How to Tell If Your PSP Is Charging via USB

Visual Indicators by Model

On-Screen Confirmation

• Battery icon in top-right XMB shows **lightning bolt** ⚡ while charging.
• Under **Settings → Battery Information**, "External Power" reads **"Yes"** and capacity % rises.

USB Charging Requirements

• Cable: Must be **USB data+charge cable** (not charge-only). PSP-1000 uses **Mini-USB B**; 2000/3000/Go/E1000 use **Mini-USB B** (same).
• Power Source: Needs **5V / 500mA+** (USB 2.0 spec).
  — PC USB port: Usually works (if not suspended).
  — Wall adapter (phone charger): Best, most reliable.
  — Car charger / Power bank: Works if 5V/1A+.
• Setting: **Settings → System Settings → USB Charge** → **On** (default). If "Off," USB only does data.

Troubleshooting

• LED off, no bolt: Try another cable/port/charger. Clean Mini-USB port (compressed air).
• LED flashes orange: Battery too dead to boot. Leave plugged in 15–30 min.
• Battery % doesn't rise: Battery may be dead (replace) or cable is data-only.
• PSP-1000 quirk: Some early units only charge via **AC adapter** (yellow tip), not USB. Check manual.

Pro Tip

Remove battery → plug USB → if PSP powers on, USB power is fine. Battery is the issue.