Has your Dyson cordless vacuum stopped charging? Or does it only seem to hold a small amount of charge? Here’s our guide to identifying and fixing the problem.
Dyson cordless vacuums aren’t cheap, so it’s worrying when you realise that the vacuum has stopped charging.
Fortunately, it’s usually easy to fix a Dyson cordless that isn’t charging – even if you need to replace the battery. Let’s take a look at some of the most common reasons for your vacuum to stop charging and how to resolve them.
Note: Keep in mind that warning indicator lights, battery replacement steps, and other technical factors can vary depending on which Dyson cordless you have. The tips below are meant as a general guideline, but you should check your manual for specific steps.
5 Reasons Your Dyson Cordless Might Not Charge
There are a number of reasons why a Dyson cord-free vacuum cleaner might not charge. These include a faulty battery, damaged cable, internal blockage, and battery degradation.
Most of these reasons can apply to all Dyson cordless vacuum cleaners. Let’s take a look at some of the most common issues.
1. Check the Power Socket and Plug
It sounds obvious, but one of the most common reasons for a Dyson cordless not charging is an issue with the power socket or plug.
Start by checking that the power socket is switched on. It’s also worth trying to charge your vacuum at several different sockets to check that the issue is with the vacuum and not a faulty socket.
Double check that the vacuum charger is properly connected to the Dyson. It’s easy to accidentally fail to fully attach the cable, which would prevent the battery from recharging.
Tip: Check the plug’s fuse to see whether it’s blown. This is uncommon but simple to fix by replacing the fuse.
2. Check the Power Cable
Unplug the vacuum’s charger and take a look at the cable to check for any signs of damage. If you notice anything, stop using the vacuum immediately as it may be unsafe.
A damaged power cable is something that can’t be fixed at home. Contact Dyson about your vacuum cleaner to see whether the cable can be replaced or repaired.
3. Check the Battery for Cracks or Other Damage
It’s important to check your Dyson’s battery casing. If it’s been cracked or shows other signs of damage, then it shouldn’t be used.
The good news is that replacing the battery on a Dyson cordless is usually straightforward. You’ll need to purchase a new battery from Dyson, which costs around £60-£90, but this is considerably cheaper than purchasing a new cordless vacuum.
Note: Some Dyson cordless vacuums have a click-in battery, while others need a screwdriver to remove and replace. Either way, replacing the battery should be a straightforward process that’s explained in the manual.
4. Check for Blockages Inside the Vacuum
Dyson vacuum cleaners automatically cut out when they detect a blockage to avoid damaging the motor. This can make the vacuum appear like it doesn’t have any charge, when it’s actually the blockage causing the issue.
For this reason, it’s important to check your vacuum for a blockage before deciding that there’s an issue with the battery. Take a look at the air inlet in the floorhead, the main wand, and the entrance to the dust canister, as these are common places for blockages.
You may also want to read our guide about deep cleaning a Dyson cordless vacuum, as this can help improve performance.
5. Replace the Battery on Older Dyson Cordless Vacuums
Dyson batteries (like all lithium-ion batteries) have a limited lifetime. When the battery has degraded, you’ll need to replace it to continue using your vacuum cleaner.
The years a battery lasts depends on a variety of factors, such as storage temperature, how often the high power mode is used, and whether the battery is allowed to fully empty, but you can expect anything from 2-4 years.
You’ll probably notice the following if your battery is at the end of its working lifetime:
- The vacuum cleaner’s run-time will have reduced over time.
- There’s a red flashing light on the side of the battery (which indicates a battery fault).
Tip: Dyson offers a 2-year guarantee for their cordless vacuum cleaners. At the time of writing, this does cover the battery, so if your Dyson is registered and under guarantee you should be able to get a free replacement battery.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Know if a Dyson Battery Needs to be Replaced?
As we mentioned earlier in the article, you’ll know a Dyson battery needs to be replaced if there is significantly reduced run-time in Auto or Medium modes, or the battery is showing more than 12 flashing red lights.
What is the Lifespan of a Dyson Battery?
Dyson doesn’t provide an estimate of how long their batteries last, as the number of years can vary depending on how the battery is looked after. As a general rule, however, we’ve found that Dyson batteries last around 2-6 years.
Can I Leave My Dyson to Charge All the Time?
Yes, you can leave your Dyson vacuum attached to the charger at all times. The battery automatically stops charging once it’s fully charged.
Keep in mind that it’s a good idea to let your Dyson battery fully deplete at least once each month. This is good for the health of the battery and helps it to last longer.
Summary
Don’t panic if your Dyson cordless vacuum isn’t charging. In most cases, the worst scenario is that you’ll need to replace the battery, but this is much cheaper than buying a new vacuum cleaner.
The first thing to check is that the vacuum is properly plugged in, the socket is switched on, and that the socket actually works. You should also check the battery and cables for any damage. If the vacuum is a few years old, it may be time to replace to battery with a new one.
Do you have any questions about why a Dyson might not charge? Let us know in the comments section.