Philips Sonicare Toothbrush Not Charging? (6 Easy Fixes)

Is your Philips Sonicare toothbrush not charging? We have the fix!

It gets frustrating when your electric toothbrush suddenly stops charging since you won’t be able to use it anymore.

This error often indicates an issue with the batteries or with power delivery.

To fix your Philips Sonicare toothbrush that’s not charging, clean the contacts on the toothbrush and charger. If this does not resolve the issue, replacing the batteries is often the best solution.

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

Philips Sonicare Toothbrush Not Charging – 6 Surefire Fixes

“My Philips Sonicare toothbrush is not charging, but my charger is fine. What could be causing the issue?” A faulty charger is not the only possible cause of this issue.

Other factors affect the charging process of your toothbrush, such as:

• Placing your toothbrush incorrectly on the charger
• Having a dirty or damaged toothbrush head
• Exposing your toothbrush to water damage
• Having old or faulty batteries

In this article, we’ll help you identify and resolve issues with the Philips Sonicare toothbrush.

We listed the most effective steps for your convenience. 

Before You Start

Before you perform any of the solutions below, ensure you do these four basic troubleshooting steps.

You might have a straightforward problem that can be resolved without restoring to more complex solutions. 

1. Use a different charger.
2. Plug it into a different wall outlet.
3. Check if your power cord is damaged.
4. Clean around the power button and press it harder.

If none of these steps work, proceed to the following troubleshooting methods:

1. Clean the Dirty or Corroded Charging Contacts

The most common cause of a not charging Philips Sonicare toothbrush is dirty or corroded contacts.

Over time, the metal parts on both the toothbrush handle and the charger base accumulate dirt, dust, saliva, or even rust.

These elements interfere with the electric current and prevent your toothbrush from charging. 

Things you need:

To clean the charging contacts, follow these steps:

1. Unplug the charger from the power source.
2. Remove your toothbrush from the charger. 
3. Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol.
4. Gently rub over the metal contacts of the toothbrush handle and charger base. 
5. Let the alcohol dry completely. 
6. Plug in your charger and place your toothbrush on it. 
7. Check if your toothbrush is charging normally. 

Note: You should see a "green light" flashing on your toothbrush handle when charging.

This solution works for most Philips Sonicare charging issues. If you still have problems after cleaning the contacts, move on to the next solution.  

2. Place your toothbrush correctly on the charger

Another possible cause is placing your Philips Sonicare toothbrush incorrectly on the charger.

If you don’t align your toothbrush properly with the charger base, this will result in a loss or poor connection.

Your toothbrush will not be able to receive enough power to charge, and you will experience persistent charging issues. 

To address the issue, follow these steps:

1. Ensure your charger is plugged in and working properly.  
2. Hold your toothbrush handle upright.
3. Align it with the center of the charger base. 
4. Gently lower your toothbrush onto the charger until you hear a click.
5. Check if your toothbrush is charging normally. 

Note: A click indicates your toothbrush is securely attached to the charger. If you still have problems after placing your toothbrush correctly on the charger, move on to the next solution.   

3. Clean the Toothbrush Head

Another reason for Sonicare toothbrush not charging is a dirty or damaged toothbrush head.

Over time, the toothbrush head collects gunk, like bacteria, food particles, plaque, or even mold, which messes with its performance and lifespan.

It also gets damaged from regular use, so you’ll see broken bristles, cracks, or leaks. 

Things you need:

• White vinegar or hydrogen peroxide

To address the issue, clean the toothbrush head by following these steps:

1. Remove the toothbrush head by pulling it gently. 
2. Rinse it under running water to get rid of debris or residue. 
3. Soak in a cup of white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide for 10 minutes. 
4. Rinse the toothbrush head again under running water.
5. Let it dry completely before attaching it back. 

To prevent the toothbrush head from getting dirty or damaged, do the following:

• Replace the toothbrush head once every 3 months or earlier if it shows wear and tear. 
• Store it in a dry and clean place, away from direct sunlight or heat. 
• Don’t share your toothbrush with anyone else to avoid cross-contamination.  

4. Inspect Your Toothbrush for Water Damage

Although toothbrushes are designed to withstand some splashes or drops of water, you should not submerge them in water or expose them to excessive moisture.

If water gets inside your toothbrush handle or charger base, it will cause corrosion, short circuits, or other malfunctions.

