How to Fix a Bullet Vibrator? PRO TIPS from a Sex Toy Tester!

If your bullet vibrator is not feeling well, there are a few things (other than chicken soup, which we do not actually recommend) that you can do to help it feel better. Our Ph.D. sexologist and sex toy tester, Rachel Sommer, will walk you through what it takes to diagnose and repair this kind of sex toy.

How to Fix a Bullet Vibrator?

We will start with some basic triage. Does your bullet vibrator show any signs of injury? Even if it looks like a scratch, scrape, or dent is surface-level, it may stress the delicate internal components. If your vibrator appears to be damaged, skip to the end of this article where we discuss what to do when self-help is not enough.

1. Dirt and Debris

Bullet vibrators (really, any sex toys) tend to accumulate leftover lube, body fluids, skin cells, and lint from sheets and blankets. If you do not clean your bullet vibrator completely after every use, the buildup of debris may keep it from working the way that you need it to.

Luckily, this is a very easy fix! Start by removing the batteries or unplugging the charging cable. Next, wipe down the vibrator to remove any surface dirt. Check the user manual to ensure that the vibrator is waterproof (most silicone vibrators are waterproof, and many hard plastic ones are as well).

Wash your vibrator well with warm water and mild, fragrance-free soap. Use a washcloth or soft baby toothbrush to detail the control panel. Rinse the bullet vibe thoroughly until the rinse water is clear with absolutely no suds. Pat it dry and let it finish air-drying on a towel. This little spa day may rejuvenate your toy.

2. Water Damage

If your bullet vibrator has been exposed to too much moisture (even the most waterproof toys, which would be those with an IPX 7 rating, have their limits), it may not turn on or function correctly.

• Turn it off immediately. We may be able to save it, but it needs to be powered off as soon as possible.
• If your bullet vibrator has removable batteries, take them out in order to prevent further damage from occurring.
• Dry the surface with a clean, soft, lint-free towel. Be sure to dry off the inside and outside of the battery compartment. Let it finish air-drying on a towel, or you can use a hair dryer on a low/cool setting to speed up the process.
• Place the bullet vibrator in a bowl with raw white rice for at least a few hours. This will help draw out any excess moisture that you were not able to wipe away.

Inspect the toy for damage or corrosion, and skip to the end of this article if you find any. Otherwise, replace the batteries or charge it back up, turn it on, and see if it works now!

3. Sneaky Settings

You may not think that you changed any settings on your bullet vibrator, but sometimes these things happen and may be the reason why your toy is not turning on.

Check to see if your vibrator is in “sleep mode” (if you are not sure, look at the user manual or manufacturer’s website). It may need to be woken up and/or rebooted.

Most higher-end sex toys, and many midrange ones as well these days, are equipped with a travel lock feature. This is great when you don’t want your bullet vibrator to start buzzing in the TSA line, but it can also lock you out of it. As always, check the user manual or manufacturer’s website for information, but you can usually turn a travel lock off by turning the vibrator on and then pressing and holding the power button until the indicator light flashes.

4. Battery Issues

If your bullet vibrator runs on batteries, but it isn’t currently running, the batteries might be the culprit! This could be a very easy fix, or it could be a little more complicated, but there are definitely ways to fix this problem.

If your toy is brand-new and this is the first time that you are playing with it, but it won’t turn on, open the battery compartment and check for a small piece of paper or plastic between the battery and the connection point. This protective packaging keeps the batteries from draining energy while it’s sitting in a warehouse or on a shelf. Remove the batteries, remove the protective covering, and then replace the batteries and try turning the bullet vibrator on again.

We will then move to the next most obvious: replace the batteries. Open the battery compartment, take a quick photo of the batteries so that you can be sure that the new ones are aligned correctly, take out the old batteries, and put the new ones in. Replace all the batteries at the same time, and replace them with brand-new batteries (not ones borrowed from another device).

