Cordless vacuum not charging: fixes

Checks in order

Work from the wall towards the battery. Each step rules out one link in the chain. Leave the vacuum on charge for a few minutes after each change and watch for the charging light.

1. 1

   Test the wall socket with another appliance, and check any switch on the socket is on.

2. 2

   Check the charger lead for kinks, cuts or a loose plug, and that the plug fuse has not blown if your charger has a fused plug.

3. 3

   On wall docks, check the charger cable is fully plugged into the dock and the dock is plugged into the vacuum.

4. 4

   Plug the charger directly into the vacuum or battery to bypass the dock, if your model allows it.

5. 5

   Remove the battery if it is removable, and inspect and gently wipe the contacts with a dry cloth.

6. 6

   Let the battery reach room temperature before charging again.

7. 7

   If you have a second charger or battery for the same model, swap one at a time to find the faulty part.

Note:Unplug the charger before inspecting contacts. Do not use a charger with a damaged lead or a battery that is swollen, cracked, leaking or very hot. Use only the maker's charger or a compatible one for your model.

Dock and contact problems

Many cordless vacuums charge through a wall dock or, on Samsung Bespoke Jet and some Shark models, through a floor-standing station. If the vacuum is not sitting fully in the dock, the contacts do not meet and it will not charge. Dust and hair on the contacts can do the same. Lift the vacuum out, check both sets of contacts, wipe away dust with a dry cloth, and reseat it firmly.

On the Dyson V8 and V10, the charger usually plugs into a socket on the battery or into the wall dock, which then connects to the machine. If the dock's own lead has worked loose, the vacuum will sit in the dock without charging. Plugging the charger straight into the machine is a quick test.

Battery temperature

Lithium-ion batteries are designed to charge only within a set temperature range. If you finish a long clean in boost mode and put the vacuum straight on charge, the pack may be too warm to start. A vacuum kept in a cold garage or conservatory in winter may be too cold. On many models the charging light flashes or shows a different colour when the temperature is outside that range. Bring the machine indoors, leave it at room temperature for a while, then try again. Check your manual for what the light pattern means on your model, as Dyson, Shark and Samsung signal this differently.

• Let the battery cool for 30 minutes or more after heavy use.
• Store and charge indoors, away from radiators and direct sun.
• Do not charge in a cold shed or garage in winter.
• Avoid covering the charger or battery while charging.

Worn cells and failed batteries

If the charger works and the contacts are clean but the battery still will not take charge, or charges fully and then runs for only a few minutes, the cells are probably worn. Lithium-ion packs lose capacity with age and charge cycles. Batteries on older machines, such as the Dyson V8, often reach this point after several years. Some packs refuse to charge at all once a protection circuit detects a fault.

Replacement is usually cheaper than a new vacuum. On Shark models with removable batteries and Samsung Bespoke Jet models, packs click out. On the Dyson V8 the battery is held by screws. Use a genuine pack or a reputable compatible one rated for your exact model. Our Dyson V8 battery replacement guide covers that model. If you want spare batteries from the start, see cordless vacuums with swappable batteries.

Note:Never try to open, repair or rebuild a lithium battery pack. If a pack is swollen, damaged, leaking or smells of burning, stop using it, keep it away from heat and flammable materials, and contact the maker or a qualified repairer. Recycle old batteries at a battery recycling point, never in household waste.

Brand notes: Dyson, Shark and Samsung

Dyson cordless models usually show charging with lights on the battery or, on the V11 and V15, on the LCD screen. On many models a steady light means charging and the lights go out or stay solid when full, but patterns vary by model. Shark models with removable batteries can usually charge on or off the vacuum, which helps you test whether the dock or the battery is at fault. The Stratos Pet Pro listing, for example, says the battery charges on or off the vacuum. Samsung Bespoke Jet models often charge in the Clean Station or a dock, and some come with two batteries. Check the station's power lead and that the vacuum is seated fully. For flashing patterns, see cordless vacuum flashing lights explained.

If the vacuum is still under guarantee, contact the maker before buying parts. Have your serial number ready.

See swappable battery models →

Frequently asked questions

Why is my Dyson V8 not charging? Check the socket and charger, plug the charger straight into the machine to bypass the dock, and let the battery cool. If the light still does not come on, or the battery flashes, the pack may be worn. Check your manual for what the lights mean.

Why is my Dyson V15 not charging? Make sure the charger is seated, check the screen for a message, and let the battery reach room temperature. If it still will not charge, contact Dyson support, as the battery or charger may need replacing.

Why is my Shark cordless vacuum not charging? If the battery is removable, try charging it off the vacuum. If it charges that way, the vacuum's contacts or dock are the issue. If not, try another compatible charger or battery to find the faulty part.

How long should a cordless vacuum take to charge? It varies by model. Listings give charge times of around three and a half to five hours for many models. Check your manual for yours.