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

If your Yi Action Camera isn’t charging, the issue is often as simple as a faulty cable, dirty charging port, or drained battery—fix it fast by first inspecting and cleaning the USB port and trying a different power source. Ensure you’re using the original charger and cable, as third-party accessories may lack proper voltage. For persistent problems, a factory reset or battery replacement may be necessary to restore normal charging function.

Key Takeaways

• Check the cable first: Swap with a working one to rule out faults.
• Clean charging ports: Remove dust or debris blocking connections.
• Try a different power source: Use a wall adapter instead of a computer.
• Restart the camera: Power cycle to fix temporary charging glitches.
• Inspect the battery: Replace if swollen or damaged for safety.

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

Imagine this: you’re about to capture an epic mountain biking run or a family beach day. You grab your Yi Action Camera, press the power button… and nothing. No light, no beep, no life. Your heart sinks. The battery is dead, and worse—it won’t charge. You plug it in, wait, check the cable, try a different outlet… still nothing. Sound familiar?

You’re not alone. A Yi Action Camera not charging is one of the most common (and frustrating) issues users face. Whether you’re a weekend adventurer, a vlogger, or just someone who loves capturing life on the go, a dead camera can ruin your plans. The good news? Most of the time, the problem isn’t broken hardware. It’s something small, overlooked, or easily fixable—often with just a few minutes of troubleshooting.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through every possible reason your Yi Action Camera isn’t charging and give you fast, practical solutions that actually work. I’ve tested these fixes on my own Yi cameras (yes, I’ve had my share of charging headaches), and I’ve helped dozens of friends and fellow travelers get theirs back up and running. No tech jargon. No fluff. Just real, step-by-step help.

Common Causes of a Yi Action Camera Not Charging

Before we dive into fixes, let’s understand why your camera might not be charging. Knowing the root cause helps you target the right solution—and avoid wasting time on unnecessary steps.

Faulty or Incompatible Charging Cable

Not all USB cables are created equal. Some only transfer data, not power. Others have frayed wires or loose connectors. I once used a phone charging cable for my Yi—looked the same, but it delivered half the current needed. The camera showed a faint charging light… but after 8 hours, the battery was still at 10%.

Tip: Always use the original cable that came with your Yi camera. If you don’t have it, look for a high-quality USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 cable with a thick, sturdy connector. Avoid ultra-thin “data-only” cables.

Dirty or Corroded Charging Port

Action cameras go everywhere: beaches, dusty trails, rainy hikes. Sand, salt, and moisture can sneak into the charging port. Over time, this causes corrosion or blocks the connection. I once pulled my camera out after a beach day and noticed a white, chalky residue around the port. That was salt buildup—and it was preventing charging.

Pro tip: After outdoor use, wipe the port gently with a dry, soft cloth. Avoid water or liquid cleaners unless you’re sure the port is sealed.

Weak or Incompatible Power Source

Your phone might charge fine on a 1-amp wall adapter, but your Yi camera often needs more. Most Yi models (like the 4K, 2.7K, and Lite) require at least 5V/1A, and ideally 5V/2A for faster charging. Using a weak adapter—like one from an old Bluetooth speaker or a low-output USB hub—can trick your camera into thinking it’s charging when it’s not.

I once used a 0.5A adapter and thought my camera was charging… until I realized it had lost 5% in 2 hours. The camera was discharging faster than it charged.

Battery Issues (Swelling, Age, or Damage)

Lithium-ion batteries degrade over time. After 2-3 years of regular use, capacity drops. Worse, if the battery has been overcharged, deeply drained, or stored in extreme temperatures, it can swell or fail entirely. A swollen battery won’t charge and can damage the camera.

Signs of a bad battery: camera won’t power on even when plugged in, takes forever to charge, or dies quickly even when fully charged.

Firmware Glitches or Software Bugs

Sometimes, the issue isn’t hardware—it’s software. A corrupted firmware update or a glitch in the charging logic can cause the camera to ignore the charger. This is rare but real. I had a Yi 4K that suddenly stopped charging after a firmware update. A hard reset fixed it.

Charging While in Use or Recording

Some Yi models don’t charge while recording or in active mode. If you plug in the camera while it’s on, it might draw power from the battery instead of charging. This gives the illusion of “not charging” when it’s actually just prioritizing operation.

Step-by-Step Fixes to Get Your Yi Camera Charging Again

Now let’s get to the good stuff: how to fix your Yi Action Camera not charging. I’ve ranked these from easiest to more involved, so you can try the quick wins first.

