How Long Does It Take to Charge Action Camera Revealed

Charging an action camera typically takes 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on battery capacity, charger output, and usage during charging. Fast-charging models can reach 80% in under an hour, making them ideal for quick adventures—just check your device’s specs for optimal performance.

Key Takeaways

• Charging times vary by model, battery capacity, and charger type.
• Use fast chargers to reduce charging time by up to 50%.
• Fully charge before first use to maximize battery lifespan.
• Carry spare batteries for extended filming without charging delays.
• Monitor charging indicators to avoid overcharging and battery damage.
• USB-C is faster than micro-USB for modern action cameras.

How Long Does It Take to Charge Action Camera: The Real Answer

You’re all set for a weekend adventure—hiking, surfing, or maybe just capturing the sunset from your favorite rooftop. You grab your action camera, press the power button… and nothing. Dead battery. You plug it in, wait a few minutes, try again—still nothing. Now you’re wondering: how long does it take to charge an action camera? Is it 30 minutes? An hour? Longer than your patience allows?

We’ve all been there. Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a travel vlogger, or just someone who loves documenting life’s little moments, knowing your action camera’s charging time can make or break your plans. And let’s be honest—manufacturers don’t always make it easy. One model might charge in 90 minutes, another in over two hours. Some charge while recording, others shut down completely. The truth is, charging time isn’t just a number—it’s a mix of battery type, charger quality, usage habits, and even the weather outside.

In this guide, I’ll break down everything you need to know about charging your action camera. From the science behind lithium-ion batteries to real-world charging tips, we’ll cover it all. No fluff, no sales pitches—just honest, practical advice to help you spend less time waiting and more time shooting.

Understanding Action Camera Batteries: What’s Under the Hood?

The Role of Lithium-Ion Technology

Most modern action cameras use lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. They’re lightweight, hold a decent charge, and don’t suffer from the “memory effect” that older battery types did. That means you can charge them at any time—whether they’re at 5% or 80%—without damaging capacity.

But here’s the catch: Li-ion batteries degrade over time. A brand-new camera might charge in 90 minutes. Two years later? Maybe 110. That’s because repeated charging and discharging causes chemical changes inside the battery, reducing its ability to hold a full charge.

Fun fact: A typical action camera battery lasts about 300 to 500 full charge cycles before its capacity drops to 80% of the original. So if you charge your camera daily, expect to replace the battery (or the camera) every 1–2 years.

Battery Capacity: What Does “mAh” Actually Mean?

You’ve probably seen specs like “1200mAh” or “1500mAh” in product descriptions. That stands for milliamp-hours—a measure of how much energy the battery can store.

Think of it like a water bucket. A 1200mAh battery holds less water than a 1500mAh one. The bigger the bucket, the longer it takes to fill—but also, the longer it can power your camera.

For example:

• A GoPro Hero 12 has a 1720mAh battery.

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• A DJI Osmo Action 4 has a 1770mAh battery.

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• A budget-friendly Akaso Brave 7 LE uses a 1350mAh battery.

Generally, higher mAh = longer recording time, but also longer charging time—assuming all other factors are equal.

Built-in vs. Removable Batteries

This is a big one. Some action cameras have removable batteries, like GoPro and DJI models. Others, like the Insta360 X3, have sealed, built-in batteries.

With removable batteries, you can carry spares and swap them mid-adventure. But you’ll need to charge each battery separately. Built-in batteries are more compact and water-resistant, but you’re stuck waiting when it dies.

And here’s a pro tip: if you have removable batteries, always store them at around 50% charge when not in use. Storing them fully charged or completely drained shortens their lifespan.

Factors That Affect Charging Time (It’s Not Just the Battery!)

Charger Power Output: The “Engine” of Charging

Not all chargers are created equal. The charging speed depends heavily on the output power of your charger, measured in watts (W) or volts/amps (V/A).

Most action cameras come with a standard USB-A to USB-C cable and a 5V/1A (5W) charger. That’s fine for overnight charging, but it’s slow. If your camera supports fast charging, you can use a higher-output charger—like 5V/2A (10W) or even 9V/2A (18W)—to cut charging time by 30–50%.

For example, my DJI Osmo Action 3 charges in about 100 minutes with the stock 5W charger. But with a 18W PD (Power Delivery) charger? Just 65 minutes. That’s a game-changer when you’re on the go.

Tip: Always check your camera’s manual to see what fast charging protocols it supports (e.g., USB PD, Qualcomm Quick Charge).

