How to Use a Personal Vibrator

You’re ready to buy a new vibrator and start having some fun.

But how do you use these things? Vibrators come in a bunch of different shapes and styles, and they do not look like the classic vibrating rockets that they used to.

These things have twists, swirls, thrusters, rabbit ears, and air suction. Many of them look like they come from outer space.

So, how do you use a vibrator safely and pleasurably? We’re going to walk you through the steps below.

And, we’ll give you some top vibrator recommendations based on our 30+ years of experience testing and obsessing over sex toys.

Keep in mind: There are lots of vibrators out there, and they all work in different ways. So, we’ve separated this article into sections explaining how to use each type of vibrator.

If you know which type you have, click on the shortcut below to go straight to your section.

If you don’t have time for all that, the next section will cover the essentials of using any vibrator.

Tip: If you don’t have a vibrator yet—or if you’re feeling overwhelmed by all these wild vibrating contraptions—read our Vibrators 101 Guide first.

There, you can learn the vibrator basics and choose the right vibrator for you. Then, come back here and we’ll tell you exactly how to use it.

The Essentials: How to Use a Vibrator

There are nuances to using each type of vibrator, but they all share basic similarities. If you want to get down to business ASAP, here’s what you need to know about using a vibrator, regardless of the make or model.

👉 Clean it: Even if you’ve never used your vibrator, you should clean it before using it. Start by reading the cleaning instructions on the packaging.

They’ll tell you precisely how to take care of your toy. You may need to remove any batteries or electronic components before cleaning your toy. If your toy is waterproof, you may not need to do this.

You can clean most vibrators with warm water and antibacterial soap (such as hand soap or dish soap).

However, it’s a good idea to limit moisture (especially near charging ports and batteries) by using a sex toy cleaner.

👉 Apply lube: Sex lube is absolutely essential when using any sex toy. Do not use your vibrator without lube! If your vibrator is made of silicone (most are), you should use a water-based lube.

We recommend Sliquid H2O. Never use silicone lube with silicone vibrators. It can damage the material.

👉 Start slow: Foreplay is important even when using a vibrator. Trying to insert one or add buzzing vibes to your clit when you’re not aroused may be uncomfortable or even painful.

Start by gently massaging yourself with the vibrator at a low setting. Go ahead and use it on your nipples, thighs, and other erogenous zones before heading straight for the vulva or butt.

When you start to feel hot and heavy, it’s time to take your solo play to the next level.

👉 Touch yourself where it feels good: Depending on your vibrator, this might mean penetrating yourself, massaging your clit, or both.

If it feels good, keep doing it. If it feels uncomfortable or isn’t giving you pleasure, then stop. If you’ve never used a vibrator, it might take a few sessions to find your sweet spot.

👉 When you’re finished, clean your vibrator immediately: Hygiene is the most important part of sex toy safety. Keeping your vibrator clean will extend its lifespan and ensure it remains free from bacteria and mold.

If you don’t clean it, it may become infected. This could result in an infection and a hospital visit for you.

👉 Store it in a cool, dry place: Keep your vibrator somewhere cool, clean, and dry. Don’t keep it in a humid bathroom where germs thrive. A sock drawer is actually the perfect place!

Understanding the Different Types of Vibrators

Vibrators have come a long way since the simple massagers and cucumber-shaped wands of yesterday.

Today, there are many types of vibrators featuring diverse vibration styles and targeting different pleasure zones.

The way you use your vibrator—and the vibrator you choose to buy—depends on the way you feel pleasure.

Some women may adore one style of vibrator and feel nothing from another. Other women may love them all.

Below, we’ll introduce you to each style of vibrator and help you understand which ones are ideal for your body and your needs.

External Vibrators

External vibrators are used mainly for clitoral stimulation. If you feel pleasure by rubbing your clit, consider choosing an external vibrator.

Bullet Vibrators

Bullet vibrators are small, compact vibrators shaped like a bullet (hence the name).

They fit in the palm of your hand, and they’re used to stimulate the clit with buzzy vibrations.

