How to Repair a Broken G-Spot Vibrator? A Sexologist Answers!

It’s always disappointing when your G-spot vibrator fails to deliver that reassuring rumble, and even more so if it gives out in the heat of the moment! And to compound the frustration, good vibrators don’t come cheap and a new toy may not have been in your budget this week.

The good news is that you may not have to say goodbye just yet. Our sexologist and sex toy expert, Rachel Sommer, is here to help you troubleshoot your toy. Read on to learn how you can get your G-spot vibrator back in tip-top shape.

Making a List and Checking It Twice

Look for Answers

Read through the user manual and visit the manufacturer’s website. The manual will explain how to use your G-spot vibrator properly (not all toys work exactly the same way) and may address some common issues. The manufacturer’s website will almost certainly have a Frequently Asked Questions section. Be sure to read the reviews as well, since other people may have had similar troubles and may even have found solutions.

Solving Power Problems:

• Rechargeable: If your G-spot vibrator is failing to recharge, there may be a few reasons why. Most sex toys have an indicator light that comes on when the toy is charging. If the light isn’t coming on, the toy isn’t getting any juice. Start by cleaning both ends of the charging cable as well as the charging port on the toy itself, using a soft brush or a clean lint-free cloth. Make sure that the connection is secure, especially if it is a magnetic charger. Try plugging the charger into a different power source, and if you are using a USB port, try a wall outlet with an adapter. If that still doesn’t help, try a different charging cable if you have a compatible cable from another device.
• Battery: For a G-spot vibrator that is powered by batteries, the first thing to do is change out the batteries. Replace ALL the batteries with fresh, new ones. Be sure to align the new batteries properly. While you’re doing that, clean the battery compartment with a soft brush or lint-free cloth. Check the contact points for any buildup or corrosion; if you spot any, you can clean with a cotton swab dipped in white vinegar or lemon juice. If the battery compartment or contact points do not feel secure, you can try tightening them with a tiny screwdriver (the ones in eyeglass repair kits are often the right size).

Getting Too Hot

And not in a fun way! If the motor starts to overheat, it will not function properly. This could happen during a marathon masturbation session (no shame, we’ve all been there!). It could also happen if you’re snuggled up under the covers and the toy can’t breathe. Let it cool down completely, and give it some extra time since the inside may retain heat even if the outside feels cool. Check for any signs of damage before trying the toy again.

It’s Locked Down

Most high-end (and plenty of midrange) G-spot vibrators have a travel lock feature. This is great when you want to be absolutely sure that it does not turn on in the middle of the TSA line, or any other inopportune moment. It’s less great when you inadvertently lock it down and it won’t start up again. If you are not familiar with your toy’s travel lock function, check the user manual or the manufacturer’s website. Most models will turn off the travel lock if you long-press and hold the control button, so if you can’t find your manual, this is worth a try.

Bumps and Bruises

Your G-spot vibrator, and other sex toys, are meant to be able to play a little rough, but they are not indestructible. Your toy may suffer injuries in the line of duty.

• Cracks and Scratches: If the silicone or plastic surface appears damaged, you need to inspect it closely. Any scratch, dent, or mark has the potential to harbor bacteria or other contaminants. If the toy is hard plastic, you might be able to “buff it out,” but you should probably consider that this one is now not safe for internal use.
• Bent or Broken Shaft: If the body is bent or broken, it may not vibrate properly. More importantly, it could be uncomfortable or even dangerous to use. The shaft of a G-spot vibrator is usually where the motor lives as well, so we recommend not using any sex toy with a broken shaft.
• Loose or Broken Connections: If any internal connections or wires are loose or broken, the motor will not operate properly and/or the control panel will not be able to communicate with the motor. If you are comfortable opening up your toy and tightening the wires or connections, you can give that a try, but this is likely something that should be referred back to the manufacturer.

Water Damage

“Waterproof” is not one-size-fits-all. Some toys are submersible (IPX 7), which means that they can be immersed in water up to one meter deep — which is much deeper than the average sink or bathtub! Some are splash-proof (IPX 6), which means that they can tolerate getting wet during cleanup or other activities, but they should not be dunked in water. If a toy that is not rated to be submersible gets too wet, it can suffer water damage and this is usually not fixable.

