Is Your Geeni Battery Camera Not Charging? Here's the Fix
A battery-powered camera like your Geeni offers incredible flexibility, but it's entirely dependent on its ability to recharge. If you've plugged your camera in but the battery level isn't increasing, it can be a major concern. This professional, helpful guide will walk you through the most common causes and solutions for a Geeni camera that refuses to charge.
This guide is written in British English, with an empathetic tone to help you solve this frustrating problem.
## Understanding the Charging Process
Before diving in, it's useful to know what to look for. When your Geeni camera is successfully charging, you should typically see a solid indicator light (often red or amber) on the device itself. You should also be able to see the battery percentage climbing within the Geeni app. If you don't see these signs, it's time to troubleshoot.
### Common Symptoms of Charging Failure:
- The LED indicator light does not turn on when the charging cable is plugged in.
- The battery percentage in the app does not increase, even after hours of charging.
- The camera powers on briefly when plugged in but dies as soon as it's disconnected.
- The charging cable feels loose or doesn't fit securely into the camera's port.
- The app shows a "Not Charging" status or simply a static battery level.
## Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing Geeni Charging Issues
Follow these steps in order, as the problem is often a simple one.
### 1. Check the Power Source and Cable
This is the most common point of failure. The issue is often with the accessories, not the camera itself.
- Use the Original Equipment: Make sure you are using the USB cable and power adapter that came with your Geeni camera. The adapter is rated to provide the correct amperage, and a standard phone charger might be too weak.
- Try a Different Power Outlet: Plug the adapter into a different wall socket that you know is working to rule out a faulty outlet.
- Test with a Different Cable/Adapter: If you have another compatible USB cable and a power adapter with the same voltage/amperage rating, try using them. If the camera starts charging, you've identified that your original cable or adapter is faulty.
- Inspect for Damage: Check the cable for any signs of fraying or damage, and look inside the USB connectors for any bent pins.
### 2. Clean the Charging Port and Contacts
Dust, dirt, or moisture can accumulate in the charging port, preventing a solid electrical connection.
- Power Off the Camera: Ensure the camera is turned off before cleaning.
- Use Compressed Air: The safest way to clean the port is with a few short bursts from a can of compressed air.
- Use a Soft Brush: A small, dry, soft-bristled brush (like a new toothbrush) can also be used to gently sweep out any debris.
- Avoid Metal Objects: Never stick paperclips, pins, or other metal objects into the charging port, as you can easily cause a short circuit and permanent damage.
### 3. Consider the Temperature
Rechargeable batteries have built-in safety features that prevent them from charging in extreme temperatures, as this can cause permanent damage to the battery cells.
- Avoid Extreme Cold: Do not attempt to charge the camera if the ambient temperature is below freezing (0°C / 32°F).
- Avoid Extreme Heat: Similarly, avoid charging in temperatures above 45°C / 113°F.
- Bring it Indoors: If your camera has been outside in very hot or cold weather, bring it inside and let it return to room temperature for an hour or two before attempting to charge it again.
### 4. Perform a Camera Reboot
Sometimes, a software glitch can cause the camera to incorrectly report its battery status.
- Restart the Camera: While it is unplugged, find the power or reset button. Try turning the camera off and on again. If that's not possible, perform a factory reset as a last resort (check your manual for instructions, as this will require you to set it up again).
- Reconnect Power: After the reboot, plug the charging cable back in and see if the charging indicator light appears.
If you have tried all of the above steps and your Geeni camera still will not charge, there may be a hardware fault with the battery or the internal charging circuit. In this case, you should contact Geeni customer support for further assistance.