How to Charge Crosstour Action Camera A Quick Guide

To charge your Crosstour action camera, simply connect it to a power source using the included USB cable and a compatible adapter or computer port. Ensure the camera is powered off for faster, safer charging, and look for the LED indicator to confirm the charging status. Most models fully charge in 2–3 hours, making it quick and easy to get back to capturing high-octane adventures.

Key Takeaways

• Use the right cable: Always charge with the included USB-C or micro-USB cable.
• Check power source: Plug into a 5V/1A adapter or computer USB port.
• Secure the battery: Ensure the battery is properly seated in the camera or dock.
• Monitor charging status: Look for the LED indicator turning solid red when charging.
• Charge fully before use: Wait until the LED turns green for a full charge.
• Protect battery life: Avoid overcharging; unplug once fully charged.

How to Charge Crosstour Action Camera: A Quick Guide

So, you’ve just bought a Crosstour action camera—maybe the popular Crosstour CT7000 or CT9000 model—and you’re itching to take it on your next hiking, diving, or road trip adventure. You’ve charged your phone, packed your backpack, and double-checked your memory card. But when you grab your camera, you realize: how do I actually charge this thing?

Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Many new action camera owners, especially those upgrading from smartphones or older GoPro-style models, often find the charging process a bit confusing at first. Unlike phones that charge via USB-C or wireless pads, action cameras like Crosstour often use proprietary charging methods, removable batteries, or dual-battery docks. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when the manual is a 12-page PDF full of technical terms and tiny diagrams. But here’s the good news: charging your Crosstour action camera is actually simpler than it looks. In this guide, I’ll walk you through every step, share real-life charging tips, and even help you avoid common mistakes I made when I first started. Whether you’re charging at home, on the go, or deep in the woods, this guide will keep your camera powered and ready to capture every moment.

Understanding Your Crosstour Camera’s Charging System

Before you plug anything in, it’s important to understand how your specific Crosstour model charges. Not all Crosstour cameras are the same, and their charging methods can vary depending on the model and year. Let’s break it down so you know exactly what you’re working with.

Identify Your Crosstour Model

First things first: check the label on your camera or the box it came in. The most common Crosstour models include:

• CT7000: Often comes with a removable 1050mAh battery and uses a dual-battery charging dock.
• CT9000: Features a 1350mAh battery, sometimes with a built-in USB-C charging port (depending on the variant).
• CT6000: Uses a smaller 900mAh battery and typically charges via a USB cable directly into the camera.
• CT8000: May include a charging case or dock, especially in pro bundles.

Knowing your model helps you choose the right charging accessories. For example, if you have a CT7000, you’ll likely need the included charging dock. If you have a CT9000 with USB-C, you can charge it directly via cable—no dock needed.

Types of Charging Methods Used by Crosstour

Crosstour uses three main charging systems:

• Charging Dock (Most Common): A small plastic tray where you place your spare batteries. The dock connects to a power source via USB or wall adapter. This is great for travelers who carry extra batteries.
• Direct USB Charging: Some newer models (like certain CT9000 variants) have a built-in USB-C port. Just plug in a USB-C cable and charge the battery inside the camera.
• USB Cable to Camera (No USB-C): Older or budget models use a Micro-USB port hidden behind a rubber flap on the side. You plug a standard USB-A to Micro-USB cable into the camera.

Pro tip: If your camera came with a charging dock, keep it safe. It’s not always sold separately, and losing it means you can only charge one battery at a time—or risk using third-party docks that may not be fully compatible.

Battery Basics: Capacity and Lifespan

Crosstour batteries range from 900mAh to 1350mAh. The higher the mAh, the longer your camera can record. But capacity isn’t everything. Here’s what matters:

• Recording Time: A 1350mAh battery typically lasts 90–120 minutes of 1080p video. 4K recording drains it faster—closer to 70–90 minutes.
• Charge Cycles: Most Crosstour batteries last 300–500 full charge cycles before capacity drops noticeably. Avoid leaving batteries at 100% for days—it shortens lifespan.
• Temperature Sensitivity: Charging in extreme heat (above 35°C/95°F) or cold (below 0°C/32°F) can damage the battery. Store and charge in a cool, dry place.

When I first got my CT7000, I left a fully charged battery in the dock for a week. When I used it, it died after 45 minutes. Turns out, constant trickle charging degraded it faster. Now I charge just before trips and keep spares at 50% if storing long-term.

Step-by-Step: How to Charge Your Crosstour Camera

Now that you know your setup, let’s walk through the actual charging process. I’ll cover the three most common scenarios based on your camera type.

Using the Charging Dock (CT7000, CT8000, etc.)

