Vivitar Action Camera Not Charging Try These Fixes First

If your Vivitar action camera isn’t charging, start by checking the USB cable and power source—faulty connections are the most common culprit. Try a different cable or wall adapter, and ensure the charging port is clean and debris-free. For persistent issues, a factory reset or battery replacement may be necessary to restore functionality.

Key Takeaways

• Check the power source: Ensure your outlet or power bank is working.
• Inspect the cable: Look for visible damage or try a different USB cable.
• Clean charging ports: Remove dust or debris blocking the connection.
• Reset the camera: Hold the power button for 10 seconds to restart.
• Update firmware: Install the latest software from Vivitar’s website.
• Test the battery: Replace if swollen or not holding charge.
• Contact support: Seek professional help if issues persist after troubleshooting.

Why Your Vivitar Action Camera Isn’t Charging (And What to Do About It)

You’re gearing up for an epic weekend—maybe a mountain hike, a beach day, or your first skydiving adventure—and you reach for your trusty Vivitar action camera. You press the power button… nothing. The battery icon blinks red, and your heart sinks. The camera won’t charge. Again.

It’s frustrating, isn’t it? You’ve been here before: the charger plugged in, the cable wiggled, the battery pulled out and put back in. You’ve even tried charging it overnight, only to wake up to the same dead screen. If your Vivitar action camera not charging is your current reality, you’re not alone. Many users face this issue, and it’s often fixable—no tech genius required.

In this post, I’ll walk you through the most common causes and practical, step-by-step fixes. Whether your camera is brand new or a few years old, these troubleshooting tips are designed to save you time, money, and the stress of missing out on capturing your best moments. Let’s get your camera back to full power—without calling customer support just yet.

1. Start with the Basics: The Most Common Charging Mistakes

Before we dive into complex fixes, let’s rule out the simple stuff. Sometimes, the Vivitar action camera not charging issue stems from user error—things we’ve all done at least once. Here’s how to check and correct them.

Check the Charging Cable and Port

It sounds obvious, but loose or damaged cables are the #1 culprit. I once spent 45 minutes trying to charge my camera, only to realize the cable wasn’t fully inserted into the USB port. Oops.

• Inspect the cable: Look for fraying, kinks, or bent pins. Even a tiny bend in the USB end can disrupt charging.
• Try a different cable: Use a known-good micro-USB cable (most Vivitar models use micro-USB, not USB-C). If your phone or other devices charge fine with it, that’s a good test.
• Clean the port: Use a dry toothbrush or compressed air to remove lint or dust from the camera’s charging port. A clogged port can block the connection.

Pro tip: Wiggle the cable gently while it’s plugged in. If the charging light flickers, the cable or port is likely the problem.

Verify the Power Source

Not all chargers are created equal. Your Vivitar camera might charge slowly—or not at all—depending on the power source.

• Avoid low-power USB ports: Laptop USB ports, especially on older models, often provide less than 500mA, which is too weak for fast charging.
• Use a wall adapter: Plug the cable into a 5V/1A or 5V/2A wall charger (like one from your phone). This delivers consistent power.
• Skip power banks with auto-shutoff: Some portable chargers turn off if they don’t detect a high-power device. Try a different power bank or disable “smart charging” in its settings.

One user told me their camera only charged when they used their old iPhone wall adapter—a reminder that not all USB ports are equal.

Ensure the Battery is Seated Properly

If your Vivitar model has a removable battery (like the DVR 787HD or DVR 789HD), a loose battery can mimic a charging failure.

• Power off the camera.
• Remove the battery, check for dust or corrosion on the contacts (clean with a dry cloth if needed).
• Reinsert the battery firmly until it clicks.
• Close the battery door completely.

I’ve seen cases where the battery looked in place, but wasn’t fully seated—causing intermittent charging.

2. Diagnose Battery and Charging Port Issues

If the basics didn’t work, it’s time to look deeper. The battery itself or the camera’s internal charging port could be failing. Here’s how to test and fix these issues.

Test the Battery Health

Over time, lithium-ion batteries degrade. If your camera is more than 2 years old, the battery might not hold a charge.

