Action Camera Battery Not Charging Here Is How to Fix It Fast

If your action camera battery isn’t charging, the issue is often a dirty charging port, faulty cable, or drained battery—clean the contacts and try a different cable or power source immediately. For persistent problems, reset the camera or update firmware to rule out software glitches. These quick fixes can restore charging in minutes and get you back to capturing adventures.

Key Takeaways

• Check connections first: Ensure cables and ports are clean and undamaged.
• Use original chargers: Third-party chargers may harm battery performance.
• Reset the battery: Power cycle to resolve temporary charging glitches.
• Inspect for physical damage: Swollen or corroded batteries need replacement.
• Update firmware: Outdated software can disrupt charging functionality.
• Test with alternate power: Try a different outlet or USB source.

Why Is Your Action Camera Battery Not Charging? Let’s Solve It Together

Picture this: You’ve just planned the ultimate mountain biking trip, your GoPro or DJI action camera is fully charged, and you’re ready to capture every thrilling moment. But when you plug it in the night before, you wake up to a dead battery—and it won’t charge no matter how long you leave it plugged in. Frustrating, right? You’re not alone. A lot of action camera users face the “action camera battery not charging” issue at some point. Whether you’re a weekend adventurer or a pro vlogger, a non-charging battery can throw a wrench into your plans.

Before you panic and rush to buy a new battery or camera, take a deep breath. The good news is that many charging problems are fixable—sometimes with a simple trick you didn’t know about. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the most common causes of charging issues and give you step-by-step solutions to get your action camera back in action—fast. From checking the charger to cleaning the contacts, we’ll cover everything you need to know. And don’t worry—I’ll keep it simple, clear, and practical, just like I’d explain it to a friend over coffee.

1. Check the Basics: Power Source and Charging Equipment

Is Your Charger Actually Working?

It sounds obvious, but the first thing to check is your charging setup. A faulty charger, cable, or power source is the most common reason why your action camera battery isn’t charging. I once spent an entire weekend troubleshooting my GoPro, only to realize the wall adapter had stopped working—my laptop USB port was the culprit all along.

• Test your wall adapter with another device (like your phone). If your phone doesn’t charge, the adapter is likely dead.
• Try a different USB cable. Many action cameras use micro-USB or USB-C cables that can fray or break inside. Use the original cable if possible, or a high-quality replacement.
• Use a different power source: Try plugging into a wall outlet, a car charger, or a laptop. Avoid using USB hubs or extension cords—they often don’t supply enough power.

Pro tip: If your camera charges on a laptop but not a wall adapter, it might be a power output issue. Most action cameras need at least 5V/1A. Check the label on your adapter—older phone chargers may only deliver 500mA, which is too slow for some cameras.

Inspect the Charging Port on Your Camera

The charging port on your action camera is a tiny, exposed part that’s prone to damage. Dirt, lint, moisture, or even bent pins can prevent charging.

• Look inside the port with a flashlight. Do you see dust, sand, or pocket fluff? That’s a red flag.
• Use compressed air to gently blow out debris. Don’t use metal objects like paperclips—they can scratch the contacts.
• Check for physical damage. If the port looks loose or wobbly, it might need professional repair.

Real-life example: A friend of mine dropped his DJI Osmo Action into a sandy beach bag. The camera wouldn’t charge for days until we used compressed air to clean the USB-C port. Problem solved in 30 seconds!

Test the Battery in Another Camera (If Possible)

If you have a second action camera of the same model, swap the battery. If the second camera charges the battery, the issue is with your original camera—not the battery. This simple test can save you from buying unnecessary parts.

2. Battery Health and Age: When to Replace or Revive

How Old Is Your Battery?

Lithium-ion batteries degrade over time—even if you don’t use them. Most action camera batteries last 2–3 years with regular use. After that, they lose capacity and may stop charging altogether.

• If your battery is over 3 years old, it might be time for a replacement.
• Check the manufacture date (usually on the battery label). Some brands like GoPro stamp the month and year.

Fun fact: A battery that won’t charge after being fully drained might just need a “jump start.” Plug it in for 10–15 minutes—sometimes the internal protection circuit needs a tiny bit of power to re-engage.

