Vibrator not working? A calm troubleshooting guide

A vibrator not working is frustrating, but it is usually something small and easy to fix: a flat battery, a dusty charging contact or a button that needs a longer press. Before you worry, work through the checklist below. Most toys spring back to life within a few minutes, and if yours does not, we explain how to tell when it is a genuine fault and what happens next.

How do I fix a vibrator that is not working?

Work through these steps in order. Each one takes a minute or less.

1. Charge it fully. Connect it with the cable it came with and leave it for the full charging time on the product page, even if it was recently charged. A deeply flat battery can take a while before the toy responds.
2. Check the cable and power source. Try a different USB port, plug adapter or power bank. Laptop ports sometimes go to sleep and stop charging.
3. Clean and dry the contacts. Wipe charging ports or magnetic contacts gently with a dry, lint-free cloth. Any moisture or residue can stop charging, so make sure the toy is completely dry first.
4. Press and hold the power button. Many toys need a long press of a second or two to switch on, rather than a quick tap. Check the instructions that came with yours.
5. Check for a travel lock. If your toy has one, it may have been switched on in storage. The product instructions explain how to unlock it, often with a longer or combined button press.
6. Fit a fresh battery the right way round. For battery-powered toys, match the plus and minus symbols inside the compartment, and make sure the cap is screwed fully closed.
7. Rest it, then try again. If it got warm while charging or was used for a long time, let it cool to room temperature before trying again.
8. Contact us. If none of this works, email us. It may be a fault, and faulty items are always covered.

Why is my bullet vibe not turning on?

The most common reason a bullet vibe is not turning on is simply a flat battery. Rechargeable toys often ship with only a partial charge, which is why we suggest charging fully before first use. The second most common reason is the button press: some toys switch on with a long press and change settings with a short one.

The Lune Rechargeable Mini Bullet, for example, has a single button that switches it on and cycles through its ten modes. The Duet Dual Massage Wand has two buttons, one for each end, and its head starts with a long press of about one and a half seconds. If you are unsure, the instructions in the box or the product page will tell you how yours works.

Why is my vibrator not charging?

If your vibrator is not charging, it is usually the connection rather than the toy. Dust, lint or a trace of water in a USB port or on magnetic contacts can stop current flowing. For waterproof toys, always dry the charging point fully before connecting it: the Lune and Duet product pages both ask for this. Our guide to charging and battery safety explains good charging habits and how long a charge typically lasts.

Other things to check:

• A different cable. Cables wear out, especially at the ends. Use the one supplied where you can.
• A charging light. Many toys show a light while charging. No light at all points to the cable, port or power source.
• Temperature. Charge at room temperature, away from radiators and direct sunlight.

If your toy ever becomes hot, swells or smells unusual while charging, unplug it straight away, stop using it and contact us.

How do I change the batteries in a vibrator?

Battery-powered toys usually have a screw cap at the base. To change the batteries in a vibrator:

• Make sure your hands and the toy are dry.
• Twist the cap off, usually anticlockwise.
• Remove the old battery and fit the new one, matching the plus and minus symbols.
• Screw the cap back on firmly so any seal sits flat. A loose cap is a common reason a toy will not switch on.

Coin-cell batteries are small enough to be dangerous if swallowed, so keep spares well out of reach of children. The Child Accident Prevention Trust explains the risks of button batteries. When a battery is used up, recycle it rather than putting it in the bin: Recycle Your Electricals explains that hidden batteries can spark fires in bin lorries and shows where to recycle near you.

Quick reference: symptoms, causes and fixes

Splash-proof toys such as the Rouge Lipstick Bullet (IPX5) can be rinsed but should never be submerged. Our guide to cleaning your vibrator explains how to clean each water rating safely.

When is it a fault, and what happens next?

If you have worked through every step and your toy still will not work, it may be faulty. That is never something you need to feel awkward about. Faulty items are always covered, whether or not they have been opened or used, under your Consumer Rights Act 2015 rights. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 you can reject a faulty item within 30 days of delivery for a full refund.

Email hello@vibrator.toys with your order number and a short description of what is happening. A photo is never required. We will reply from our UK-based customer care team, send a prepaid returns label if needed, and handle everything discreetly. Our returns policy has the details, and the care and safety hub has more ways to keep your toy in good shape.