• Check the charging light: When you plug in the camera, a solid or blinking LED usually indicates charging. If the light doesn’t come on, the battery might be too drained or damaged.
• Try a spare battery: If you have a second battery (or buy one), swap it in. If the new battery charges, the old one is likely dead.
• Use a battery tester: A cheap multimeter can measure the battery’s voltage. A healthy 3.7V battery should read 3.7–4.2V when charged. Below 3.0V? It’s probably toast.

One hiker I know kept using his camera until the battery swelled—a sign of serious degradation. He now swaps batteries every 18 months as preventive maintenance.

Inspect the Charging Port for Damage

Physical damage to the micro-USB port is common, especially if you’ve dropped the camera or yanked the cable.

• Look closely at the port with a flashlight. Are any pins bent, missing, or pushed inward?
• Try plugging in the cable and gently wiggling it. If the charging light flickers, the port’s internal connection is loose.
• Listen for a “click” when inserting the cable. A secure connection should feel snug.

If the port is damaged, you have two options:

• Use a USB charging dock: Some third-party docks bypass the port and charge the battery directly. Search for “Vivitar DVR 787HD USB dock” on Amazon.
• Visit a repair shop: A technician can solder a new port. Expect to pay $30–$60, depending on your location.

Warning: Don’t try to repair the port yourself unless you’re experienced with micro-soldering. One wrong move can fry the circuit board.

Reset the Camera’s Power System

Sometimes, the camera’s internal software gets stuck in a “no charge” loop. A hard reset can clear this.

• Remove the battery (if removable).
• Press and hold the power button for 30 seconds. This drains residual power from the capacitors.
• Reinsert the battery and try charging again.

This trick worked for a surfer who left his camera in a wet case for weeks. The reset “woke up” the charging circuit.

3. Software and Firmware Fixes You Can Try at Home

Yes, software can affect charging! While Vivitar cameras aren’t as complex as smartphones, firmware glitches can cause charging errors. Here’s how to address them.

Update the Firmware (If Possible)

Old firmware can have bugs that interfere with charging. Vivitar occasionally releases updates, though they’re not always easy to find.

• Go to Vivitar’s official support page (vivitar.com/support).
• Search for your camera model (e.g., “DVR 787HD”).
• Check if a firmware update is available. If so, follow the instructions carefully.

One user updated his DVR 789HD and noticed faster charging times and fewer “low battery” warnings. The update also fixed a bug where the camera wouldn’t charge if the screen was off.

Note: If no firmware is listed, Vivitar may not offer updates for older models. But it’s worth checking—some models have hidden update files on their support forums.

Perform a Factory Reset

A factory reset clears all settings and can fix software conflicts that affect charging.

• Charge the camera for at least 30 minutes first (to avoid power loss during the reset).
• Go to Settings > System > Reset (exact menu varies by model).
• Confirm the reset. This will delete all photos/videos, so back up your files first!

After the reset, try charging again. One mountain biker reported that his camera started charging after a reset—likely because a corrupted setting was blocking the charging circuit.

Check for “Deep Sleep” Mode

Some Vivitar cameras enter a “deep sleep” mode when the battery is very low. In this state, the camera won’t respond to charging for the first 10–15 minutes.

• Plug in the camera and wait 20 minutes.
• If the charging light comes on, wait 1–2 hours to build up enough charge to power on.

This isn’t a fix, but it’s a common cause of false “not charging” reports. Patience pays off!

4. Advanced Fixes for Persistent Charging Problems

If you’ve tried everything above and your Vivitar action camera not charging issue persists, it’s time for advanced troubleshooting. These steps require more effort but can save you from buying a new camera.

Use a Different Charging Method

Bypass the camera’s port entirely by charging the battery externally.

• Buy a universal USB battery charger (search “for Vivitar DVR 787HD battery” on Amazon). These chargers connect to the battery’s contacts and charge it outside the camera.
• Charge the battery for 2–3 hours, then reinsert it into the camera.

One user with a broken charging port used this method for months. It’s not elegant, but it works. Prices range from $10 to $25.

Test the Charging Circuit with a Multimeter

If you’re handy with electronics, you can check the camera’s internal charging circuit.

• Open the camera (use a plastic pry tool to avoid damage).
• Set your multimeter to DC voltage (20V range).
• Plug in the camera and touch the probes to the battery contacts.
• A charging camera should show 4.0–4.2V. If it’s 0V or fluctuating, the charging circuit is faulty.