This is the most common method. Here’s how to do it right:

1. Remove the battery: Press the release button on the side of your camera. Slide out the battery carefully.
2. Place in the dock: The dock has two slots. Make sure the battery’s metal contacts face the right direction (match the + and – symbols).
3. Connect the power: Use the included USB cable to connect the dock to a wall adapter (5V/1A or higher), power bank, or laptop USB port.
4. Check the LED: Most docks have red LEDs that turn green when charging is complete. Some have separate LEDs per battery—check both.
5. Wait 2–3 hours: A full charge from 0% takes about 2.5 hours for a 1050mAh battery.

Tip: I keep my dock on my nightstand and charge batteries overnight. I use a smart plug to avoid overcharging. If you don’t have one, just unplug the dock when the LEDs turn green.

Direct USB-C Charging (CT9000 with USB-C Port)

If your CT9000 has a USB-C port (look for a small oval opening on the side), you can charge the battery inside the camera:

1. Open the side flap: Gently pull back the rubber cover to expose the USB-C port.
2. Plug in the cable: Use a USB-C to USB-A or USB-C to USB-C cable. Connect to a wall adapter, car charger, or power bank.
3. Check the screen: The camera will show a battery icon with a lightning bolt. If it’s off, it may take 30 seconds to boot up and display charging status.
4. Wait 2.5–3 hours: The CT9000’s 1350mAh battery takes a bit longer to charge fully.

Note: You can use the camera while charging, but recording will slow down the charging process. I once tried to film a time-lapse while charging—it took 5 hours to go from 20% to 80%!

Micro-USB Charging (Older Models)

For models with Micro-USB (like some CT6000 versions):

1. Open the rubber flap: It’s usually on the left side. Be gentle—these flaps can tear.
2. Insert the Micro-USB cable: Use a standard USB-A to Micro-USB cable. Make sure it’s fully seated.
3. Connect to power: Wall adapter or power bank (5V/1A minimum).
4. Look for the indicator: The camera screen will show a charging icon. No screen? Some models have a tiny LED near the port.

Caution: Micro-USB ports wear out faster than USB-C. Avoid wiggling the cable. I’ve had to replace a CT6000’s port after a year of rough use.

Charging On the Go: Travel and Field Tips

Action cameras are meant to be used outdoors—but what happens when you’re miles from an outlet? Here’s how to keep your Crosstour powered in the wild.

Using a Power Bank

A power bank is your best friend. I use a 10,000mAh Anker model. Here’s what to know:

• Capacity Matters: A 10,000mAh power bank can charge a 1050mAh battery about 6–7 times (factoring in energy loss).
• Output Ports: Use a 5V/2A port if available. Slower ports (5V/1A) work but take longer.
• Cable Quality: Use a short, thick cable. Long, thin cables reduce charging speed.

Real-world example: On a 3-day hiking trip, I charged my CT7000’s two spare batteries twice using my power bank. Total power used: about 40% of the bank’s capacity. I also charged my phone once—perfect balance.

Car Charging

Road trips? Use your car’s USB port or a cigarette lighter adapter:

• USB Port: Most modern cars have 5V/2.4A ports—ideal for the charging dock or direct camera charging.
• Cigarette Lighter Adapter: Get a 5V/3A adapter with multiple ports. Plug your dock or cable into it.

Tip: I keep a 12V to USB adapter in my glove box. When driving between filming locations, I charge my batteries in the car. Just don’t leave them charging overnight—some cars keep ports live even when off.

Solar Chargers (For Extended Trips)

For week-long backpacking or sailing trips, a solar charger can be a lifesaver:

• Choose a 15W+ solar panel: Smaller panels won’t charge batteries fast enough.
• Use with a power bank: Direct solar charging is slow. I charge my power bank first, then use it to charge my camera.
• Angle matters: Face the panel toward the sun. I use a foldable solar panel with a kickstand.

One caveat: solar charging is weather-dependent. On a cloudy day, my 20W panel only added 10% to my power bank after 4 hours. Always pack a backup battery.

Common Charging Problems and How to Fix Them

Even with the right tools, things can go wrong. Let’s troubleshoot the most frequent Crosstour charging issues.

Battery Not Charging in the Dock

If the dock’s LED stays red or doesn’t light up:

• Check the battery contacts: Clean them with a dry cotton swab. Dust or oxidation can prevent charging.
• Inspect the dock’s pins: Make sure they’re not bent. If they are, gently straighten with tweezers.
• Try a different cable/power source: A weak cable or low-output adapter may not deliver enough power.

Personal story: I once thought my dock was broken—until I realized I was using a phone cable with a loose connection. Swapped it for a thicker cable, and charging worked perfectly.

