RCA Tablet 10 Viking Pro Keyboard Not Charging: Proven Fix

If your RCA Tablet 10 Viking Pro keyboard isn’t charging, start by checking the charging cable and port for debris. Often, a simple cleaning or trying a different cable resolves the issue. If that doesn’t work, test the keyboard’s connection to the tablet and explore software-related fixes like restarting both devices. We’ll guide you through these easy steps to get your keyboard powered up again!

It can be incredibly frustrating when your RCA Tablet 10 Viking Pro keyboard suddenly stops charging. This is a common hiccup for many tablet users, and it can really interrupt your workflow or entertainment. You might be wondering if your trusty keyboard is suddenly broken or if there’s a simple fix you’re overlooking. Don’t worry! Most of the time, this issue is easily resolved without needing a technician.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through a series of straightforward troubleshooting steps. We’ll start with the most common and simplest solutions and move towards slightly more involved ones. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of why your keyboard might not be charging and, more importantly, how to fix it yourself. Let’s get your keyboard back to full power!

Why Isn’t My RCA Tablet 10 Viking Pro Keyboard Charging?

Several factors can prevent your RCA Tablet 10 Viking Pro keyboard from charging. Understanding these potential causes is the first step to finding the right solution. It’s often a combination of physical connection issues, power source problems, or even subtle software glitches. Let’s explore the most frequent culprits:

• Dirty or Damaged Charging Port: Dust, lint, or other debris can accumulate in the keyboard’s charging port, preventing a solid connection. A worn or damaged port can also be the cause.
• Faulty Charging Cable or Adapter: The USB cable or the power adapter you’re using might be damaged, worn out, or simply not delivering enough power.
• Power Outlet Issues: The electrical outlet you’re using might not be working, or it could be an outlet that doesn’t provide consistent power.
• Incorrect Connection to the Tablet: The keyboard might not be properly seated or magnetically attached to the tablet, interrupting the charging signal.
• Software Glitches: Occasionally, a temporary software issue on the tablet or within the keyboard’s firmware can interfere with charging.
• Battery Issues: While less common for newer accessories, an internal battery defect can develop over time.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting: Proven Fixes

Let’s dive into the practical steps you can take to fix your RCA Tablet 10 Viking Pro keyboard not charging. We’ll start with the easiest checks and progress to more involved solutions.

Step 1: Inspect and Clean the Charging Port

This is by far the most common reason for charging issues. Dirt and debris love to hide in small spaces.

1. Locate the Charging Port: On your RCA Tablet 10 Viking Pro keyboard, find the small port where you plug in the charging cable. It’s usually a micro-USB or sometimes a USB-C port.
2. Visual Inspection: Hold the keyboard under a good light and look closely into the port. Do you see any visible dust bunnies, lint, or other gunk?
3. Gentle Cleaning:
   • For dry debris: Use a can of compressed air to gently blow out any loose particles. Hold the can upright and use short bursts.
   • For stubborn debris: You can very carefully use a non-metallic item like a wooden toothpick or a plastic dental pick. Gently scrape around the inside edges of the port. Never use metal objects, as they can short-circuit or damage the pins.
   • Consider a soft brush: An old, clean, dry toothbrush (just the bristles!) can sometimes dislodge tiny particles.
4. Re-attempt Charging: After cleaning, plug in your charging cable and see if it now indicates charging.

Step 2: Test Your Charging Accessories

The cable and adapter are essential for power delivery. A faulty one can mimic a keyboard problem.

• Try a Different USB Cable: If you have another compatible USB cable (e.g., micro-USB or USB-C, depending on your keyboard), try using that one. Cables can fray internally or have loose connections that aren’t visible.
• Test the Power Adapter: If your keyboard came with a specific power adapter, try using it to charge another compatible small electronic device to see if it works.
• Use a Different Power Source: Plug the adapter and cable into a different wall outlet. You could also try charging via a powered USB port on a computer, although this might charge slower.
• Check Tablet Charging: Ensure your RCA Tablet 10 Viking Pro itself is charging correctly using its own charger. This confirms the power outlet and adapter are functional.

