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Massage Gun Not Turning On? Troubleshooting Tips That Work
Why is my massage gun not turning on?
This is one of the most common questions asked by folks having problems with their massage guns.
Massage guns are awesome gadgets for easing muscle tension and relieving pain. Just like every gadget, these essential devices can break down too.
Do you know what to do when your massage gun won’t turn on? What if it keeps overheating or won’t stop making rough sounds? Do you know how to troubleshoot a massage gun?
In this post, you will learn the many instances that may affect the smooth operation of your beloved massage gun. We will also tell you how to troubleshoot a massage gun.
Let’s do it…
NOTE Please understand that we don’t sell massage guns. You didn’t buy from us.
We only provide reviews, buying guides and informational articles (like this one). We are not the right address for any refund/replacement/device support enquiries – please contact the seller/brand instead.
In This Article
- Things That will Cause a Massage Gun to Malfunction
- Why is my Massage Gun Not Turning On?
- Why is my Massage Gun Not Charging?
- My Massage Gun is Shutting Off Randomly
- Why is my Massage Gun Too Loud?
- Frozen Screen on Theragun Massage Guns
- Why is my Massage Gun Overheating?
- How to fix Legiral Massage Gun Problems
- Massage Gun Troubleshooting – What Else Can You Do?
- Tips for Maintaining Your Massage Gun
- What About the Warranty?
- Time To Buy A New Massage Gun?
- FAQ – You Asked, We Answered
- Bottom Line
Things That will Cause a Massage Gun to Malfunction
Before we can delve into some of the problems you may experience with your massage gun, we first have to say a few things.
First, we receive many complaints from customers about malfunctioning massage guns. However, we noticed that majority of these complaints are from folks who own the cheap generic guns sold on Amazon.
Even though we are not a store selling massage guns (we only do reviews), we still receive emails from people who say their Legiral Le3, Toloco, Chirogun, or Fitpulse won’t work. All these are generic devices; you get what you pay for.
Another we will mention is we occasionally receive (although rarely) emails from top-end massage gun users. We recently received two emails from users complaining about Theragun Pro’s (4th gen) wobbly piston and head.
To be honest, we haven’t experienced many issues with the top-end guns we have purchased.
The one instance we are of is our Hypervolt 2 Pro going dead one month after the expiry of the 1-year cover (most likely it’s just the battery).
All our other Hypervolts (including the older models) still work just fine.
That said, you will still experience problems at some point with any massage gun. Here are some of the issues you may face with your massage gun:
- Massage gun not turning on.
- Massage gun not charging.
- Massage gun shutting off randomly.
- Massage gun rattling or making a lot of noise.
- Massage gun overheating.
These are just some of the issues you may encounter with your massage guns. Again, these issues tend to be prevalent in cheap devices.
We discuss below how to troubleshoot your massage gun in case you are experiencing some of these issues. Also, check our post Massage Gun Construction – What’s Inside. It provides information that will help you understand the technical workings of massage guns.
Why is my Massage Gun Not Turning On?
Nothing is as frustrating as a massage gun that won’t turn on.
You’ve had your device for a few weeks or months. It has been working fine all that time, but now it won’t turn on. What could be the problem?
It’s even worse when the warranty period just ran out, and the device is acting up. What could be the problem, and is there a way to fix it?
Well, some of the reasons your device may not turn on include the following…
You haven’t turned it on properly.
Many devices have a power indicator that lets you know the device is on. Different devices will have the power indicator at different positions. Check to see whether the light is on. If you can’t find the power indicator, try checking the device manual.
Again, most devices require you to long-press the power button for a few seconds. Other devices have a switch-like button that you have to flip to activate it.
We’ve also seen devices that require you to flip the switch and hold the main button simultaneously.
Solution Check manual on how to turn on your device properly.
The battery is out of juice.
You have checked everything and are certain of the location of the power indicator. You have tried long-pressing the power button but the device still won’t turn on.
It’s time to check whether the battery is charged. Try charging your massage gun before turning it on.
Many devices we have interacted with tend to have LED lights that flash when the device is charging. The lights will often stop flashing once the device is fully charged. Ensure the device is fully charged before you can try turning it on again.