Slow Charging or Overheating

If the battery gets hot or charges slowly:

• Use a 5V/2A adapter: Lower amperage (like 5V/0.5A) causes slow charging.
• Remove the case: Some protective cases trap heat. I charge my CT9000 without its case.
• Stop charging if it gets too hot: If the battery is too hot to touch, unplug it. Let it cool, then try again with a lower-power source.

Camera Not Recognizing USB Cable

If your camera doesn’t show a charging icon:

• Check the port: Use a flashlight to look inside. Debris can block the connection.
• Try a different cable: Some cables are “charge-only” and don’t support data or full charging.
• Restart the camera: Power it off, plug in the cable, then turn it back on.

Pro tip: I keep a “known good” USB-C cable in my camera bag. If my main cable fails, I swap it in—saves a lot of frustration on the trail.

Maximizing Battery Life and Charging Efficiency

Want your Crosstour batteries to last longer? Here’s how to charge smart—not just charge.

Best Practices for Battery Health

• Charge to 80%, not 100%: For long-term storage, charge to 50%. This reduces wear.
• Avoid deep discharges: Don’t let the battery hit 0% regularly. Recharge at 20–30%.
• Store in a cool place: Heat is the #1 battery killer. I keep my spares in a drawer, not in the car.

Charging Accessories: What to Buy

Here’s a quick table of recommended gear:

Accessory	Best For	Notes
Dual-Battery Charging Dock	CT7000, CT8000	Charge two batteries at once. Use with 5V/2A adapter.
10,000mAh Power Bank	Travel, hiking	Anker, RAVPower, or Aukey. Look for 2A output.
USB-C to USB-A Cable (1m)	CT9000 with USB-C	Braided cables last longer. Avoid ultra-thin ones.
Car Charger (12V to USB)	Road trips	Choose one with 2+ ports. 3A output preferred.
Spare Batteries	Long shoots	Buy official Crosstour batteries—third-party ones may not fit or charge properly.

Charging Hacks from Real Users

• Label your batteries: Use tape to mark “Spare 1,” “Spare 2,” etc. I’ve lost track before!
• Use a charging station: I have a small tray with labeled slots for batteries, cables, and the dock.
• Charge overnight? Use a timer: I plug my dock into a smart plug that turns off at 3 a.m.

One user shared: “I keep a battery in the camera and one in the dock. When the in-camera one dies, I swap it with the charged one in the dock—then pop the dead one into the dock. No downtime!”

Conclusion: Stay Charged, Stay Ready

Charging your Crosstour action camera isn’t rocket science—but it does require a little know-how. Whether you’re using a charging dock, direct USB-C, or a power bank in the field, the key is consistency and care. Understand your model, use the right accessories, and follow best practices to keep your batteries healthy.

Remember: your camera is only as good as its battery life. A fully charged Crosstour means you won’t miss that epic sunset, mountain summit, or underwater shot. I’ve learned this the hard way—like the time I showed up at a waterfall with a dead camera. Now, I always pack two charged batteries and a power bank, no matter how short the trip.

So, next time you’re packing for an adventure, don’t just charge your phone. Give your Crosstour the same attention. With this guide, you’re equipped to charge smarter, travel farther, and capture more. Now go out there—and keep rolling!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I charge my Crosstour action camera?

To charge your Crosstour action camera, connect it to a power source using the included USB cable. Plug the other end into a computer, wall adapter, or power bank—the camera’s LED indicator will show red while charging and turn off when complete.

How long does it take to fully charge a Crosstour action camera?

Charging time varies by model but typically takes 2–3 hours for a full charge using a 5V/1A adapter. For faster results, use a higher-output USB port or power source, but avoid overcharging to prolong battery life.

Can I use a phone charger to charge my Crosstour action camera?

Yes, you can safely use a phone charger or any USB power source (5V/1A recommended) to charge your Crosstour action camera. Just ensure the cable is securely connected and matches your camera’s charging port.

Why is my Crosstour camera not charging?

If your Crosstour action camera isn’t charging, check the USB cable, power source, and charging port for damage or debris. Try a different cable or outlet, and ensure the battery is properly seated in the camera.

Does the Crosstour camera charge while recording?

No, most Crosstour action camera models cannot charge and record simultaneously. To avoid interruptions, fully charge the battery before recording or use an external power bank via the USB port if supported.

How can I tell when my Crosstour action camera is fully charged?

The LED indicator on your Crosstour camera will glow red during charging and turn off or switch to blue (model-dependent) when fully charged. Always disconnect the charger once the light indicates completion to protect the battery.