RCA Tablet 10 Viking Pro Charger Refurbished: Essential Fix

Losing power to your RCA Tablet 10 Viking Pro can be a real bummer, especially when you need it most. It’s a common problem, but don’t worry! This guide will walk you through exactly how to identify and fix issues with a refurbished charger for your RCA Tablet 10 Viking Pro. We’ll cover everything from common charging problems to simple solutions, so you can get back to using your tablet quickly and confidently.

RCA Tablet 10 Viking Pro Charger Refurbished: Essential Fix

The RCA Tablet 10 Viking Pro is a solid choice for everyday use, whether you’re a student, a busy professional, or just someone who loves to browse and stream. However, like any electronic device, its charging system can sometimes face issues. When you’re looking at a refurbished charger for your RCA Tablet 10 Viking Pro, it’s understandable to have some questions. Is it reliable? What if it doesn’t work? We’re here to break down how to ensure your refurbished RCA Tablet 10 Viking Pro charger is an essential fix, not a frustrating problem.

Understanding Your RCA Tablet 10 Viking Pro Charger

Before diving into troubleshooting, let’s get a basic understanding of what we’re dealing with. The RCA Tablet 10 Viking Pro typically uses a standard USB charging port, often micro-USB or USB-C, depending on the specific model revision. The charger itself, whether new or refurbished, consists of two main parts: the power adapter (the brick that plugs into the wall) and the USB cable.

When you purchase a refurbished charger, it means that a previously used charger has been inspected, repaired if necessary, cleaned, and tested to ensure it functions correctly. This is a fantastic way to save money and reduce electronic waste! However, because it has had a previous life, there’s a slightly higher chance of encountering issues compared to a brand-new unit. Our goal is to empower you to identify and resolve these, making it an “essential fix” for your tablet’s power needs.

Common Charging Issues with RCA Tablet 10 Viking Pro Chargers

When your RCA Tablet 10 Viking Pro isn’t charging, it can be pretty disheartening. Several issues can arise, especially with refurbished units. Let’s look at the most frequent culprits:

• Tablet Not Charging At All: The most obvious sign – your tablet’s battery percentage stays the same or even drops while plugged in.
• Slow Charging: Your tablet takes an unusually long time to charge, or the charging icon indicates slow charging.
• Intermittent Charging: The tablet charges for a while and then stops, or the charging icon flickers on and off.
• Charger Not Recognized: Your tablet might display a message stating that the connected accessory is not supported or is charging slowly.
• Overheating: The charger or the tablet gets excessively hot during charging. (Note: Some warmth is normal, but excessive heat is a concern).
• Physical Damage: Visible wear and tear on the charger cable or adapter.

Why Refurbished Chargers Can Be a Great Option (When Done Right)

Opting for a refurbished charger for your RCA Tablet 10 Viking Pro isn’t just about saving a few bucks; it’s a smart, eco-conscious decision. Here’s why:

• Cost-Effective: Refurbished items are almost always significantly cheaper than their new counterparts.
• Environmentally Friendly: By giving a pre-owned item a new life, you contribute to reducing electronic waste, a growing global problem. According to the EPA, reducing waste is a critical step in environmental sustainability.
• Tested and Certified: Reputable refurbishers test their products thoroughly. A good refurbished charger should meet or exceed the original manufacturer’s standards for performance and safety.
• Warranty Inclusion: Many reputable sellers offer a warranty on refurbished products, giving you peace of mind.

Troubleshooting Your RCA Tablet 10 Viking Pro Charger (Step-by-Step)

Now, let’s get down to fixing potential charging problems. Follow these steps carefully. It’s often simpler than you think!

Step 1: Inspect the Physical Connections

This is the most common place for issues, with or without refurbished accessories.

1. Check the USB Cable: Carefully examine the entire length of the USB cable for any signs of damage. Look for kinks, fraying wires, or cuts, especially near the connectors.
2. Inspect the Connectors: Check both ends of the USB cable (the one that plugs into the tablet and the one that plugs into the adapter). Ensure they are clean and free from debris, lint, or bent pins. You can gently clean them with a dry, soft brush or a toothpick. Be very careful not to damage the pins.
3. Examine the Wall Adapter: Look at the part that plugs into the wall socket. Ensure the prongs are straight and not damaged. Check for any cracks or signs of melting on the plastic casing.
4. Check the Tablet’s Charging Port: Carefully inspect the charging port on your RCA Tablet 10 Viking Pro. Gently remove any lint or debris using a non-metallic tool like a wooden or plastic toothpick. A flashlight can be very helpful here.