Signs of a Failing Battery

Here’s how to tell if your battery is beyond saving:

• It gets hot during charging (not just warm—actual heat).
• It charges to 100% but dies in minutes.
• It won’t charge at all, even after trying multiple chargers and ports.
• It shows physical damage—swelling, cracks, or leaking.

Swelling is a serious sign. Never use a swollen battery—it can leak or even catch fire. Dispose of it at an electronics recycling center.

Try a “Deep Discharge” Reset (Use With Caution)

Some users report success with a deep discharge method: Let the battery drain completely, leave it off for 24 hours, then plug it in. This can reset the battery management system (BMS) in some models.

Warning: This method isn’t guaranteed and can damage older batteries. Only try it if the battery is otherwise healthy and you’re out of options.

3. Software Glitches and Firmware Updates

Firmware Bugs Can Cause Charging Issues

Yes, your action camera runs software—and like any tech, it can have bugs. In 2022, GoPro released a firmware update to fix a charging bug in the Hero10 Black. Some users reported their cameras wouldn’t charge after a power cycle. A simple update solved it.

• Check for firmware updates in your camera’s companion app (GoPro Quik, DJI Mimo, etc.).
• Install the latest version—even if your camera “works,” outdated firmware can cause hidden issues.
• After updating, restart your camera and try charging again.

Pro tip: Always charge your camera before updating firmware. A failed update due to low battery can brick your device.

Software “Hangs” and How to Fix Them

Sometimes the camera’s software freezes, causing the battery to appear unresponsive. Here’s how to reset it:

• Hard reset your camera: Hold the power button for 10–15 seconds until it turns off. Wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on.
• If the screen is unresponsive, try holding the power and shutter buttons together for 10 seconds (varies by model).
• After resetting, plug in the charger and wait 5 minutes before checking for a charging icon.

Real-world example: My DJI Action 2 wouldn’t charge after a firmware update. A hard reset and 5-minute wait brought it back to life. No hardware issues—just a software hiccup.

4. Environmental Factors: Heat, Cold, and Moisture

Extreme Temperatures Are Battery Killers

Batteries hate extreme heat and cold. Charging a cold battery (below 0°C/32°F) can damage it. Charging a hot battery (above 45°C/113°F) can trigger safety shutdowns.

• Never charge a cold battery. Bring it indoors, let it warm up for 1–2 hours, then charge.
• Avoid charging in hot cars. Even on a 30°C (86°F) day, the inside of a car can hit 60°C (140°F)—way too hot.
• Store batteries at room temperature (15–25°C or 59–77°F) for best longevity.

Data point: Lithium-ion batteries lose 20% capacity when charged below 5°C (41°F), according to battery university studies.

Moisture and Corrosion: The Silent Killers

Action cameras are built for water, but the charging port isn’t always fully sealed. If you’ve been in rain, snow, or humid environments, moisture can corrode the contacts.

• Check for white or green crust around the charging pins—that’s corrosion.
• Clean gently with isopropyl alcohol (70% or higher) and a cotton swab. Let it dry completely before charging.
• Use a waterproof housing when shooting in wet conditions—even if your camera is rated waterproof.

My own lesson: After a kayaking trip, my GoPro Hero9 wouldn’t charge. I found salt residue in the port. A quick alcohol clean saved me $80 on a new battery.

5. DIY Fixes and When to Seek Professional Help

Clean the Battery and Camera Contacts

Dirty contacts are a common but overlooked issue. Over time, the metal pins on the battery and inside the camera can get grimy, preventing a solid connection.

• Use a soft, dry cloth or cotton swab to wipe the battery contacts.
• Dab a tiny amount of isopropyl alcohol on the swab for stubborn grime. Never use water.
• Let it dry for 5–10 minutes before reinserting the battery.

Bonus tip: Do this every few months as preventive maintenance. Think of it like cleaning your phone’s charging port.

