What to Do When Your Amcrest Camera Won't Charge
An Amcrest camera that will not charge can be a major inconvenience, whether it is a battery-powered model that is now offline or a wired camera that will not power on. This problem is usually caused by a simple issue with the power supply, cable, or the camera's port. By following a logical troubleshooting process, you can often identify and fix the issue yourself.
This guide, written in British English, offers professional and clear steps to help you diagnose why your Amcrest camera is not charging and get it working again.
## Step 1: Test Your Power Source and Cable
Before you assume the camera is faulty, it is essential to rule out the charging accessories. This is the most common cause of charging problems.
- Check the Power Outlet: Ensure the mains socket is working. Plug a lamp or another device into the same outlet to confirm it has power.
- Test the USB Power Adapter: The small plug that goes into the wall can fail. Unplug the USB cable from it and use the adapter to charge your mobile phone or another device. If the other device does not charge, the adapter is faulty and needs to be replaced.
- Test the USB Cable: The charging cable is the most likely culprit. These cables endure a lot of stress and the thin wires inside can break. Take the cable you use for your camera and try to charge another compatible device with it. If it fails to charge, the cable is broken. Try a brand new or known-good cable with your Amcrest camera.
If a different cable and adapter successfully charge another device, but not your camera, then you can be confident the issue lies with the camera itself.
## Step 2: Inspect the Camera's Charging Port
The small charging port on the camera can get clogged with debris or become damaged.
### Clean the Port
Dust, lint, and dirt can accumulate inside the micro-USB or USB-C port, preventing the cable from making a secure connection.
- Look closely inside the port, using a torch if necessary.
- Use a can of compressed air to blow out any loose debris.
- If dirt is compacted, you can very gently use a non-metallic item like a wooden toothpick or a plastic dental pick to scrape it out. Avoid using metal pins or needles, as they can short-circuit the pins and cause permanent damage.
### Check for Damage
Look for any signs of physical damage to the port. The central pin can sometimes become bent or broken if the cable was inserted with excessive force or at the wrong angle. If the port looks damaged, it will likely require a professional repair.
## Step 3: Perform a Camera Reset
Sometimes, a software glitch can cause the camera to stop recognising that it has been plugged in. A reset can often resolve this.
- For battery-powered cameras: If there is any charge left, try performing a factory reset according to the instructions in your camera's manual. If the battery is completely dead, this may not be possible.
- For wired cameras: With the camera unplugged, press and hold the reset button. While still holding the button, plug the power cable in. Continue to hold the reset button for another 30 seconds before releasing.
## Step 4: Be Patient with a Deeply Discharged Battery
If the camera's battery has been allowed to drain completely to zero, it may enter a deep discharge state. When you plug it in, it may not show any immediate signs of life, such as a charging light.
- Connect the camera to a known-good cable and power adapter.
- Leave it to charge, undisturbed, for at least one to two hours.
- Sometimes, the camera needs a prolonged, steady charge to "wake up" the battery protection circuit before it will display the charging indicator.
If you have followed all these steps and the camera still shows no signs of charging, it may unfortunately have a hardware fault with the battery or internal charging circuitry that requires contacting Amcrest support for further assistance.