Med-Psych.com

george · by **george** » Sat Nov 22, 2008 8:37 pm

I have a Flip Mino - which has been great. I've had it several months and don't use it a real lot.

I go to use it today and shortly after turning it on, it shuts right off. I wasn't able to turn it on and when I got home and plugged it into my computer the green light on the USB plug didn't even light up. I was worried something major was broken and I sent an email to Flip. I was searching around trying to find their phone number as I really didn't want to wait for an email response (I'll see what they say) when I came across the answer! I was surprised that it actually worked, but it seems that my Mino was "frozen".

The answer was simple - I just had to "reset" it. How to reset a Flip Mino:

Question
My Mino has stopped working. It will no longer power up regardless of how long I have charged the battery. What can I do?

Answer
If your camcorder is unresponsive and will not power on even after charging for several hours, we suggest resetting the camcorder.

There are two methods of resetting the Mino:

The quickest method to reset the Mino is to hold the power button down for 10 seconds. This should unfreeze the Mino and allow for its normal function.
Another method to reset the Mino is to simply take a pin and insert it into the reset hole within the camera's tripod mount, wait five seconds before powering on, and then power on without touching any of the buttons on the back of the camcorder for an additional five seconds.
Please note that resetting the camcorder using either method will not affect the videos resident on the camcorder; it will simply reset to the default settings on the Mino.

If the Mino is still unresponsive and will not power on even after resetting and recharging the battery, please contact us.

Update 3/20/11 - there was a post yesterday outlining how to clean and "fix" the battery which may be an option for those daring enough to give it a try, assuming all else has failed. I'd love to hear if other people try this and whether it works.

george · by **george** » Sat Nov 22, 2008 8:46 pm

And I did finally manage to find what appears to be the Flip customer support phone number: 888-222-6689

I couldn't find it on their website, but saw some other messages on the web that reference it. I haven't called, but I've seen at least one person say they weren't too helpful when they called - being directed to send for email support. Another person said they were told on the phone how to fix the same problem I experienced.

Hope the information may be helpful to someone out there!

george · by **george** » Sun Nov 23, 2008 10:01 pm

I did get a reply within 24 hrs of submitting the question. The suggestion was what I had already found on-line. Here's their actual response.

Thank you for your response.

We suggest trying to reset your camcorder, and then attempt to charge it again.

To reset, simply take a pin and insert it into the reset hole within the camera’s tripod mount, wait five seconds before powering on, and then power on without touching any of the buttons on the back of the camcorder for an additional five seconds.

This should complete the reset process.

Next, please connect the USB arm to a high-powered USB port on your computer, and ensure your computer is powered on. You may see no activity on the camcorder - neither lights nor indication that the camcorder is charging - for the first 30 minutes. Once the initial 30 minutes has concluded, you should see some indication that the camcorder is charging and be able to power the camcorder on. Continue charging for the full amount of time (we suggest three hours) to ensure that the battery is completely charged before recording again.

Should you require any further assistance, please contact us again.

Thank you,
Flip Support

I was then sent an email with a link to a survey of my experience with their customer service. I gave it a "somewhat satisfied" as I would have preferred if they had phone support available that was easily displayed on the website. If they had more options, I would have probably rated it as an 8 out of 10 - they did answer my question and I don't really fault them for not offering phone service. Getting a response within 24 hrs on a weekend is pretty good I suppose. Of course, the bottom line is that the product is a very cool product. I just hope the problem does not resurface.

by **KevinTurner** » Sat Sep 05, 2009 1:39 pm

My Flip Mino froze right in the middle of a concert.. eventually the battery died.. I have tried everything. Charging, resetting, holding down power button.. everything on the help forums. I was sitting here with it plugged in and my computer wasn't reading anything was plugged in. I was telling my sister how pissed I was about it not working. and then my computer read the Mino and now its finally charging. If you run into the same problem as me, I know it sounds dumb but just try and leave it plugged in for at least three hours. Hopefully it will work.

by **Asha** » Sun Nov 15, 2009 11:44 pm

I treied the reset thing and it worked for me.
I guess I did not realize that I had to charge it for 3 hrs.

Hope this charge will stay longer
Asha

MD1 · by **MD1** » Fri Dec 25, 2009 11:49 am

I'm guessing a lot of people got Flip camera's for Christmas this year as it seems like a lot of people are visiting looking for helping with how to turn their Flip Mino on!

