What to Do When Your Camera Battery Won't Charge
By The Camera Exchange | Published: 2026-10-18
Category: How-to Guides
If your camera battery won't charge, start with simple checks like contacts and temperature. Then try a different charger or cable. Learn when to replace the battery.
Quick Answer
If your camera battery won't charge, first clean the contacts, check for swelling, and verify the charger is working. If those don't help, try a different charger or cable, and if the battery still won't charge, it's likely time for a replacement.
Why a battery might refuse to charge
A battery that won't charge usually has one of three issues: a dirty or oxidized contact, a protection circuit that has shut down due to deep discharge or heat, or the battery has simply reached the end of its life. Swelling is a clear sign of internal failure—stop using it immediately.
Chargers can also be the culprit. A worn cable, a faulty USB port, or an incompatible charger can all prevent charging. Some chargers have a status light that changes color or blinks to indicate a problem—know what your charger's lights mean.
Trade-offs: fast charging vs. battery health
Fast chargers are convenient, but they generate more heat, which can shorten a battery's lifespan over time. If you're not in a hurry, a standard charger is gentler on the battery. Also, avoid charging in extreme temperatures—cold slows the chemical reaction, and heat can damage the cells.
For travel, a USB charger lets you top up from a power bank or laptop, but it may charge slower than a wall charger. That's a fair trade-off if you need flexibility on the road.
Diagnose Your Charging Problem
- Symptom: The battery won't charge, or the charger's indicator light doesn't turn on or stays red. The battery may be completely dead or only partially charged.
- Likely Cause: Dirty contacts, a deeply discharged battery, a faulty charger or cable, or an aging battery that has lost capacity. Swelling indicates internal damage.
- Corrective Action: Clean the battery and charger contacts with a dry cloth. Check for swelling or damage. Try a different USB cable or wall adapter. If using a dedicated charger, try a different outlet. If the battery still won't charge, try a different charger that is known to work with your battery model. If the battery charges in a different charger, your original charger is faulty—replace it.
- Stop or Choose Another Option: If the battery still won't charge after trying a different charger, or if the battery is swollen, do not force it. Stop using the battery and replace it. For Sony NP-FW50, consider the ProMaster USB Dually Charger; for Panasonic DMW-BLG10, consider the Panasonic travel bundle. Never attempt to open or repair a swollen battery—replace it immediately.
Products that help with charging
- ProMaster USB Dually Charger for Sony NPFW50: The ProMaster USB Dually Charger for Sony NPFW50 is priced at USD 21.26, a savings from the USD 29.95 comparison price, and comes with a Price Guarantee. If your Sony NP-FW50 battery won't charge, this USB charger lets you test whether the problem is your old charger, and it's a budget-friendly replacement that works with the same battery.
ProMaster USB Dually Charger for Sony NPFW50 - Panasonic DMW-BLG10 Li-Ion Battery & Charger Travel Bundle: The Panasonic DMW-BLG10 Li-Ion Battery & Charger Travel Bundle is priced at USD 63.69, a savings from the USD 97.99 comparison price, and includes a battery and charger. If your Panasonic battery is dead and won't charge, this bundle gives you a fresh battery and a dedicated charger, so you don't have to guess which part failed.
Panasonic DMW-BLG10 Li-Ion Battery & Charger Travel Bundle
