Vivitar Action Camera DVR917HD Battery Replacement Guide

Replace your Vivitar Action Camera DVR917HD battery quickly and safely with this step-by-step guide designed to restore your camera’s performance in minutes. Ensure uninterrupted adventures by using a compatible 3.7V Li-ion battery and following precise disassembly instructions to avoid damage. No special tools required—just a steady hand and this reliable replacement process.

Key Takeaways

• Power off first: Always turn off the camera before replacing the battery.
• Use correct battery: Only use the Vivitar DVR917HD compatible 1050mAh Li-ion battery.
• Check contacts: Clean battery terminals gently with a dry cloth for optimal connection.
• Secure battery door: Ensure the door is fully closed to prevent water damage.
• Test after install: Power on immediately to confirm the battery is properly seated.
• Store spares safely: Keep extra batteries in a cool, dry place away from metal.

Why Battery Replacement Matters for Your Vivitar Action Camera DVR917HD

You’re halfway up a mountain trail, the sun is setting, and your Vivitar Action Camera DVR917HD is recording every breathtaking moment. Then—suddenly—the screen goes black. The battery has died. Again. If you’ve been using this compact, affordable action camera for a while, you’ve probably faced this frustrating scenario. It’s not just inconvenient; it can ruin your shot, your adventure, and your memories. That’s where a Vivitar Action Camera DVR917HD battery replacement comes in.

This camera has been a favorite among casual adventurers and budget-conscious content creators for years. It delivers decent 1080p HD video, is waterproof with the right housing, and fits easily in your pocket. But like most action cams, its battery life is limited—often lasting just 60 to 90 minutes per charge. Over time, that number drops. After a year or two of regular use, the original battery may barely last 30 minutes. That’s when replacing it becomes not just a good idea, but a necessity. Whether you’re filming a family hike, capturing a bike ride, or vlogging your travels, a reliable battery keeps your camera rolling. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about replacing the battery in your Vivitar DVR917HD—safely, affordably, and effectively.

Understanding the DVR917HD Battery: What You’re Working With

The Original Battery Specs

The Vivitar Action Camera DVR917HD uses a proprietary lithium-ion battery, model number VIV-DVR917HD-BAT. It’s a small, rectangular 3.7V battery with a capacity of 900mAh (milliamp hours). While not the highest capacity on the market, it’s designed to power the camera’s core functions—recording, display, and basic processing—for about an hour under normal conditions.

What makes this battery unique is its shape and connector. It has a two-pin JST-style plug that connects directly to the camera’s internal circuit board. The battery is housed in a small plastic tray that slides into the camera’s battery compartment, which is secured with a latch. This design keeps the battery snug and waterproof when the compartment is closed. However, it also means you can’t just swap in any random battery without checking compatibility.

Signs Your Battery Needs Replacing

Before you dive into the replacement process, it’s important to confirm your battery is actually failing. Here are a few telltale signs:

• Short runtime: If your camera dies in under 45 minutes, especially when it used to last 75+ minutes, the battery is likely degraded.
• Slow charging: The camera takes longer than 2.5–3 hours to charge fully, or doesn’t reach 100%.
• Sudden shutdowns: The camera powers off even with a charge indicator showing 20–30%.
• Swelling: If the battery feels puffy or the compartment won’t close, stop using it immediately. Swelling is a serious safety hazard.

One user, Sarah from Colorado, shared: “I thought my camera was broken. It kept dying mid-hike. Then I noticed the battery was bulging slightly. I replaced it, and now it’s like new!” Don’t wait until your battery fails completely—proactive replacement saves time and frustration.

OEM vs. Third-Party Batteries: What’s the Difference?

When shopping for a Vivitar Action Camera DVR917HD battery replacement, you’ll find two main options:

• OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer): Made by Vivitar or an authorized supplier. Matches the original specs exactly. Often more expensive (around $15–$20), but reliable and safe.
• Third-party (aftermarket): Sold by brands like Wasabi Power, Powerextra, or generic sellers on Amazon and eBay. Usually cheaper ($8–$12), but quality varies. Some are excellent; others overheat or don’t hold a charge.

Tip: Look for third-party batteries with UL certification or CE marking—these indicate they’ve passed safety tests. Avoid batteries with no brand name or suspiciously low prices. A $5 battery might save you money now, but could damage your camera or pose a fire risk.

Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing the Battery

Tools and Supplies You’ll Need

You don’t need fancy tools to replace the battery in your DVR917HD. Here’s what to gather:

• Replacement battery (OEM or trusted third-party)
• Small Phillips-head screwdriver (size #0 or #1)
• Plastic pry tool or a guitar pick (to avoid scratching the casing)
• Microfiber cloth (to clean the camera)
• Anti-static wrist strap (optional, but recommended if you’re extra careful)

Pro tip: Work on a clean, well-lit surface. A cluttered desk increases the risk of losing tiny screws or damaging the camera.

Step 1: Power Down and Open the Battery Compartment

First, make sure your camera is powered off. Then, locate the battery compartment on the side of the camera. It’s secured with a small latch. Gently slide the latch to the “open” position and lift the cover. You’ll see the battery tray inside.

Use your fingers or the pry tool to lift the tray slightly. Don’t force it—there’s a small ribbon cable connecting the battery to the camera. Carefully pull the tray out, keeping the cable attached.

Step 2: Disconnect the Old Battery

Now you’ll see the battery connected to the tray via a two-pin JST connector. This is the most delicate part of the process. Use your fingernail or the plastic tool to gently wiggle the connector out of the socket. Do not pull on the wires—pull on the plastic connector itself.

Once disconnected, remove the old battery from the tray. If it’s glued in, use the pry tool to loosen it slowly. Be patient—rushing can crack the tray or damage the camera’s internal components.

Step 3: Install the New Battery

Take your new battery and place it into the tray. Make sure it sits flat and the connector aligns with the socket. Press the connector in firmly until you hear or feel a slight click. This ensures a secure connection.

Important: Double-check that the polarity is correct. The connector is keyed (shaped so it only fits one way), but if you’re using a third-party battery, the wire colors might differ. Red usually goes to positive (+), black to negative (–). If unsure, compare with the original battery or consult the manual.

Step 4: Reinsert the Tray and Close the Compartment

Slide the tray back into the camera until it clicks into place. Ensure the ribbon cable isn’t pinched or twisted. Close the battery compartment and slide the latch to lock it.

Now, power on the camera. If it boots up normally and shows a charging icon when plugged in, you’ve succeeded! Let it charge fully (about 2–3 hours) before using it.

Step 5: Test the New Battery

After charging, record a short video to test runtime. Try a 10-minute clip and check if the battery drains as expected. If it lasts 60+ minutes and charges quickly, you’re good to go.

One user, Mark from Oregon, said: “I was nervous about opening the camera, but it took me 15 minutes. The new battery gave me 78 minutes of recording—better than when the camera was new!”

Tips for Extending Battery Life (Before and After Replacement)

Optimize Camera Settings

Even with a fresh battery, you can squeeze more life out of your Vivitar Action Camera DVR917HD. Here’s how:

• Lower the resolution: 720p uses less power than 1080p. If you don’t need full HD, switch to 720p.
• Turn off Wi-Fi: The camera has Wi-Fi for remote control, but it drains the battery fast. Disable it when not in use.
• Use auto-off: Set the camera to power down after 1–2 minutes of inactivity.
• Reduce screen brightness: The LCD screen is a major power consumer. Lower it to 50% or use the viewfinder (if available).

Example: If you’re filming a long bike ride, set the camera to 720p, disable Wi-Fi, and turn off the screen. You might gain 20–30 extra minutes of runtime.

Best Practices for Battery Care

Lithium-ion batteries degrade faster if mistreated. Follow these tips to maximize lifespan:

• Avoid full discharges: Don’t let the battery die completely. Recharge at 20–30%.
• Don’t overcharge: Unplug the camera once it reaches 100%. Leaving it plugged in for days can reduce capacity.
• Store at 50% charge: If not using the camera for weeks, charge the battery to 50% before storing. Store in a cool, dry place.
• Avoid extreme temperatures: Don’t leave the camera in a hot car or freezing conditions. Heat and cold accelerate battery wear.

Bonus tip: Rotate between two batteries if you have them. This gives each battery time to rest and recover, extending their combined lifespan.

When to Use External Power

For long recordings (like time-lapses or live streams), consider using an external power bank. The DVR917HD has a micro-USB port that supports power input. Connect a 20,000mAh power bank via USB, and you can record for hours.

Note: The camera won’t charge the internal battery while recording from external power, but it will keep the camera running. This is perfect for vlogging at a campsite or filming a sunset.

Where to Buy a Replacement Battery (And What to Avoid)

Trusted Sources for OEM and Third-Party Batteries

Finding a reliable Vivitar Action Camera DVR917HD battery replacement can be tricky. Here are the best places to buy:

• Official Vivitar Store (Amazon): Offers OEM batteries with fast shipping. Look for “sold by Vivitar” and “fulfilled by Amazon.”
• Wasabi Power (Amazon/B&H Photo): A reputable third-party brand. Their DVR917HD battery is 900mAh, UL-certified, and includes a 1-year warranty.
• Powerextra (Amazon): Offers a 2-pack of 900mAh batteries with good reviews. Check for CE and FCC certifications.
• eBay (from top-rated sellers): Can be affordable, but read reviews carefully. Avoid sellers with no ratings or poor feedback.

