Is Your Honeywell Camera Refusing to Charge?
A security camera with a dead battery is no security at all. If you've plugged in your Honeywell camera (such as a Lyric C1/C2 or other models) only to find that the battery level isn't increasing or the device remains dead, it can be a major concern.
Fortunately, the problem is often something simple that you can fix yourself without needing a replacement. This guide will take you through the essential troubleshooting steps to identify and solve the charging issue with your Honeywell camera.
Common Symptoms of a Charging Problem
- The charging indicator light (LED) does not turn on when the camera is plugged in.
- The camera powers off as soon as it is unplugged from the power source.
- The battery percentage in the app does not go up, even after hours of charging.
- The camera is completely unresponsive, with no lights or sounds.
- You receive a persistent "Low Battery" notification while the camera is on the charger.
How to Troubleshoot a Honeywell Camera That Won't Charge
Follow these steps in order. Do not proceed to the next step if the current one solves your problem.
1. Check the Power Source and Cable
This is the most common and easiest issue to fix. The problem may not be with your camera at all, but with its power supply.
- Verify the Wall Outlet: Plug another device, like a lamp or a phone charger, into the same wall socket to ensure the outlet is working.
- Test the USB Power Adapter: The small "brick" that plugs into the wall can fail. Try using it to charge your smartphone or another USB device.
- Test the USB Cable: Charging cables are a frequent point of failure. They can get damaged internally from being bent or twisted. Swap the cable for another one that you know is working and see if the camera begins to charge.
- Ensure a Secure Connection: Unplug the cable from both the power adapter and the camera, then plug them back in firmly. Make sure the micro-USB end is fully inserted into the camera's charging port.
2. Inspect the Camera's Charging Port
Dust, lint, and other debris can get lodged inside the micro-USB port on your camera, preventing the cable from making a proper connection.
- Visual Inspection: Use a torch to look carefully inside the charging port.
- Careful Cleaning: If you see any debris, you can attempt to remove it.
- Best method: Use a can of compressed air to blow the debris out.
- Alternative method: Gently use a non-metallic object, like a wooden or plastic toothpick, to carefully scrape out any compacted lint. Do not use a metal pin or paperclip, as this could short-circuit the pins and permanently damage the device.
3. Power Cycle or Reboot the Camera
Sometimes, a temporary software glitch can cause the camera to stop recognising that it's being charged. A simple reboot can often clear this error.
- Unplug the Camera: Disconnect the charging cable from the camera.
- Perform a Reset: Look for a small, recessed reset button on the camera's body. You may need a paperclip or SIM ejector tool to press it. Press and hold the button for about 15-20 seconds. This will often force the device to restart.
- Reconnect Power: After the reset, plug the charging cable back in and see if the charging LED now lights up.
4. Check for Overheating
If the camera or the power adapter feels unusually hot to the touch, unplug it immediately. Overheating can prevent the battery from charging correctly as a safety measure. Let the device cool down completely in a shaded, well-ventilated area before attempting to charge it again.
If you have worked through all of these steps and your Honeywell camera still will not charge, it is possible the internal battery has reached the end of its functional lifespan and may need to be professionally serviced or replaced.