Oral-B iO not charging

How the iO charges

The iO uses inductive charging. There are no metal contacts between the handle and the charger: a coil in the charger base creates a magnetic field, and a matching coil in the bottom of the handle turns that into current for the lithium-ion battery. This keeps water out of the handle, but it means the two coils need to sit close together and lined up.

Oral-B iO chargers have a small magnetic base or post that the handle locates on. Some iO models come with a fast charger, and Oral-B states charging times of around three hours on certain models. Others charge more slowly. Your manual gives the figure for your handle, so check it before deciding that charging is too slow.

Quick checks before anything else

Work through these in order. Each one takes a minute and rules out the most common causes.

1. 1

   Plug a lamp or phone charger into the same socket to confirm it has power. In a bathroom, check that the shaver socket is switched on and that any pull cord or isolator is on.

2. 2

   Look at the charger lead and plug for damage. If the cable is cut or the plug is cracked, stop using it.

3. 3

   Wipe the base of the handle and the top of the charger with a dry cloth. Dried toothpaste or limescale can stop the handle sitting flat.

4. 4

   Place the handle straight down on the charger so it clicks into the magnetic seat. It should stand upright without wobbling.

5. 5

   Leave it for at least 30 minutes. A deeply drained battery can take a while before the display or lights show that charging has started.

6. 6

   Check the display or battery light. Most iO handles show a charging animation or a flashing light when charging begins.

Note:Never use a charger with a damaged lead or plug, and do not try to open the charger or the handle. If you see scorch marks, smell burning or the charger gets very hot, unplug it and contact Oral-B.

Common causes and what to do

If the quick checks do not solve it, the table below matches what you see with the likely cause. Treat it as a starting point, because exact behaviour varies between iO models.

Charger compatibility

iO chargers are not the same as the chargers for older Oral-B ranges such as the Pro series. The older chargers have a small post that fits into the base of the handle, while the iO uses its own magnetic charger. An older charger may not seat the iO handle correctly, so use the charger that came with your brush or a replacement listed by Oral-B as suitable for iO.

If you have a charging travel case, it can be worth testing the handle in the case as well as on the base charger. If it charges in one but not the other, the fault is likely in the charger rather than the handle. Our comparison of Oral-B iO models shows which models come with a travel case or a fast charger.

Resetting the handle

A reset can clear a frozen display or a handle that seems stuck. Oral-B describes the reset in the manual and on its support pages, and the button combination can differ between models, so follow the instructions for your exact handle rather than a general guide. Our article on how to reset an Oral-B iO explains the general approach.

A reset will not fix a battery that has worn out or a charger that has failed, but it is a quick step to rule out before you contact Oral-B.

When to use the warranty

The iO handle is sealed, and the battery is not designed to be replaced at home. Opening the handle can damage the seals and will usually void the warranty. If the handle still will not charge after you have checked the socket, the charger and the reset, contact Oral-B through its UK website with your proof of purchase.

Oral-B has offered an extended warranty when you register a product on its website. Check the current terms on the Oral-B site, as they can change. Keep your receipt or order confirmation somewhere safe, because you will need it for any claim.

If the brush is out of warranty, Oral-B support can tell you what options exist. Do not buy cheap replacement batteries online and try to fit them yourself: lithium-ion cells need care, and a poor seal will let water into the handle.

Compare Oral-B iO models →

Frequently asked questions

How do I know my Oral-B iO is charging? Most iO handles show a charging animation on the display or a flashing battery light when placed on the charger. The exact signal depends on the model, so check your manual if you are unsure.

Can I use an old Oral-B charger with an iO? Oral-B makes separate chargers for iO handles. An older post-style charger is not designed for the iO base, so use an iO charger.

Why does my iO stop charging after a few seconds? The handle is often not sitting flat on the magnetic seat. Clean the base and the charger and place the handle straight down so it clicks into place.

Can I charge an iO from a bathroom shaver socket? Yes, if your charger has a two-pin plug that fits the socket and the socket is switched on. See our guide to charging from a shaver socket for details.