RCA Tablet 7 Voyager Case Not Charging: Essential Fixes

RCA Tablet 7 Voyager Case Not Charging: Essential Fixes

If your RCA Tablet 7 Voyager case isn’t charging, don’t worry! This often happens due to simple issues like a loose cable or a faulty adapter. We’ll guide you through easy troubleshooting steps to get your tablet powered up again. Follow our straightforward fixes to resolve this common problem quickly.

It’s a common frustration when your tablet won’t charge, especially when you rely on it for everyday tasks. The RCA Tablet 7 Voyager is a popular choice for its affordability and convenience, but like any device, it can run into power issues. The good news is that most charging problems are quite simple to fix. You don’t need to be a tech expert to get your tablet back to full battery. We’re here to walk you through the most effective solutions, step-by-step, so you can get back to using your tablet without any hassle.

Why Isn’t My RCA Tablet 7 Voyager Case Charging?

Several factors can prevent your RCA Tablet 7 Voyager from charging properly when it’s inside its case. Understanding these common culprits is the first step toward a solution. Often, the issue isn’t with the tablet itself, but with the charging accessories or the way they’re connected.

• Loose Connection: The charging cable might not be fully plugged into the tablet or the charging adapter.
• Faulty Charging Cable: The USB cable could be damaged, frayed, or internally broken.
• Bad Charging Adapter: The wall adapter may not be working correctly, or it might not be providing enough power.
• Dirty Charging Port: Dust, lint, or debris can accumulate in the tablet’s charging port, obstructing the connection.
• Software Glitch: Sometimes, a temporary software issue can interfere with the charging process.
• Damaged Case Charging Mechanism: If your RCA Tablet 7 Voyager comes with a charging case (e.g., a keyboard case with its own charging port), the case’s internal charging components could be the problem.
• Power Outlet Issue: The electrical outlet you’re using might not be delivering power.

Troubleshooting Steps: RCA Tablet 7 Voyager Case Not Charging

Let’s dive into the practical steps you can take to fix your RCA Tablet 7 Voyager charging issue. We’ll start with the simplest solutions and move to more involved ones. Remember to be gentle when handling your tablet and its accessories.

1. Check the Basics: Cables and Connections

This is the most frequent reason for charging problems. A secure connection is vital for power to flow.

• Inspect the Charging Cable: Look for any visible damage. Are there any nicks, cuts, or bent pins? If the cable looks damaged, it’s best to try a different one.
• Ensure a Firm Connection: Make sure the USB end of the cable is plugged snugly into the charging adapter. Then, firmly insert the other end into your RCA Tablet 7 Voyager’s charging port. You should feel a slight click.
• Verify Case Connection (if applicable): If your case has a separate charging port or connects the tablet for charging (like a keyboard case), ensure that connection is secure. Sometimes there’s a small charging port on the case itself that needs its own cable, or a direct connection point.

2. Test Different Charging Accessories

It’s crucial to determine if the issue lies with your charging cable, adapter, or the power source.

Use a Different USB Cable: Try a known-working USB cable, ideally one that’s compatible with RCA tablets or Android devices. Many standard Micro-USB cables will work, but always double-check your tablet’s specific port type.

Try Another Charging Adapter: If you have a spare USB wall adapter, use that. Ensure it has an appropriate power output (usually 5V/1A or 5V/2A is sufficient for most tablets). Using a high-power adapter from a different device is generally safe, but avoid extremely low-power adapters like those for older phones, as they may charge too slowly or not at all.

Test a Different Power Outlet: Plug your charger into a different wall outlet or even a different room to rule out an issue with the outlet itself. Also, try using a surge protector; if it’s faulty, it won’t provide power.

3. Clean the Charging Port

Over time, charging ports can accumulate dust, lint, and other debris that can prevent a good connection. This is a very common issue, especially for devices that spend a lot of time in bags or pockets.

