Use the charger that came with your camera, or buy a Canon-branded replacement

Canon cameras ship with a specific charger designed for that battery model. The charger's job is to stop charging when the battery is full — overcharging damages the battery faster than almost anything else. Third-party chargers sometimes lack this safety feature, or implement it poorly.

If you've lost your original charger, buy a replacement from Canon directly or from an authorized retailer like B&H Photo or Adorama. The model number is printed on your battery (usually something like LP-E6 or NB-13L). Search that number plus "Canon charger" to find the exact match. A genuine Canon charger costs between $25 and $50 depending on the model.

Off-brand chargers are cheaper, but they carry real risk: they can overcharge, undercharge, or fail to detect a full battery, all of which shorten battery lifespan. If you use one, watch the battery during charging and unplug it as soon as the indicator light changes.

Key Takeaways

  • Canon batteries charge fastest and last longest when you use the charger that came with your camera or a Canon-branded replacement.
  • Lithium-ion batteries (which Canon uses) do not need to fully drain before charging, and charging them partially is actually better for their lifespan.
  • Unplug the charger as soon as the battery is full — leaving it plugged in after charging stops does not help and can degrade the battery over time.
  • Store batteries in a cool, dry place when you are not using them, and avoid leaving a fully charged battery sitting in the charger for weeks.
  • If a battery stops holding a charge after a year or two of regular use, it is worn out and needs replacement — this is normal wear, not a defect.

Plug the battery into the charger, then plug the charger into the wall

Most Canon chargers are compact and designed to sit on a desk or shelf. Slide the battery into the slot — it only fits one way. The charger will have a light indicator (usually red or amber) that shows charging is in progress.

Plug the charger into a standard wall outlet. Charging time varies by battery size and charger model, but typically takes 1.5 to 3 hours for a full charge. Check your camera's manual or the charger itself for the exact time for your model.

Some newer Canon chargers can also charge via USB-C cable, which is useful if you are traveling or want to charge from a laptop or power bank. If your charger has this option, the USB cable will be included in the box.

Watch for the light indicator to show the battery is full

The charger's light tells you what is happening. A red or amber light means the battery is charging. When the light turns green (or stops blinking), the battery is full and you should unplug it.

Do not leave the battery in the charger after it is full. Lithium-ion batteries — which all modern Canon cameras use — do not benefit from "trickle charging" the way older battery types did. Leaving a full battery in the charger for hours or days actually causes it to degrade faster.

If the light does not change after several hours, or if it blinks in an unusual pattern, check your camera's manual for what that pattern means. Some chargers use different blink patterns to indicate problems like a damaged battery or a charger fault.

Charge partially rather than always waiting for empty

Lithium-ion batteries have no "memory effect" — the old idea that you had to fully drain them before recharging. That is not true for Canon batteries. In fact, the opposite is better for longevity: charging a battery when it is at 20 or 30 percent is gentler on it than letting it drop to 5 percent before charging.

If you use your camera daily, charge it every night or every other night, even if the battery is not completely empty. This keeps the battery in a healthier state of charge and extends its overall lifespan by months or even years.

For occasional users, charge the battery before a trip or event, then store it at around 50 percent charge if you will not be using the camera for weeks. A battery stored at full charge degrades faster than one stored at half charge.

Keep the battery and charger in a cool, dry place

Heat is the enemy of lithium-ion batteries. Avoid leaving your charger or battery in direct sunlight, in a hot car, or near a heat source. Room temperature (around 68°F or 20°C) is ideal for both charging and storage.

Moisture can corrode the metal contacts on the battery and charger. If you are in a humid climate, store batteries in a small container with silica gel packets (the kind that come in new electronics boxes). Replace the packets every few months if they are in regular use.

If your charger or battery gets wet, let it dry completely before using it again. Do not try to speed up drying with heat — air dry only.

Replace the battery if it no longer holds a charge

Lithium-ion batteries wear out. After 300 to 500 full charge cycles (roughly 1 to 2 years of regular use), a battery will start to hold less charge. This is normal wear, not a defect or a sign that you are charging wrong.

When a battery no longer holds enough charge to power your camera through a typical shooting session, it is time to buy a replacement. Canon batteries are available from the same retailers where you would buy a charger, and they cost between $40 and $80 depending on the model.

Keep your old battery — it may still hold enough charge for light use, and having a backup is useful for travel or long shooting days. Just do not rely on it as your primary battery.

Troubleshooting: When charging does not work

If the charger light does not turn on at all, first check that the wall outlet is working by plugging in another device (a lamp, for example). If the outlet works but the charger does not, the charger itself may be faulty and will need replacement.

If the charger light comes on but never changes to indicate a full battery, the battery may be damaged. Try charging a different battery in the same charger. If that battery charges normally, your original battery is worn out or defective. If the second battery also does not charge, the charger is faulty.

Corrosion on the battery contacts can also prevent charging. Look at the metal contacts on both the battery and the charger. If they look dark or discolored, gently clean them with a dry cotton swab. Do not use water or cleaning solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I charge my Canon battery in a different brand of charger?

Not safely. Canon batteries have specific voltage and safety requirements. A charger from another brand may not recognize when the battery is full, or may charge at the wrong voltage. Stick with Canon chargers or authorized third-party chargers designed for your specific battery model.

Is it okay to leave my battery in the charger overnight?

Once the battery is full, no. Unplug it as soon as the light indicator shows full charge. Leaving it plugged in after that point does not help and causes the battery to degrade faster over time.

What should I do if my battery gets very hot while charging?

Unplug the charger when ready. A warm battery is normal, but one that is too hot to touch indicates a problem — either a faulty battery or a faulty charger. Let it cool completely, then try charging again. If it gets hot again, stop using that battery or charger and replace it.

Do I need to fully drain my Canon battery before charging it?

No. Modern lithium-ion batteries like the ones in Canon cameras actually last longer if you charge them before they are completely empty. Charging at 20 or 30 percent remaining is better for battery health than waiting until it is nearly dead.

How long should a Canon battery last before I need to replace it?

With normal use and proper charging, most Canon batteries remain usable for 1 to 2 years before they noticeably lose capacity. After 300 to 500 full charge cycles, expect the battery to hold less charge than it did when new. This is normal wear and means it is time to buy a replacement.