Also, keep in mind that most devices won’t work while the charging cord is connected to the device.
Solution Fully charge your device (usually 3-4 hours)
The device is overused and overheated.
Many massage guns tend to stop working when they are overused. The battery heats up and some devices may shut off.
We have seen devices with an auto-shutoff feature that prevents the device from overheating.
In this case all you have to do is wait for the device to cool down before you can try turning it on.
Solution Wait for the device to cool down, usually ~30 to 60 minutes.
Your massage gun has malfunctioned.
This is probably the most dreaded reason for a massage gun not turning on. After all, these gadgets don’t come cheap.
If your massage gun malfunctions within the warranty period, you can reach out to the manufacturer or seller for repair or replacement.
We will discuss more about warranty later on in the article.
Solution Well, you may need a new device. A wise purchase is half the battle. Below you will find our tips on that.
Why is my Massage Gun Not Charging?
Another common problem with massage guns is when the battery won’t charge. Unless your massage gun is juiced up, you can forget about turning it on.
There are different things that may cause a massage gun’s battery to malfunction…
You have been overcharging your massage gun.
Yes, you heard that right. Overcharging your massage gun might ruin its battery. Better devices have a relevant protection in place, but it never hurts to only charge a device when the battery is low.
You don’t have to keep your device charging every time. This could affect its performance.
Only charge your device when the battery is low. Also, ensure you remove your gun from the charger once it’s full.
Solution Check user manual on how to charge the battery the right way.
You are using a non-compatible charger.
Not all chargers can charge your device’s battery. Your massage gun’s charger is designed to meet the needs of its battery.
If you use any other charger, the device may not charge, and you risk damaging your device. If you don’t have an original charger, in many cases you can buy one from the manufacturer.
Solution Use compatible charger.
Your charger is broken.
If your charger is broken, your device will not charge. Check with the manufacturer for a new charger.
Solution Buy a new charger.
The battery is dead.
If your charger is okay, but the device still won’t charge, you are probably looking at a dead battery. In this case you may need a new battery.
Again, in our experience, the high-end guns don’t have this problem. The cheap guns may not have a durable battery. If the battery is dead, then you might as well buy a new device.
We don’t recommend opening up sealed batteries to try and replace them.
For removable batteries, usually you can buy a spare one from the seller.
Solution Non-removable batteries: get a new device; Removable batteries: get a spare battery.
The battery is inserted upside down.
Note that this only applies to devices that have a removable battery. Most, if not all, batteries are shaped in a way that makes it nearly impossible to insert the battery the wrong way.
But, as they say, where there’s a will, there’s a way, and we have seen photos of devices with batteries inserted upside down (in a brute force way).
Solution Check to see that the battery is properly inserted.
My Massage Gun is Shutting Off Randomly
Apart from your massage gun not turning on, it may also randomly shut off when you are using it. This problem may be caused by a few things.
The device is overheated.
An overheated device will shut off until the device can cool down. As we have seen, some devices are fitted with a safety auto-shutoff feature to prevent overheating.
When your device shuts off randomly, especially when you have been using it for a while, give it a few minutes and then try turning it on again.
Solution Wait until the device cools down.
The battery is too low.
Your massage gun will go off when the battery is too low. In this case charge it until it’s full, and then try turning it on.
Solution Fully charge the battery.
Your device is faulty.
If your device randomly shuts off after only a few seconds and with a full battery, then you may be looking at a faulty device.
If this is the case, we recommend contacting the seller if the warranty is still active for a new device.
Solution Check the warranty and contact the seller and/or the brand.
You are exceeding the device’s stall force.
Stall force is the amount of pressure it takes to stop a device. If you apply too much pressure, some devices will shut off completely.
Better devices don’t completely shut off when you exceed the stall force. Instead, they kick right on when the pressure is eased.
Most cheap devices have a very low stall force and may shut off completely when pressure is applied.
Solution Release the pressure to restart the motor, or turn it off and then on again.
Why is my Massage Gun Too Loud?
When massage guns first came onto the scene, they were drill machines that made a lot of noise. However, with time, many brands have improved the quality of their motors.