Bullet vibrators are the most affordable vibrators, and they’re super easy to store, clean, and travel with.

For this reason, we often recommend them to women shopping for their first vibrator.

Top Bullet Vibrators

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Wand Vibrators

Wand vibrators are large vibrators that deliver deep, rumbly vibrations as opposed to the buzzy vibrations of bullet vibrators.

These rumbles resonate deeply and are known for triggering really strong orgasms quickly.

Wands are quite large—they’re shaped like a baton with a big bulbous head.

But size isn’t always a disadvantage. Unlike other vibrators, it’s easy to straddle or grind a wand.

Because of their immense power, wands are commonly corded (though there are many cordless models).

They’re not as convenient as other vibrators, but they certainly deliver the goods.

Top Wand Vibrators 

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Air Suction Vibrators (clit vibrators)

Air suction vibrators don’t actually vibrate. They surround the clit with air pulses, stimulating it without actually touching it.

The sensation feels like pulses or waves of suction. It might sound strange, but they press your buttons like no other toy. Seriously, these things deliver out-of-body experience-grade orgasms.

Air suction vibrators have shot to the top of the list in terms of pleasure and comfort because they’re intensely stimulating yet gentle to your most sensitive parts.

Top Air Suction Vibrators

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Internal vibrators

Internal vibrators are meant to penetrate the vagina or butt. Though, they can also be used for clit stimulation.

One of the most popular vibrators, the rabbit vibrator, is a dual vibrator that stimulates the clit and penetrates the vagina at the same time.

G-spot Vibrators

A G-spot vibrator is for massaging the G-spot, the pleasure zone located about 1-2 inches inside the vagina.

These vibrators are often curved upward and have a large head, making it easier to find and put pressure on the G-spot.

Top G-spot Vibrators

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Rabbit Vibrators

Rabbit vibrators are dual vibrators, meaning they stimulate two areas at once—the G-spot and the clit. Rabbits have two arms and two vibrating motors.

One arm penetrates the vagina and the other rests on the clit. Rabbits are among the best-selling vibrators because of their versatility.

You can use them for clit stimulation, penetration, or both. With a rabbit, you can also achieve dual orgasms—body-rocking simultaneous clit and g-spot orgasms.

Top Rabbit Vibrators

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Penis Vibrators

Why should vulva-havers have all the fun? Penis vibrators tantalize the penis with vibrations that rumble the shaft or stimulate the sensitive head.

They come in many varieties—there are vibrating strokers, vibrating cock rings, vibrating penis pumps, vibrating penis sleeves, and more.

We’re not going to go into a lot of detail on male vibrators in this article, but we’ll give you a quick guide on how to use a vibrating stroker a bit later on.

You can read more about penis vibrators here. 

Top Penis Vibrators

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How to Use Each Type of Vibrator

Using a vibrator is a piece of cake, but there are a few things you should know beforehand to make sure your solo sesh or partner play is safe and satisfying.

Most importantly: Always clean your vibrator before and after using it. And, always use lube when using your vibrator (or any sex toy).

These rules apply to all of the following vibrators, so we’re going to omit them from each individual how-to guide.

Ok, let’s learn how to use each type of vibrator.

How to Use a Bullet Vibrator 

👉 Hold the vibrator like a pen: Bullets are small and agile. Hold it like you would a pen and touch yourself wherever you want to feel stimulation.

👉 Touch the vibrator to your clit: Bullets deliver targeted stimulation, so they’re made to rub directly on the clit or the clitoral hood. Try resting the bullet on either side of the clit and moving in up-and-down or side-to-side motions.

👉 Adust the intensity: Bullet vibrators have multiple intensity settings and vibrating patterns. Start with a lower intensity and increase as you go.

👉 Explore the vulva: Bullets are meant for clit stimulation, but you can explore other areas, such as the labia and vaginal opening.

You should know: Bullets are meant for external play only. Don’t push it inside your vagina, and never use it for anal stimulation.