If you now are looking for accessories like a case, power adapter, USB cable or HDMI cable, you can use this link to Amazon for all of your Flip Mino and other Camera needs and a percentage of the profits will help support this site!

Thanks,
The Med-Psych.com Team

by **bill** » Mon Apr 12, 2010 6:34 pm

My flip froze while it was charging. The record light stays on until the battery dies. When I try to charge it only that light comes on and nothing else happens. When I reset it, it won't turn on. When I plug it in the red light comes back on. I haven't called or emailed yet

by **Guest** » Tue Apr 20, 2010 10:04 am

I am having this same exact problem. The camera will not recharge, I have tried re-setting it and now only the red light comes on in the back, there is no indication on my computer that it is charging. I will wait for 3 hours to see what happens...this is very upsetting as I did not have this working while I was on vacation so I missed all my video opportunities.

george · by **george** » Wed Apr 21, 2010 10:14 pm

Interesting. This topic was created 1.5 years ago and hadn't gotten a whole lot of replies as it seemed the original post of resetting the Mino took care of the majority of problems. Now there are two messages in the past two weeks saying that people are having problems with their Flip's being stuck with the record light on and no indication it is otherwise charging.

Surprisingly, searching online again hasn't been helpful. It seems most of the complaints I've seen (without an explanation and solution) with this kind of problem are with the Flip Mino HD.

I'll make an effort to contact customer support and I'll post their response. If anyone else finds a solution to this problem, please feel free to post it.

george · by **george** » Thu Apr 22, 2010 1:28 pm

I got a response from customer service but I'm not sure if it'll help as it is very similar to the response I got last year but with a few more details. If you find this doesn't answer your question, make sure to include your exact model of the flip in your message and more specifics about the problem after you follow the suggested reset method. If it is a Flip Mino HD specify whether it is the original model or the second generation model. Here's the customer support response:

Thank you for your response.
We suggest trying to reset your camcorder, and then attempt to charge it again.
To reset, simply take a pin and insert it into the reset hole within the camera’s tripod mount, wait five seconds before powering on, and then power on without touching any of the buttons on the back of the camcorder for an additional five seconds.
This should complete the reset process.
Next, please connect the USB arm to a high-powered USB port on your computer, and ensure your computer is powered on. You may see no activity on the camcorder - neither lights nor indication that the camcorder is charging - for the first 30 minutes. Once the initial 30 minutes has concluded, you should see some indication that the camcorder is charging and be able to power the camcorder on. Continue charging for the full amount of time (we suggest three hours) to ensure that the battery is completely charged before recording again.
If after 30 minutes, you continue to see no activity from the camcorder, please leave it connected to your computer overnight, but ensure that the computer does not hibernate nor power off during the entire period of time the camcorder is connected.
Please note that the USB ports on the keyboards of Macintosh computers are not typically sufficiently powered to charge Flip camcorders.
Should you require any further assistance, please contact us again at 888-222-6689.
Thank you,
Flip Video Support

by **anamlgrl** » Fri May 28, 2010 11:38 am

Having the same problem. so frustrating! this is actually my second camera as the first one was defective (the screen turned green while recording). I am praying that they will replace my camera. Anyone have any luck in getting a replacement?

by **another guest** » Fri Jun 18, 2010 1:49 pm

Thanks George for posting this! Had the same problem: "...tried re-setting it and now only the red light comes on...". I >thought< I had charged the flip but didn't realize that my standalone charger was too weak. After reading your post I gave it a try to leave it overnight hooked up to my computer's USB port. The next morning the flip cam was in perfect working condition again =)!!!

by **julztad** » Fri Jul 16, 2010 12:29 am

Got a new MinoII HD today and out of the box would not turn on. Called Flip and they said to charge for 3 hours. It's been three hours and still not turning on. All I have is a red light on the camera lens front side. Tried resetting it. Frustrating. When should I give up and ask for a new one?

george · by **george** » Fri Jul 16, 2010 1:28 am

Did you try charging it overnight after resetting it, keeping it connected to your computer overnight (making sure your computer does not power off or hibernate during the entire period the camcorder is connect)?

Let me know if that works for you.

