How To Fix the Battery on Your Oral-B iO Electric Toothbrush

As someone who doesn’t live the life of a Medieval peasant, I kick off my mornings with a good old teeth brushing session. Despite having a collection of electric toothbrushes cluttering my bathroom, my favorite go-to is the Oral-B iO, specifically the iO4 model.

However, one fateful day, my trusty brush refused to turn on.

After trying out numerous electric toothbrushes, I can confidently say that the iO line offers the best brushing performance, which is crucial for maintaining good dental health. I heavily rely on my iO brush to keep my dental hygienist from reaching for the more intimidating tools during my visits.

In essence, my Oral-B iO brush is an essential part of my routine.

Suspecting that the battery might be the culprit, I recalled hearing stories from a few people whose iO brushes had mysteriously stopped working. While I came across similar complaints on social media, I was hesitant to jump to conclusions given the unreliable nature of online platforms filled with bots and eccentric individuals. To address the issue, I decided to start by replacing the charger.

With the impatience of someone accustomed to resorting to the internet for solutions, I swiftly ordered a new charger online. However, it soon became apparent that the charger was not the root of the problem. The issue lay with the brush itself, most likely the battery.

Turning to the Oral-B website for guidance, I was met with generic advice suggesting basic troubleshooting steps like checking if the brush was properly plugged in or blaming the wall outlet.

Fortunately, a stroke of luck led me to the /oralbtoothbrush subreddit, where I stumbled upon a thread discussing battery issues faced by users with an iO6 model or higher. Some users reported their battery level inexplicably dropping from 40 or 50% to zero, while others experienced their brush failing to hold a charge or refusing to turn on altogether – a scenario that resonated with my own predicament. Thankfully, fellow Redditors had some helpful suggestions to offer.

How to Resolve Battery Problems with Your Oral-B iO

If your brush is still under warranty, it’s advisable to return it for a replacement. Attempting to fix the issue yourself by opening up the brush could void the warranty and compromise its water resistance. In cases where the brush malfunctions just outside the warranty period, you might be able to secure an extended warranty.

If warranty coverage is no longer an option, you can try the following Reddit-approved methods to address the battery problem. Before proceeding, remember to remove the toothbrush head and switch off the brush.

1. Clean the Metal Ring at the Top of the Brush Handle

Start with this straightforward solution, which is applicable to all iO models.





Emma Rowley / Foundry

2. Factory Reset the Brush

If your iO6 or higher model is struggling to retain a charge, give this method a try. You can access the reset option in the settings menu of your brush.

3. Discharge the Battery and Recharge

This step is recommended for brushes that have difficulty holding a charge (specifically for iO6 models and above). Remove the brush head, switch on the brush, let it run for about 20 minutes, and then proceed to recharge it.

4. Remove and Replace the Battery

While this should be considered a last resort, my iO4 brush, being a simpler model without a screen, lacks a battery percentage indicator and features a more straightforward internal design. The only solution to address the battery issue is to physically access it. Here’s how I managed to fix my brush.

The base of the brush is sealed but can be unscrewed. There are three notches on the base that align with three raised strips on the charger’s base for fast-charging models, which can be used to unscrew it. For brushes with a traditional Oral-B charger, place it on the base and twist it anticlockwise.





Emma Rowley / Foundry

If you struggle to unscrew the base, a flathead screwdriver can be used to pry it open.





Emma Rowley / Foundry

Once the base is removed, be mindful of a spring that may pop out. Do not misplace this component.

You can then press down on the exposed head connector at the top to access the brush’s internal components. Be careful not to lose the metal ring surrounding the brush’s neck.





Emma Rowley / Foundry

In my case, simply removing the battery, cleaning the terminals, and reinstalling it resolved the issue. Once reassembled, my brush began charging normally.





Emma Rowley / Foundry

If a battery replacement is necessary, compatible rechargeable batteries can be purchased from Amazon UK (a pair costs £26.33 at the time of writing) or Amazon US (a single battery is $20.38).

Despite these setbacks, Oral-B iO brushes still come highly recommended. For in-depth insights into the various Oral-B iO models, their advantages, drawbacks, and the ideal pricing, check out our comprehensive Oral-B iO guide. To discover the top-performing Oral-B brush overall, refer to our Oral-B round-up. Additionally, explore our recommendations for the best electric toothbrushes across all brands and our picks for budget-friendly models.