Step 3: Ensure Proper Keyboard and Tablet Connection

The RCA Tablet 10 Viking Pro often uses a magnetic or pogo pin connection between the tablet and keyboard. An improper connection can sometimes affect charging if it’s designed to draw power or signal charging status through this connection.

• Disconnect and Reconnect: Gently detach the keyboard from the tablet. Then, reattach it, making sure it snaps securely into place. Listen for any clicking sounds that indicate a proper lock.
• Align Pins: If your keyboard uses visible charging pins (pogo pins), check them for dirt or damage in addition to the port cleaning in Step 1. Ensure the corresponding pins on the tablet are also clean.
• Check for Tablet Power: Sometimes, the keyboard can only charge when the tablet is adequately powered or even charging itself. Make sure your tablet has some battery life.

Step 4: Reboot Your Devices

A simple restart can often clear temporary software glitches that might be interfering with charging detection.

1. Restart the Tablet: Turn off your RCA Tablet 10 Viking Pro completely. Press and hold the power button, then select “Restart” or “Power Off” and then turn it back on.
2. Restart the Keyboard (If Applicable): Some keyboards have a power button or a reset mechanism. If yours does, try toggling it off and on. For most RCA keyboards, this usually involves disconnecting from the tablet and reconnecting.
3. Attempt Charging Again: Once both devices are back on, plug in the charger to the keyboard and see if it starts charging.

Step 5: Check for Software Updates

Outdated software can sometimes cause compatibility issues, including problems with peripheral charging.

• Connect to Wi-Fi: Ensure your RCA Tablet 10 Viking Pro is connected to a stable internet connection.
• Go to Settings: On your tablet, navigate to the “Settings” app.
• Find System Updates: Look for an option like “System,” “About Tablet,” or “Software Update.”
• Check for Updates: Tap on “Check for updates.” If an update is available, download and install it. Your tablet will likely restart during this process.
• Re-check Keyboard Charging: After the update, see if the keyboard charges.

For context on how crucial updates are, you can read about the importance of regular software updates for security and functionality on government sites like CISA’s guidance on software updates.

Step 6: Try a Different Charging Method (If Available)

Does your RCA Tablet 10 Viking Pro keyboard have more than one way to charge? Some might have a dedicated power input, while others may charge through the tablet connection.

• Dedicated Charging Port: If it has its own charging port separate from the tablet connection, ensure you’re using that one correctly.
• Tablet-Powered Charging: If it’s supposed to charge via the tablet connection, ensure the tablet itself has sufficient battery and is properly connected. Check the tablet’s battery indicator to see if it’s actively charging or maintaining its level.

Step 7: Evaluate the Battery Health

If none of the above steps work, it’s possible the keyboard’s internal battery is failing or has reached the end of its lifespan. This is less likely with newer devices but can happen with older or heavily used keyboards.

Unfortunately, most tablet keyboards do not offer user-replaceable batteries. If you suspect a battery issue after exhausting all other troubleshooting steps, it might indicate that the keyboard needs to be replaced.

When to Consider Professional Help or Replacement

After trying all the troubleshooting steps, if your RCA Tablet 10 Viking Pro keyboard still refuses to charge, it’s time to consider your next steps. The reality is that electronic devices can and do fail, especially after extended use.

• Contact RCA Support: If your keyboard is still under warranty, the first step should be to contact RCA customer support. They can guide you through any manufacturer-specific troubleshooting steps or arrange for a repair or replacement if necessary. You can often find contact information on the RCA website or in your tablet’s user manual.
• Check Repair Options: If out of warranty, research reputable local electronics repair shops. However, be aware that specialized tablet and keyboard repairs can sometimes be costly, and it might not always be economical compared to buying a new accessory.
• Consider a Replacement: For budget-friendly tablets like many RCA models, replacement parts or new accessories can often be more affordable than professional repairs. Look for official RCA replacement keyboards or compatible third-party options.

