How to Charge a Sony Bloggie Camera: USB Charging and Troubleshooting

Originally published in October 2022. Updated in September 2026.

Sony Bloggie cameras were compact video cameras designed for quick clips and casual sharing. They are now discontinued, but many are still perfectly usable. The important point is that Bloggie models do not all charge in exactly the same way: some use a built-in USB arm, while others use a USB port and cable. Check the model number on the camera body before following a manual or buying an accessory.

Charge the camera through USB

For the usual Bloggie setup, charging is done through the camera’s USB connection rather than by removing a battery. Use the original USB cable or built-in USB connector if you still have it, then connect the camera to a powered USB port.

• Turn the camera off if its manual recommends it.
• Connect the Bloggie directly to a powered USB port on a computer or to a suitable USB power source approved for that model.
• Leave it connected without repeatedly unplugging it.
• Check the camera’s charging indicator or screen message; the exact light and charging behaviour varies by model.
• Disconnect it once charging has finished, then test the camera before taking it out.

Do not force a built-in USB arm or connector. If it feels loose, bent or difficult to extend, stop and inspect it carefully. Older cameras can be damaged more easily than current devices.

Find the exact Bloggie model first

Look for a code beginning with MHS- on the camera body or in its menu. That model number is the reliable way to find the correct manual, supported charging method and indicator-light explanation. Avoid generic instructions that tell you to remove a Bloggie battery: many models use an internal rechargeable battery and are not designed for casual battery replacement.

If your Bloggie will not charge

Start with the simple checks before assuming the camera has failed.

• Try another USB port. A direct port on a desktop computer is often more reliable than a low-power hub.
• Try a known-good cable if your model uses one. A cable can supply data but fail to supply stable power.
• Inspect the connector. Dust, corrosion or a bent contact can prevent charging. Use a dry, soft brush only; never scrape the contacts with metal.
• Give an unused camera time. A camera that has been stored for years may need to remain connected for a while before showing any response.
• Rule out heat. Let a very warm or very cold camera return to room temperature before charging it.

If there is still no charging light or screen response after these checks, the internal battery or USB hardware may have reached the end of its life. A repair shop that handles older electronics can assess it. Do not open the camera simply to reach the battery unless you have a model-specific service guide and the necessary experience.

Battery care for an older camera

Age matters more than clever settings with a discontinued compact camera. Store it in a cool, dry place, avoid leaving it in a hot car and recharge it every few months if it will sit unused. Stop using or charging the camera if it becomes unusually hot, the case starts to bulge, or there is a burning smell. Damaged lithium-ion batteries should be dealt with through an electronics-recycling or repair service.

For general battery-care advice that also applies to modern cameras, see Can You Overcharge a Camera Battery?

Make the most of a Sony Bloggie today

A Bloggie is best treated as a simple, lightweight camera for short clips, family moments and casual creative projects. Charge it before you leave, carry a small USB power source only if your specific model supports it, and transfer important clips promptly. Its image quality will not match a current camera phone or dedicated camera, but the compact design and distinctive older-camera look can still be part of the fun.

Bottom line: charge a Sony Bloggie through the USB method specified for its exact MHS model. Do not rely on generic removable-battery instructions, and troubleshoot the cable, port and connector before considering a repair.