How Long to Charge an Action Camera Battery (1,720 mAh)?
Charging an Action Camera Battery (1,720 mAh) from empty to full takes about 54 min with its standard 10W charger. The battery holds roughly 6.4 Wh, and this page estimates the time for every common charger wattage, using the Lithium-ion (Li-ion / Li-Po) chemistry it actually uses.
Charge time calculator for Action Camera Battery (1,720 mAh)
Estimated charge time
54 min
Includes the slower li-ion taper phase above 80%.
Charge time by charger wattage
| Charger | Power | Full charge (0-100%) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard USB charger | 5W | 1 h 48 min |
| Fast USB charger | 10W | 54 min |
| USB-C PD charger | 18W | 30 min |
Battery capacity: 6.4 Wh · Chemistry: li-ion
The removable battery design of action cameras offers a significant practical advantage for field shooters: you can keep a fully charged spare in your pocket while one powers your device, effectively doubling your shooting window without carrying a bulky external charger. This modular approach makes it easy to rotate batteries during extended adventures—whether you're capturing waterlogged diving sequences or high-altitude hiking footage. Because these lithium-ion cells are compact yet energy-dense, they maintain consistent power output throughout their discharge cycle, ensuring your camera performs reliably even as the battery depletes, rather than delivering the gradual dimming you might experience with older battery chemistries.
To maximize the lifespan of your action camera battery, avoid storing it in fully charged or fully depleted states for extended periods; a partial charge kept in a cool, dry place will preserve the chemical stability of the lithium-ion cells over months of inactivity. Since these batteries are often used in rugged environments—extreme temperatures, humidity, or physical jostling—inspect the contacts occasionally for corrosion or debris before inserting into your charger, and never force a battery into its slot. When traveling, always pack spare batteries in your carry-on rather than checked luggage, as lithium-ion cells are subject to specific aviation regulations.
With the fastest charger listed here (USB-C PD charger, 18W) it takes about 30 min. With the slowest (Standard USB charger, 5W) it takes about 1 h 48 min. The removable battery used by most compact action cameras.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does it take to charge an Action Camera Battery (1,720 mAh)?
- From 0% to 100% with the standard 10W charger, it takes about 54 min. Using a faster charger shortens that; using a weaker one extends it, see the table above for exact numbers.
- Can I charge my action camera battery while it's still inside the camera, or do I need to remove it first?
- Most compact action cameras charge the battery in situ via a built-in USB port, so you won't need to remove it for routine charging. However, removable batteries offer the flexibility to take the cell out and use a standalone charger, which is especially handy if you want to charge one battery while shooting with another. Check your camera's manual to confirm whether your model supports in-camera charging, as some designs prioritize simplicity while others leave it up to your preference.
- My action camera battery drains quickly even when the camera is powered off—is that normal?
- Lithium-ion batteries have a natural self-discharge rate, so some capacity loss over weeks or months is expected and not a sign of failure. However, if you notice dramatic drain over just a few days of storage, the battery's internal circuitry or your camera's power management might be drawing parasitic current. Try storing the battery separately from the camera in a cool environment, and if the problem persists, the battery may have reached end-of-life and should be recycled according to your local regulations for lithium-ion waste.
- How is this charge time calculated?
- We divide the energy needed (6.4 Wh times the percentage you're charging) by the charger's effective power, which is the charger's wattage times the battery chemistry's real-world charging efficiency (85% for Lithium-ion (Li-ion / Li-Po)). The same formula powers both this page and our API.
ChargeTimeCalculatorestimates are based on typical charger efficiency and battery chemistry, not a live connection to your device. Always follow your manufacturer's charging guidance.