Troubleshooting Summary Table

Here’s a quick reference to the troubleshooting steps. If a step doesn’t fix the issue, move on to the next.

Step	Action	Likelihood of Fixing	Notes
1	Clean Charging Port	High	Use compressed air or a non-metallic pick.
2	Test Charging Accessories	Medium	Try a different USB cable and power adapter.
3	Check Keyboard Connection	Medium	Ensure it’s securely attached to the tablet.
4	Reboot Tablet and Keyboard	Low to Medium	Clears temporary software glitches.
5	Check for Software Updates	Low	Ensure tablet OS is up-to-date.
6	Try Alternative Charging Method	N/A (if only one method)	Use dedicated port if available.
7	Suspect Battery Issue	Low (after other steps)	May require replacement if not under warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About RCA Keyboard Charging

Here are some common questions beginner users have when their RCA Tablet 10 Viking Pro keyboard isn’t charging.

Q1: How do I know if my RCA Tablet 10 Viking Pro keyboard is actually charging?

A: Many RCA keyboards don’t have a dedicated charging indicator light. The best way to tell is by observing the tablet itself. If the tablet’s battery icon shows it’s charging and the keyboard is connected, it’s likely the keyboard is also receiving power or charging from the tablet. Some keyboards might have a subtle LED that lights up when charging, but this isn’t universal.

Q2: Can I charge my keyboard using just the USB cable plugged into my computer?

A: Yes, you generally can charge the keyboard this way if it uses a standard USB connection (like micro-USB or USB-C). However, computer USB ports often provide less power than a dedicated wall adapter, so charging may be significantly slower. It’s still a good test to see if the cable and keyboard are functional.

Q3: My tablet is at 100%, but the keyboard still won’t charge. What’s wrong?

A: This suggests the issue is likely with the keyboard itself, its charging cable, or its charging port, rather than the tablet’s power supply. Focus on steps 1, 2, and 3: cleaning the keyboard’s port, trying a different cable, and ensuring a secure connection between both devices.

Q4: Is it safe to use a different charger than the one that came with my tablet or keyboard?

A: It’s generally safest to use the original charger or a reputable replacement that matches the voltage and amperage specifications. Using a charger with significantly different specifications could potentially damage your device. If your keyboard charges via USB, using a standard USB charger or computer port is usually fine.

Q5: My keyboard charges sometimes, but not always. What does this mean?

A: Intermittent charging usually points to a loose connection, a damaged cable, or a port with debris that’s only occasionally making contact. Pay close attention to how you connect the cable – does wiggling it make the charging light flicker? If so, it’s almost certainly a cable or port connection issue.

Q6: Can I use my RCA tablet charger to charge the keyboard?

A: If your RCA tablet uses a USB-C or micro-USB port for charging and your keyboard also uses the same type of port, you can often use the tablet’s charger and cable to charge the keyboard. Just ensure both devices are compatible with the charger’s output specifications.

Q7: My keyboard won’t charge after dropping it. What should I do?

A: Dropping the keyboard could have caused internal damage to the charging port, battery, or internal circuitry. Your best bet is to try cleaning the port (Step 1) and trying a different charger (Step 2). If those don’t help, it’s likely physical damage requiring professional assessment or replacement.

Conclusion

Dealing with a charging issue on your RCA Tablet 10 Viking Pro keyboard can be a headache, but as we’ve seen, most of the time it’s a solvable problem. By systematically working through these troubleshooting steps – from inspecting the charging port and testing your accessories to restarting your devices and checking for updates – you can often get your keyboard back up and running.

Remember, a clean port and a reliable charging setup are key. If, after all these efforts, your keyboard still won’t charge, don’t despair. It might be time to reach out to RCA support or consider a replacement. We hope this guide has provided you with the clear, practical solutions you need. Happy typing!