USB Port Type and Cable Quality

Even if you have a powerful charger, a cheap or damaged cable can bottleneck the whole process. I learned this the hard way during a beach trip—my $5 Amazon cable only delivered half the power my camera needed. The battery charged, but at a snail’s pace.

Stick to high-quality USB-C to USB-C cables (preferably braided) that support data and power transfer. Look for labels like “USB 3.1” or “100W” to ensure they can handle faster charging.

Also, avoid charging through a laptop or TV USB port. These often provide only 0.5A, which can take twice as long as a wall charger.

Charging While Recording or Using Wi-Fi

Some action cameras can charge while recording—but at a much slower rate. Why? Because energy is being used and added at the same time. Think of it like filling a bucket with a hole in it.

For example, a GoPro Hero 12 might charge at 10% per 15 minutes when idle. But if you’re recording 4K video while charging, it might only gain 5% in the same time—or even lose charge if you’re in high-heat conditions.

Same goes for Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Leaving them on during charging draws extra power. If you want the fastest charge, turn off all wireless features and let the camera sit idle.

Temperature: The Silent Charging Killer

Batteries hate extreme temperatures. Too hot? Charging slows down or stops. Too cold? Same thing.

Most action cameras have built-in thermal protection. If the battery gets above 45°C (113°F), the camera will reduce charging speed or pause it entirely. I once tried charging my camera in a hot car (it was 38°C outside), and it took over three hours to go from 20% to 80%.

The sweet spot for charging is 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). So if you’re in a hot environment, let the camera cool down first. If it’s freezing, warm it up (but don’t use a hair dryer! Just keep it indoors for 20–30 minutes).

Real-World Charging Times: What to Expect

Entry-Level Cameras (Under $200)

Cameras like the Akaso Brave 7, Campark X30, or Victure AC940 typically use 1000–1500mAh batteries and come with basic 5W chargers. Here’s what you can expect:

• 0% to 100%: 110–140 minutes
• 0% to 50%: 50–70 minutes
• With fast charger (10W+): 80–100 minutes

These cameras often lack fast charging support, so upgrading the charger helps—but not dramatically. One user reported going from 130 minutes to 105 minutes with a 12W charger.

Mid-Range Cameras ($200–$400)

Models like the DJI Osmo Action 3, GoPro Hero 10, or Insta360 ONE RS fall into this range. They usually have 1500–1800mAh batteries and support fast charging.

• 0% to 100% (5W charger): 90–110 minutes
• 0% to 100% (18W PD charger): 55–75 minutes
• 0% to 80%: 40–50 minutes (thanks to fast charging algorithms)

The “80% sweet spot” is key here. Most fast charging tech slows down after 80% to protect the battery. So if you’re in a rush, aim for 80% and get back to shooting faster.

High-End Cameras ($400+)

GoPro Hero 12, DJI Osmo Action 4, and Insta360 X3 Pro are powerhouses with large batteries and advanced charging systems.

• 0% to 100% (stock charger): 80–100 minutes
• 0% to 100% (20W+ PD charger): 50–65 minutes
• 0% to 80%: 35–45 minutes

GoPro’s Enduro battery (available as an add-on) charges even faster—some users report 40 minutes to 80% with a 20W charger. But it’s heavier and costs extra.

Charging Multiple Batteries at Once

If you use removable batteries, a multi-bay charger can save you time. I use a 4-bay charger for my DJI batteries. It charges all four at once, but each bay delivers only 0.5A—so each battery takes about 2 hours.

For faster results, I use a dual-bay 2A charger. Both batteries charge in about 90 minutes. Just make sure the charger is compatible with your battery type (e.g., DJI, GoPro, Akaso).

How to Charge Faster (Without Damaging Your Camera)

Use the Right Charger and Cable

This can’t be overstated. If your camera supports fast charging (check the manual!), invest in a USB-C PD charger (18W or higher) and a high-quality cable.

I use a 20W Anker Nano charger with a 60W Anker cable. My DJI camera goes from 10% to 80% in 42 minutes. My old setup took 75 minutes. That’s a 33-minute time save—every single time.

Charge in Airplane Mode (or Turn Off Wi-Fi)

Wireless features drain power even when the camera is “off.” I once left my GoPro on Wi-Fi during charging and noticed it only gained 30% in 45 minutes. Once I turned Wi-Fi off, it jumped to 50%.

