Taking care of a camera battery is an essential part of the routine care you provide to your beloved accessory. However, the process isn’t always as easy as just plugging the camera into the charger and calling it a day. As someone who has struggled with a non-charging battery, I can attest to the stress that comes with this issue. So what can you do when your Sony A7 battery doesn’t charge even when you plug it in?
In case you’re struggling with charging the battery for your Sony A7, there are a few ways you can resolve this issue:
- Check that you are using the correct battery type.
- Assess the battery for dirt, damage, or issues.
- Always use the correct battery charger for your camera.
- If charging via USB, make sure your computer is not on Sleep Mode.
- Download any additional drivers you may need to recognize the camera.
- Try replacing the battery or using another USB port.
Let’s say you’re stuck and can’t get the Sony A7 camera battery to work. In that case, this is the perfect article for you! Keep reading through as we explore the different scenarios where you can assess the issues in your Sony A7, regardless of how you are choosing to charge the camera.
What To Do When Your Sony A7 Battery Won’t Charge
Getting the Sony A7 camera to charge is usually a pretty straightforward process. However, at times you can run into problems with charging your camera. In that situation, here are some of the most common troubleshooting tips you should consider when charging your camera with a charger that you plug into an outlet.
Check Your Camera Battery
One of the first places you look whenever you run into an issue with charging is the camera battery. This is because the last thing you want is to have to replace the battery, as that can end up being quite costly. So, to rule out issues, start by checking that the battery is compatible with the camera you are using. You can check this information through the informational manual you get with your camera.
There is even a section on the official Sony website where you can look for the correct battery. All you need to do is to enter the model number and then navigate to Power and Battery/Power to find the correct battery type to use with your Sony A7 camera. It would be best if you only shopped for batteries on the official Sony website. Using third-party batteries can be detrimental to the life of your camera.
Assess The Battery Status
Now that you know you are using the correct battery, the next step is to check the status of your battery. You can start by taking out the battery and reinserting it into the camera using the correct method as you see in the manual. Then, you should check if the charge lamp lights up. If this happens, that means your battery is working correctly.
However, if this doesn’t work, there is a chance there is dirt on your battery or the terminal. In some cases, there is a chance the battery is not working correctly. In that case, clean the terminals of the battery space with a microfibre cloth and try again. If the problem persists, it is likely the issue at hand is either the charger or the battery itself.
Related: 5 Best Flashes For Sony A7III
Ensure Charger Is Working Correctly
Now that you have evaluated the battery, there is one thing to look at before you can consider a replacement. Check the adapter, and the first step is to make sure the adapter and cable you use are effective and compatible. It would be best to stick to official accessories from Sony, as third-party chargers can damage your battery and affect charging capabilities and time.
You should make sure the charger is working fine, and then you can reevaluate the status of your battery by readjusting it and trying charging again. If the charger is the correct type and seems to be functional, you may have to replace your battery after all. In that case, you can navigate to the section below before you try to go to the Sony website and purchase a compatible battery for your A7 camera.
When A Rechargeable Battery Won’t Charge
Let’s say you have tried all of the steps above, and the battery still won’t work. It is possible that at this stage, you are considering replacing the battery, but the first step is to rule out the following fixes. First and foremost, this section is unlikely to help if you use a third-party battery. However, you can proceed to follow instructions if you have a Sony battery.
Consider the environment around you while you charge your Sony A7 camera. It would be best always to do this in the appropriate temperature range. This is between 50-86 degrees Fahrenheit. In environments that are too hot or too cold, you are likely to face issues while charging. In fact, extreme temperatures can also severely damage the battery and affect charging in the future as well.
If you are using the battery after a while, you may face a problem while charging. For example, the indicator may flash on and off. This is also something that can happen with a new battery. However, you can fix this by reinserting the battery, so it is in the right place. Another thing to keep in mind is that the camera should always be Off when you are charging.
If your battery is still causing trouble after all of this troubleshooting, it is time to contact customer support. You can take your camera and battery to the nearest service store and ask for help or support. It would help if you also took the USB cable and adapter with you so you could rule them out. If the service professionals let you know it is needed, you can then opt for a replacement for the battery or the charger.
When A Camera Doesn’t Charge Via USB Connection
If you choose to charge your camera through a USB connection, there are some extra troubleshooting steps you should consider. For example, always try to delay Sleep Mode on your computer as that can cause charging to cease. In some instances, you may need to install a separate driver to get your computer to recognize the camera. You can also rule out problems by trying out an additional charging port or cable.
Conclusion
Getting your camera to work when charging seems easy, but things can always go wrong. We hope this troubleshooting guide has helped you get to the bottom of the issue!