Electric toothbrush not spinning or vibrating

Quick checks first

Most cases are solved by one of five simple checks, so start here before anything else. They take a few minutes and need no tools. Work through them in order, testing the brush after each one so you know which step fixed it.

1. 1

   Pull the head off and push it back on firmly until it clicks or seats fully.

2. 2

   Try a different head if you have one, to rule out a worn or damaged head.

3. 3

   Put the handle on its charger until fully charged, then test again.

4. 4

   Switch to the default or Daily Clean mode at the highest intensity.

5. 5

   Check the handle is not in travel lock, if your model has one.

Clean the shaft and the head

Toothpaste and water collect under the head and dry into a crust around the shaft. Over time this can stop the head gripping properly, and on Sonicare brushes it can damp the vibration. Remove the head, rinse the metal shaft and the inside of the head under warm running water, and wipe away any residue. Do not use sharp tools on the seal around the shaft.

Make this part of your weekly routine. Our guide to cleaning an electric toothbrush and its head covers it step by step.

Battery and charging

A low battery often makes the brush feel weak before it stops altogether. Charge the handle fully and test it again. If it charges but quickly fades, the battery may be wearing out; see electric toothbrush not holding charge.

If it will not charge at all, check the charger is plugged in and switched on, and that the handle sits properly on the stand. Model-specific guides: Oral-B iO not charging and Philips Sonicare not charging.

Settings that make it feel weak

Several features soften the action on purpose. Sensitive and Super Sensitive modes run the head more slowly. On Sonicare, a low intensity setting, and Easy-start on many models, which builds power gradually over the first brushes, can make a new brush feel gentle. On the Sonicare Prestige 9900, SenseIQ lowers the intensity when you press too hard.

On Oral-B Pro handles, pressing too hard can stop the pulsation part of the movement. On the iO, the pressure ring turns red. Ease off and the full action returns. See toothbrush pressure sensors explained.

Travel lock

Some Sonicare models have a travel lock that stops the brush running in a bag. The way to switch it on or off varies by model, often by holding the power button for a few seconds while the handle is on the charger. Check your manual. Our Philips Sonicare not working guide covers more Sonicare checks.

When it is a fault

If the brush hums, the head is clean and fitted, the battery is charged and the mode is normal but the head still barely moves, the drive may be faulty. Stop using it and contact the maker or the retailer. Oral-B and Philips offer warranties on their handles; keep your proof of purchase.

If the handle is out of warranty and you are replacing it, our best electric toothbrush guide compares premium Oral-B iO and Sonicare handles.

Note:Do not open the handle or try to repair the motor. It contains a sealed lithium-ion battery. Take a dead handle to electrical recycling, not the household bin.

Compare replacement brushes →

Frequently asked questions

Why does my new Sonicare feel weak? Many Sonicare handles start with Easy-start, which builds power gradually over the first brushes. Check the manual for how to switch it off.

Why does my Oral-B stop pulsing when I brush? Pressing too hard can stop the pulsations on Pro models. Ease off and it resumes.

Can a worn head stop the brush vibrating? A damaged head that no longer grips the shaft can. Try a new head.

Is it worth repairing an old handle? Makers usually replace rather than repair handles. Check the warranty first.