Needs a Firmware Update

One of the newest trends in sex toys is smartphone app control; this can be a super fun feature, but it means that just like your laptop or smartphone, your G-spot vibrator will need occasional updates. And if it is running on outdated firmware, it just might stop running altogether (or it might get super wonky). If you have one of these connected toys, check your user manual or the manufacturer’s website to learn how to update it. Alternatively, we have published a guide on how to update Lovense toys, which is worth a read even if you have a different make of toy because there is plenty of common ground.

Care and Maintenance of Your G-Spot Vibrator

We’ve explained what to do if you think that your sex toy is broken, but let’s also talk about how to keep your toy in good condition so you don’t have to face this dilemma!

Powering Your Pleasure

If your vibrator isn’t properly powered, it won’t vibrate, and that’s no fun. You need to be sure that your toy is always charged up and ready to go.

If your G-spot vibrator has an internal rechargeable battery, you will need a charging cable. It’s always a good idea to use the cable that comes in the box. Other cables might look compatible, but you can’t tell by looking if they will get enough (or too much) juice to the motor.

Use a soft brush or clean, lint-free cloth to clean both ends of the charging cable as well as the charging port on your toy. Even small bits of dust and debris can interfere with the connection and prevent a good charge.

Connect the charging cable to the charging port on your sex toy. This is usually self-explanatory, but be extra careful if you are using a magnetic connector because they can be a bit fussy. Then plug the other end of the cable into your power source. You can either use a USB port on your computer or charging dock, or a wall outlet with an adapter. Wall outlets tend to put out more power, so they will charge more quickly.

Most rechargeable toys have an indicator light to let you know that everything is connected and the toy is charging. Watch for it to light up, and recheck your connections if it does not. It will usually also indicate when the charge is complete; it may go from green to red, or blinking to solid. Most toys charge in two to four hours if you are using a wall outlet, or somewhat longer if you are charging from a USB port.

If your G-spot vibrator is battery-operated, open the battery compartment and snap a photo of the batteries so that you can align the replacement batteries correctly. Clean dust and debris out of the battery compartment with a soft brush or clean, lint-free cloth. Replace the batteries with new ones (always replace all batteries at the same time, and always use new replacement batteries), and close the battery compartment securely.

Cleanliness Counts

Keeping your G-spot vibrator clean keeps both you and your toy healthy. Leftover lube, bodily fluids, and skin cells can be a breeding ground for bacteria and other contaminants. You don’t want these in your lady bits, and your toy doesn’t want to live in them either, since they can degrade the surface material of your sex toy.

If your vibrator is waterproof, the best way to clean it is with warm water and gentle, fragrance-free soap. You can also use a specialized sex toy cleaner. If it is not waterproof, then you will need to use the sex toy cleaner. Avoid bleaches, household disinfectants, or any added colors or fragrances.

Let your G-spot vibrator air-dry on a clean, lint-free towel. Do not charge it or put it away until it is completely dry. You can give it a very light dusting of cornstarch or sex toy renewal powder.

Storage Sense

Storing your sex toys properly also prevents damage. Fully charge your toy or check its batteries before you put it away. You want it to be ready when you are!

The best way to store sex toys is in individual soft fabric bags. Keep the charging cable and any accessories in the bag with the toy. Store them in a dry place out of direct sunlight, and if you want extra protection, you can store yours in their bags in a hard-shell case like a toolbox.

I’ve Tried Everything!

Sometimes you have tried everything and nothing works. If your G-spot vibrator cannot be brought back to life or is unsafe to use again, you’ll probably need to dispose of it and buy a new one. Luckily, there are hundreds of reputable online retailers with huge inventories, and pleasure tech is hitting Main Street — most cities and towns have at least one adult boutique with knowledgeable, helpful staff.

Read our reviews first before you go shopping! Consider material, size, features, and price point. You know what works for you, so let us help you find it.

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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