Oral-B Electric Toothbrush Not Charging? (Easy Fix Guide)

Are you dealing with an Oral-B electric toothbrush not charging problem? We got you!

Your electric toothbrush should blink when charging. If it doesn’t, you must assume your charger is not working.

The fault usually lies in the toothbrush’s battery or internal circuitry. 

To get the Oral-B toothbrush charging again, clean the contacts using a mild cleansing solution or rubbing alcohol. Next, connect the toothbrush to the app and put it back on the base to charge.

Fantastic, now, let’s dive into the specifics!

Oral-B Electric Toothbrush Not Charging – Ways to Fix

There are several possible reasons your Oral-B toothbrush is not charging.

Understanding these potential causes allows you to troubleshoot and resolve the issue on your own, saving time and frustration.

Here are some of them:

• Dirty or corroded contacts on the toothbrush and charging base
• Damaged or faulty charger or charging port
• Weak or dead battery
• Outdated or incompatible firmware
• Software glitches or malfunction

This article will address the charging issue efficiently and effectively, ensuring your toothbrush’s longevity and optimal performance.

But first, perform the basic troubleshooting steps below.  

Before You Start

The solution might be a simple fix, which means you don’t need to apply advanced troubleshooting methods.

Ensure you perform the following to identify and address common issues effectively. 

• Make sure the power outlet is working
• Check the charging cables
• Inspect the charger for damage
• Use a different charger to see if your toothbrush charges

If there’s no improvement, proceed to the following solutions. 

1. Clean the Contacts Using a Mild Solution or Alcohol

The simplest and most effective solution is to clean the contacts on your toothbrush and base.

The contacts are the metal parts that allow the electric current to flow between your toothbrush and charger.

If they’re dirty or corroded, it will create a barrier or resistance that prevents the toothbrush from charging properly. 

Things you need:

• A cotton swab or soft cloth
• Vinegar solution or alcohol

Here are the steps to clean the contacts:

1. Unplug the charger from the wall socket. 
2. Detach your Oral-B toothbrush from the charging base. 
3. Moisten a cotton swab or soft cloth in a vinegar solution or alcohol. 
4. Gently wipe the metal contacts on the bottom of the toothbrush and charger. 
5. Let the contacts dry completely.
6. Plug the charger back into the wall socket. 
7. Place your toothbrush on the charging base. 
8. Check if the charging indicator light is on. 

Note: Exercise caution to avoid damaging the plastic parts or getting any liquid inside the toothbrush or the charger. 

If your toothbrush is still not charging normally, move on to the next solution. 

2. Update the Firmware of Your Toothbrush

The firmware controls the functions and features of your Oral-B toothbrush, such as the brushing modes, timer, and Bluetooth connectivity.

If it’s outdated or incompatible, it affects the performance of your toothbrush and causes charging issues. 

To fix this, update the firmware using the Oral-B app on your smartphone or tablet.

Here are the steps to do this:

1. Download the free Oral-B app on your smartphone or tablet. 
2. Connect your toothbrush to the Oral-B app via Bluetooth.
3. Follow the in-app instructions to update the firmware of your toothbrush. 
4. Wait for the update to complete.  
5. Check if your toothbrush is charging normally. 

Note: Do not turn off your toothbrush or device during the update. Interrupting the update could lead to incomplete installation or potential errors. 

3. Connect Your Toothbrush to the App and Charge It

Many users who have successfully fixed their Oral B toothbrush not charging problem recommend connecting it to the app when you charge it.

By doing this, you are resetting the toothbrush and clearing any software errors that prevent it from charging properly.

It also helps you monitor your toothbrush’s battery level and get notifications when it is low.  

Here’s how to do it:

1. Download the free Oral-B app on your smartphone or tablet. 
2. Connect your toothbrush to the Oral-B app via Bluetooth.
3. Place your toothbrush on the charging base.
4. Plug the charger into a working wall socket or power strip.
5. Check if the charging indicator light is on. 

Connecting your toothbrush to the app enhances your brushing experience and helps you achieve your oral health goals.

Use it to customize your brushing modes, track your habits, and access successful tips and advice.  

4. For Older Models, Replace the Battery on Your Oral-B Toothbrush

If you have an older Oral-B toothbrush model, replace the battery if it’s not charging.

The battery on the Professional Care, Pro, and TriZone models is rechargeable but wears out over time and loses its ability to hold a charge.

Things you need:

• A flathead screwdriver

Replacing the battery restores the functionality and performance of your toothbrush and fixes the charging problem.

To do this, follow these steps:

1. Twist the brush head counterclockwise and pull it off. 
2. Locate the seal on the handle and pry it open with a flathead screwdriver.
3. Unscrew the bottom cap counterclockwise to expose the internal components. 
4. Remove the old battery carefully.
5. Cut or desolder the wires that connect the battery to the circuit board. 
6. Insert a new AAA battery into the handle, ensuring correct polarity. 
7. Screw the bottom cap back on clockwise and replace the seal. 
8. Reattach the brush head to the handle and turn on your tooth to test its functionality. 
9. Place the toothbrush on the charger and check if it’s charging normally. 

Note: Batteries contain hazardous materials, so dispose of the old battery according to local regulations. 

5. Reset Your Toothbrush

Resetting your Oral-B toothbrush is a handy solution for addressing charging problems.

This quick and straightforward process refreshes your toothbrush’s internal systems and improves performance.

The exact steps vary based on your toothbrush’s model, so consult the user manual for precise instructions. 

Info: Before initiating the reset, ensure your toothbrush is fully charged.

Here are the steps to reset your toothbrush:

1. Hold the power button to turn off your toothbrush.
2. Put the toothbrush on the charger.
3. Press and hold the power button for at least 5 seconds.
4. Release the power button when you see the LED light flashes white.
5. Wait for the LED to stop flashing.
6. Remove the toothbrush from the charger. 
7. Turn on the toothbrush to confirm the reset has been successful.

Tip: After successfully resetting your Oral-B toothbrush, place it on the charging station to ensure it has enough power for regular use. 

6. Disassemble Your Toothbrush and Inspect for Internal Damage

If none of the above solutions work, disassemble your toothbrush and inspect it for internal damage.

This is a more advanced solution and requires some technical skills and tools. 

Another possible reason your Oral-B electric toothbrush is not charging is internal damage due to moisture.

When moisture enters the toothbrush from the brush head, charging port, or cracks in the casing, it causes corrosion, short circuits, or other problems affecting the charging process. 

Things you need:

• A flathead screwdriver
• Multimeter 
• Soldering iron

To fix this, you need to disassemble your toothbrush.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Twist the brush head counterclockwise and pull it off. 
2. Locate the seal on the handle and pry it open with a flathead screwdriver. 
3. Separate the two halves of the handle and remove the PCB from the case. 
4. Inspect the components of the toothbrush for any signs of damage.
5. Use a multimeter to test the voltage and continuity of the parts. 
6. Replace the affected component or solder the connection if you find any damage. 

If you don’t find any damage, reassemble the toothbrush and contact Oral-B customer support for assistance. 

Note: Always charge your toothbrush in a dry, room temperature environment, and don’t charge it immediately after use to avoid water damage.

Quick Recap

If you have an Oral-B electric toothbrush not charging problem, your charger is malfunctioning. The main culprit could be the battery of your toothbrush or its internal circuitry.

In such cases, clean the contacts of your toothbrush and charger with vinegar or alcohol. Also, consider replacing the battery for optimal performance. 

For more information on Oral-B toothbrush troubleshooting, visit our blog!