What to Do When Your Netgear Camera Is Not Charging
A Netgear security camera that won't charge is a major problem, as a dead battery leaves your property unmonitored. Whether you have an Arlo camera (a popular brand formerly owned by Netgear) or another model, charging issues are common and usually fixable.
This guide will help you systematically diagnose the problem, from the power source to the camera itself, and find a solution.
## Step 1: Verify Your Charging Equipment
The problem often lies with the charging accessories, not the camera. Let's rule them out first.
- Use ONLY Official Equipment: This is the most important rule. Do not use a third-party phone charger or a random USB cable. Netgear and Arlo cameras require specific power output (voltage and amperage). Using the wrong adapter is the number one cause of charging failure. You must use the official Netgear/Arlo power adapter and cable that came in the box.
- Test the Power Outlet: Plug another device, like a lamp or phone charger, into the same wall outlet to confirm it's working.
- Try a Different Cable and Adapter: If you have another Netgear camera, swap the charging cable and power adapter. If the problematic camera starts charging with the different accessories, you know your original cable or adapter is faulty and needs to be replaced.
## Step 2: Inspect the Physical Connections
Dirt, debris, or damage can prevent a proper electrical connection.
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Clean the Charging Contacts:
- Remove the battery from the camera (if it's removable).
- Examine the metal charging contacts on the battery and inside the camera's battery compartment.
- Also, inspect the micro-USB or magnetic charging port on the camera itself.
- Use a clean, dry microfibre cloth or a cotton swab to gently wipe away any dust, dirt, or corrosion from all contact points. Do not use water or cleaning solutions.
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Check for Damage: Look for any bent pins in the charging port or damage to the charging cable's connector.
## Step 3: The Correct Charging Procedure
Sometimes, the issue is a simple misunderstanding of how the camera charges.
- Charge the Battery Directly: For cameras with removable batteries, the most reliable method is to charge the battery outside the camera using an official Netgear charging station. This bypasses any potential issues with the camera's internal charging circuit.
- Check the Charging Light: When you plug the camera in, a status LED should light up. A solid or blinking blue or amber light typically indicates charging is in progress. If you see no light at all, it's a strong sign that power is not reaching the camera, pointing back to a problem with the cable, adapter, or outlet.
- Allow Sufficient Time: A fully depleted battery can take several hours to charge. Plug it in and leave it undisturbed for at least 4-6 hours before concluding it's not working.
## Step 4: Software and Battery Health
If the hardware seems fine, the issue could be software-related or the battery itself.
- Restart the Camera: If the camera has some power left, try restarting it through the app. If the battery is completely dead, remove it for a full minute, then re-insert it and try charging again. This can sometimes reset a minor software glitch.
- Check for Firmware Updates: Ensure your camera's firmware is up-to-date. A pending update can sometimes cause unexpected behaviour. You'll need to get some charge into the battery before you can perform an update.
- Consider Battery Age: Rechargeable batteries don't last forever. If your battery is more than two years old and has been through many charge cycles, it may have reached the end of its lifespan. It might show as fully charged but then drain almost instantly. In this case, the only solution is to purchase a new, official replacement battery.
By following these steps, you can effectively troubleshoot why your Netgear camera isn't charging and take the necessary actions to fix it.