What You’ll Need:

• A can of compressed air
• A toothpick or a small, non-metallic item (like a plastic SIM card ejector tool)
• Good lighting

Steps:

1. Power Down: Turn off your RCA Tablet 7 Voyager completely.
2. Inspect the Port: Use a flashlight to look inside the charging port. Can you see any visible dirt or debris?
3. Use Compressed Air: Hold the can of compressed air upright and use short bursts to blow air into the charging port. This can dislodge loose debris.
4. Gentle Cleaning (if needed): If compressed air doesn’t clear it, carefully use a toothpick or a plastic tool to gently scrape away any stubborn gunk. Be extremely careful not to damage the delicate pins inside the port. Never use metal objects.
5. Retry Charging: After cleaning, try plugging in your charger again.

4. Restart Your Tablet

Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve temporary software glitches that might be interfering with the charging process.

How to Restart:

• Press and hold the power button on your tablet.
• When the power options appear, tap “Restart” or “Power Off” and then turn it back on.

If your tablet is completely dead and won’t even power on to allow a restart, you’ll need to skip this step and focus on the physical charging solutions.

5. Check for Overheating

Tablets have built-in safety mechanisms to prevent damage from overcharging or charging in extreme temperatures. If the tablet is too hot, it may stop charging.

• Let it Cool Down: If your tablet feels warm to the touch, remove it from its case and unplug it from the charger.
• Find a Cooler Spot: Place the tablet in a cool environment, away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
• Wait and Retry: Once the tablet has cooled down significantly, try plugging it in again to see if it charges.

6. Consider the Case’s Charging Capability

Many cases for the RCA Tablet 7 Voyager are functional accessories like keyboard cases. Some of these might have their own power requirements or charging ports.

• Separate Charging Port on Case: Does your case itself have a USB port for charging the case’s battery (if it has one, like for internal power for backlit keys)? Ensure this is connected if it needs separate power.
• Keyboard Connection: If it’s a keyboard case, is the connection mechanism between the keyboard and tablet secure? A poor connection can sometimes affect power delivery.
• Remove the Case: Try charging the tablet without the case at all. If it charges fine without the case, the issue is definitely with the case or its connection to the tablet.

7. Check Tablet Battery Health (Advanced)

While RCA tablets are budget-friendly, battery degradation is a natural process. An old, worn-out battery might struggle to hold a charge or even accept one efficiently.

Unfortunately, Android tablets don’t always provide an easy-to-access battery health checker like some smartphones. However, if your tablet is several years old and has been heavily used, the battery may have reached the end of its lifespan. In such cases, replacement might be the only option, though this is often not cost-effective for budget tablets.

8. Try a Factory Reset (Last Resort for Software Issues)

If you suspect a persistent software issue is preventing charging, a factory reset can resolve it. WARNING: This will erase all data on your tablet, so back up anything important first.

How to Back Up:

• Save photos and videos to a cloud service (like Google Photos) or transfer them to a computer.
• Sync important documents and app data through your Google account.

How to Factory Reset:

1. Go to Settings on your tablet.
2. Tap on System (or General Management, depending on your Android version).
3. Select Reset or Reset options.
4. Choose Erase all data (factory reset).
5. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the reset.

After the reset, set up your tablet as new and try charging it again.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you’ve gone through all these steps and your RCA Tablet 7 Voyager case still isn’t charging, it’s likely a hardware problem.

• Damaged Charging Port: The physical port on the tablet itself might be broken or loose.
• Internal Battery Failure: The battery may have failed internally.
• Motherboard Issue: In rare cases, there could be a more serious issue with the tablet’s internal components.

