Charging issues

The device state of charge is represented by a red notification LED.

See also

Librem 5 Indicator LEDs

A number of problems can prevent the phone from charging. These include a poor cable connection, insufficient power, thermal regulation issues and discharged batteries. This page describes these problems and some of the diagnostic tests that can be used to overcome them.

Inadequate power supply

Ensure that you use a power supply capable of providing at least 10 W of power. The OEM power supply supplied with your phone is recommended.

Poor cable connection

Power is supplied to the phone using a USB-C cable. Although this connector can be inserted into the socket on the phone in either orientation – it can be flipped over – some cables do not supply power in both cases. If there are charging with specific cables, flip the plug over and insert it into the device in the other orientation.

Discharged battery

If the battery is completely or almost completely discharged, the phone will not be able to stay powered for long enough to manage the charging process. Follow the recharging procedure below.

Other issues

Problems due to thermal regulation and insufficient power can be diagnosed by examining the LED indicator light when a power supply is connected to the phone. See LED indicator colors for further advice.

Recharging procedure

If your phone fails to charge, or discharges while connected to a power source during use, follow these steps:

  1. Unplug the device from any connected power supply or USB peripheral.

  2. Switch all hardware killswitches to the disabled position to remove power to the modem, WLAN, camera and microphone.

  3. Remove the battery.

  4. Press and hold the Volume Up button.

  5. Plug the provided USB-C charger into the phone. The indicator LED should flash red. If the light remains off, try repeating the previous steps but with the USB-C cable plugged into the phone in the opposite orientation.

  6. Carefully insert the battery and reattach the rear cover. The notification LED should now illuminate a solid red and should not flash.

  7. Wait 1 second, then release the Volume Up button.

  8. Wait at least 1 hour for the battery to charge.

  9. Press the Power button until the green notification LED is illuminated. Release the Power button and the device should boot.

See also