Why a Canon LP-E17 Battery Stops Charging
If your Canon LP-E17 battery is not charging, the problem is usually easier to diagnose than it looks.
The issue often comes down to the battery itself, the charger, the power source, or dirty or damaged contacts.
The LP-E17 is a lithium-ion battery used in many Canon EOS cameras, including entry-level and midrange DSLR and mirrorless models.
Like all rechargeable camera batteries, it depends on proper voltage, clean electrical contact, and a compatible charger to complete a charge cycle.
Quick Checks Before You Troubleshoot Further
Before assuming the battery has failed, verify the basics.
Many charging problems are caused by simple setup issues rather than hardware damage.
- Confirm the charger is designed for the Canon LP-E17.
- Check whether the battery is inserted in the correct orientation.
- Use a known-working wall outlet or USB power source.
- Inspect the charger indicator light for error patterns or no light at all.
- Try a second LP-E17 battery if one is available.
If the charger works with one battery but not another, the battery is the likely cause.
If neither battery charges, the charger or power supply is more likely at fault.
How the Canon LP-E17 Charging System Works
The Canon LP-E17 does not charge inside the camera body.
It charges externally in a dedicated charger, such as Canon’s original charger or a compatible third-party model.
The charger monitors battery voltage and temperature, then stops charging when the battery reaches full capacity.
Because lithium-ion batteries rely on internal protection circuitry, a battery that has been deeply discharged, stored improperly, or exposed to heat may appear dead even though it is not permanently ruined.
In some cases, the charger cannot initiate charging until the battery voltage rises above a minimum threshold.
Common Reasons the LP-E17 Battery Is Not Charging
1. Dirty or oxidized contacts
Battery terminals and charger contacts can accumulate dust, skin oils, oxidation, or residue.
Even a thin layer of contamination can interrupt the flow of current and prevent charging.
2. Faulty charger
A defective charger may not supply power, may fail to read the battery correctly, or may show a misleading status light.
This is especially common with aging third-party chargers or damaged charging cables.
3. Bad power source or cable
If the charger uses a detachable USB cable, the cable may be the problem rather than the charger.
Low-quality USB ports, loose connectors, or underpowered adapters can also prevent the LP-E17 from charging properly.
4. Battery degradation
Lithium-ion batteries wear out over time.
If your Canon LP-E17 has gone through many charge cycles, holds less runtime, or gets warm quickly, the internal cells may no longer accept a charge reliably.
5. Overheating or temperature protection
Most modern batteries and chargers have built-in protection.
If the battery is too hot or too cold, charging may pause until it returns to a safe range.
This can happen after shooting in direct sun or leaving gear in a vehicle.
6. Incorrect or incompatible charger
Not every battery charger labeled “LP-E17 compatible” is equally reliable.
Some low-cost models have poor fit, weak voltage regulation, or inconsistent charge detection.
Incompatibility can lead to slow charging, no charging, or premature stop signals.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting for Canon LP-E17 Battery Not Charging
Step 1: Inspect the battery and charger visually
Look for swelling, cracks, bent terminals, corrosion, or burn marks.
If the battery is swollen or physically damaged, stop using it immediately.
Do not try to force it into the charger.
Step 2: Clean the contacts
Use a dry microfiber cloth or a clean, lint-free swab to gently wipe the metal contacts on both the battery and charger.
If residue remains, lightly dampen a swab with isopropyl alcohol and let everything dry completely before retrying.
Step 3: Try a different outlet or USB adapter
Unstable or weak power can prevent charging.
Plug the charger into another outlet or use a wall adapter with the correct output specifications.
If your charger depends on USB power, avoid unpowered hubs and low-output ports on laptops.
Step 4: Test another LP-E17 battery
This is one of the most useful checks.
If a second LP-E17 charges normally, the original battery is likely at end of life.
If the second battery also fails, focus on the charger or power source.
Step 5: Leave the battery in the charger longer
In some cases, a deeply discharged battery needs extra time before the charger recognizes it.
A battery that has been unused for months may take longer to show a charging indicator, especially if it was stored near empty.
Step 6: Use an official Canon charger or trusted replacement
If the problem persists, test the battery with a Canon-branded charger or a reputable third-party unit with strong reviews and the correct specifications.
Reliable chargers usually provide clearer status indicators and better compatibility.
Signs the Battery Is the Problem
Some symptoms point more directly to battery failure than charger failure.
- The battery charges intermittently or only when positioned a certain way.
- The battery drains much faster than it used to.
- The battery gets unusually warm while charging.
- The battery has been stored for a long time in a fully depleted state.
- The charger works fine with another LP-E17 battery.
These signs usually indicate cell aging, internal resistance issues, or protection circuit failure.
When the Charger Is the Problem
A charger issue is more likely if you notice one of these patterns:
- No indicator light appears when the charger is plugged in.
- The light flashes in an error pattern with every battery.
- The charger feels loose or the battery does not seat securely.
- Charging stops immediately after insertion.
- Multiple batteries fail in the same charger.
For older chargers, worn contacts can create a poor connection even when the electronics are still functional.
A simple replacement often solves the problem faster than repeated repairs.
Can You Revive a Deeply Discharged LP-E17 Battery?
Sometimes, yes.
A deeply discharged battery may be recoverable if it is not damaged and the protection circuit has merely shut it down.
However, this depends on the charger’s ability to detect and safely begin charging a low-voltage battery.
Do not attempt risky methods such as bypassing protection circuits, freezing the battery, or applying improvised power sources.
Those approaches can damage the battery further or create a fire risk.
If a battery will not recover after normal charging attempts, replacement is the safer option.
How to Prevent Future Charging Problems
Good battery care reduces the odds of another charging failure.
Canon LP-E17 batteries last longer when they are stored and used correctly.
- Store batteries at around 40% to 60% charge for long periods.
- Avoid leaving batteries in hot cars or direct sunlight.
- Use the correct charger and avoid unreliable knockoffs.
- Keep contacts clean and dry.
- Rotate between batteries if you own more than one.
- Recharge before the battery is fully depleted whenever possible.
For travel and field shooting, carry a spare LP-E17 battery and a charger known to work reliably with your camera model.
When to Replace the Canon LP-E17 Battery
Replace the battery if it no longer holds a meaningful charge, fails in multiple chargers, shows physical damage, or powers the camera only briefly after a full charge.
Replacement is also the right choice when the battery has aged enough that troubleshooting no longer improves performance.
When buying a replacement, check the exact compatibility with your Canon EOS model, since some third-party batteries are marketed broadly but do not perform equally well across devices.
A reputable LP-E17 replacement should fit securely, charge normally, and provide stable runtime under typical shooting conditions.
What to Do If the Problem Still Isn’t Fixed
If your Canon LP-E17 battery is still not charging after trying another outlet, cleaning contacts, testing a second battery, and swapping chargers, the issue may involve a damaged battery pack or a defective charging accessory.
At that point, replacing the charger or battery is usually more practical than continued troubleshooting.
If you use your camera professionally or for travel, it is worth keeping a spare charger and at least one backup battery.
That small setup change can prevent downtime when charging problems appear unexpectedly.