Changing a Quip battery takes about two minutes and requires no tools

The Quip electric toothbrush battery sits inside the handle and slides out from the bottom. You unscrew the grip section, pull out the old battery, and slide in a new one—then screw the grip back on. The whole process is straightforward enough that Quip designed it this way so you would not need to visit a dentist or mail the brush away for service.

Quip batteries last about three months with twice-daily brushing. The brush does not give a warning when the battery is low, so if your brush stops vibrating or vibrates weakly, the battery has likely run out of charge. A fresh battery costs between $5 and $10 depending on where you buy it, and Quip sells them directly through their website as well as through drugstores and online retailers.

Key Takeaways

  • The battery slides out from the bottom of the handle after you unscrew the grip section—no tools or special equipment needed.
  • Quip batteries last roughly three months, and the brush will not alert you when power is low.
  • Replacement batteries cost $5 to $10 and are sold through Quip's website, drugstores, and major online retailers.
  • The entire battery swap takes about two minutes and is safe to do at home.
  • If your brush still will not work after installing a new battery, the motor or internal wiring may need professional service.

What you need before you start

Gather a fresh Quip battery (the standard size is AA), a flat surface to work on, and a small cup or container to hold the old battery while you work. You do not need a screwdriver, wrench, or any other tool—the grip section unscrews by hand.

Make sure your hands are dry before you begin. If the brush is wet, dry it with a towel first. This prevents moisture from getting inside the handle while the battery compartment is open.

Step-by-step: removing the old battery

Hold the brush handle upright with the bristles pointing up. Locate the grip section—the textured rubber or plastic band that wraps around the lower part of the handle. Grip this section firmly and twist it counterclockwise (to the left) until it comes loose. It usually takes three to five full turns before it unscrews completely.

Once the grip is off, you will see the battery compartment at the bottom of the handle. The old battery will be sitting inside, usually held loosely in place. Gently push the battery upward from the bottom of the handle or tilt the brush so the battery slides out into your hand. Place the old battery in your cup or container.

Look inside the empty compartment. You should see two metal contact points—one at the top and one at the bottom. These are where the battery makes electrical contact with the brush motor. Wipe these contacts with a dry cloth or your finger if they look dirty or corroded. A clean contact helps the new battery work properly.

Step-by-step: installing the new battery

Hold the new battery with the positive end (marked with a + sign) facing up. Slide it into the compartment bottom-first, positioning it so the positive end touches the upper contact point inside the handle. The battery should fit snugly but not require force.

Once the battery is seated, screw the grip section back on by twisting it clockwise (to the right). Turn it until it feels snug—you should not be able to twist it any further by hand, but do not overtighten it. Usually four to five full turns will find it completely.

Press the power button on the handle to test the brush. You should feel the vibration when ready. If the brush vibrates normally, the battery is installed correctly and you are done. If it does not vibrate, remove the grip again, check that the battery is pushed all the way up into the compartment, and try once more.

What to do with the old battery

Do not throw old batteries in the trash. Most areas have battery recycling programs through local waste management facilities, retail stores, or mail-back services. Best Buy, Home Depot, and Lowe's all accept batteries for recycling at their customer service desks at no charge. You can also search for a recycling location near you through Call2Recycle.org or your city's waste management website.

If you ordered your replacement battery from Quip, some shipments include a prepaid return envelope for the old battery. Check your package to see if one came with your order.

Troubleshooting when the brush still will not work

If you installed a new battery and the brush still does not vibrate, first remove the battery and check the metal contact points again. Sometimes a thin layer of corrosion or debris prevents the battery from making good contact. Wipe both contacts with a dry cloth or a pencil eraser, then reinstall the battery and test again.

If the brush still does not work, try a different new battery to rule out a defective battery. Batteries occasionally arrive dead or damaged, especially if they were stored in extreme heat or cold.

If a second new battery also does not work, the problem is likely inside the brush itself—either the motor has failed or the internal wiring is damaged. At this point, contact Quip's customer service through their website. Depending on how old your brush is and whether it is still under warranty, they may send you a replacement handle or offer a discount on a new brush. Quip does not repair the internal motor, so a non-working motor means the handle cannot be fixed at home.

How to extend battery life

Store your brush in a dry place between uses. Moisture inside the handle can corrode the battery contacts and drain the battery faster. If your brush gets wet, dry the outside thoroughly before putting it away.

Remove the battery if you will not use the brush for more than a few weeks. A battery left sitting in the handle can slowly discharge or leak, which may damage the contacts. If you are traveling or storing the brush long-term, take the battery out and store it separately in a cool, dry place.

Use the brush on the standard vibration setting rather than the sensitive setting when possible. The sensitive mode uses less power, but standard mode is the default and will not drain the battery faster than normal use would.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a rechargeable battery in my Quip?

Yes, rechargeable AA batteries work in Quip brushes. They typically last longer per charge than disposable batteries and are cheaper over time, though they do require a charger. Make sure the rechargeable battery is fully charged before installing it, and follow the same installation steps as you would with a disposable battery.

What happens if I install the battery upside down?

The brush will not vibrate if the battery is installed with the negative end facing up. straightforward remove the grip, flip the battery so the positive end faces up, and reinstall it. Installing it backward will not damage the battery or the brush.

How do I know if my battery is dead or if the brush motor is broken?

Install a brand-new battery and test the brush when ready. If it vibrates, the old battery was dead. If it still does not vibrate, the motor or internal wiring is likely damaged and the brush will need to be replaced.

Can I buy batteries in bulk from Quip?

Quip sells battery packs of two or four on their website, which costs less per battery than buying them one at a time. You can also buy individual AA batteries from drugstores or online retailers, which are often cheaper than Quip's branded batteries and work just as well.

Is it safe to change the battery myself?

Yes, changing the battery is completely safe. The brush runs on a standard AA battery at low voltage, so there is no risk of shock or injury. The only precaution is to keep moisture out of the handle while the battery compartment is open.