How to Fix a Uniview Battery Camera That Won't Charge
A battery-powered security camera that doesn’t charge is a major security risk. If you've plugged in your Uniview (UNV) battery camera and the battery percentage isn't increasing, or the charging light isn't turning on, don't panic. The problem is often simple to fix. This guide will take you through the most common causes and their solutions, from the power source to the camera itself.
Let's start with the most likely culprits and work our way down to less common issues.
## Step 1: Check the Charging Equipment
The problem often lies not with the camera, but with the equipment you're using to charge it.
- Test the Power Outlet: Unplug the camera's charger and plug in something else you know works, like a lamp or phone charger. This will confirm the outlet is providing power.
- Inspect the USB Power Adapter: The square plug that goes into the wall can fail. Swap it with another USB adapter, such as the one from your smartphone. Ensure it has a sufficient power output (e.g., 5V/1A or 5V/2A, as recommended in your camera's manual).
- Inspect the USB Cable: This is a very common point of failure. Charging cables get bent, twisted, and worn out. Look for any signs of damage, fraying, or kinks. Try a different micro-USB or USB-C cable to see if that solves the problem.
Trying a completely different cable and adapter in a known-working outlet will rule out 90% of charging accessory issues.
## Step 2: Consider the Environmental Temperature
Lithium-ion batteries, like the one in your Uniview camera, have built-in safety mechanisms that prevent them from charging in extreme temperatures.
- Too Cold: Charging is often disabled below 0°C (32°F).
- Too Hot: Charging may be disabled above 45°C (113°F).
If your camera is outdoors in freezing weather or in direct, hot sunlight, it may not charge. Bring the camera indoors and let it sit for an hour to reach room temperature before you try charging it again.
## Step 3: Clean the Charging Port and Contacts
Dust, dirt, and moisture can build up in the charging port over time, preventing a solid electrical connection.
- Power off the camera if it has any remaining charge.
- Use a can of compressed air to blow out any loose debris from the charging port on the camera body.
- You can also use a dry, soft-bristled brush (like a new, clean toothbrush) to gently clean the inside of the port.
- Never insert metal objects like paperclips or pins into the port, as this can cause permanent damage.
- If your camera has a removable battery, use a dry cloth to wipe the metal contact points on both the battery and inside the camera housing.
## Step 4: Perform a Power Cycle or Reset
Sometimes, a temporary software glitch can cause the camera to stop recognising that it's been plugged in.
- Power Cycle: If your camera has a removable battery, take it out, wait for 60 seconds, and then reinsert it. If the battery is not removable, look for a 'reboot' option in the app or a physical reset button.
- Factory Reset: This should be your last resort, as it will erase your settings. Look for a small, recessed reset button. You will usually need a paperclip to press and hold it for 10-15 seconds until the camera gives an audio or visual cue that it is resetting. After the reset, you will need to set up the camera again from scratch.
If you have tried all of the above steps and the camera still refuses to charge, it may indicate a failure of the internal battery or charging circuitry. In this case, you will need to contact Uniview customer support for further assistance or to inquire about a warranty claim.