Sony Camera Battery Not Charging? Here’s What to Do.
You're ready for a day of shooting, but when you plug in your Sony camera, nothing happens. The charging light stays off, and the battery icon remains stubbornly empty. A camera that won't charge is a major roadblock for any photographer, whether you're a professional or an enthusiast.
This problem can stem from a variety of sources, including the power source, the charging cable, the battery, or the camera itself. Before you panic, work through these systematic troubleshooting steps to identify and solve the issue.
Start with the Charging Equipment
The most common culprits are the accessories you use to charge the camera. Let's rule them out first.
1. Check the Power Source
Ensure the wall outlet or power strip you are using is working correctly. Plug another device, like a lamp or a phone charger, into the same socket to confirm it's delivering power. If you're using a USB port on a computer, try a different port or, preferably, switch to a dedicated wall adapter. Computer USB ports sometimes don't provide enough power for consistent charging.
2. Inspect the USB Cable
The USB cable is a frequent point of failure. They get bent, twisted, and worn out over time.
- Look for Damage: Carefully inspect the entire length of the cable and both connectors for any signs of fraying, breaks, or bent pins.
- Try a Different Cable: The easiest way to test the cable is to swap it with another one. Make sure you use a high-quality, data-capable cable, not just a cheap 'power-only' one. The original Sony cable is always the best choice.
3. Test the Power Adapter
Just like the cable, the wall adapter can also fail. If you're using a different cable with the same adapter and it's still not working, try a different adapter. Ensure the replacement has a similar or higher power output (measured in Amps or Watts) to the original Sony adapter to ensure it's powerful enough.
Examine the Battery and Camera
If your charging accessories are all working, the problem likely lies with the battery or the camera's charging system.
### Clean the Battery Contacts
Over time, tiny amounts of dust or corrosion can build up on the metal contacts of the battery and inside the camera's battery compartment. This can create a poor connection that prevents charging.
- How to Clean: Remove the battery from the camera. Use a clean, dry microfibre cloth or a cotton swab to gently wipe the gold or silver-coloured contacts on both the battery and inside the camera.
- Re-insert and Test: Place the battery back in the camera, ensuring it clicks securely into place, and try charging again.
### Try Charging Outside the Camera (If Possible)
If you have an external battery charger, this is the best way to determine if the issue is with the battery or the camera.
- Charge the Battery Externally: Place the battery in your external charger. If it charges successfully, you know the battery is fine, and the problem is likely with the camera's internal charging port or circuitry.
- If it Fails to Charge: If the battery still doesn't charge in a known-good external charger, then the battery itself is almost certainly faulty and needs to be replaced.
### Warm Up a Cold Battery
Li-ion batteries do not charge well when they are very cold. If your camera has been left in a cold car or outdoors in winter, bring it inside and let the battery warm up to room temperature for at least an hour before attempting to charge it.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you've tried all the steps above—you've confirmed your cable, adapter, and power source are working, and an external charger also fails to charge the battery (or you don't have one to test with)—it's highly likely you have a dead battery. The best next step is to purchase a new, genuine Sony battery for your camera model.
If a brand new battery also fails to charge inside the camera, then the issue is with the camera's internal hardware, such as the USB port or charging circuit. At that point, you will need to contact Sony support or a professional camera repair shop for diagnosis and service.