Nevertheless, while interacting with massage guns, we discovered that Theraguns remained notoriously loud. This is actually one of the reasons we have, in the past, suggested devices from other brands over Theraguns.
Generally, expect most massage guns to be quiet – that is often the case when you buy a new device.
But there’s an exception for cheap guns. Even though they may sound smooth at first, they start buzzing after a short while.
Here’s what causes a massage gun to be too loud…
Noise coming from the attachment area.
There are small gaskets around the attachments that help to reduce the noise around the tip as the gun percusses. However, these gaskets tend to wear out after some time.
When that happens, the device can become noisy.
We have noticed that some brands include spare gaskets. This is a common practice among massage guns, which utilize the push-and-pull solution to insert and remove attachments.
TIP If your device didn’t come with spare gaskets, you could use one from a different attachment you don’t use often. Most people (including us) don’t use all the attachments that come with a massage gun (more on that in our massage gun heads guide).
Solution Check the attachment gaskets and replace if weared out.
Noise coming from the motor.
Massage guns have either brushed or brushless motors. Brushless motors tend to be quieter. However, with time, those too can get pretty loud.
Again, this is where quality matters. A cheap massage gun may have a brushless motor made with cheap quality materials. Expensive guns tend to have a better build quality and use better parts.
We have experienced massage guns that got louder after only 2 months.
Hypervolt noise.
But there are instances when even the top-end guns get loud. Hypervolts, for example, are very quiet guns. However, we have received emails from Chiropractors and Physios who say their Hypervolt got louder after 3 years.
We’d say that is a pretty decent return. Chiros and Physios use these machines non-stop on different people. 3 years is amazing for a workhorse device!
Theragun noise.
Therabody has struggled to keep their guns quiet for a while. Right up until their 4th gen devices, the noise problem seemed impossible to get rid of.
However, the new 5th gen Theragun Pro and 2nd gen Theragun mini are now hushed.
Interestingly, they are now adding liquid maintenance to the new-gen Theragun Pro. They instruct users to add a few drops of the liquid every few months to keep the device quiet.
TIP If you believe the noise is coming from the motor, you can try adding a WD40-like liquid to see if the noise stops. There’s potentially no harm if you use the WD40 moderately on your massage gun’s motor.
Frozen Screen on Theragun Massage Guns
Some users report us that their Theragun massage gun’s screen can become unresponsive or frozen and stuck displaying letter T. This issue can occur even when the device is fully charged and can prevent the device from activating or being reset through conventional means.
Such a situation might indicating a possible firmware glitch or software-related problem that prevents normal operation.
Solution 1 Attempt a Firmware Update Through the App
If your Theragun is still able to connect to the Therabody app, attempt to update the firmware (here are step-by-step instructions on how to do that).
Even if the device appears frozen, the app might recognize it and prompt a firmware update. This solution is particularly relevant for models like the Elite and Pro.
If the device connects to the app but doesn’t update, keep it connected for a while as sometimes it may take multiple attempts for the update to initiate.
Solution 2 Let the Battery Drain Completely
In cases where the screen remains frozen and the device is unresponsive to any interaction, including through the app, allow the battery to fully deplete. Once the device has powered down due to a lack of battery charge, recharge it. This process can reset the system, resolving the frozen screen issue and allowing the device to start up normally again.
Why is my Massage Gun Overheating?
Another problem that we have received lots of emails about is the overheating of massage guns.
When a massage gun is overworked, the motor tends to overheat. However, manufacturers are aware of this and have measures in place to prevent overheating.
Most guns have an auto-shutoff feature that lets the gun shut off after 10-20 minutes of continuous use. This is to protect the motor. Read the massage gun manual to find out how the feature works on your gun.
But sometimes your massage gun may get too hot without warning. It’s worse if the device doesn’t have the auto-shutoff feature. This happens a lot with cheap guns. We recommend contacting the seller for replacement if the cover still applies. We don’t recommend opening the device and trying to fix it yourself.
How to fix Legiral Massage Gun Problems
Legiral became popular around 2020 and 2021. They sold thousands of their affordable massage guns. Back then, they were the relief that people who couldn’t afford a Theragun or a Hypervolt needed.