Step 2: Test with a Different Power Outlet

Sometimes, the issue isn’t with the charger but with the power source.

1. Try plugging the charger into a different wall socket in your home.
2. If possible, test it in another location (a friend’s house, the office) to rule out problems with your home’s electrical wiring.

Step 3: Test with a Different USB Cable

USB cables are frequently the weak link. If you have another compatible USB cable (one that fits your RCA Tablet 10 Viking Pro and has the same connector type, like micro-USB or USB-C), try using it.

1. Connect the known-good USB cable to your RCA Tablet 10 Viking Pro and the existing wall adapter.
2. Plug it into the wall and see if your tablet starts charging.
3. If it charges with the new cable, your original refurbished cable was likely the problem.

Step 4: Test with a Different Wall Adapter

If a different cable doesn’t solve the problem, the wall adapter might be faulty. If you have another USB wall adapter with similar or identical power output specifications (check the amperage, or ‘A’, rating – it should be the same or higher than what your RCA tablet requires), try using it with your original refurbished USB cable.

1. Use your potentially problematic refurbished USB cable.
2. Connect it to a different, known-working USB wall adapter.
3. Plug it into the wall and check if your tablet charges.
4. If it charges with a different adapter, the original refurbished adapter may be the issue.

Step 5: Test the Charger on Another Device (If Compatible)

If you have another tablet or smartphone that uses the same charging port and is compatible with the charger’s power output, you can test the charger on that device. This helps determine if the charger itself is working correctly or if the issue is specific to your RCA Tablet 10 Viking Pro.

1. Connect the RCA charger (adapter and cable) to another compatible device.
2. See if it charges that device.
3. If it charges another device, the charger is likely fine, and the problem might be with your tablet’s charging port or internal battery/charging circuitry.

Step 6: Restart Your RCA Tablet 10 Viking Pro

Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve software glitches that might be preventing charging.

1. Press and hold the power button on your tablet.
2. Select “Restart” or “Power Off,” and then turn it back on.
3. Once it’s fully booted up, try plugging in the charger again.

Step 7: Check the Battery Health (If Possible via Software)

While RCA tablets don’t always offer deep battery health diagnostics like some higher-end devices, a severely degraded battery can sometimes prevent charging from initiating properly. If your tablet is several years old and has always had battery issues, this might be a contributing factor.

Step 8: Contact the Refurbisher or Seller

If you’ve gone through all the troubleshooting steps and your RCA Tablet 10 Viking Pro still isn’t charging with the refurbished charger, it’s time to reach out to the seller or refurbisher. Most reputable sources offer a warranty period for refurbished items.

• Gather Your Information: Have your order details, the date of purchase, and a description of the problem ready.
• Explain Your Troubleshooting: Let them know what steps you’ve already taken. This shows you’ve done your due diligence and helps them diagnose the issue faster.
• Request a Replacement or Refund: If the charger is faulty and within the warranty period, they should offer a remedy.

When to Consider a New Charger

While refurbished chargers can be excellent, some circumstances might push you towards a brand-new one:

• No Warranty Available: If you purchased a refurbished charger without any warranty, and it fails, you might be out of luck and need to buy a new one.
• Repeated Failures: if you’ve had multiple refurbished chargers fail on you relatively quickly, it might be more cost-effective in the long run to invest in a reputable new charger.
• Urgent Need: If you need your tablet working immediately and can’t wait for a potential replacement from a refurbisher, buying new is the quickest solution.

When buying a new charger, always ensure it’s compatible with your RCA Tablet 10 Viking Pro. Look for chargers specifically listed as compatible or those that match the original specifications. Even a generic charger should meet the amperage (A) and voltage (V) requirements for your tablet. You can usually find this information on your original charger or in your tablet’s manual. For best practices on electronic safety, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) provides consumer guidance on electronic device safety.

