Battery Problems

Troubleshooting guide for power and battery-related issues.

Battery Not Charging

Symptoms:

• Battery percentage not increasing
• No charging indicator or progress
• Device shuts down when unplugged

Solutions:

1. Verify Power Source

   • Use included Pi5 power adapter (5V/3A). This is supplied specifically for wall-powered use. If you purchased the Canakit Starter Kit, one is included in the box.
   • Try different wall outlet
   • Verify that a circuit breaker did not flip shut
   • Avoid low-power USB ports on computers

2. Check Charging Cable

   • Ensure USB-C cable is fully inserted into the power in port on the Pi5
   • Try a different USB-C cable
   • Check for damage to cable or port, perhaps a bent port

3. Check LED Status

   ⚠️

   Common meaning around battery pack charge state it might be different on your model.

   • LED Color and (Status):
   • Red flashing (Charging)
   • Red solid (Low battery)
   • Green solid (Fully charged)
   • Amber (Charging error)

4. Temperature Check

   ⚠️

   Device may refuse to charge if too hot or too cold.

   • Allow device to reach room temperature
   • Don't charge in direct sunlight
   • Ensure ventilation isn't blocked

Battery Draining Too Fast

Expected Runtime: 6+ hours typical use

Symptoms:

• Battery depletes faster than 6 hours
• Sudden battery drops
• Inconsistent battery readings

Solutions:

1. Check Number of Users

   • More connected users = faster drain
   • Expected: 6+ hours with 3-5 users
   • With 10-15 users: 4-5 hours

2. Check Content Usage

   • Video streaming uses more power
   • Audio streaming uses less power
   • Text browsing uses minimal power

Device Won't Power On

Symptoms:

• No response when pressing power button
• No LED indicators
• Completely unresponsive

Solutions:

1. Charge the Battery

   • Connect to charger for at least 30 minutes
   • Completely depleted batteries may show no immediate response
   • Wait for charging LED to appear

2. Hard Reset

   • Hold power button for 15 seconds
   • Release and wait 10 seconds
   • Press power button normally

3. Check for Physical Damage

   • Inspect device for damage
   • Check ports for debris
   • Ensure no moisture in ports

Battery Percentage Incorrect

Symptoms:

• Battery shows 100% then immediately drops
• Percentage jumps around
• Shows 0% but device still works

Solutions:

1. Calibrate Battery

   1. Charge to 100%
   2. Use device until it shuts down (0%)
   3. Charge uninterrupted to 100%
   4. Battery meter should now be accurate
   

Extending Battery Life

Best Practices

1. Optimal Charging

   • Charge between 20% and 80% for daily use
   • Full 0-100% cycles monthly for calibration
   • Avoid leaving on charger 24/7

2. Usage Optimization

   • Limit concurrent users when possible
   • Prefer audio over video content
   • Disable WiFi when not in use

3. Storage Guidelines

   • Store at 50-60% charge
   • Recharge every 3 months if stored
   • Keep in cool, dry location

Expected Battery Lifespan

• New Device: 6+ hours runtime
• After 1 Year: 5+ hours runtime (typical)
• After 2 Years: 4+ hours runtime (typical)
• Charge Cycles: 500+ cycles expected

Battery Replacement

Signs you may need battery replacement:

• Runtime less than 3 hours with light use
• Battery health below 60%
• Physical swelling of battery (immediately replace your battery - this is very dangerous!)
• Rapid capacity drops

Contact support if you believe you need a battery replacement.

Battery performance benchmarks will be updated with real-world data from beta testing.