If this does not do the trick, open up the battery compartment again and remove the batteries. Use a clean, soft, lint-free cloth to wipe down the battery compartment. Then use a cotton swab to clean the battery contacts. If you see any signs of corrosion, again, go straight to the end of this article. Corrosion will render your toy unsafe for further use.

Check the screws that hold the battery compartment in place. If it is not securely seated, it may not be able to power the bullet vibrator. Tighten the screws if they are loose. Most eyeglass repair kits (which you can buy at big box or discount stores) have tiny screwdrivers that are just the right size to do repair work on a bullet vibrator.

Replace the batteries, making sure to align them correctly, and try your toy again. Do not attempt to remove the battery compartment or access the vibrator motor. These toys are not designed for DIY enthusiasts.

5. Charging Complications

We have explained above what to do if your battery-operated bullet vibrator is experiencing issues. But if your toy is rechargeable, read on and we will troubleshoot what to do if it won’t take or hold a charge.

First, check the user manual or the manufacturer’s website to ensure that you are charging it correctly. Start by attaching the charging cable to the bullet vibrator; this is usually a barrel port (plug-in), a micro USB port, or a magnetic connector. Then plug the charging cable into a power source, such as a computer, power dock, or wall outlet with an adapter.

Always use the charging cable that came with your bullet vibrator. Other cables may look and feel compatible, but even slight differences in amperage or voltage can keep your bullet vibrator from charging fully or efficiently — and can even damage it. If the original charging cable is lost or damaged, you can contact the manufacturer or retailer for a replacement.

Watch for the indicator light to come on, which signals that the device is connected and charging. If you don’t see the light come on, try plugging the charging cable into a different power source. We recommend using a wall outlet with a USB adapter, since that puts out more power and steadier power than most computers or power banks. You can also try plugging a device that you know works well into the power source as a test.

If you notice that your bullet vibrator is overheating when you try to charge it, regardless of whether it’s actually taking the charge or not, this is dangerous and you need to disconnect it immediately. This is not something that we or you should be comfortable trying to fix at home, so please skip to the end of this article.

Storage and Care

If you have successfully resurrected your bullet vibrator, you will want to be sure to care for it and store it properly so that it stays in good working order. Start by cleaning your sex toy well after each use — no exceptions. Then charge the toy fully.

Pack your bullet vibrator in a soft, clean, lint-free fabric bag, and keep the charging cable (if there is one) and any accessories with the toy. Every toy should have its own bag, even if a bullet vibrator is small enough to sneak into another sex toy’s bag. Store the toy out of direct sunlight, away from moisture, and away from significant temperature changes.

What If My Brand-New Toy Is Not Working?

If you have followed the instructions above (especially the part about checking for protective paper in the battery compartment) and you’ve replaced the batteries or tried to charge the toy, but it still is not working optimally, then you will need to reach out to the manufacturer or retailer.

Read the user manual or website thoroughly. There may be some model-specific concerns that have already been addressed, either through official channels or grassroots-style in the comment or review sections. If there is no enlightenment to be found, then contact the manufacturer or retailer for a warranty replacement. All reputable sex toy sellers offer warranties of at least a year, and some offer up to five years. If your bullet vibrator is brand-new, do not attempt to repair it yourself since that will likely void the warranty. Let the professionals handle it.

What If My Not-So-New Toy Is Not Working?

First, check the user manual or manufacturer’s website for any model-specific information. We recommend reaching out directly to the manufacturer even if the bullet vibrator is no longer under warranty. They may be able to offer some further troubleshooting tips, and they may offer you a discount on a new toy if this one is not repairable.

If the sex toy is not fixable, you have no choice but to discard it. However, feel free to read our reviews and recommendations before you start shopping for a replacement!

Happy vibing!

Rachel

Rachel is a clinical sexologist with a focus on LGBTQ+ and BIPOC issues. Originally from Texas, she loves sushi, white wine, and spending time with her partner Jessica. She has been featured in Cosmopolitan, Yahoo.com, Women’s Health, Healthline, Glamour, and MindBodyGreen.
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