Try a Different Charging Method

Some cameras charge better via certain methods:

• Use a USB-C PD (Power Delivery) charger if your camera supports it. It can charge faster and more reliably.
• Charge via a power bank with at least 10,000mAh capacity. Some users report better success with high-output power banks.
• Avoid charging while recording—it can confuse the charging circuit. Turn the camera off before plugging in.

When to Replace the Battery or Camera

If you’ve tried everything and the battery still won’t charge, it’s time to consider replacements:

• Buy an official battery from the manufacturer. Third-party batteries can be cheaper but often fail sooner.
• Check warranty. Most brands offer 1-year coverage. If your camera is under warranty, contact support—they might replace it for free.
• Visit an authorized repair center if the charging port is damaged. DIY repairs can void your warranty and cause more harm.

Real talk: I once tried to fix a loose charging port with superglue. It made things worse. Lesson learned: When in doubt, get professional help.

6. Prevention: How to Avoid Charging Issues in the Future

Store Batteries Properly

Storing your battery at 100% or 0% for long periods can shorten its lifespan. For long-term storage (over a month):

• Charge to 40–60% before storing.
• Keep in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Recharge every 3–6 months to keep the BMS active.

Data insight: Batteries stored at 100% lose 20–30% capacity in a year. At 40%, it’s only 5–10%.

Use a Battery Charging Case

Many brands sell charging cases that hold and charge spare batteries. These are great for travel and prevent overcharging.

• Examples: GoPro Dual Battery Charger, DJI Battery Hub.
• They often include LED indicators to show charge levels.

Keep Firmware Updated and Back Up Your Data

Regular updates prevent bugs. Also, always back up your footage before charging—especially if your camera has been acting weird. A sudden power loss during charging can corrupt files.

Issue	Quick Fix	When to Replace
Battery not charging	Try different charger, clean contacts, restart camera	After 3+ years, swelling, or no response after 24 hours
Charging port dirty	Clean with compressed air or cotton swab + alcohol	If bent pins or physical damage
Firmware glitch	Update firmware, hard reset	If camera is unresponsive after update
Extreme temperature	Warm up or cool down battery before charging	If battery is damaged from overheating
Moisture in port	Clean with alcohol, dry thoroughly	If corrosion is severe or port is corroded

Final Thoughts: Don’t Panic—Most Charging Issues Are Fixable

Let’s be real: When your action camera battery not charging issue hits, it’s stressful. But remember—most of the time, it’s not a hardware failure. It’s often something simple: a dirty port, a bad cable, or a software glitch. By following the steps in this guide, you’ve got a great chance of getting your camera back up and running without spending a dime.

The key is to stay calm and go step by step. Start with the basics—check your charger, clean the contacts, try a different power source. Then move to software and environmental factors. And if all else fails, don’t hesitate to reach out to the manufacturer or a repair pro. Action cameras are tough, but they’re not indestructible. With a little care and troubleshooting, yours can keep capturing your adventures for years to come.

Next time your battery acts up, you’ll know exactly what to do—and you’ll be back to filming epic sunsets, mountain descents, and underwater dives in no time. Stay charged, stay adventurous!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my action camera battery not charging?

This is often caused by dirty charging contacts, a faulty cable, or a depleted battery. Clean the contacts with isopropyl alcohol and try a different cable or power source to troubleshoot.

How do I fix an action camera battery not charging issue fast?

First, inspect the charging port for debris and ensure the cable is securely connected. Try resetting the camera or using a wall charger instead of a USB port for faster results.

Can a damaged battery cause my action camera not to charge?

Yes, if the battery is swollen or worn out after repeated use, it may stop holding a charge. Replace the battery with a compatible OEM one to resolve the problem.

Why does my action camera show a charging symbol but the battery percentage doesn’t increase?

This could indicate a software glitch or a failing battery. Restart the camera or recalibrate the battery by fully draining and recharging it to fix the issue.

Is it safe to use third-party chargers for my action camera?

Using uncertified chargers can damage the battery or cause the action camera battery not charging issue. Always use manufacturer-recommended chargers to avoid risks.

What should I do if my camera battery overheats while charging?

Stop charging immediately and let the battery cool down. Overheating may signal a defective battery or charger—replace either with genuine parts to prevent further issues.