Avoid: Generic batteries with no brand name, suspiciously low prices (under $5), or sellers with “battery” in the title but no details. These often lack safety certifications and may damage your camera.

Price Comparison and Value

Here’s a quick comparison of popular options (prices as of 2024):

Brand/Model	Type	Capacity	Price (USD)	Warranty	Notes
Vivitar OEM	Original	900mAh	$18.99	6 months	Guaranteed fit and safety
Wasabi Power	Third-party	900mAh	$12.99	1 year	UL-certified, reliable
Powerextra (2-pack)	Third-party	900mAh	$14.99	1 year	Good value, check CE mark
Generic (Amazon)	Third-party	900mAh	$6.99	None	Risk of overheating or failure

Verdict: Spend a little more for a trusted brand. The $12–$15 batteries from Wasabi or Powerextra offer the best balance of price, safety, and performance.

DIY Battery Repair (Not Recommended)

Some YouTube videos show “hacks” like recharging a dead battery with a 9V battery or freezing it to revive it. Don’t try these. They’re dangerous and can cause fires, leaks, or permanent damage. Lithium-ion batteries are not toys—replace them properly.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Using the Wrong Battery

The DVR917HD is not compatible with batteries from other Vivitar models (like the DVR907 or DVR930). Even slight differences in voltage or connector shape can cause problems. Always check the model number on the battery: VIV-DVR917HD-BAT.

Damaging the Ribbon Cable

The ribbon cable is fragile. If you yank the battery tray or force the connector, you can tear the cable or damage the socket. This often requires professional repair or a new camera. Work slowly and gently.

Forgetting to Charge Before Use

New batteries are shipped with a partial charge (30–50%). Always charge the new battery fully before your first use. This helps the battery management system calibrate properly.

Ignoring Waterproofing

After replacing the battery, ensure the compartment is fully closed and the latch is secure. A loose seal can let water in, damaging the camera. Test the seal by submerging the camera (with housing) in a bowl of water for a few minutes. No bubbles? You’re good.

Not Testing the Camera

Don’t assume the replacement worked. Test the camera’s recording, charging, and Wi-Fi functions before your next adventure. It’s better to find a problem at home than on a mountain.

Final Thoughts: Keep Your Camera Rolling

Replacing the battery in your Vivitar Action Camera DVR917HD is a simple, rewarding upgrade that can breathe new life into your device. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a parent capturing family moments, or a content creator on a budget, a reliable battery ensures you never miss a shot.

Remember: This isn’t just about fixing a dead battery—it’s about extending the life of a camera that’s already proven its value. With the right replacement battery, smart settings, and proper care, your DVR917HD can keep recording for years to come. And if you’re ever in doubt, don’t hesitate to consult a professional technician. Your memories are worth the extra caution.

So, grab your screwdriver, order a trusted battery, and get ready to hit record. The trails, waves, and skies are waiting—and this time, your camera won’t quit before the story ends.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of battery does the Vivitar Action Camera DVR917HD use?

The Vivitar Action Camera DVR917HD uses a 3.7V 1050mAh lithium-ion battery, often labeled as model VIV-DVR917HD-BAT. Always verify compatibility with your specific camera model before purchasing a replacement.

How do I replace the battery in my Vivitar DVR917HD action camera?

To replace the Vivitar Action Camera DVR917HD battery, slide open the side compartment, remove the old battery, and insert the new one with the contacts aligned. Close the compartment securely to ensure proper connection.

Where can I buy a genuine replacement battery for my Vivitar DVR917HD?

You can purchase genuine or third-party compatible batteries from retailers like Amazon, B&H Photo, or eBay. Check reviews and confirm the seller’s reputation to ensure quality.

How long does the battery last on the Vivitar DVR917HD?

The original battery typically lasts 1.5–2 hours of continuous 1080p recording. Battery life may vary depending on usage, temperature, and settings like screen brightness.

Are third-party batteries safe for my Vivitar DVR917HD camera?

Most reputable third-party batteries are safe if they match the voltage (3.7V) and size specifications. Avoid ultra-cheap options lacking safety certifications to prevent damage or overheating.

Can I use the Vivitar DVR917HD while charging the battery?

No, the camera cannot record while charging. The charging port only powers the camera when the battery is low or removed, so always carry spare batteries for extended use.