Bullets can easily get lost in your butt, and that’s an ER visit you don’t want to have. If you’re looking for anal vibes, try a vibrating butt plug.

How to Use a Wand Vibrator 

👉 Hold the wand correctly: Hold the wand near the base of the handle. This will prevent the vibrations from irritating your hand. 

👉 Rest the head of the vibrator on your clit: The wand’s bulbous head is made of soft material and sits comfortably between your legs.

👉 Get ready to rumble: Turn the vibrator on at its lowest setting. Wands are powerful, so start slow. If the vibrations are too intense, move the wand above, below, or next to your clit. You should still feel the vibrations on your clit, but less intensely. You can also try placing a towel between you and the wand. 

👉 Go exploring: Rub the wand over your vulva, the rumbles will send waves of pleasure across the entire area. 

👉 Give it a ride: Try sitting on the wand and riding it or laying on your stomach and grinding it. It’s also easy to use a wand to stimulate your clit during sex with a partner.

You should know: Wand vibrators are known for their deep, rumbly, and powerful vibrations.

Because the vibrations are strong, many women recommend going for a corded model. That way, you never have to worry about the juice running out before you finish.

How to Use an Air Suction Vibrator

👉 Find the right fit: Place the air suction vibrator’s opening over your clit, and adjust it until it feels comfortable and fully covered.

👉 Start the suction: Turn the air suction on to the lowest setting. Adjust the fit around your clit until you feel a rhythmic, sucking sensation.

👉 Tone it down (optional): If the suction is too intense, lift the vibrator slightly off of your clit. Or, try using it over your underwear.

👉 Move your body with the vibrator: Unlike other vibrators, air-suction toys don’t move much—they stay firmly in place on your clit. However, moving your hips and adjusting your body position can alter the sensation, increasing or decreasing your clit’s exposure to the air pulses.

You should know: Air-suction vibrators offer some of the most intense experiences. But, they are also very gentle on your skin because they only touch your clit with air pulses.

These vibrators are ideal for women who don’t like the harsh vibrations of full-contact vibrators. We also recommend them to women who have trouble achieving orgasm.

How to Use a G-spot Vibrator

👉 Rub the vibrator on the exterior of your vulva and clit: Don’t stick the vibrator inside right away. A little foreplay will make it easier to insert the vibrator and find your G-spot.

👉 When you’re wet, insert the vibrator: Hold the curved vibrator with its head facing up—it should look like a smile and not a frown—or like a finger motioning, “come here.” Slowly slide the vibrator into your vagina.

👉 Rub your G-spot: Your G-spot is a small patch of tissue located about 1-2 inches inside the vagina on the upper wall. Move the vibrator back and forth slowly to locate it and massage it.

👉 Add pressure: Putting pressure on the G-spot will cause it to engorge and grow more sensitive, helping you build up to a big G-spot O.

👉 Stimulate your clit (optional): Use your hand or a bullet vibrator to stimulate your clit while you’re massaging your G-spot. This dual stimulation can push you over the hill if you’re having trouble reaching the promised land. It can also help you achieve a toe-curling dual orgasm.

You should know: Be careful when inserting the vibrator into your vagina. G-spot vibrators have large heads, and if you’re not used to using a vibrator, going too fast might cause some discomfort.

When massaging the G-spot, you don’t need to remove the vibrator from your vagina. You should also avoid jerking or thrusting the vibrator in and out. Instead, simply rock it back and forth to gently stimulate the G-spot.

How to Use a Rabbit Vibrator

👉 Get warmed up: Do some foreplay by stimulating your clit and exploring your vulva with the rabbit before inserting it.

👉 Insert the larger vibrating arm: Rabbits have two vibrating arms. The larger one goes inside your vagina. Insert it slowly—just a few inches—until you find your G-spot.

👉 Adjust the vibrator to rest on your clit: When the big arm of vibrator is massaging your G-spot, the external arm should rest on your clit. You might need to adjust your body’s position or the vibrator’s position until it’s comfortably stimulating both areas at once.

