Canary Camera Not Charging? Here’s How to Fix It
A security camera that won’t charge is a serious problem—it leaves your home vulnerable. If your Canary camera (whether it's a Canary Pro, View, or Flex) has stopped charging or won't hold a charge, you need to address the issue quickly. Fortunately, most charging problems are caused by simple power supply issues that you can easily fix yourself. This guide will walk you through the most common causes and provide clear, step-by-step solutions to get your Canary powered up and back online.
Common Reasons Your Canary Won't Charge
Before you start troubleshooting, it's helpful to know what might be causing the problem. The issue almost always lies with one of these components.
1. Faulty Power Cable or Adapter
The micro-USB cable and power adapter are the most common points of failure. Cables can become frayed or damaged internally from being bent and twisted, and power adapters can simply wear out over time.
2. Insufficient Power Source
If you are not using the original Canary-branded power adapter, your chosen replacement might not be powerful enough. Canary cameras require a power adapter with a sufficient amperage (at least 2A) to charge correctly. A standard phone charger may not provide enough power.
3. Problematic Power Outlet
The issue may not be with the camera or its cable, but with the wall socket itself. A loose connection or a tripped circuit can prevent power from reaching your device.
4. Dirty or Damaged Charging Port
Dust, dirt, or debris can accumulate inside the micro-USB port on the back of the Canary, preventing the cable from making a secure connection.
5. Internal Battery Failure
If you have a Canary Flex, which contains a rechargeable battery, the battery itself may have reached the end of its operational life and can no longer hold a charge. This is less common but can happen with older devices.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting for Charging Issues
Follow these steps in order. Do not skip a step, as the simplest solution is often the correct one.
Step 1: Inspect the Power Connection at Both Ends
First, let's check the physical connections.
- Unplug and Replug: Unplug the micro-USB cable from the back of the Canary camera and from the power adapter. Then, unplug the power adapter from the wall. Wait 30 seconds.
- Reconnect Firmly: Plug everything back in, ensuring the connections are snug and secure at all three points: the camera, the adapter, and the wall outlet.
Step 2: Test a Different Power Outlet
Rule out the wall socket as the source of the problem.
- Move the Camera: Take your Canary camera and its power cable to a different room and plug it into a power outlet that you know is working (e.g., one where you currently have a lamp or TV plugged in).
- Check for Lights: See if the light on the bottom of the Canary illuminates. If it does, the problem is with the original outlet.
Step 3: Use a Different Micro-USB Cable and Power Adapter
This is the most critical test to identify a faulty cable or plug.
- Find a Replacement: Locate another micro-USB cable and a different USB power adapter. Crucially, ensure the power adapter is rated for at least 2.0 Amps (often written as 2A or 2000mA). You can usually find this information in tiny print on the adapter itself.
- Test the New Set: Use this new cable and adapter to power your Canary. If the camera powers on and begins charging, you have successfully identified that your original cable or adapter (or both) needs to be replaced.
Step 4: Clean the Camera's Charging Port
If the above steps haven't worked, the issue could be a blocked port.
- Unplug the Camera: Make sure the device is completely disconnected from any power source.
- Use Compressed Air: The safest method is to use a can of compressed air to blow out any dust or debris from the micro-USB port on the camera.
- Gentle Cleaning (Optional): If you don't have compressed air, you can use a dry, soft-bristled brush (like a new, clean toothbrush) to gently clean the port. Avoid using metal objects like paperclips or pins, as these can damage the sensitive charging contacts.
If you have tried all of these steps and your Canary camera still shows no signs of life, it's possible there is an internal hardware issue. At this point, the best course of action is to contact Canary's official customer support for further assistance.