cleaning and storage accessories. Depending on the version you purchase, these accessories will vary slightly. To find out specifically what is included with your model, consult the Owner’s Guide or box that came with your unit.

Where is the product manufactured?

The Shark ION™ W1 Cordless Handheld Vacuum is manufactured by our high-quality vacuum manufacturing partners in China.

How do I empty the dust cup?

Turn off the vacuum and hold it over the trash with the nozzle pointing down. Locate the dust cup release button on the top of the vacuum and slide it forward, and the dust cup will drop open. Tap lightly to loosen debris. Wipe the inside of the dust cup clean as needed.

How often should I empty the dust cup?

For optimal performance, the dust cup should be emptied each time you vacuum or when the dust cup appears full.

How often should I wash the filter?

For optimal performance, clean the fabric filter once a month. Rinse filter with water only until water runs clear. Do not use soap or other cleaners. Let filter air-dry for at least 24 hours until completely dry before reinstalling. Between cleanings, lightly tap the filter over the trash to release any excess dust and debris.

How do I find the filter?

The fabric filter is located in the filter housing inside the dust cup. With the power off and the dust cup open, slide the filter housing forward toward the nozzle to remove. Lift the fabric filter by its metal handle and pull it out of the housing. See Owner’s Guide for more information and visuals.

How do I wash the filter?

The fabric filter is located inside the filter housing. Turn off the power and open the dust cup over a trash can. Once the dust cup is open, slide the filter housing forward toward the nozzle and pull out to remove. Place the rest of the vacuum aside. Flip the filter housing over and pull out the fabric filter by the metal handle. Rinse the filter with water until the water runs clear. DO NOT use soap. Let air-dry completely (at least 24 hours) before reinstalling. Slide the fabric filter back into the filter housing and reinstall in the vacuum. See Owner’s Guide for more information and visuals.

How do I know when the filters need to be cleaned?

Filters may need to be cleaned if the vacuum is not picking up dirt, airflow is restricted, or if you notice lighter or no suction. To maintain optimal performance, tap filters clean periodically and wash them according to the regular cleaning schedule.

Product setup & how to use

What if my vacuum feels warm?

Your vacuum may feel warm in use. If it feels uncomfortably warm, stop using the vacuum and allow the battery to cool. If the battery continues to feel warm, contact Customer Service


During or after use, the battery may become warm, which is not optimal for charging. The vacuum will not start charging on the dock until the battery cools to the optimal temperature.

How do I turn the vacuum off?

To turn the vacuum off, press the power button located on the handle.

How do I use my accessories?

Attach accessories to the nozzle for quick and convenient use. To remove an accessory, pull it off the nozzle.

How do I store my vacuum?

Store the handheld vacuum by inserting the nozzle into the ION Charging Dock. You will know it is fully inserted when the blue power button light turns on.
It is recommended that you leave your vacuum on the ION Charging Dock after each use to recharge the battery completely. For optimal runtime, always return your vacuum to the dock after each use.

How do I know if the vacuum's airway has a blockage?

You will see debris stuck in the airway between the dust cup and the nozzle.

You will hear a change in volume, with a higher pitch to the sound

You are having trouble picking up debris that your vacuum had previously been able to pick up.

Your dust cup is full.

Your vacuum has shut off and the blue indicator light repeatedly blinks twice followed by a pause.

What should I do if my vacuum loses suction?

Turn off the power.

Check for blockages along the airflow path.

Check accessories and clear blockages if necessary.

Empty the dust cup and clean the filters.

The fabric filter needs cleaning or replacement. Clean or replace the fabric filter.

The filter screen is clogged and needs cleaning. Open dust cup and clean the filter screen.

For additional help, contact Customer Care

How do I check for blockages?

If using an accessory, remove it from the nozzle and check it for blockages.

Open the dust cup over a trash can

Inspect the inside of the nozzle, specifically the flap and the pathway leading to it, and clear any blockages.

Inspect the opening after the flap before debris enters the dust cup and clear any blockages.