👉 Gently rock the vibrator: Rock the vibrator up and down or move it in and out gently to massage both your clit and G-spot. It might take a few sessions to find the right motion for your body.

You should know: Rabbit vibrators are incredibly popular, but they’re also very intense. Dual stimulation can be too intense for some, especially those who haven’t used a vibrator before or who are new to masturbation.

If you fit into one of these categories, we recommend starting with a clit vibrator (like a bullet) or a G-spot vibrator before upgrading to a rabbit.

Also, many women don’t enjoy penetration when masturbating. If that’s you, you may not like a rabbit. Go for an air-suction vibrator instead.

How to Use a Penis Vibrator

Although male vibrators are not the focus of this article, penises need love too! So, we’re going to quickly cover how to use a penis vibrator here.

However, there’s just as much variety among penis vibrators as there is among vibrators for women. So, we’re only going to tell you how to use a vibrating stroker below.

If you want to learn more about the various types of penis vibrators, check out our run-down of male vibrators here (scroll to the bottom of the page for the guide).

To learn how to use a vibrating cock ring, read our How to Use a Cock Ring guide here. For info on how to use a vibrating penis sleeve, check out this penis sleeve guide.

Here’s how to use a vibrating penis stroker:

👉 Add lube to the stroker: You MUST use lube with your stroker. Lube protects the delicate materials within and prevents you from getting a nasty rash. We recommend a water-based lube like TENGA Hole Lotion.

👉 Put your penis into the stroker: Side your soldier into the stroker gently until it feels snug and comfortable.

👉 Turn the stroker on the lowest setting: Start with a low setting and increase the intensity to build up to a big finish. Or, keep the power low if you’re engaging in foreplay with a partner.

👉 Move the stroker up and down your shaft: Most strokers work with a bit of manual action—meaning you’ve got to stroke yourself. Stroke gently to keep the vibrator in prime condition. Some higher-end vibrators do the work for you, like the LELO F1S V2X and the SVAKOM Alex Neo.

You should know: Penis vibrators aren’t just for solo play. Using a stroker on your penis-having partner is a fantastic way to spice up foreplay or give your jaw a break during oral sex.

We recommend using an open-ended stroker with a partner, like the VeDO Grip. These strokers leave the head of the penis exposed, making room for mouth and hand stimulation.

Open-ended strokers are also much easier to clean.

What is the Best Lube to Use with a Vibrator?

Generally, the best sex lube to use with a vibrator is water-based lube. Water-based lube is made of water, so it’s kind to both your skin and your toy.

Plus, it’s really easy to clean and won’t stain your sheets. Our favorite water-based lube is Sliquid H2O.

It’s made with clean, natural ingredients and it’s super slippery, so you can use your vibrator for longer without having to reapply more.

Important: Silicone lube is slicker and longer-lasting than water-based lube, but you can’t use it with toys made of silicone.

Unfortunately, most vibrators are made of silicone, at least partially, which means you should avoid using silicone lube with your vibrator.

How to Clean Your Vibrator

Make sure to clean your vibrator right after using it to prevent bacteria or mold from growing. Most vibrators are very easy to clean with a bit of antibacterial soap and water.

Just be careful not to get moisture near any electrical components or charging ports.

Here’s a quick guide on how to clean your vibrator:

👉 Read the cleaning instructions: All vibrators are different, so the best way to clean yours safely is to read the instructions that came with your vibrator. Usually, you can find those on the packaging or in the user’s manual. If you can’t find them, check the manufacturer’s website or send them an email.

👉 Remove electronic components and cover ports: If necessary, you might need to remove battery packs or cover charging ports to prevent water from damaging your toy.

👉 Wash with soap and warm water: Wash your vibrator in the sink like you would a dish. Use warm (not hot) water and antibacterial soap, and give it a gentle scrub with a smooth cloth. OR use a sex toy cleaning spray. These sprays often enable you to clean your vibrator with less moisture, making the job a lot easier.

👉 Gently dry the vibrator: Use a soft cloth or paper towel to dab the vibrator until it’s dry (don’t rub it vigorously with a rough towel—that might damage the material). Then, let it sit out in the open air until it dries completely. It’s important that your vibrator is totally dry before you put it away.

