How to Charge Your PSP

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Last Updated: December 19, 2023 Fact Checked

You can charge your PlayStation Portable (PSP) with either the AC adapter connected to a wall outlet or with a mini USB connected to your computer. The PSP has an estimated battery life of around four to five hours and you may need to completely charge your PSP in order for any software updates to complete. Don't forget to wait for the orange light to come on!

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Charging With an AC Adapter

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The AC adapter connects to the yellow outlet on the bottom right of your device. Your PSP comes with a cable that fits snugly into this outlet.
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Connect your AC Adapter. With the AC adapter connected to your PSP, plug the other end into a power outlet.^{[1]
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- The PSP uses a 5V AC Adapter. If you plan to replace the adapter make sure that the voltage matches to avoid damaging your system.
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The power light will display a blinking green light at first, then turns solid orange, indicating a proper connection. If the light never turns orange, double-check that the AC adapter is plugged in correctly and that the battery pack at the back of the PSP is installed properly.^{[2]
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This will fully charge your PSP, allowing for longer sessions of use.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Charging With USB

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1
Turn on your PSP. If you have some remaining battery power and wish to charge your PSP using a USB cord rather than an AC Adapter, you can do this by adjusting the settings on your PSP.^{[3]
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- Even if the proper setting is already turned on, the PSP must be powered on to use USB charging.
- Note: This method is NOT supported by the first generation PSP models (series 1000).
- Games cannot be played while using USB charging.
Settings can be accessed by scrolling left from the opening menu.
Scroll down in the “Settings” menu to access the system settings.
This option appears in the System Settings menu and will activate the ability to charge by USB.
This option is located in the same menu just below “USB Charge”.^{[4]
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Connect your mini USB cable to the PSP. The mini USB outlet is located on the top of your device.^{[5]
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- The PSP uses a 5 pin Mini-B USB port. Any USB cable that fits this spec will work.
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Connect the other end of the USB cable to a power source. You can connect this end of the cable to a computer or an electrical outlet with a USB wall adapter.^{[6]
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- If you are connecting your mini USB cord to your computer instead of an electrical outlet, then both the laptop and the PSP need to be powered on in order for the charge to take place.
The power light will display a blinking green light at first, then turns solid orange, indicating a proper connection. If the light never turns orange, double-check that the AC adapter is plugged in correctly and that the battery pack at the back of the PSP is installed properly.^{[7]
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USB charging is slower than using an AC adapter. A longer wait will fully charge your PSP, allowing for longer sessions of use.

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Question

What can I do if my PSP won't work unless it's plugged in?

Community Answer

It means that your battery is messed up. I'd recommend downloading some service utilities for looking at your battery's health, and bring it to the service shop if needed. It may require a replacement battery.

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How do I change the battery in my PSP Street?

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Changing the battery in your PSP Street requires and philips head screw driver and some technical know-how because you will be dealing with the hard drive of your device. It is not recommended that you complete this task before consulting your local game store or IT department.

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How can I charge my PSP using the sun?

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You could buy a solar-power USB charger online.

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Tips

You can dim your PSP's screen in order to retain longer battery life by pressing the button to the right of the PSP logo on the bottom of the screen.

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You can also save battery life by turning off the wireless network. You can do this by toggling the silver switch on the top left of the device.

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