What should I do if my vacuum will not operate?

The battery may need to be recharged. Place your vacuum on the ION Charging Dock for 2.5 hours or overnight to get a full charge.

Try plugging the dock into a different electrical outlet.

If the battery won't charge, it may be damaged and need to be replaced.

For additional help, contact Customer Care or See Owner’s Guide for more information.

What should I do if dust is escaping from my vacuum?

The fabric filter may not be installed correctly. Remove filter, then reinstall.

The fabric filter may have a hole or a puncture and need to be replaced.

The dust cup may not be installed correctly. Remove dust cup, then reinstall.

What should I do if my dust cup falls off?

To reinstall, slide the tab on the dust cup into the slot on the bottom of the nozzle until it clicks into place.

What should I do if my vacuum turns off on its own?

It is possible that the vacuum has overheated and the motor protective thermostat has turned it off. To reset it, turn the power off and place the handheld vacuum in the charging dock to cool. Check for clogs or dirty filters. Clear any clogs and wash filters if necessary (see Owner’s Guide). Wait a minimum of 45 minutes for the vacuum to cool, then turn the power on.

It is also possible that the battery is fully discharged. Return your vacuum to the ION Charging Dock. It is recommended that you leave your vacuum on the ION Charging Dock after each use to recharge the battery completely. For optimal runtime, always return the vacuum to the dock after each use.

If the vacuum still does not start, please contact Customer Care

Product care & maintenance

How do I empty the dust cup?

Turn off the vacuum and hold it over the trash with the nozzle pointing down. Locate the dust cup release button on the top of the vacuum and slide it forward, and the dust cup will drop open. Tap lightly to loosen debris. Wipe the inside of the dust cup clean as needed.

How often should I empty the dust cup?

For optimal performance, the dust cup should be emptied each time you vacuum or when the dust cup appears full.

How do I clean the dust cup?

Turn off the power and open the dust cup over a trash can. Push the orange release tab under the dust cup and hold it in while lifting off the dust cup. Rinse the dust cup with soap and water only and let air-dry completely for at least 24 hours. To reinstall, align the orange tab with the "Push to Remove" print, then slide the tab into the slot on the bottom of the nozzle until it clicks into place. See Owner's Guide for more information and visuals.

How often should I wash the filter?

For optimal performance, clean the fabric filter once a month. Rinse filter with water only until water runs clear. Do not use soap or other cleaners. Let filter air-dry for at least 24 hours until completely dry before reinstalling. Between cleanings, lightly tap the filter over the trash to release any excess dust and debris.

How do I find the filter?

The fabric filter is located in the filter housing inside the dust cup. With the power off and the dust cup open, slide the filter housing forward toward the nozzle to remove. Lift the fabric filter by its metal handle and pull it out of the housing. See Owner’s Guide for more information and visuals.

How do I wash the filter?

The fabric filter is located inside the filter housing. Turn off the power and open the dust cup over a trash can. Once the dust cup is open, slide the filter housing forward toward the nozzle and pull out to remove. Place the rest of the vacuum aside. Flip the filter housing over and pull out the fabric filter by the metal handle. Rinse the filter with water until the water runs clear. DO NOT use soap. Let air-dry completely (at least 24 hours) before reinstalling. Slide the fabric filter back into the filter housing and reinstall in the vacuum. See Owner’s Guide for more information and visuals.

How do I know when the filters need to be cleaned?

Filters may need to be cleaned if the vacuum is not picking up dirt, airflow is restricted, or if you notice lighter or no suction. To maintain optimal performance, tap filters clean periodically and wash them according to the regular cleaning schedule.

Product specs

Product Specs

Colour: Grey

Unit Weight: 640 gms

Boxed Weight: 1.4kg

Product Dimensions (cm): W: 9.5cm D: 22cm H: 38.5cm

Capacity:0.25L

Run-time:8 mins

Charge-time: 2.5 hours

Filter: HEPA

Ideal for Pets: Yes

Warranty: 1 year

Troubleshooting

My battery seems to have low runtime.

