Hikvision Battery Camera Not Charging? (Solutions)
For wire-free security, you depend on your Hikvision battery-powered camera to hold a charge. When you plug it in and nothing happens, it can leave your property unprotected. If your camera's battery isn't charging, there's no need to panic—the issue is often a simple one you can fix yourself.
This guide will help you systematically troubleshoot the most common causes of charging failures on Hikvision battery cameras, from the power source to the camera itself.
Key Symptoms of a Charging Problem
You can confirm a charging issue if you notice any of the following:
- When you plug in the charging cable, the charging indicator LED does not light up.
- The battery percentage in the Hik-Connect app does not increase, even after hours of being plugged in.
- The camera only works when the cable is plugged in and powers down immediately upon removal.
- The app continues to show a 'Low Battery' warning while the camera is on the charger.
How to Troubleshoot a Hikvision Camera That Won't Charge
Work through these steps in order to isolate the problem.
1. Check the Power Source and Cable
The issue often lies with the charging equipment, not the camera.
- Verify the Outlet: Ensure the power outlet is working by plugging another device into it, like a lamp or a phone charger.
- Use the Original Equipment: If possible, use the USB cable and power adapter that came with your Hikvision camera.
- Test a Different Cable and Adapter: This is a crucial step. USB cables and adapters can fail. Try charging the camera with a different cable and a different USB wall adapter that you know are functional. If the camera starts charging, you've found the culprit.
- Try a Different Power Source: If you're using a wall outlet, try plugging the USB cable into a powered-on computer or a portable power bank to see if the charging indicator lights up.
2. Inspect the Camera's Charging Port
Physical debris or damage can prevent a proper connection.
- Visual Inspection: Look closely at the micro-USB or USB-C port on the camera. Check for any obvious dirt, dust, or lint.
- Clean Gently: If you see debris, use a can of compressed air to blow it out. You can also use a dry, soft-bristled brush (like a new toothbrush) to gently clean the port. Never use metal objects like pins or paperclips, as this can damage the contacts.
- Check for Damage: Look for any bent or broken pins inside the port. If it appears physically damaged, you may need to contact Hikvision support.
3. Consider the Environmental Temperature
Li-ion batteries have safety mechanisms that prevent them from charging in extreme temperatures.
- Too Cold: If the temperature is near or below freezing (0°C / 32°F), the battery will not charge.
- Too Hot: Similarly, if the camera is in direct, intense sunlight and has become very hot (typically above 45°C / 113°F), charging will be disabled.
If you suspect temperature is the issue, bring the camera indoors to a room-temperature environment for a few hours and then try charging it again.
4. Perform a Camera Reboot
A minor software glitch could be preventing the camera from recognising the charger.
- Reboot While Plugged In: With the charging cable connected, try to reboot the camera. This can often be done by holding down the power button for 10-15 seconds.
- Reboot and Reconnect: If that doesn't work, unplug the camera, reboot it, and then plug the charging cable back in.
If you have tried all of the above steps and the camera's charging light still doesn't come on, there may be an issue with the internal battery or charging circuitry. In this situation, the best course of action is to reach out to your installer or Hikvision's customer support for further assistance.