The Practical Guide to the TAYAYO HM-1688: How to Unlock, Clean, and Use Your Shaver
Update on Oct. 29, 2025, 9:03 a.m.
Title: The Practical Guide to the TAYAYO HM-1688: How to Unlock, Clean, and Use Your Shaver
The TAYAYO HM-1688 2-in-1 electric razor has gained popularity for its distinctive 7D rotary head and versatile grooming attachments. However, as search data and user questions show, many owners are left with a device in hand and a manual that doesn’t answer their most urgent questions.
If you’re wondering “how do I unlock this shaver?” or “how do I clean this complex head?” you are not alone. This guide is the practical, hands-on manual you’ve been looking for. We will walk through the essential operations of your HM-1688, from first use to daily maintenance, and clarify the most critical safety issue in its product listing.

Part 1: First Steps & Unlocking the Travel Lock
Before its first use, it’s essential to prepare the device properly. Based on user experiences, the battery performs best when conditioned correctly from the start.
- Initial Charge: Upon unboxing, plug the shaver in using the provided USB adapter. Allow it to charge for at least 4 hours for the initial charge. This helps condition the lithium-ion battery for its optimal lifespan.
- How to Unlock the TAYAYO HM-1688: The most common point of confusion is the travel lock. This feature prevents the shaver from accidentally turning on in your luggage. If you press the power button and nothing happens (or a lock icon appears), it is almost certainly in this mode.
To unlock the shaver: Press and hold the power button for 3 to 5 seconds. The lock indicator should disappear, and the shaver will be ready to use. To re-engage the travel lock for transport, simply press and hold the power button again for 3-5 seconds while the device is on.
Part 2: Understanding the 7D “Floating” Head System
The main selling point of this razor is its “7D” or “5D” flexible head. These numbers are marketing terms for the same core concept: a multi-directional rotary shaving system.
Unlike a foil shaver that uses a straight, oscillating blade, a rotary shaver like the HM-1688 uses multiple (in this case, seven) individual cutting heads. Each head is mounted on a flexible “arm.” This system allows each of the seven heads to pivot and tilt independently, conforming to the complex curves of your body.
Think of it as a suspension system for your skin. As you pass it over your knees, ankles, or underarms, the heads maintain constant contact without requiring you to apply excessive pressure. This adaptability is designed to distribute pressure evenly, capturing hairs from different angles while minimizing the risk of nicks, cuts, and irritation.

Part 3: Essential Maintenance: How to Clean the HM-1688
For any shaver to work well, it must be kept clean. A clogged head will pull hairs, cause irritation, and perform poorly. Here is how to clean and maintain the rotary head.
How to Open and Clean the 7D Rotary Head
After each use, you should clear the head of hair clippings. The 7D head assembly is designed to pop open for easy cleaning.
- Grasp the Head: Hold the shaver body in one hand. With your other hand, grasp the outer rings of the shaver head (e.g., place your thumb on one of the outer heads and your index finger on another).
- Pop it Open: Gently but firmly pull the entire head assembly upwards. It is held on by a central pivot and should pop off the main body of the razor.
- Clean the Interior: You can now see the collected hair inside the head assembly and the drive shafts on the shaver body. Use the small brush (usually included) to sweep out all visible debris from both parts.
- Rinse (If Safe): See Part 5 below before rinsing. If your device were truly waterproof, you could rinse the head under water. Given the product’s conflicting information, we recommend dry brushing only.
- Re-attach: Align the central peg on the head assembly with the socket on the shaver body and press it firmly back into place until it clicks.
How to Change Attachments
The HM-1688 is a 2-in-1 kit, meaning it also comes with a precision trimmer attachment for areas like the bikini line or facial hair.
To remove the main 7D head and attach the trimmer: The process is the same as cleaning. Grasp the 7D head assembly and pull it straight off the body. Then, take the trimmer attachment, align its socket with the drive pin on the razor body, and press it down until it clicks securely into place.

Part 4: A Critical Safety Warning: The “Water Resistant” Contradiction
This is the most important section of this guide for your safety and the longevity of your device.
The product’s marketing text (in the “About this item” section) explicitly states it has a “Water Resistant Design” and encourages you to “use it both in the shower” for a “luxurious wet shaving experience.”
This appears to be dangerously incorrect.
If you scroll down to the “Product details” table on the same page, the specifications list: * Water Resistance Level: Not Water Resistant
This is a direct and serious contradiction. When a product’s technical specifications state “Not Water Resistant,” you must believe it. This means the device has no protective seals to prevent water from entering the internal housing, battery compartment, or motor.
For your safety, you must adhere to the following: * DO NOT use the TAYAYO HM-1688 in the shower or bath. * DO NOT submerge the device in water. * DO NOT rinse the shaver body under a running tap. * You should treat this as a DRY SHAVE ONLY device.
Using this shaver in wet conditions could lead to device failure, a short circuit, or a potential electrical hazard. The convenience of a wet shave is not worth the risk. All cleaning should be done dry, with a brush, as described in Part 3.

Part 5: Real-World Performance & User Expectations
With the “how-to” and safety issues addressed, what kind of performance can you expect? Based on a synthesis of user reviews (which average 4.8 stars from 25 ratings), the experience is generally positive but with some important caveats.
The Positives
- Smoothness: Many users report the shaver does an excellent job, providing a “close shave” without the nicks, cuts, or irritation common with manual razors.
- Ergonomics: The flexible head is frequently praised for its ability to navigate tricky areas like knees and ankles effectively.
- Versatility: One user (Henrik) noted that it worked surprisingly well for shaving his head, achieving a “very, very close” result (though not as close as a blade).
- Battery Life: The battery is reported to last for a long time between charges, making it convenient for travel (once you know the travel lock trick).
The Criticisms
- Missed Hairs: The most common complaints are that the shaver “Doesn’t get every hair” (Corina Simu) or that it doesn’t adhere closely enough to the skin, leaving some stubble behind (“Babysitter”).
- Build Quality: One user noted the product “looks very cheap.”
This range of experiences is typical for electric shavers. Effectiveness often depends on your specific hair type (fine vs. coarse) and your technique. For best results with a dry rotary shaver, move it in small, circular motions against the direction of hair growth on clean, completely dry skin.

Final Assessment
The TAYAYO HM-1688 is a capable rotary shaver that offers impressive flexibility with its 7D head system. Its primary value lies in its convenience as a dry shaver for legs, arms, and even head shaving, with user reports confirming a smooth, irritation-free experience.
However, its utility is severely limited by a lack of clear instructions and a critical, dangerous contradiction in its marketing. By following this guide, you can now confidently:
- Unlock the travel lock (hold power for 3-5 seconds).
- Clean the head assembly (pop it off and use a brush).
- Safely Use the device (DRY USE ONLY) by ignoring the “wet/dry” claims and adhering to the “Not Water Resistant” specification.
Armed with this knowledge, you can avoid the common frustrations and use the HM-1688 shaver safely and effectively, just as its high-performing components were intended.