MD1 · by **louthechef** » Wed Jul 28, 2010 9:37 pm

Tried all the resetting crap, changed the power settings on my laptop, charged the camcorder for 6 hours and still got nothing. Called technical support & pretty much blew smoke up my <rest of non-relevant comments deleted>

MD1 · by **louthechef** » Wed Jul 28, 2010 9:43 pm

Also, after charging the damn thing for more than 6 hours, it still gives me the same 'effin white blinking light!

louthechef wrote:Tried all the resetting crap, changed the power settings on my laptop, charged the camcorder for 6 hours and still got nothing. Called technical support & pretty much blew smoke up my <comments deleted>

george · by **george** » Fri Jul 30, 2010 12:01 am

louthechef wrote:Also, after charging the damn thing for more than 6 hours, it still gives me the same 'effin white blinking light!

louthechef wrote:Tried all the resetting crap, changed the power settings on my laptop, charged the camcorder for 6 hours and still got nothing. Called technical support & pretty much blew smoke up my <comments deleted>

What model Flip camera do you have? When you say that you changed power settings on your laptop, what do you mean? You need to make sure your laptop stays on during the entire time - no hibernation, etc. Also, you need to make sure it is a high powered USB port.

kamsdad · by **kamsdad** » Wed Aug 11, 2010 10:32 pm

My Flip Mono (1st generation) won't charge any more. I tried the troubleshooting steps of resetting via the power button and the paper clip method in the bottom tripod hole and recharging in a USB2 port. The white light flashes but it still wont charge after 8 hours. There is a description for checking the battery on the website but I think this refers to the Mino HD because the link to directions for removal of the battery is for the HD model. I could not find a way to remove the cover to get to the battery on my 1st generation Mino model without damaging it.
I called customer support at Flip and they say if the above troubleshooting steps do not help then the unit is defective. They are offering a 2nd generation Mino HD model for $80.00 plus tax plus shipping if the unit is out of warranty which mine is. Does anyone know of a way to get the cover off to check the battery or if the battery is replaceable? I pretty much have nothing to lose with this unit now.

george · by **george** » Thu Aug 12, 2010 12:22 am

kamsdad,

If you are definitely charging it in a full power USB port after doing all of the proper reset techniques, then I'm not sure what to tell you. I don't think there is any simple way to remove the battery on the original Flip Mino. It wasn't designed to be replaced, which makes me think it really shouldn't be dead after only 2 years either. Not sure what to tell you although it seems like if they are willing to send you a Mino HD for only $80 that you are being offered a good deal. A quick check on amazon shows those sell for $160 typically. I'm wondering if they would be sending you a refurbished Mino HD?

I did see a video on Youtube which showed how to disassemble the Mino HD - but I'm not sure how similar the first generation Mino would be to disassemble. Let me know if you find anything that works!

by **c6abo** » Sat Aug 21, 2010 6:25 pm

Same problem ,light flashing but battery won't recharge,tried resetting but still won't recharge .sometimes battery symbol shows up but after about 10 minutes just shuts off. Had the camera over a year but only used a few times.When it works it's a great camera but this is so frustrating i'm ready to throw in the bin.Looks like a common problem which means Flip should be out of business by word of mouth in the not to distant future.I was really singing it's praises when I first got it. Shame.

by **c6abo** » Mon Aug 23, 2010 9:24 am

kamsdad wrote:My Flip Mono (1st generation) won't charge any more. I tried the troubleshooting steps of resetting via the power button and the paper clip method in the bottom tripod hole and recharging in a USB2 port. The white light flashes but it still wont charge after 8 hours. There is a description for checking the battery on the website but I think this refers to the Mino HD because the link to directions for removal of the battery is for the HD model. I could not find a way to remove the cover to get to the battery on my 1st generation Mino model without damaging it.
I called customer support at Flip and they say if the above troubleshooting steps do not help then the unit is defective. They are offering a 2nd generation Mino HD model for $80.00 plus tax plus shipping if the unit is out of warranty which mine is. Does anyone know of a way to get the cover off to check the battery or if the battery is replaceable? I pretty much have nothing to lose with this unit now.