The initial charge on the battery is approximately 30%. Before first use, discharge battery fully to condition it properly, then charge the battery completely until the charge indicator light dims. It takes approximately 2.5 hours to charge the battery completely.

Note that battery runtime is affected by how long the unit’s power is on. It is recommended to turn the vacuum off when not in use and when between cleaning jobs.

It is recommended that you leave your vacuum on the ION Charging Dock after each use to recharge the battery completely.

Do I have to wait for my battery to fully discharge before I can charge it again?

You do not have to wait for your battery to fully discharge before you can charge it again. It is recommended that you leave your vacuum on the ION Charging Dock after each use to recharge the battery completely. For optimal runtime, always return your vacuum to the dock after each use.

What if my vacuum feels warm?

Your vacuum may feel warm in use. If it feels uncomfortably warm, stop using the vacuum and allow the battery to cool. If the battery continues to feel warm, contact Customer Service


During or after use, the battery may become warm, which is not optimal for charging. The vacuum will not start charging on the dock until the battery cools to the optimal temperature.

How do I know if the vacuum's airway has a blockage?

You will see debris stuck in the airway between the dust cup and the nozzle.

You will hear a change in volume, with a higher pitch to the sound

You are having trouble picking up debris that your vacuum had previously been able to pick up.

Your dust cup is full.

Your vacuum has shut off and the blue indicator light repeatedly blinks twice followed by a pause.

What should I do if my vacuum loses suction?

Turn off the power.

Check for blockages along the airflow path.

Check accessories and clear blockages if necessary.

Empty the dust cup and clean the filters.

The fabric filter needs cleaning or replacement. Clean or replace the fabric filter.

The filter screen is clogged and needs cleaning. Open dust cup and clean the filter screen.

For additional help, contact Customer Care

The Shark ION Handheld will not pick up debris or suction is weak.

The dust cup is full. Empty the dust cup.

The fabric filter needs cleaning or replacement. Clean or replace the fabric filter.

The battery needs to be recharged.

The filter screen is clogged and needs cleaning. 

Open dust cupand clean filter screen.

The Shark ION™ Handheld will not operate.

The battery needs to be recharged.

Try using a different electrical outlet to charge.87.

The battery is damaged and needs to be replaced

How do I check for blockages?

If using an accessory, remove it from the nozzle and check it for blockages.

Open the dust cup over a trash canInspect the inside of the nozzle, specifically the flap and the pathway leading to it, and clear any blockages.

Inspect the opening after the flap before debris enters the dust cup and clear any blockages.

What should I do if my vacuum will not operate?

The battery may need to be recharged. Place your vacuum on the ION Charging Dock for 2.5 hours or overnight to get a full charge.

Try plugging the dock into a different electrical outlet.

If the battery won't charge, it may be damaged and need to be replaced.


For additional help, contact Customer Care or See Owner’s Guide for more information.

What should I do if dust is escaping from my vacuum?

The fabric filter may not be installed correctly. Remove filter, then reinstall.

The fabric filter may have a hole or a puncture and need to be replaced.

The dust cup may not be installed correctly. Remove dust cup, then reinstall.

See Owner’s Guide for more information.

What should I do if my dust cup falls off?

To reinstall, slide the tab on the dust cup into the slot on the bottom of the nozzle until it clicks into place.

What should I do if my vacuum turns off on its own?

It is possible that the vacuum has overheated and the motor protective thermostat has turned it off. To reset it, turn the power off and place the handheld vacuum in the charging dock to cool. Check for clogs or dirty filters. Clear any clogs and wash filters if necessary (see Owner’s Guide). Wait a minimum of 45 minutes for the vacuum to cool, then turn the power on.

It is also possible that the battery is fully discharged. Return your vacuum to the ION Charging Dock. It is recommended that you leave your vacuum on the ION Charging Dock after each use to recharge the battery completely. For optimal runtime, always return the vacuum to the dock after each use.

If the vacuum still does not start, please contact Customer Care