For these situations, your options are:

• Contact RCA Support: If your tablet is still under warranty, contact RCA customer support for repair or replacement options. You can often find support contact information on the official RCA website.
• Third-Party Repair Shop: Look for a reputable local electronics repair shop. However, be aware that repairs for budget tablets can sometimes cost more than the tablet is worth.
• Consider Replacement: For older or significantly damaged tablets, purchasing a new, affordable tablet might be a more practical and cost-effective solution. Check out reputable sources for tablet reviews and comparisons as you shop:
  • RTINGS.com Tablet Reviews
  • CNET Tablets Section

Common Charging Issues & Solutions Table

Here’s a quick reference guide for common problems and their solutions:

Problem	Likely Cause	Solution
Tablet not charging at all	Faulty cable, adapter, or dirty port	Try new cable/adapter, clean port, check outlet
Charging very slowly	Low-power adapter, background apps, dirty port	Use recommended adapter, close apps, clean port
Charging stops intermittently	Loose connection, overheating, faulty cable/port	Ensure firm connection, let cool, try new cable
“Charging” shows, but battery % doesn’t increase	Software glitch, very depleted battery, insufficient power	Restart tablet, try stronger adapter, check port cleanliness
Case connection issues (keyboard case)	Poor physical connection, case charging issue	Reseat case, test tablet without case, check case charging

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: My RCA Tablet 7 Voyager shows it’s charging, but the battery percentage isn’t going up. What should I do?

This can happen due to a variety of reasons, including a software glitch, a faulty charging cable, or if the power adapter isn’t providing enough juice to charge the battery while the tablet is in use. First, try restarting your tablet. If that doesn’t work, try a different, known-good charging cable and adapter, and make sure the charging port is clean. Ensure you’re using an adapter with sufficient power output (like 5V/2A).

Q2: Can I use a charger from another device to charge my RCA Tablet 7 Voyager?

Generally, yes. Most RCA tablets use standard Micro-USB ports and can be charged with a USB charger from another Android device or smartphone, as long as it provides the correct voltage (typically 5V). However, using a charger with a significantly higher amperage than recommended for your tablet is usually safe, as the tablet will only draw the power it needs. Conversely, a charger with too low an amperage might charge very slowly or not at all.

Q3: What is the best way to clean the charging port on my RCA Tablet 7 Voyager case?

The safest way to clean the charging port is to power off your tablet, use a can of compressed air to blow out any loose debris, and then gently use a non-metallic tool like a wooden toothpick or a plastic SIM ejector tool to dislodge any stubborn debris. Be very careful not to damage the pins inside the port. Avoid using metal objects, as they can short-circuit the port/tablet and cause permanent damage.

Q4: My RCA Tablet 7 Voyager only charges when the cable is at a specific angle. What does this mean?

This strongly suggests a damaged charging port on the tablet itself or a worn-out charging cable. The internal connections are likely loose or broken, preventing a consistent charge. You should try a new charging cable first. If the problem persists, the port on the tablet may need professional repair, or it might be time to consider a replacement tablet.

Q5: How long should it take to charge an RCA Tablet 7 Voyager?

Charging times can vary depending on the battery’s current level, the charger’s power output, and whether the tablet is in use. Typically, a full charge for a tablet like the RCA Tablet 7 Voyager can take anywhere from 3 to 6 hours using the original charger or a compatible one with adequate power (5V/2A). Charging overnight is a common and safe practice.

Q6: My charging case for the RCA Tablet 7 Voyager isn’t working. What if the case needs to be charged separately?

Many functional cases, like keyboard cases, may have their own battery or require their own charging cable connected to a specific port on the case itself. Check if your case has a separate charging port and if it came with a specific cable for it. Ensure both the case (if applicable) and the tablet are connected to power. If the case itself is faulty, you may need to contact the case manufacturer or consider using the tablet without the case.

Conclusion

It can be incredibly frustrating when your RCA Tablet 7 Voyager case isn’t charging, but as we’ve seen, most issues stem from straightforward problems with cables, adapters, or the charging port itself. By systematically working through the troubleshooting steps – cleaning the port, trying different accessories, and ensuring secure connections – you can often resolve the problem without needing to spend extra money. Remember to always handle your devices with care and to back up your data before attempting drastic software fixes like a factory reset. If, after all these efforts, your tablet still refuses to charge, it might be time to consider professional repair or explore newer, affordable tablet options.