Buzz
Need help with a Dyson vacuum that won't charge? Here's everything you should know to fix the issue.
If your Dyson cordless vacuum isn't charging properly, it might not work like it once did. While Dyson has many different models, most can be fixed using similar troubleshooting techniques. However, if you're dealing with an older model, some steps might need adjustments. In this guide, we'll explore why your vacuum may not be charging, offer solutions, and provide tips for better battery care to extend its life.
Possible Reasons Your Dyson Won't Charge
There could be several reasons your Dyson isn't charging. From a malfunctioning charger to a depleted battery, a faulty wall socket, or extreme temperatures affecting your vacuum, these issues all need troubleshooting. You'll have to check various factors to pinpoint the root cause.
Solution Guide
Troubleshooting Instructions
Check if your vacuum's charging cable is intact. Examine the cable, the adapter that connects to the wall, and the part that plugs into the vacuum. If any part of the cable is damaged, avoid charging the vacuum as this could result in electric shocks or further damage.
- If your vacuum’s charging cable is housed in a charging unit (e.g., a wall-mounted charger), try unplugging it and connecting it directly to the vacuum. If the vacuum starts charging, the problem is likely with the charging unit itself.
- Even if the charger appears fine, it might have malfunctioned from the start or stopped working suddenly. If you have access to another Dyson charger, test it with your vacuum. If the new charger works, consider purchasing a new one. If not, you may be able to return the charger to the store if it proves to be faulty.
Verify the functionality of your wall socket. If your socket is connected to a wall switch, confirm that it’s switched on. If it has TEST and RESET buttons, ensure the RESET button hasn’t popped out—if it has, press it to reset the socket.
- Once you’ve confirmed the socket is powered, test it with a device you know works, such as a phone charger. If the device doesn’t work, the issue likely isn’t with your vacuum.
- Alternatively, plug the Dyson into another functional outlet. If the vacuum starts charging (indicated by battery lights), the issue likely isn’t with your vacuum.
Consider the age of your battery. If your vacuum is several years old and you’ve never replaced the battery, it’s possible that the battery has simply aged. Over time, batteries degrade unpredictably. Dyson offers a two-year warranty for their cordless vacuums, which includes the battery.
- Though you don’t need to replace your Dyson battery every two years, if your vacuum no longer holds a charge and the battery is older than two years, it’s a good indication that the battery needs to be replaced.
Ensure the battery is not fully drained. If your Dyson's battery is completely dead, the charging indicator may not show up immediately. Plug the vacuum in or set it on its charger for 10–15 minutes, and check again to see if the indicator lights activate. If the lights still don’t turn on and you’ve already ruled out issues with the charger, replacing the battery may be necessary.
Confirm your vacuum has a genuine Dyson battery. If you purchased a replacement battery or a second-hand vacuum, check whether the battery is an authentic Dyson product. Dyson advises against using third-party batteries since these may not be as durable or efficient as the original Dyson batteries.
- Using a non-Dyson battery voids the warranty, and any vacuum damage caused by a third-party battery may not be covered.
- To verify the authenticity of the battery, inspect the label on the vacuum's battery pack. Genuine Dyson batteries feature a label with the Dyson logo in lowercase letters (“dyson”).
Check for blockages in your vacuum. If there's a blockage in your vacuum's airway, it will automatically shut off to prevent damage. Continuing to use the vacuum with a blockage will prevent it from turning on until the blockage is cleared. This can give the impression that the Dyson is not working or charging.
- Inspect the vacuum head/brush, hose, filter, and canister for any blockages. If you find one, remove it before attempting to use the vacuum again.
- If there’s a blockage, your vacuum will show an indicator—either on the LCD display or a light that resembles a p-trap pipe.
Battery Status Indicator Lights
All Dyson vacuums feature battery indicator lights. These lights are fairly consistent across Dyson models, making it easy to determine if your battery is the issue preventing your vacuum from charging.
- A steady or flashing amber light indicates that the vacuum is in an extreme temperature range (either too hot or too cold) and thus won't charge.
- Dyson recommends storing your vacuum between 64 °F (18 °C) and 82 °F (28 °C), but you can still use and charge it in temperatures ranging from 50 °F (10 °C) to 86 °F (30 °C).
- If you see a red light flashing more than 12 times, this indicates a faulty battery. In this case, you should contact Dyson for support.
- Visit Dyson's support page here and select your vacuum model for assistance.
If you don't see any indicator lights, follow the troubleshooting steps above. These steps may resolve the issue, or they can help Dyson support pinpoint the problem if other solutions don't work.
Proper Battery Maintenance for Dyson Vacuums
Proper battery care can extend your Dyson vacuum’s lifespan. While battery life can be unpredictable, there are several steps you can take to ensure your Dyson battery lasts as long as possible. Here’s how:
- Use your vacuum’s highest power mode, "Boost" or "Max", only when necessary. These modes are power-hungry, so reserve them for short bursts. For routine cleaning, opt for one of the lower power settings.
- Avoid using your vacuum in extreme temperatures. Excessively hot or cold conditions not only affect performance but also accelerate battery wear.
- This includes preventing overheating from extended use. For large cleaning tasks, break them into smaller sessions to allow the vacuum to cool down between uses.
- Occasionally let the battery run down completely. Once a month, let your Dyson’s battery drain fully. Dyson recommends this practice to help maintain the battery’s health over the long term.
