Not sure how to replace your Dyson V8 battery? Here’s a simple guide to replacing the battery and restoring your vacuum’s run-time.
If your Dyson V8’s maximum run-time has dropped, or the machine displays a red light that flashes 12 times (or more), then the battery probably needs to be replaced.
Unfortunately, genuine replacement Dyson batteries can be quite costly. At the time of writing, a new battery for the V8 costs around £70, which is a lot!
The good news is that changing the V8’s battery only takes a few minutes. A new battery will instantly restore your vacuum’s run-time and performance – and costs a lot less than buying a new cordless vacuum. Here’s how to do it.
What You’ll Need
- Genuine replacement battery for the Dyson V8
- Small Philips screwdriver
Step 1: Buy a Replacement Battery
It might sound obvious, but the first step is to buy a replacement battery for your Dyson V8.
There are two important considerations when buying a new battery. Firstly, make sure you’re getting a genuine Dyson battery, as these are guaranteed for 12 months and won’t invalidate your vacuum’s warranty.
Secondly, check you’re getting the right battery for your Dyson V8. There are several options available, including the Battery D, Battery E, and Battery With Star Filter.
The easiest way to select the correct battery is using your vacuum’s serial number, which is found on the bottom of the battery. If you can’t find the serial number, then you’ll need to try and match up the fittings.
Tip: You can find your Dyson cordless vacuum’s serial number on the bottom of the machine. You only need the first three digits to identify which battery to buy.
Step 2: Unscrew Three Philips Screws
Before you begin, we recommend detaching the wand from the Dyson V8. This isn’t essential but makes it much easier to remove the battery.
You should also ensure the vacuum is not plugged in, as this risks an electric shock.
There are three Philips screws that hold the V8’s battery in position. These can be found at:
- The rear section of the handle
- The bottom of the battery (two)
Unscrew each of these so that the old battery can be removed. They are quite small, so make sure you don’t lose them!
Step 3: Remove The Old Battery
Once the three screws have been removed, slide the old battery out of the vacuum cleaner.
The old battery should be easy to remove, so check if the screws have been fully unscrewed if it’s stuck or not coming out.
Make sure you follow your local rules when disposing of the old battery. If you’re in the UK, we’ve written a guide to correctly disposing of old vacuum cleaners (and components).
Step 4: Fit The New Battery
Once the old battery has been removed, you can slide the new one into position. It should fit snugly into place, as long as you’ve bought the correct replacement.
You shouldn’t need to use any force to fit the new battery. If it doesn’t seem to be going in easily, check the connectors match up. Unfortunately, if the connectors don’t match, then you’ll need to return the battery and get the correct version.
Finally, secure the new battery into position by screwing in the three screws.
Step 5: Fully Charge The New Battery
The new battery is now installed – but don’t switch on the vacuum just yet!
New Dyson batteries are shipped partially charged. You should place the Dyson V8 on its docking station and fully charge the battery before you use it for the first time.
Congratulations, you’ve just replaced your Dyson V8’s battery and (hopefully) restored its performance!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Replace a Dyson V8 Battery?
Yes, it’s possible to replace a Dyson V8 battery. The batteries aren’t swappable in the same way as many power tools, but you can still replace the battery when it reaches the end of its life.
Does the Dyson V8 Have Swappable Batteries?
As you can tell from the process above, it’s relatively quick to swap a Dyson V8’s battery.
However, you still need to remove several screws to take out the battery, so it’s not convenient to change to a different battery when you want to extend the vacuum’s run-time.
Some newer versions of Dyson cordless vacuums do have swappable batteries. These allow you to effectively double the run-time by buying a second battery. Unfortunately, this option is not available for the V8.
Are All Dyson Batteries Compatible With The V8?
No, you need to buy a battery that’s labelled as compatible with the Dyson V8 and has the same connector as your vac.
Each Dyson cordless vacuum has a specific battery – and there are even different battery versions depending on your V8’s serial number.
Do I Need To Buy A Genuine Dyson Battery?
There are many OEM batteries on the market for Dyson vacuums. While these may work, we always recommend buying genuine parts for your vacuum cleaner.
Genuine components are nearly always more reliable and built to a higher standard. Using third-party replacements could also affect your vacuum’s warranty.
What Should I Do If The Vacuum Still Doesn’t Work After Replacing The Battery?
If the vacuum won’t switch on, check that the battery is correctly fitted. If it’s still not working, or there is a flashing red light, contact Dyson to discuss potential solutions.
Summary
Replacing a Dyson V8 battery is a simple process. All you need is a replacement battery, a small Phillips screwdriver, and a few minutes (plus charging time).
Make sure you buy the right replacement battery though. There are several V8 batteries available, with the right option depending on your vacuum cleaner’s serial number (found on the bottom of the vacuum).
Do you have any questions about how to replace a Dyson V8 battery? Please let us know in the comments section below.