1. Use the Right Cable and Power Source

Start simple. Grab the original charging cable. Plug it into a 5V/2A wall adapter (like the one that came with your phone). Avoid USB ports on computers, TVs, or low-power hubs. These often don’t deliver enough current.

Test this: Plug the camera into the adapter. Look for the charging light (usually a small LED near the port). It should glow red or orange. If it flickers or doesn’t light up, try a different cable or adapter.

I once used a USB port on my laptop. The camera showed a charging icon, but after 3 hours, it was still at 15%. Switched to a 2A wall charger—charged to 100% in 90 minutes.

2. Clean the Charging Port

Grab a can of compressed air (available at any electronics store or online). Hold the camera at a slight angle and blast air into the charging port for 5-10 seconds. This removes dust, sand, and debris.

If you don’t have compressed air, use a dry, soft-bristled toothbrush. Gently brush the inside of the port. Avoid metal tools—they can damage the pins.

For salt or moisture buildup: use a cotton swab lightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol (70% or higher). Wipe the inside of the port, then let it air dry for at least 10 minutes before charging.

Important: Never use water, vinegar, or household cleaners. These can corrode the contacts.

3. Try a Hard Reset

If the camera is frozen or glitched, a hard reset can clear the software hang. Here’s how:

• Plug the camera into a charger (even if it doesn’t seem to be charging).
• Press and hold the power button for 30-60 seconds.
• Release the button. Wait 10 seconds.
• Unplug the camera, then plug it back in.
• Check for the charging light.

This forces the camera to reboot its charging logic. I’ve fixed two Yi cameras this way—one wouldn’t charge at all, the other showed a charging icon but no progress. After the reset, both charged normally.

4. Check the Battery (Remove and Reinsert)

Some Yi models (like the Yi 4K and 2.7K) have removable batteries. If yours does:

• Turn off the camera.
• Remove the battery.
• Inspect for swelling, discoloration, or damage.
• Reinsert the battery firmly.
• Plug in the charger.

Sometimes, the battery just needs to be reseated. I had a camera that wouldn’t charge until I removed the battery, wiped the contacts with a dry cloth, and put it back in. Worked like magic.

Warning: If the battery is swollen, do not charge it. Swollen batteries can leak or catch fire. Replace it immediately.

5. Use a Different Charging Method (USB OTG or External Battery Pack)

If the wall charger isn’t working, try charging via a powered USB OTG (On-The-Go) adapter or a high-output power bank. Look for a power bank with at least 18W output and a 2A USB port.

I once used a 20,000mAh Anker power bank to charge my Yi 4K during a week-long hiking trip. It charged just as fast as a wall adapter—and kept my phone going too.

Pro tip: Avoid cheap power banks. They often have inconsistent voltage, which can confuse the camera’s charging circuit.

6. Update or Reinstall Firmware

If you suspect a software issue, check for firmware updates:

• Download the latest firmware from the Yi Technology website.
• Copy the firmware file to a formatted microSD card.
• Insert the card into the camera.
• Power on the camera. It should detect the update and install it automatically.

After the update, unplug and replug the charger. The charging logic should reset.

When to Suspect a Hardware Problem

Not every Yi Action Camera not charging issue is fixable with DIY tricks. Sometimes, the problem is deeper—like a damaged charging port, a fried circuit board, or a dead battery.

Signs of Hardware Failure

• No charging light, even with a known-good cable and adapter.
• Charging light flickers or turns off after a few seconds.
• Camera gets unusually hot while plugged in.
• Port feels loose or wobbly.
• Battery swells or leaks.
• Camera powers on when connected to USB, but battery percentage doesn’t increase.

I had a Yi 2.7K that would power on via USB but wouldn’t charge the battery. The port looked fine, and I tried three different cables. After opening it (not recommended unless you’re comfortable with electronics), I found a broken solder joint on the charging circuit. That required professional repair.

DIY Port Inspection (Advanced)

If you’re handy with electronics, you can inspect the charging port:

• Remove the back cover (usually held by screws or clips).
• Look for broken solder joints, bent pins, or corrosion.
• Use a multimeter to test continuity between the port pins and the charging circuit.

Warning: This voids your warranty and risks further damage. Only attempt if you have experience with circuit boards.

Professional Repair vs. Replacement

If the port is damaged or the circuit is fried, you have two options:

1. Send it to Yi for repair: Check if your camera is under warranty. Yi offers repair services, but turnaround time can be 2-4 weeks.
2. Third-party repair shop: Local electronics repair shops can often fix charging ports. Cost: $20-$50, depending on the model.

I sent a Yi 4K to a local shop for port repair. Cost: $35. It took 3 days. Saved me $100 compared to buying a new camera.

