This article highlights few methods to apply in charging the Nikon Camera battery. Nikon batteries comes in different varieties; there are the ones that can can be recharged with a mobile charger and some with a USB cable.
How to charge a Nikon camera battery
Here’s a few options on how to charge a Nikon camera battery:
#1. Use a plug adapter
To charge a Nikon camera battery, use the plug adapter included in your camera. You have to connect the plug adapter to the charging AC adapter. Be careful and don’t remove it forcefully once connected as this could damage the camera.

Note that the shape of the plug adapter varies according to country or region, so check them before you purchase.
When plugged in to the camera to charge, the power-on lamp will flash green while the battery is charging once it is connected to an electric outlet. The power -lamp will go off once charging is complete, unplug the charging AC adapter from the electric adapter, then disconnect the cable.
#2. Use the USB cable
The recommended USB cable for Nikon cameras is the UC-E21. Any other cable if used can result in overheating, electric shock, or a fire.
- Open the battery door located at the bottom of the Camera.
- Check for two metal battery connectors at the far end.
- Make sure it is clean. You can use a screw driver and some cotton to clean it off.
- Insert the battery and switch off the camera so it can charge. It won’t charge if it is on.
- Lift up the prongs on the AC adapter upwards and insert the little end of the USB cable into the camera’s bottom.
- Connect to the other end to a computer’s USB port or AC adapter.
- Plug the AC adapter into a power source. A green battery will blink on the camera’s LCD indicating the battery is charging.
- Wait for about 2 hours and 20 minutes, approximately 3hours for the battery to fully charge. The power battery will switch off.
Ensure you unplug the Adapter and USB cable after charge. Always check the shape and direction of the plugs, do not insert or remove plugs at an angle.
#3. Use DC source and resistor
Look for a good DC power source, you can buy from reputable retailers online. Check the battery voltage first to determine the kind of resistor good for power flow to your camera. The amp will be good as a ruse, while the bulb can act as a regulator.
#4. Use a mobile charger
This method works for the Nikon D3400 DSLR camera. The model charger that can be used is MH-25 for the battery model EN-ELI4a . Simply remove the battery from the camera and place in an external charger. Connect to a power source and wait for it to complete charging.
#5. Use power bank

You can use a power bank to power up your camera when it is down. The recommended power bank is the New Age, Oraimo, Samsung, and any other trusted brand.
#6. Use a car battery
You can transfer some power from a car battery to the camera’s battery. You have to buy connectors capable of transferring charges.
- Remove the car battery.
- Plug into the connectors connected to the car battery. Some of the car battery charge will be transferred to the Nikon Camera battery.
- Use a bulb to regulate the power, and do not leave the battery to charge stay around to monitor it.
#7. Use friction
This procedure is used when you just want to kick start the camera’s battery for a small time. It lacks the sufficient power to power the battery for a long time. This is therefore not a genuine battery charge, use it when you urgently need to power the camera. Friction generates heat, so rub the battery against your hand or a flat surface to get power to turn in the camera.
#8. Replace the battery
If the battery is entirely dead and won’t come up when charged, simply replace the batteries. Each Nikon Camera model has its own set of batteries, each has a warranty from the manufacturer. You can contact the manufacturer and request for a replacement.
Caution:
- Use genuine batteries.
- Ensure power is coming from the main source, disconnect and reattach cable and ensure it is properly inserted on both ends.
- Use a new USB when the old one is bad.
- Replace old batteries.
- You can operate the camera while the battery is charging.
- Always check the shape and direction of the plugs before inserting. Do not insert or remove plugs carelessly.
Why is Nikon battery not charging properly?
- An ambient temperature is not suitable for charging a Nikon camera battery.
- Not connecting USB cable or Charging AC adapter properly.
- Battery is damaged.
How to optimize Nikon camera battery
- Turn off image stabilization.
- Use inbuilt flash(if any).
- Dim LCD screen brightness.
- Replace old batteries.
- Avoid extreme low or high temperature.
That is all you need to know about how to charge a Nikon camera battery. Any of these options works perfectly well.
FAQs
Can a mobile charger charge a Nikon D3200 battery?
Yes. The model battery is the Li-ion EN-EL14 battery you can recharge it. It is a MH-24 Charger, with an output of 8.4 V and 0.9 A, just the perfect charger for this. You can utilize a mobile charger since 8.4 V and 0.9 A are needed to recharge the batteries.
Can a power bank charge DSLR?
Yes. You can charge DSLR with a power bank. However the timing to charge the battery is different from the time to charge the battery at home on an electric supply. Power banks are portable and can be carried around, a good photographer should own one.
Are all Nikon batteries the same?
In terms of performance, no. But in terms of utilization, yes.
How long does Nikon battery last?
Nikon Battery can last up to three to four hours. It will last longer if you use it for just photography than for videos. You can absolutely leave the battery in the camera, however turn it off to avoid drainage.