Quip batteries are replaceable and the swap takes about two minutes

A Quip toothbrush battery lasts roughly three months of twice-daily brushing. When it stops holding a charge, you replace the battery cartridge rather than the whole brush. The process is straightforward: you unscrew the handle, slide out the old battery, and slide in a new one. Quip sells replacement batteries directly, and they also work with most electric toothbrush retailers.

The battery cartridge is the sealed cylinder inside your brush handle. It contains the motor and the rechargeable battery in one unit. You cannot open it or replace just the battery cell inside—you swap the entire cartridge. This design keeps the brush waterproof and means you do not have to worry about reassembling tiny parts.

Key Takeaways

  • Quip battery cartridges last about three months and are replaced as a complete unit, not opened or repaired.
  • You unscrew the handle, remove the old cartridge, and insert a new one—the whole job takes two minutes with no tools.
  • Replacement cartridges are sold by Quip directly and by most major retailers that carry electric toothbrushes.
  • A new cartridge costs between $25 and $35 depending on where you buy it and whether you have a subscription.

What you need before you start

You need only the new battery cartridge itself. No tools, no adhesive, no special equipment. Quip cartridges come in a small box with the cartridge inside. Check that the model number on the box matches your brush—Quip makes different cartridges for the standard brush and for the Quip Go (the travel version).

If you do not have a replacement cartridge yet, you can order one from Quip's website, Amazon, Walmart, Target, or most drugstores that stock toothbrushes. Quip also offers a subscription service where a new cartridge ships automatically every three months for a discounted price—around $5 per cartridge if you subscribe, versus $25 to $35 if you buy one-off.

Steps to remove the old battery cartridge

Hold the brush handle with the head pointing down. At the base of the handle, where it widens slightly, you will see a seam. Grip the handle firmly and twist the base counterclockwise. It will unscrew after a quarter turn or so. Do not force it—if it does not budge, try wrapping a dry cloth around the base for better grip.

Once unscrewed, the handle will separate into two pieces: the outer shell and the inner cartridge. The cartridge is a white or colored cylinder about the size of a AA battery. Gently pull it straight out. It may stick slightly because of the seal, so wiggle it gently side to side as you pull. Do not yank hard or twist it—straight out is the right direction.

Steps to insert the new battery cartridge

Remove the new cartridge from its packaging. Look at the end that goes into the handle—it has a small metal contact point. Line that end up with the opening in the handle shell and slide it straight in. Push firmly until it seats all the way. You should feel a slight click or resistance as it bottoms out.

Once the cartridge is fully inserted, screw the handle back together by twisting the base clockwise. Hand-tighten it until snug—you do not need to crank hard. The brush is now ready to use. Charge it for a few hours before your first use if the cartridge was sitting in storage for a while.

Where to buy replacement cartridges

Quip's official website sells cartridges directly and often runs promotions for first-time buyers or subscription discounts. Amazon, Walmart, and Target all stock Quip cartridges in their health and beauty sections, both online and in stores. CVS and Walgreens carry them as well. Prices vary slightly by retailer, but expect to pay $25 to $35 for a single cartridge.

If you brush twice daily, one cartridge lasts about three months. Quip's subscription service sends a new cartridge every three months for roughly $5 per cartridge plus shipping, which works out cheaper than buying individually if you use the brush regularly. You can pause or cancel the subscription anytime from your account.

What to do with the old cartridge

The old cartridge contains a rechargeable lithium battery and should not go in the trash. Most electronics retailers, including Best Buy, accept rechargeable batteries for recycling at no charge. You can also check Earth911.com or Call2Recycle.org to find a drop-off location near you that takes batteries.

Some dental offices also collect used toothbrush heads and cartridges for recycling. Call your dentist's office to ask if they have a program. If you have no convenient option nearby, storing the old cartridge in a safe place until you can recycle it is better than throwing it away.

Troubleshooting a cartridge that will not insert or remove

If the old cartridge is stuck, do not force it. Wiggle it gently from side to side while pulling straight out. If it still will not budge, try running warm water over the handle base to loosen any mineral deposits or dried toothpaste that may be holding it. Dry the handle thoroughly and try again.

If a new cartridge will not slide in, check that you are inserting it straight and that the metal contact point is facing the right direction. The contact should be on the end that goes deepest into the handle. If the cartridge still will not seat, the handle may be damaged. Contact Quip's customer service—they can troubleshoot or send you a replacement handle if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the battery is dead?

The brush will slow down or stop vibrating altogether. Some Quip models have a small light that dims as the battery weakens. If the brush vibrates weakly or not at all even after charging for several hours, the cartridge has reached the end of its life and needs replacement.

Can I use a third-party battery cartridge instead of Quip's?

No. Quip cartridges are designed specifically for Quip handles and will not fit other brands. Other brands' cartridges will not fit Quip handles either. Stick with Quip cartridges to keep the brush waterproof and working as intended.

What if I lose the brush head that came with the cartridge?

Quip cartridges come with a brush head attached. If you lose or damage the head, you can buy replacement heads separately from Quip or retailers. They snap onto the top of the cartridge and cost around $5 to $8 each. You do not need to replace the entire cartridge just for a worn head.

Does the brush need to be fully charged before I use the new cartridge?

New cartridges usually come with some charge, but charging for a few hours before first use is a good idea to may support the battery is at full capacity. After that, charge the brush whenever the vibration weakens, typically every few days with regular use.

Can I return an unopened cartridge if I change my mind?

Return policies vary by retailer. Quip's website allows returns within 30 days if the cartridge is unopened. Amazon, Walmart, and Target have their own return windows—usually 30 days as well. Check the retailer's policy before buying, and keep your receipt.