But quality issues started popping up. Turns out the cheap guns came at a cost.
Recently, Legiral has tried to address some of the thorny issues about their massage guns. They have provided information and even videos on how to fix the problems in your massage guns. There are videos of how to fix a Legiral massage gun that won’t turn on.
Note Here are our Legiral Le9 and Legiral Le3 reviews.
Massage Gun Troubleshooting – What Else Can You Do?
What else can you do to keep your massage gun functioning?
We have provided the information you need to know if you have a massage gun that is not turning on. The information above is based on our experience with different massage guns. If the above tips on different issues listed still don’t work, you can try other fixes to see what happens.
However, we also admit that we haven’t bought and tested every massage gun out there. For this reason, we searched the internet for any information we could get to help you. Here are some things we found out.
Reset a massage gun that won’t turn on.
We are not entirely sure that massage guns have some sort of reset button. However, we came across articles that claim this to be so.
We have tested over 80 massage guns and are yet to see a reset button on any of them. But there could be exceptions that we are not aware of.
You may try resetting a gun by holding down the power button for 5-10 seconds. Or you can hold the power button and flip the switch simultaneously. We are not sure this would work, but it doesn’t hurt to try it.
If your device has a removable battery, try removing it first. Then, check inside for anything that seems clickable. It could be a tiny hole, and use a pin to press it. Again, this is not something we have done ourselves, but it could be the solution you need to keep your gun functioning.
For devices that won’t charge.
There are also videos (this one in particular) you can watch, where people try different tricks to see what works. The video shows someone disconnecting the charging cord from the gun when it’s at 20%, which restarts the device to work again.
This is not entirely proven, but it doesn’t hurt to try, especially if you have a similar massage gun.
Remember A massage gun will serve you longer if you take good care of it. However, cheap generic massage guns tend to get faulty pretty quickly – you get what you pay for.
Tips for Maintaining Your Massage Gun
When all is said and done, prevention is always better than a cure. If you want your massage gun to serve you for longer, you have to ensure you take good care of it.
Here are some tips you can use to ensure your device stays functioning for longer.
Maintaining Your Massage Gun
- Don’t overuse your massage gun. Unless you are a busy chiropractor or physio, you don’t need to have your massage gun working for more than an hour straight. Normal sessions take about 20-30 minutes tops. Limiting the time you have your massage gun on can keep it working for a long time. You won’t have to worry about the battery not charging or the device randomly shutting off.
- Let your massage gun rest. We understand you need to complete your whole body massage so you can move on to something else. However, you can let your massage gun rest before moving on to a different body part. This will prevent it from overheating and losing its battery power after only a short time.
- Only apply pressure when you need to. Applying pressure means you get a deep tissue massage. However, it also strains the motor and the battery. You only need to apply pressure to bulkier muscles. Even then, do it gently and measuredly.
- Read the user manual that comes with your massage gun. Every massage gun is unique. Manufacturers include the user manual so you can learn how the device works and how to keep it working. You can avoid a lot of issues if you read the manual. If you don’t find the manual with your device, try searching for it online.
- Store your device in a cool, dry place. This may sound like a broken record, but it matters how you store your massage gun. If you store it in a hot place, you risk ruining its battery and motor. Also, storing it in a dumpy place exposes the metallic parts to rust.
What About the Warranty?
Different brands will include warranty information along with the device. Read this information to learn how the warranty works. You will void the warranty if the problem is caused by negligence.
Some brands allow you to register your device after purchase. The warranty is activated only when the device is registered.
Our Recommendations
- Ensure you invest in a device with a better warranty for peace of mind. We recommend buying from Ekrin Athletics or Lifepro; both brands offer a lifetime warranty.
- You can also buy from Opove and Achedaway – they have great return policies. They are also quick to answer calls and emails.
- Therabody and Hyperice also have good customer support. We have tested both brands’ support and can confirm this. In addition, Theragun offers the ProCare support plan (extra paid).
- Avoid no-name brands. They usually operate from overseas, and provide just basic (if any) customer support. They are plenty of them on Amazon (take reviews with a pinch of salt, too).