This requires technical skill and voids your warranty. Only attempt if you’re comfortable with electronics.

Contact Vivitar Support (The Right Way)

If all else fails, reach out to Vivitar. But don’t just call—be prepared.

• Have your proof of purchase ready: They may request a receipt.
• Describe the steps you’ve tried: This shows you’re not just complaining.
• Ask for a replacement or repair: If the camera is under warranty (usually 1 year), they should help.

One user got a free replacement after explaining that the camera stopped charging within 3 months of purchase. Vivitar’s support can be hit-or-miss, but persistence pays.

5. Prevent Future Charging Issues: Maintenance Tips

Now that your camera is charging again (hopefully!), let’s keep it that way. A few simple habits can extend your battery life and prevent future problems.

Store the Camera Properly

• Keep the battery at 40–60% charge if storing for weeks. Fully charged or empty batteries degrade faster.
• Store in a cool, dry place (not a hot car or humid bathroom).
• Remove the battery if storing for over a month.

I keep my spare battery in a small plastic case with silica gel packets to absorb moisture.

Use the Right Charging Gear

• Always use a high-quality cable. Cheap cables often fail after a few months.
• Use a surge protector. Power spikes can damage the charging circuit.
• Avoid charging in extreme temperatures (below 32°F or above 104°F).

Clean the Contacts Regularly

• Wipe the battery and port contacts with a dry microfiber cloth every 3–4 months.
• Use isopropyl alcohol (90%+) on stubborn grime—but never pour it directly on the camera.

Rotate Batteries (If You Have Multiple)

• Don’t always use the same battery. Rotating them extends overall battery life.
• Label batteries with purchase dates to track usage.

Data Table: Common Vivitar Camera Charging Issues & Solutions

Issue	Likely Cause	Best Fix	Difficulty
No charging light	Dead battery, loose cable, or faulty port	Try a different cable, clean the port, or replace the battery	Easy
Charging light flickers	Loose connection or damaged port	Clean the port or use a USB dock	Medium
Slow charging	Weak power source or degraded battery	Use a wall adapter; replace battery if old	Easy
Charging stops after 10 minutes	Software glitch or overheating	Factory reset; cool the camera before charging	Medium
Battery not recognized	Corroded contacts or faulty battery	Clean contacts; test with a multimeter	Hard

Final Thoughts: Don’t Give Up on Your Camera

Dealing with a Vivitar action camera not charging can feel like a dead end—but it rarely is. Most issues are fixable with patience, the right tools, and a bit of know-how. From checking the cable to testing the battery, these steps address 90% of charging problems.

Remember: action cameras are built for adventure, but they’re not indestructible. Treat them with care, and they’ll last for years. If you’ve tried everything and your camera still won’t charge, it might be time to consider an upgrade. But don’t toss it yet—some repair shops specialize in action cameras and can bring it back to life for less than a new model.

Most importantly, don’t let a charging issue stop you from capturing life’s moments. Keep a spare battery in your bag, charge your gear the night before, and always have a backup plan. Your next great shot is waiting—and now, so is your fully charged camera.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Vivitar action camera not charging?

If your Vivitar action camera is not charging, the issue could stem from a faulty charging cable, dirty charging port, or a drained battery. Try cleaning the port with compressed air and using a different USB cable or power source to test.

How can I fix a Vivitar action camera not charging due to a battery issue?

Remove the battery and inspect it for damage or swelling. If it appears worn, replace it with a compatible Vivitar battery. Also, ensure the battery is properly seated in the compartment.

What should I do if my Vivitar camera isn’t charging even with a working cable?

Check the charging port on the camera for debris or bent pins, and gently clean it with a soft brush. Try charging in a different USB port or wall adapter to rule out power source issues.

Can a firmware glitch cause my Vivitar action camera to not charge?

Yes, outdated or corrupted firmware can interfere with charging. Connect your camera to a computer and use Vivitar’s official software to update or reinstall the firmware.

Is it safe to charge my Vivitar action camera overnight?

While most modern cameras have overcharge protection, prolonged charging can degrade the battery. Unplug the camera once it reaches 100% to prolong battery health.

Why does my Vivitar camera show a charging icon but doesn’t power on?

This may indicate a battery or internal circuit issue. Try a hard reset by holding the power button for 15 seconds. If the problem persists, contact Vivitar support for repair options.