For the fastest charge:

• Turn off Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, and voice control
• Set the camera to airplane mode (if available)
• Don’t touch it—let it sit undisturbed

Charge in a Cool, Dry Place

Heat is the enemy. Avoid:

• Direct sunlight
• Near radiators or vents
• Inside hot cars
• On soft surfaces like beds or couches (they block airflow)

Instead, charge on a hard, flat surface in a well-ventilated area. A desk or kitchen counter works great.

Use a Power Bank (But Choose Wisely)

Power banks are a lifesaver on the go—but not all are equal. Look for:

• At least 10,000mAh capacity
• USB-C PD output (18W+)
• Multiple ports (so you can charge your phone too)

I carry a 20,000mAh Anker power bank. It charges my DJI camera from 20% to 80% in about 50 minutes. And it still has juice left for my phone.

Warning: Cheap power banks may not deliver full power or could overheat. Stick to reputable brands.

Consider a Car Charger for Road Trips

If you’re driving, a 12V car charger with PD output is a great option. I use one that plugs into the cigarette lighter and delivers 18W to my camera. It charges just as fast as at home—perfect for long drives.

Charging Time Comparison Table: Popular Action Cameras

Below is a quick reference table showing average charging times for popular models. Times are based on real user reports and manufacturer specs, using both stock and fast chargers.

Camera Model	Battery Capacity	Stock Charger	Time (0–100%)	Fast Charger (18W+ PD)	Time (0–100%)	0–80% Time
GoPro Hero 12	1720mAh	5W (5V/1A)	100 min	20W PD	60 min	40 min
DJI Osmo Action 4	1770mAh	5W (5V/1A)	95 min	18W PD	65 min	42 min
Insta360 X3	1800mAh	10W (5V/2A)	85 min	20W PD	55 min	38 min
GoPro Hero 10	1720mAh	5W (5V/1A)	110 min	18W PD	70 min	45 min
Akaso Brave 7 LE	1350mAh	5W (5V/1A)	120 min	12W (5V/2.4A)	95 min	60 min
DJI Osmo Action 3	1770mAh	5W (5V/1A)	100 min	18W PD	65 min	43 min

Note: Times may vary based on ambient temperature, battery age, and usage during charging.

Final Thoughts: Charging Smarter, Not Just Faster

So, how long does it take to charge an action camera? The answer is: it depends. But now you know exactly what “it depends” means.

It depends on your battery size, charger quality, ambient temperature, and whether you’re using fast charging tech. A basic camera might take 2 hours with the stock charger. A high-end one with a PD charger? Under an hour.

The good news? You’re in control. With a few simple upgrades—like a better charger, a quality cable, and a cool charging spot—you can cut your wait time in half. And that means more time doing what you love: capturing life’s adventures.

Here’s my final checklist for faster, smarter charging:

• Upgrade your charger if your camera supports fast charging.
• Use a high-quality USB-C cable—don’t cheap out.
• Charge in airplane mode to reduce power draw.
• Keep batteries cool—avoid heat and direct sun.
• Carry a power bank for on-the-go charging.
• Charge to 80% when you’re in a hurry—most of the juice comes early.

Remember, charging isn’t just about speed. It’s about reliability, safety, and making sure your camera is ready when you need it. Whether you’re chasing waves, hiking mountains, or just documenting your daily life, a well-charged action camera is your best companion.

So next time you plug in, don’t just wait—optimize. And when you finally press record, you’ll be glad you did.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to charge an action camera on average?

Most action cameras take between 1.5 to 3 hours to fully charge using a standard USB charger. The exact time depends on battery capacity, charger output, and whether the camera is in use while charging.

Does charging time vary between action camera brands?

Yes, charging times differ by brand and model—for example, GoPro and DJI action cameras may charge faster due to optimized battery tech. Always check your specific model’s manual for how long it takes to charge action camera batteries efficiently.

Can I use a fast charger to reduce action camera charging time?

You can use a fast charger if the camera supports it (e.g., USB-C PD), cutting charge time to under 2 hours. However, avoid using non-certified fast chargers, as they may damage the battery or reduce lifespan.

Why does my action camera take longer to charge when turned on?

When the camera is on, it draws power for recording, Wi-Fi, or screen use, which slows charging. For the fastest charge, power off the camera and disconnect it from any active functions.

Is it safe to leave an action camera charging overnight?

Modern action cameras have built-in overcharge protection, so leaving them plugged in overnight is generally safe. However, unplugging once charged helps preserve long-term battery health and efficiency.

How long does it take to charge an action camera with a power bank?

Using a power bank adds 2–4 hours to charge, depending on the power bank’s output (e.g., 5V/2A vs. 5V/1A). For faster results, use a power bank with at least 2A output and a high-quality cable.