If the camera is older than 2 years and repair costs more than $60, consider replacing it. Newer models (like the Yi 4K+ or Yi Lite) have better battery life and charging speed.

Prevention Tips: Keep Your Yi Camera Charging Smoothly

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Here’s how to avoid charging issues in the future.

Use the Right Charging Setup

• Always use a 5V/2A wall adapter or a high-output power bank.
• Keep the original cable. Label it “Yi Only” to avoid mix-ups.
• Carry a backup cable when traveling.

Clean the Port Regularly

• Wipe the port with a dry cloth after every outdoor use.
• Blow out dust with compressed air every 2-3 weeks.
• Never charge the camera in humid or dusty environments.

Store the Camera Properly

• Store with 40-60% battery. Full or empty batteries degrade faster.
• Keep in a cool, dry place. Avoid extreme heat or cold.
• If storing long-term, charge every 3-6 months to keep the battery active.

Monitor Battery Health

• Replace the battery every 2-3 years, or sooner if capacity drops below 70%.
• Buy genuine Yi batteries. Third-party batteries may not charge correctly or could damage the camera.

Update Firmware Regularly

• Check for updates every 6 months.
• Updates often fix charging bugs and improve battery management.

Real User Fixes: What Worked for Others

Let’s hear from real users who fixed their Yi Action Camera not charging issues. These aren’t hypotheticals—they’re real stories.

Case 1: Sand in the Port

“I used my Yi at the beach. Next day, no charging light. I tried three cables. Finally, I used compressed air. Sand shot out of the port. After that, it charged perfectly.” – Mark, Hawaii

Case 2: Weak Wall Adapter

“I used a cheap adapter from a dollar store. The camera showed charging, but battery went down. Switched to my phone’s 2A adapter—charged in 2 hours.” – Sarah, Colorado

Case 3: Hard Reset Solved It

“My Yi 4K wouldn’t charge after a firmware update. Held the power button for a minute, unplugged, plugged back in. Charging light came on. Magic!” – James, Oregon

Case 4: Swollen Battery

“Camera wouldn’t charge. Opened the back—battery was puffed up. Ordered a new Yi battery. Works great now.” – Lisa, Texas

Quick Reference: Troubleshooting Checklist

Issue	Quick Fix	Tools Needed
No charging light	Try original cable + 2A adapter	Original cable, 5V/2A wall adapter
Flickering light	Clean charging port	Compressed air, cotton swab, isopropyl alcohol
Charging but slow	Use higher-output power source	2A+ power bank or wall adapter
No response after plugging in	Hard reset (hold power 30+ sec)	None (just the camera and charger)
Battery not holding charge	Replace battery	New Yi battery, screwdriver (if removable)
Swollen battery	Stop charging, replace immediately	New battery, disposal bag

Dealing with a Yi Action Camera not charging can be stressful—especially when you’re about to capture a once-in-a-lifetime moment. But most of the time, the fix is simple: clean the port, use the right charger, or give it a hard reset. I’ve saved countless adventures with these tricks, and I’m confident they’ll work for you too.

Remember: start with the basics. Don’t jump to conclusions about broken hardware. Try the cable, adapter, and cleaning first. If those don’t work, move to the battery and software fixes. And if all else fails, professional repair is always an option.

Your Yi camera is built to last—but it needs a little TLC. With the right care, it’ll keep charging and capturing for years. Now go out there, fix that camera, and film your next adventure. The world is waiting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Yi Action Camera not charging?

If your Yi Action Camera is not charging, the issue could stem from a faulty USB cable, damaged port, or low-power power source. Try using a different cable or wall adapter to rule out connection issues.

How can I fix a Yi Action Camera not charging issue quickly?

First, clean the charging port gently with a dry brush and test a different cable or power outlet. If the problem persists, reset the camera by holding the power button for 10 seconds.

Is a damaged battery causing my Yi Action Camera not to charge?

A degraded or swollen battery is a common reason for charging failure. If your camera doesn’t hold a charge after trying different accessories, consider replacing the battery.

Can I charge my Yi Action Camera with a power bank?

Yes, you can charge it via a power bank, but ensure it outputs 5V/1A–2A. Low-power banks or fast-charging modes may prevent the camera from charging properly.

Why does my Yi camera blink but not charge fully?

A blinking LED often indicates a partial connection or unstable power source. Check for debris in the port, use an undamaged cable, and avoid USB hubs.

Does the Yi Action Camera have a reset option to fix charging problems?

Yes, a soft reset (holding the power button for 10–15 seconds) can resolve charging glitches caused by software freezes. Pair this with a different charger for best results.