Oral-B iO lights explained: red, orange, white and green

The smart pressure ring

The ring near the top of the handle is linked to the pressure sensor. Oral-B describes it as a smart pressure sensor that tells you when you are pressing too hard and when you are brushing with the right pressure. It is the light you will notice most often.

Pressing harder does not clean better with a powered brush. The head is already doing the work, and heavy pressure can be uncomfortable on gums. The ring is there to help you settle into a lighter touch. If you have concerns about your gums or sensitivity, speak to your dentist.

Note:Colours and patterns can differ between iO models and software versions. Treat this table as a general guide and check your manual for your handle.

Orange and red battery lights

On iO models without a full display, battery level is usually shown with a small light near the base or with the ring. An orange or red battery signal generally means the battery is low and the brush needs charging soon. On models with a display, the battery level appears as an icon on screen.

If you see a low battery warning shortly after a full charge, the battery may be wearing out or the handle may not be charging fully. Our guides to an iO that is not charging and an electric toothbrush not holding charge cover the next steps.

Some users mention an orange light at the start or end of brushing. Depending on the model, this can be a low battery signal or a brush head replacement reminder. The manual lists the exact meaning for your handle.

Charging lights and display messages

When you place the iO on its charger, the battery light usually flashes or the display shows a charging animation. When charging is complete, the light may stay on for a short time or go off. A handle that shows nothing at all on the charger points to a power or seating problem rather than a light fault.

Display models can also show smiley faces at the end of a session, a timer, mode names and a brush head reminder. These are informational rather than warnings.

• Flashing battery light on the charger: charging in progress
• Steady or fading light after charging: charge complete on many models
• No light on the charger: check the socket and how the handle sits
• Brush head icon or reminder: time to think about a new head

How to change the ring colour

On many iO models with a display, you can choose the colour of the ring for normal brushing, for example to tell apart two family members' handles. This is usually done through the settings menu on the handle, which you reach by pressing and holding a button, or through the Oral-B app.

The red and green pressure colours are usually fixed so the warning stays clear. The colour you choose replaces the white light shown during normal brushing. Because the menu layout differs between models, follow the steps in your manual or the app. Our guide to smart toothbrushes with an app shows which iO handles connect to the Oral-B app.

See smart toothbrushes with an app →

Lights on different iO models

Cheaper iO models tend to have fewer lights and no display, so a single light may do more than one job. Higher models such as the iO7 to iO10 add a display, and the iO10 adds a charger with its own display that Oral-B calls iOSense. On those models more information moves to the screen, and the ring is mainly used for pressure.

If you are choosing a model partly for its feedback, our Oral-B iO models compared guide sets out the display and pressure features from the listings.

When a light suggests a fault

A ring that stays red when you are not pressing at all, lights that flicker without the brush running, or a display that freezes can point to a software glitch. A reset often clears this. Oral-B explains the reset for each model, and our article on resetting an Oral-B iO covers the general approach.

If the problem returns after a reset, contact Oral-B support with your proof of purchase. Do not open the handle, as it is sealed against water.

Frequently asked questions

Why is my Oral-B iO light red? A red ring usually means you are pressing too hard. Ease off and the light should change. If it stays red with no pressure, try a reset.

What does the white light mean on an iO? White, or the colour you have chosen, normally shows the brush is running without enough pressure detected. Make light contact with your teeth.

Why is there an orange light on my iO? On many models orange is a low battery signal, and on some it can be a brush head reminder. Your manual gives the exact meaning.

Can I turn off the iO lights? Some settings can be changed in the handle menu or the app, but the pressure warning is part of the design. Check your manual for what your model allows.