When charging your PS Vita systems battery with the AC adaptor and the cables provided with the system, there are a few things you have to be aware of to be sure that it is charged correctly. The connection of these cables should be connected in the following order.
- Connect the USB charging cable to your PSV, ensuring the PS Vita logo on the system and charging cable are both facing up. There have been a few instances of users having problems charging when these logos are mismatched.
- Plug the USB cable into the AC adaptor, then fit the AC power lead into the adaptor. Make sure all connections are tight and not loose.
- Connect the AC power cord to a power outlet. For safety reasons plugging the cord to an electrical outlet should always be done last, ensuring easy access just in the event something should happen.
Sony states that the charging of the PS Vita systems battery via an AC outlet should take 2 hours and 40 minutes, from fully flat (some systems owners suggest the system charges in 2 hours ?.)
Charging PS Vita by USB Cable
You will find that charging the new PS Vita by USB cable is different than the earlier PSP systems. The differences being, the battery of the PS Vita can be charged by USB cable when the battery is entirely flat. Secondly the PSV has to be fully turned off to accept a charge by USB (not in standby mode). Charging the PS Vita by USB cable can be accomplished by following these easy steps –
- Connect your PSV to the USB cable that came with your system (logo facing up), then connect to your PC.
- Make sure your device is completely powered off and not in standby mode. Turn your system off by pressing the power button for 2 seconds, on the screen that appears next tap “Power Off”.
*Please note: that to enable USB charging on the PS Vita, the system must be powered OFF. It will not charge if in standby mode. If you turn the system on while being charged by USB, charging will stop. Before USB charging ensure that USB charging is enabled in the checkbox. If the checkmark is removed you will be unable to supply a charge by USB.
Charging the PSV via USB takes a lot longer by this method, compared to the traditional AC charger. The PS Vita’s internal lithium – ion battery is rated at 2210mah. Sony suggests charging the system by USB from a PC could take up to 6 – 8 hours.
This could be dependent on the age of the PC, you are trying to charge your device from. A standard 2.0 USB charging port can have an output of up to 500mah @ 5v, where a 3.0 USB charging port can have an output of up to 900mah. An older device may not deliver enough current to charge the system.
How to Tell if Your PS Vita is Charging
When charging your PS Vita via an AC outlet while in use, the remaining battery power shows on the information bar as charging. If your system is fully turned off or in standby mode, you will notice that the PS button on the PSV shows an orange light. When the system is fully charged the orange light goes out. You can’t turn your system on, whilst the PS orange light is blinking when charging by AC. When the light stops blinking the systems battery has enough power to be turned on, while still being charged by AC.
When your PS Vita system is charged by USB, no indication of charging will show on the information bar, as the system has to be completely turned off. An orange light will appear on the PS button, when charging is complete the light goes out.
If you are in doubt weather the USB port you are using, can supply enough current to charge your PS Vita. Try turning the system off and connecting to the USB port, the PS button will light up orange. Leave connected for a couple of hours, disconnect and see if it shows more battery power on the info bar. If the port has increased the battery power, turn off, and reconnect remember it may take up to 6 – 8 hours.
*If you have any further information that could be of use on this subject. Please send information via the contact page.
