Dyson hair dryer not turning on

Start with the socket

It sounds obvious, but check the wall switch is on and test the socket with something else you know works, such as a phone charger or a lamp. Bathroom shaver sockets are not suitable for hair dryers, so make sure you are using a standard 13 A socket in a bedroom or dressing area.

If you were using an extension lead, plug the dryer straight into the wall. Leads with their own switch, fuse or surge protection can fail on their own, and a dryer that has been plugged into the same lead for years may simply have found the weak link. If several sockets in the house have gone dead at once, look at your consumer unit for a tripped switch.

Check the plug fuse

Every UK 3-pin plug made to BS 1363 contains a cartridge fuse, and a hair dryer's plug normally has a 13 A fuse. If the fuse blows, the dryer gets no power at all. Many dryers, including Dyson models, are sold with a moulded plug where the fuse sits in a small carrier on the face of the plug that you can prise out with a flat screwdriver.

Replace a blown fuse only with one of the same rating, marked BS 1362. If the new fuse blows straight away, do not keep replacing it: that points to a fault in the cable or the dryer itself. Stop using it and contact Dyson.

Note:Unplug the dryer before any check. Never open the body of a hair dryer, and stop using it if the cable is cut, the plug is cracked or you smell burning. Faults in sockets or household wiring are a job for a qualified electrician.

Clean the filter and let it cool

Dyson dryers monitor their own temperature and will stop to protect themselves. If yours cut out during use and now will not restart, it may still be too hot inside. Unplug it, leave it for 10 to 15 minutes, and clean the filter at the base of the handle while you wait.

A heavily clogged filter is one of the main reasons a dryer overheats in the first place, so cleaning it is worth doing whatever the outcome. Our step-by-step guide on cleaning the Dyson Supersonic filter covers it, and our article on a Dyson dryer cutting out explains the overheating link in more detail.

Look for lights and reset options

Some Dyson models show status lights on the handle. A pattern of flashing lights often points to a fault or a maintenance warning such as a blocked filter. The meaning of each pattern depends on the model, so check the manual or Dyson's online support pages for yours rather than guessing.

Dyson's support team can also walk you through any reset procedure for your model. Typically this involves unplugging the dryer for a set time, cleaning the filter and then reconnecting it. Avoid trying combinations of button presses found on forums, as they may not apply to your model.

Inspect the cable without opening anything

Run your eye along the cable from the plug to the handle. Look for kinks, flattened sections, scorched marks or exposed inner wires, especially where the cable enters the handle and the plug. Tight wrapping and tugging the cable out of the socket both damage the conductors over time.

If you see any damage, stop using the dryer. Mains cables on hair dryers should be replaced by the maker or an authorised repairer, not taped up. If the wall socket itself looks scorched or feels warm, have a qualified electrician check it.

When to contact Dyson or replace the dryer

If the socket works, the fuse is sound, the filter is clean and the dryer still will not start, the fault is inside the dryer. Contact Dyson with your serial number and proof of purchase. Do not open the casing, which is unsafe and may affect the warranty.

If your dryer is old and out of warranty, it may make more sense to replace it. Our Dyson hair dryers compared guide sets out the current Supersonic range, and our best hair dryers in the UK guide covers premium options from other makers.

See the best premium hair dryers →

Frequently asked questions

Why is my Dyson hair dryer not working at all? No lights and no sound usually means no power. Check the socket with another appliance, then check the 13 A fuse in the plug. If both are fine, the fault is likely inside the dryer.

Can a Dyson hair dryer reset itself? If it stopped because of heat, it will normally work again once it cools and the filter is cleared. For any other reset procedure, follow the steps from Dyson support for your model.

What fuse does a Dyson hair dryer use? UK hair dryers are normally fitted with a 13 A BS 1362 fuse in the plug. Always replace a fuse with the same rating as the one fitted.

Should I take my Dyson dryer apart to fix it? No. Opening a mains appliance is unsafe and may affect your warranty. Contact Dyson or an authorised repairer instead.