a cordless vacuum on the floor

Did you know that the cordless vacuum market is expected to be worth 5.77 billion USD by the end of 2026? This means many people have noticed the advantages cordless vacuums have over plug-in vacuums, like flexibility, lightweight, and suction power. 

But with more people switching to vacuums, there’s also a need for more awareness on how to use and maintain them properly. A common question people ask is, “Why does my cordless vacuum keep shutting off?”

Having used and reviewed cordless vacuums from popular brands like Dyson and Samsung, we have the experience and technical know-how to answer your concerns. 

We troubleshoot common issues and created this list to help you understand why your cordless vacuum is inconveniently shutting off when you need it most. Continue reading to learn what you can do to prevent that.

Key Takeaways

The most common causes of sudden shutdowns in cordless vacuums are:

  • Battery issues
  • Blockages
  • Overheating
  • Malfunctioning parts

Why Your Cordless Vacuum Keeps Shutting Off

a woman is using a cordless vacuum to clean a couch.

Having your cordless vacuum shut down during a cleaning session can be frustrating. But worry not; we’ll tell you why that’s happening and how you can prevent it.

Low or Faulty Battery

The most common reason why cordless vacuums suddenly shut down is battery issues. First, check whether you’ve fully charged your vacuum. If it is and the problem persists, then your battery is probably faulty.


Your vacuum’s battery level indicator and suction power can provide insight. You may need to replace your battery if your vacuum performs worse than it should and can’t hold a charge for long.

Blockages

You may experience constant shutdowns if you seldom empty your vacuum’s dust bag. Most modern cordless vacuums need constant airflow to function, and some will shut down if large debris blocks the brush roll or hose pipe to prevent overheating.

Dyson models, for example, have airflow level indicators and adjust the suction power accordingly.

Clean your dust bag, filter, and hose regularly. You can refer to your manufacturer’s manual for a maintenance guide.

Overheating

Your cordless vacuum cleaner will overheat if you use it too much or if it’s blocked. So it’s best to ensure that no debris has accumulated so as not to restrict airflow.

If it’s clean but still overheats, you may want to turn down your vacuum cleaner’s power setting and let it cool down for a few minutes before resuming cleaning. Remember, this is a safety measure to prevent damage and fire!

Malfunctioning Parts

The problem with your vacuum may be more insidious if you aren’t facing any of the issues mentioned above. For example, your motor could be faulty. If so, review your warranty program and consider repairing or replacing it.

Final Thoughts

Cordless vacuum cleaners are an excellent alternative to traditional vacuums. But they’re prone to frustrating problems like blockages and battery issues that can cause frequent shutdowns.

So it helps to learn how to maintain your vacuum cleaner properly. Pay attention to its battery’s life, clean your dust bag and hose often, and give it a break sometimes!

Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve gathered the most popular questions and answered them below.

Use the high-power mode less, keep your battery fully charged when not using your vacuum cleaner, and avoid using it in extreme heat or cold temperatures.

Avoid sucking up large debris and sharp objects; coins and nails can cause this problem.

You should also clean your dust bag, hose, and air filter regularly. How you remove them depends on your cordless vacuum cleaner’s model, so refer to its manual.