How to Fix a Vibrator - 10 Sex Toy Tricks You Need to Know

How to Fix a Vibrator - 10 Sex Toy Tricks You Need to Know

Help! My vibrator's not working! How to fix your vibrator

When it comes to sex toys, there’s nothing worse than being in the throes of passion, reaching for your vibrator only to find it's broken! Quite frankly, heartbreaking scenes. Getting in the mood and then being denied pleasure by the one tool you’re supposed to be able to rely upon for guaranteed orgasms is super frustrating (and not in a lovely teasing-anticipating-frustrated way).

If your vibrator has left you high and dry, don’t toss it in the bin yet, it might not be beyond repair!

When you've been working in the sex toy business as long as we have, you come to learn that sometimes vibrators can be crafty so and so’s. Luckily, we have some insider secrets that you should know about and try before cursing loudly at your sex toy, packing it up and returning it.

Vibrators. Can we fix them? Yes, we can!

Most sex toys including vibrators and vibrating dildos are designed to last a few years even with regular (or daily) use, you horny rascals. 

And if it’s a brand-new vibrator, you'd expect it to work perfectly for a while at least. If this isn’t the case, you have a few options on hand!

While we can't promise that we can fix every battery-operated or rechargeable vibrator that breaks, here are some neat tips and tricks you should try before writing your beloved vibrator off completely...

 

1. Read the manual

Sure, this one might seem a little elementary but it is important.

If you’ve been smart enough to hold onto the packaging your silicone-coated companion arrived in, read through the manual thoroughly and check all the parts are there and that they’re assembled correctly.

Most vibrators will come set up and ready to go but if it’s battery operated, it may not come with batteries included so this could be an easy fix. If it’s a rechargeable vibrator and it won’t turn on, chances are you'll just need to get the charger out and plug it in for a while.

 

2. Is the travel lock on?

You wouldn’t believe how many toys we have sent back only to find that our customer has simply left the travel lock on. It’s a rookie error but you can be forgiven for forgetting to check this one off your troubleshooting checklist. Many people aren’t even aware their rabbit vibrator has a travel lock so as mentioned above - check out the manual so you can use your toy to its full potential!

 

3. Press and hold

This is a really common problem with vibrating sex toys and leads many to think their vibrator is totally broken. While some turn on with a single press of the power button, others require you to press and hold the 'on' control for three to five seconds. Why some of these sex toys don't note that on the packaging, or in the instructions, is beyond us, but if you find your vibe won't switch on with a single push, try this trick to see if it will start buzzing.

The same technique can be applied when you want to turn it off. It's frustrating when all you want to do is revel in orgasmic bliss, but instead, you find yourself trying manically to turn the blasted thing off.

Again, if it doesn't work with a single push, then hold the power, or minus button for a few seconds longer to switch it off. Failing that, take out the batteries.

 

4. Remove the protective film

Some sex toys, like bullet vibrators, G-Spot vibrators and cock rings with those little watch-style cells, come with batteries already included. To prevent the batteries from running down while the sex toy sits on the store shelf, waiting for someone to buy it, manufacturers often put a small tab of plastic or paper between the battery and the connection point.

Before using the sex toy for the first time, unscrew the battery compartment and check to see whether there's a protective tab in the way. Remove it if there is and then your sex toy should work just fine.

 

5. Give it a tight screwing!

Once you've checked the batteries are in the right way round and if it's still not turning on, make sure the battery cap/base is screwed on tight enough to maintain the connection. If it's wonky, or too loose then this could cause it to buzz temporarily or erratically. Not the reliable source of pleasure you’d be hoping for.

Straighten it up and screw it tightly back together again. Check around the base of the vibrator and see if there are any markers that need lining up between the toy and the cap.

 

6. Is it waterproof?

Considering getting hot and steamy in the shower or tub? Check the manual to make sure your vibe is waterproof, otherwise, it’s a potential recipe for disaster. Although you probably won’t end up shocking yourself, you very likely will have a broken vibrator on your hands.

Vibrators have different levels of water resistance with some completely waterproof and others being submersible in certain depths of water for certain time periods down to splashproof vibes.

If you have submerged your vibe in water to check if it’s water resistant and now it’s not working, the only course of action is to try drying it out.

Leave it out for 48 hours to air dry (don’t use hot air like a hairdryer as this could damage the toy). Once you're sure it's dry, give it a little shake and be sure no more water comes out, then try turning it on again. If it wasn't waterproof this may potentially be a non-solvable one sadly.

 

7. Which way around do the batteries go?

Most vibrators these days are rechargeable but some still come battery-operated. Instructions on which way round to insert the batteries can usually be found on the packaging, in the instruction manual, or on the lip of the screw cap to the battery compartment. Handy.

 

8. The batteries always die

Some of the larger battery-powered vibrators will chew through your AA or AAA's within a few uses. This isn't because the toy is faulty, it just requires a lot of juice for all that rotating, pulsating and buzzing.

If this sounds all too familiar and you're sick of having to buy and replace the batteries each time you want to use your favourite vibe, then take the batteries out after you've finished. Yes, it’s a bit of a pain, but at least you'll know you'll be running on full power when you next come to use your sex toy and it will improve the longevity of your toys.

Similarly, if your vibrator is rechargeable, avoid leaving it plugged into the charging port for far longer than the required charging time as this could deteriorate the battery. Most vibrators charge for anywhere between 1-4 hours so don’t exceed this limit by too much.

Just as much as they help you out as part of your self-care, it’s important to proactively care for your toys so you get the most out of them for the longest time possible!

 

9. Vibrator cleaning and maintenance

This one’s more of a preventative measure but can also be handy if your vibe is on the blink. You should be cleaning your toys regularly before and after use anyway but if you want to go the extra mile, take a Q tip and gently dust away any dirt or debris around the batteries and motor where accessible. Finally, to improve the lifespan of your toy make sure you’re only using water-based lubes as they are compatible with all toys and won’t degrade their materials.

10. Put the super glue down

Well-loved and well-used vibrators will sadly, eventually die a natural death. They’re not made to last for eternity.

If you’ve given it a good once over and you can see leaking battery acid, signs of corrosion or unconnected wires, it’s time to put down the super glue and duct tape - sadly your vibe is probably a goner. If you have a remote control vibrator then be sure to have a look at the remote as well as the toy itself as this could be the culprit.

If this is the case, depending on how long you’ve had your toy it may still be under warranty. It’s not often we discourage you from exploring and having a fiddle but when it comes to fixing a broken vibrator it’s best to leave it to the experts. Straying too far into DIY territory, opening your vibe up, attempting to solder and whatnot could invalidate your warranty so leaving this to the manufacturers is the best shout.

If these tips don’t do the trick and your warranty has expired it might be time to invest in your pleasure with a more premium vibrator! Form wand vibrators and bullets to rampant rabbits and clitoral stimulators level up your masturbation game with one of our faves.

Our favourite premium vibes

 

Need more help getting your broken vibrator working?

Now you’ve got the know-how and all the troubleshooting tips to fix your broken vibrator, you’re set in good stead. If you've tried all of these insider tricks and your sex toy still won't cooperate, then there may be a bigger problem. Get in touch by emailing [email protected] with details about the fault with your item.

Bought your sex toy from one of our Harmony London stores? Then take the unused item, in its original condition, along with your receipt or proof of purchase, back to the store you bought it from and one of our helpful team will be able to advise you on getting an exchange, refund, or store credit note if it’s a faulty product.*

*Please note that exchanges and refunds are at the discretion of the store manager.

 

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