How to Store Your Vibrator

Storing your vibrator in the right spot will keep you safe from germs and extend its life. Here are some tips on storage.

👉 Store it in a cool, dry place: Cool and dry environments are not ideal for bacteria and mold growth, so they’re perfect for your vibrator. Your underwear drawer is a good spot.

👉 Store it in a box or a bag: Keep your vibrator in a box or a cloth bag to prevent it from mingling with germs. Just don’t wrap it up too tight. Your vibrator needs to breathe!

👉 Or, keep it in the open: If you use your vibrator often, feel free to keep it in the open. Just make sure it’s in a clean spot and that it’s not touching anything else. Storing it on a shelf in your bedroom is fine. In the bathroom or kitchen is not.

👉 Avoid moisture, heat, and direct sunlight: Moisture and heat may cause your vibrator to attract or grow germs, especially if any of your fluids or skin linger on the toy after you’ve used it. Direct sunlight can cause discoloration and may affect the material.

👉 Don’t store silicone vibrators with other silicone toys: Silicone damages silicone, so if you leave multiple toys in the same box, they could all degrade. This hurts your toy and increases the chances of infection.

Using a Vibrator for Anal Play

Vibrators are fun to use for anal stimulation too, whether you’re alone or with a partner. But you need to make sure your vibrator is suited for butt stuff.

For example, most bullet vibrators are not suited to anal play. They’re too small and can get lost in your butt.

Only use vibrators for anal play if they have a large base, preventing them from ending up completely inside you.

If you lose a vibrator in your butt, you will likely need to go to the hospital to have it removed, and that is not a fun way to spend an afternoon.

Vibrating butt plugs are a great choice because they are specifically made for the butt. You can also use many G-spot vibrators for anal, like the Fun Factory Tiger or the Femme Fun Klio.

If you want to learn more about using a vibrator for anal stimulation, check out our 101 Guide to Anal Sex here and scroll down to the section on toys.

When to Use a Condom with a Vibrator

Would you ever use a condom with a vibrator? Yes! There are a number of situations when a condom can help you keep your toy clean and prevent you from getting a sexually transmitted infection.

Here’s when you should use a condom with your vibrator:

👉 You want to keep it clean: In the mood for a quickie? Put a condom on your vibrator and avoid the hassle of cleanup. You may still need to wash the handle or any parts of the vibrator that came into contact with moisture, but cleaning will be much easier.

👉 You are using it with a casual partner: Sharing a vibrator during sex or foreplay can transmit STIs. So, if you’re using it with a non-monogamous partner, slide a condom on it first.

👉 You want to use it in more than one hole: Using your vibrator on your vulva and then your butt (or vice versa) in the same session can cause very uncomfortable health issues, including UTIs and bacterial vaginosis.

If you want to switch holes, put a condom on the vibrator before the switch. Remember to take the condom off (or put on a new condom) if you switch again.

Make sure to choose the right-sized condom for your vibrator. Generally, snugger is better, as the vibrations can cause the condom to slide off if it’s not tight enough. We recommend Crown Condoms.

They are super affordable (you can get 36 condoms for under $15), so you won’t break the bank buying condoms for your vibrator. They’re also strong and reliable, so you can keep them handy for sleepovers too.

Final Words on How to Use a Vibrator

There’s a lot to cover on the topic of vibrators, but using one isn’t rocket science. At the end of the day, there are only three things you need to remember:

👉 Use lube

👉 Keep it clean

👉 Do what feels good!

If you feel great when using your vibrator, then you’re doing something right. If you don’t, then it’s time to readjust or find a new vibrator that better fits your body and your pleasure preferences.

We’ll always be here to help you figure those things out. So feel free to drop us a line anytime with your questions. We’re always down to chat!

Do you have more questions about vibrators? Check out our complete 101 Guide to Vibrators here to learn more about the vibrator types, our favorite products, safety, and a lot more.