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Troubleshooting: Common fixes why your massage gun won’t turn on or why the battery won’t charge
Like all electronic devices, sometimes your massage gun just won’t turn on or the battery won’t hold a charge. Although it’s not always the case, this issue is more prevalent among cheaper, more inexpensive massage guns.
Massage gun brands that have the most issues with the battery not charging
While there are a lot of reputable massage guns that are ultra reliable, there are a few chronic offenders. These are the massage guns that have the most issues not turning on:
- Legiral
- FitRX
- Hoposo
- Homedics
- Sharper Image
That’s just to name a few. Because batteries are expensive and in an attempt to keep prices low, some of these companies will use inferior battery cells that are prone to burning out.
Related Reading: The Best Budget Massage Guns $150 Or Less
The larger manufacturers like Theragun and Ekrin aren’t exempt from their batteries not charging, but it’s a much less common issue. That’s likely because they use quality batteries from Samsung.
This is a classic example of “you get what you pay for”. Sometimes paying a little extra for a better massage gun will save you a lot of grief.
Related Reading: The Best (And Worst) Percussion Massage Guns
How to reset a massage gun that won’t turn on or charge in 5 easy steps
If your massage gun won’t turn on or hold a charge, for instance, it might just need to be reset. To troubleshoot the issue and before contacting the company for warranty service, here are a few quick suggestions:
Time needed: 5 minutes
Resetting and Troubleshooting Massage Gun Steps
- Make sure the massage gun isn’t overheated.
Frequent or constant use will heat up the internal motor and trip the massage gun’s heat safety sensor feature. Allow 20 minutes for it to cool off and try it again.
- Double check and make sure the charger is connected properly.
Sometimes it’s not plugged in all the way. Try unplugging it and plugging it in again. If that doesn’t do the trick, try another electrical outlet.
- What if your massage gun suddenly shuts off?
If your massage gun shuts off suddenly after about 10 minutes, that’s normal. That too is an internal safety feature to make sure the motor doesn’t get too hot.
- Don’t overcharge your massage gun’s battery
Most people tend to put it on the charger and leave it there for days or weeks and that’s a sure way to wear out the battery. Next time you charge your massage gun, set a timer for 3-4 hours to remind yourself to unplug it.
- If all else fails, check the manufacturer’s warranty
Most massage guns come with at least a one year warranty while others, like the ones from Ekrin Athletics, have a lifetime warranty. Before tossing your massage gun to the curb, you just might be eligible for a full replacement!
How to properly maintain your massage gun
Like anything, if you want to extend the longevity of your massage gun, there are a few easy maintenance steps you can take to keep it working longer.
Keep it clean:
Periodically cleaning your massage gun is not only sanitary but will prevent dust and debris from gunking up the motor. Using a mild anti-bacterial cleaner like Method or Mrs. Meyer’s to the exterior shell can ensure that you’re not spreading around any nasty germs.
Spray the cleaner on a soft rag or paper towel first, and then wipe down the massage gun. Never spray directly onto the massage gun to avoid getting any fluids into the motor, which might short it out.
Avoid excess heat:
Heat is the #1 enemy of all electronics. Any electrical device that gets too hot, is guaranteed to prematurely fail. Go ahead and throw your massage gun in your gym bag, but if you’re going to leave it in the car on a hot day, you would be better off taking it with you.
The same principle applies to overusing it. Most massage guns have a safety feature that will automatically turn off the motor after 10 minutes of use. It can be frustrating if you’re in the middle of using it, but it’s designed that way. Instead, specifically target the muscles or areas of the body that you need it most and then allow it to rest for at least 10-20 minutes before using it again.
Massage Gun Lubrication:
Most massage guns percuss up to 3200RPM…that’s 3200 times the massage head moves back in for in one minute. That’s a lot of friction!
To avoid premature failure of the motor because it freezes up from a lack of lubrication, periodically spray a small amount of electrical silicone lubricant onto the reciprocating motor. A little goes a LONG way and less is better than more.
Related Reading: How to effectively use a massage gun
Final Thoughts
With just a little bit of care, a massage gun should be serviceable for years to come. However, just a little bit of neglect, like forgetting to take it off the charger is a surefire way of depleting the battery.
As mentioned, while you don’t have to spend a lot of money on a massage gun, we do encourage you to buy one from a reputable company. Why? Because when your massage gun won’t turn on, a warranty is only as good as the people who will honor it.
The authors and editors that comprise the Recovatech Team have 20+ years of combined experience and knowledge covering the topics of strength, fitness, and recovery. We are impassioned in our pursuit of presenting the most up-to-date information on strength training, cardio fitness, physical rehab, functional movement, nutrition, workout recovery, and best-in-class reviews. Should you feel inclined, please reach out to us at admin[at]recovatech.com.