What to Do When Your Axis Camera Is Not Charging
Whether your Axis camera is a battery-powered model or receives power via a cable, a failure to charge or power on renders it useless. Power-related issues are common and can often be solved with some basic troubleshooting. This guide will help you identify and fix the reason your Axis camera is not charging.
## Part 1: For Battery-Powered or DC-Powered Cameras
These steps apply to cameras that use a removable battery or plug into a standard wall socket via a power adapter.
### 1. Check the Power Source and Cable
Start with the most common and simple-to-fix culprits.
- Verify the Wall Socket: Plug another device (like a lamp) into the same socket to confirm it's working.
- Secure Connections: Ensure the power adapter is firmly plugged into the socket and the charging cable is securely connected to the camera's charging port.
- Inspect the Equipment: Carefully examine the power adapter and the entire length of the charging cable for any signs of physical damage, such as cuts, frays, or bent pins. A damaged cable can be a fire hazard and should not be used.
- Try a Different Cable/Adapter: If you have another compatible power adapter and cable, try using them. This is the quickest way to determine if the original power accessories are faulty. Important: Ensure the replacement adapter has the same voltage (V) and at least the same amperage (A) rating as the original Axis adapter.
### 2. Examine the Battery and Camera
If the power source is not the issue, turn your attention to the camera and its battery.
- Clean the Contacts: Power down the camera and remove the battery (if it's removable). Check the metal charging contacts on both the battery and inside the camera. If they appear dirty or corroded, gently clean them with a dry cloth or a cotton swab dipped in a small amount of isopropyl alcohol.
- Re-seat the Battery: Place the battery back into the camera, ensuring it clicks securely into place.
- Extended Charging Time: If a battery has been completely drained for a long time, it might not show immediate signs of life. Leave it connected to the charger for at least 4-6 hours to see if it begins to accept a charge.
## Part 2: For Power over Ethernet (PoE) Cameras
If your Axis camera is powered through its network cable, the troubleshooting process is different.
### 1. Check the PoE Source
The power is coming from your network equipment, so that's the first place to look.
- Verify PoE is Active: Check the network switch or PoE injector that the camera is connected to. There is usually an LED indicator light for each port that shows if PoE power is being delivered.
- Try a Different Port: Plug the camera's Ethernet cable into a different PoE-enabled port on your switch. A single port on a switch can sometimes fail.
- Check the Switch's Power Budget: If you have many PoE devices connected to one switch, you might have exceeded its total power budget. The switch may disable power to lower-priority ports. Try unplugging another PoE device to see if the camera powers on.
### 2. Inspect the Ethernet Cable
Just like a power cable, the network cable can also fail.
- Look for Damage: Inspect the Ethernet cable for any visible damage.
- Use a Known-Good Cable: The easiest way to rule out a faulty cable is to temporarily connect the camera using a new or different Ethernet cable that you know is working correctly.
If you have worked through all these steps and your Axis camera still does not charge or power on, there may be an internal hardware fault. In this case, you should contact Axis support for professional assistance.