Comparing Refurbished vs. New RCA Tablet 10 Viking Pro Chargers

To help you make an informed decision, here’s a quick comparison:

Feature	Refurbished Charger	New Charger
Cost	Lower	Higher
Environmental Impact	Lower (Reduces Waste)	Higher (New Manufacturing)
Reliability	Generally Good (Tested), but potential for past issues	Highest Initial Reliability
Warranty	Varies by seller (often 30-180 days)	Typically 1-2 years
Availability	Can be harder to find the exact model	Easier to find, especially official or certified third-party

Tips for Maintaining Your RCA Tablet 10 Viking Pro Charger

Whether your charger is refurbished or new, proper care can extend its lifespan:

• Avoid Bending Cables Sharply: Don’t wrap the cable too tightly around the adapter or bend it at sharp angles, especially near the connectors.
• Unplug by the Adapter: When disconnecting the charger from the wall or the tablet, pull by the plug itself, not by yanking the cable.
• Keep it Dry: Avoid exposing the charger to moisture or extreme temperatures.
• Use the Right Charger: Always use a charger compatible with your RCA Tablet 10 Viking Pro to avoid damage.
• Store Appropriately: When not in use, store the charger in a safe place, away from potential damage.

Choosing a Reputable Refurbisher

The key to a good refurbished charger experience is buying from a trustworthy source. Here’s what to look for:

• Clear Product Description: The seller should clearly state that the item is refurbished and explain its condition.
• Positive Reviews: Check customer reviews for the seller and the specific product.
• Return Policy: A good return policy is essential.
• Warranty Information: Ensure there’s a warranty included, even if it’s short.
• Established Seller: Look for well-known electronics resellers or eBay PowerSellers with a long history.

When the Problem Might Be Your Tablet

It’s important to remember that while charger issues are common, the problem might sometimes lie with your RCA Tablet 10 Viking Pro itself. Signs that point to your tablet being the issue include:

• The tablet doesn’t charge even with multiple known-good chargers and cables.
• The charging port on the tablet is visibly damaged or loose.
• The tablet exhibits other strange behavior, like random shutdowns or freezing, alongside charging problems.

In such cases, you might need professional repair for your tablet. Services like iFixit offer guides, parts, and repair advice for many devices.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: My RCA Tablet 10 Viking Pro charger is showing it’s charging, but the battery isn’t increasing. What should I do?

This often happens if the charger isn’t providing enough power. Try a different cable, a different adapter, or a wall outlet. Also, restart your tablet. If those don’t work, the charger might be faulty or your tablet’s battery could be the issue.

Q2: Can I use my phone’s charger with my RCA Tablet 10 Viking Pro?

You can often use a phone charger if it has the same connector type (e.g., micro-USB, USB-C) and the amperage (A) rating is the same or higher than your tablet’s original charger. Higher amperage is generally safe, as the tablet only draws what it needs. However, it’s always best to use the charger specifically designed for your tablet for optimal performance and safety.

Q3: How long should a refurbished RCA Tablet 10 Viking Pro charger last?

A well-refurbished charger, from a reputable seller, should last for a considerable time, often mirroring the lifespan of a new charger. However, due to previous use, they can sometimes fail sooner. This is why checking the warranty is crucial.

Q4: Is it safe to buy refurbished electronics chargers?

Yes, it is generally safe to buy refurbished electronics chargers, provided you purchase them from reputable sellers who test and certify their refurbished products. Look for sellers with good reviews and clear warranty policies.

Q5: My refurbished RCA Tablet 10 Viking Pro charger got warm. Is that normal?

A little warmth during charging is normal, especially with extended use. However, if the charger or your tablet becomes excessively hot to the touch, unplug it immediately and stop using it. This could indicate a fault.

Q6: What does “refurbished” mean for an RCA Tablet 10 Viking Pro charger?

Refurbished means the charger was previously owned, then returned, inspected, cleaned, and repaired (if needed) by a professional. It’s then tested to ensure it functions like new. It’s not a used charger that you’re buying “as is” without checks.

Q7: My tablet won’t charge when it’s turned on but charges when off. What’s the problem?

This often means the charger isn’t delivering enough power for the tablet to charge while it’s actively running. Using a charger with higher amperage, or ensuring your current charger/cable isn’t damaged, might help. If the issue persists, it could be a battery health issue or a software glitch.

Conclusion

Dealing with a charging issue for your RCA Tablet 10 Viking Pro, especially with a refurbished charger, can be a minor inconvenience rather than a major disaster. By following these troubleshooting steps, you can effectively diagnose and often resolve common problems.

Remember to always inspect your cables and ports first, then systematically test different components. When you purchase a refurbished RCA Tablet 10 Viking Pro charger, prioritize buying from reputable sources that stand behind their products with warranties. By doing so, you can confidently embrace a cost-effective and eco-friendly charging solution that keeps your tablet powered up and ready for action. If all else fails and your tablet remains stubbornly uncharged, don’t hesitate to contact the seller to leverage any warranty or consider professional assistance for the tablet itself.