- Try to leverage Amazon’s customer-friendly return policy to request a refund or a replacement if a massage gun stops working. Don’t be afraid to escalate with Amazon directly, if a seller goes silent or refuses to offer a solution.
Time To Buy A New Massage Gun?
If all of the above fails, and the warranty period has expired, you may need a new massage gun. Before that, however, you may want to look for spare parts or accessories:
Buying spare parts.
If your massage gun works okay but you lost a charger, damaged a cord, or broke an attachment, you may want to buy a spare one.
Good massage gun brands offer a variety of accessories. We are talking about brands like Theragun, Achedaway, Ekrin, or Hyperice, all of which have friendly support teams in place to handle your requests.
Cheap brands rarely have any accessories apart from the ones that come with the device. Some of them also have very poor customer support, and you may find it hard to get spare accessories such as chargers or cables.
OUR TIP If you can’t contact the brand for a new charger, try buying a generic replacement from the market. Check the voltage to see if it has the same output as the original charger. Many cheap massage guns have the same charger. Try finding one on Amazon. You can return it if it doesn’t work.
Buying a new massage gun.
You may have gone through all above recommendations and are certain there is no redemption for your gun. In that case you need a new gun. We suggest you carefully investigate the seller before making a purchase.
Before you spend your hard-earned money for a new set, make sure you buy from a trusted massage gun brand that offers good cover and quality customer support.
Save up and buy a top gun. There’s a reason it’s said “cheap is expensive.” If you really want a device that will serve you longer, you need to be prepared to pay for it.
It is a worthwhile investment given what you can get from a massage gun. Top brands ensure you get your money’s worth. Brands like Ekrin and Lifepro even offer a lifetime warranty.
FAQ – You Asked, We Answered
What are common problems with massage guns?
Common problems with massage guns may include battery issues, such as the device not turning on or not holding a charge. Other issues may involve improper charging, random shut-offs, excessive noise, or overheating during use. Broken or damaged attachments can also pose a problem. To avoid these issues, it’s important to choose a high-quality massage gun from a reputable manufacturer, follow the user manual for use, and properly maintain and store the device.
How to reset a massage gun?
There is no guaranteed method to reset a massage gun, as different models may have different reset options. While some suggest that massage guns may have reset buttons, we have tested dozens models and have yet to come across any with a visible reset button. However, you could try holding down the power button for 5-10 seconds or removing the removable battery (if your device has one).
Why is my Theragun not charging?
If your Theragun is not charging, there are several possible reasons for this. Firstly, ensure that the charger is properly connected to the device and the power source. If that doesn’t help, try using a different power outlet or charging cable. You should also check if the charging port on the device is dirty or blocked, and clean it gently with a dry cotton swab or toothbrush if necessary. If none of these steps work, contact the manufacturer’s customer support for further assistance
Why is my massage gun blinking red when charging?
If your massage gun is blinking red while charging, it could mean that the battery is dead and needs to be replaced. But note, for massage guns with non-removable batteries, you may not be able to replace the battery.
Alternatively, a blinking red light could also indicate an extremely low battery level or that there’s a problem with the connection to the charger. Try plugging the charger into a different outlet, ensuring it’s firmly connected to the device, and waiting for a few minutes before turning on the massage gun. If the problem persists, consult the manufacturer’s instructions or contact customer support for further assistance.
Bottom Line
So, why is your massage gun not turning on? It’s probably because of many reasons.
The most obvious one is that you are dealing with a cheap massage gun that ran out of mileage. You rarely have a lot of issues with top-end guns. As much as it may be tempting to buy a $50 massage gun, the long-term cost may be high.
Try using the tips provided in this article.
Also, ensure you take good care of your massage gun. It will serve you well!
Till the next time!
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Post Update History
Here's a quick rundown of all the tweaks and edits we've made to this article to keep it accurate and up-to-date!
Current version.
December 15, 2023 Interlinking corrected for improved navigation. (Author: Greg)
April 17, 2023 FAQ section added. (Author: Greg)
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Written by:
Greg Szostak
Greg Szostak
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