To address the issue, inspect your toothbrush for water damage.

Here’s how to do this:

1. Unplug the charger from the power source.
2. Remove your toothbrush from the charger. 
3. Shake the toothbrush handle gently and listen for sounds of water sloshing inside. 
4. Inspect for signs of corrosion or rust. 
5. If you see any, your toothbrush or charger has water damage.
6. Look for cracks or holes in their plastic casings. 

Note: If you find any evidence of water damage, replace your toothbrush or charger with new ones. 

To prevent your toothbrush from getting damaged by water, do the following:

• Don’t drop your toothbrush in water or expose it to excessive moisture. 
• Dry your toothbrush and charger after each use with a soft towel.
• Do not use your toothbrush in the shower or bathtub. 
• Do not store your toothbrush in humid places like bathrooms and kitchens.  

5. Replace the Batteries of Older Toothbrushes

Having old or faulty batteries is another possible reason your toothbrush is not charging.

Philips Sonicare toothbrushes use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that last for several years.

However, like any other battery, they degrade over time and lose their ability to hold a charge. If the battery is old or damaged, it’s time to replace them with new ones.

Things you need:

• Screwdriver or knife
• Screw or clip

To replace the batteries of older toothbrushes, follow these steps:

1. Unplug the charger from the power source.
2. Remove your toothbrush from the charger. 
3. Find the battery compartment on the bottom of your toothbrush handle. 
4. Unscrew it with a screwdriver or pry it open with a knife.
5. Remove the old battery and dispose of it safely. 
6. Insert a new battery into the compartment and align the terminals correctly.   
7. Close the battery compartment and secure it with a screw or clip. 
8. Plug in your charger and place your toothbrush on it. 
9. Check if your toothbrush is charging normally. 

5-A. For Toothbrushes with Non-Replaceable Batteries

If your Philips Sonicare toothbrush has non-replaceable batteries, the steps to replace them vary.

Follow specific guidelines tailored to your toothbrush model to ensure its longevity and optimal performance.  

Things you need:

• Small screwdriver
• Soldering iron 
• New lithium-ion battery
• Protective gloves and goggles
• Tweezers or pliers
• Glue or tape

Here are the steps to replace non-replaceable batteries:

Note: Ensure the battery is compatible with your toothbrush model with the same voltage and capacity. 

1. Gather the necessary tools and materials. 
2. Unscrew or pry off the bottom cap to open up the toothbrush handle. 
3. Desolder the old battery from the circuit board with a soldering iron. 
4. Gently pull the wires away from the board using tweezers or pliers.
5. Dispose of the old batteries properly. 
6. Solder the new battery to the circuit board and align it correctly.
7. Attach the wires to the board using a soldering iron.
8. Close the toothbrush handle and apply some glue or tape to seal it properly.  
9. Test your toothbrush by turning it on and off. 

To reduce the frequency of replacements and ensure long-lasting performance, here are some tips to extend the life of your toothbrush’s battery:

• Charge your toothbrush regularly and avoid letting it run out of battery completely. 
• Avoid overcharging your toothbrush or leaving it on the charger for too long.
• Avoid exposing your toothbrush to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight. 

6. Reset Your Electric Toothbrush

Finally, reset your electric toothbrush. Sometimes, your toothbrush experiences glitches or software errors that prevent it from functioning properly.

By resetting it, you restore it to its factory settings and clear it of any errors.

Here’s how to do this:

1. Unplug the charger from the power source.
2. Remove your toothbrush from the charger. 
3. Press and hold the power and mode buttons for 10 seconds.
4. Release when you hear a beep. 
5. Plug in your charger and place your toothbrush on it. 
6. Check if your toothbrush is charging normally. 

Note: Resetting your Philip Sonicare toothbrush will erase personalized settings like modes, intensity levels, and timers. You’ll need to reconfigure them afterward. 

If you have tried all the above solutions and your toothbrush is still not charging, you may need to contact Philips Sonicare customer support for further assistance.

Quick Recap

It’s frustrating when you encounter a Philips Sonicare toothbrush not charging problem.

In many cases, the primary culprit is a malfunctioning charger. To resolve this, clean the charging contacts on the toothbrush and charger.

For troubleshooting steps on Philips Sonicare toothbrushes, explore our blog!