I have the same problem. take the label of the bottom and there are 2 tiny screws to take out then with a bit of persuasion the thing comes apart. I,ve come to the conclusion these things are rubbish.wasted so much time on it trying to recharge.

by **jman** » Tue Aug 31, 2010 12:41 am

louthechef wrote:Also, after charging the damn thing for more than 6 hours, it still gives me the same 'effin white blinking light!

louthechef wrote:Tried all the resetting crap, changed the power settings on my laptop, charged the camcorder for 6 hours and still got nothing. Called technical support & pretty much blew smoke up my <comments deleted>

Exactly my situation. Mino stopped working -- one week out of warranty. Blinking white light when plugged in, but it never mounts and never charges. Did the reset and leave charging for 3 hours, twice. Still dead, except for the blinking LED which is really annoying now.

Even worse was the treatment I received from Tech Support. Sympathy from the first guy I reached, who ultimately made the same promise about selling me a refurb of the newer model if I paid the difference in the list price (roughly $80). But no offer to help recover the valuable footage trapped in the Mino. However, after one final overnight charge attempt, when I called back the following day the new rep said there was no such deal available. The supervisor said the same, the first rep misspoke and will receive "retraining".

In short, my unit is out of warranty and I am out of luck. When I asked how I could recover the video, they suggested I try the Yellow Pages. When I asked if they thought I would ever buy a Flip again, there was silence. Flip customer service basically don't care and don't want to know me.

The Mino was nice -- while it worked. After this experience, however, I will never purchase another Flip product again, for myself or my family. Caveat Emptor!

by **Greenify13** » Thu Sep 30, 2010 2:47 pm

This happened to me as well, I've had it around 2 years. I can't get my Flip Mino to turn on, the computer won't recognize that it's in the USB port, I tried the resetting, still nothing. Just that stupid white blinking light. I loved this camera when we got it, now, I'm thinking that I'll never get a Flip again. Seems that a lot of people who have this camera come across the same problems at this point in time.

by **SH4NE** » Sat Oct 16, 2010 2:34 pm

Problem: FLIP HD Mino unresponsive. Only a white flashing light when connected to computer via usb port.

History: Device remains unresponsive even after several attempts of holding power button for <10 seconds and repeated attempts to reset using the "paper-clip thru the tripod mount" method.

Successful solution: Attached Flip device via usb to computer. Instructed computer to look for new hardware.

Method: Windows XP: With Flip attached via usb, Start-->Control Panel-->Switch to Classic View-->Add Hardware-->Next (Add Hardware Wizzard)-->Yes, I have already connected the hardware-->Next (It was at this point the computer chimed, detected the Flip, and the red light illuminated on the Flip.)

No guarantees expressed, implied, or otherwise.

by **Barpepper** » Tue Nov 23, 2010 1:38 am

My trouble was that my Flip MinoHD "froze up," and would not turn off. It was on and yet not recording, the red light going but I could not turn it off. I put it in my pocket and walked home, only next door, and was still unable to turn it off. I Googled "troubleshooting the Flip MinoHD" and read that I should use a pin placed in the tripod mount to reset the camera. I did it, and it immediately went off and is functioning normally. Thanks, Flip guys!

by **AngryFlipOwner** » Thu Dec 09, 2010 12:54 pm

My daughter recieved her Flip Mino last year as a gift from her boyfriend. She took it with her on her 2 week exchange trip to England. She had been looking forward to this trip for a year. Her best friend took the stills, she was taking the video. During the trip the camera stopped working and wouldn't turn on. Nothing she could do while she was there.

When she got back we called Flip, it was under warranty. they had us try resetting and then plugging it into the computer overnight. When none of that worked they accessed the camera remotely and determined that it had a defective battery. So it needed to be sent back (at my expense) I sent it priority mail on a Saturday, it was in their hands that Monday morning.

It took them all week to actually post that they received it. Every time I called they had no answers as to where the camera was or what was happening with it. Since it was a special order design they were supposed to call to confirm the design and order the new one. They never did. After 2 weeks of and repeatedly calling with increasing frustration and my obvious annoyance with them, they ordered a replacement and said they would escalate the order and priority ship it next day air. They said 24-48 hours to process. Well it's now 3 days and they issued a shipping label and it's not in the hands of UPS, so technically not shipped yet and it's listed as Ground!!!!!

We also just received an email that video retrieval was unsuccessful. It was a battery failure, they said they could retrieve the video. I think they lost the camera!!!

My daughter just had a competition that we didn't have the camera for and we are leaving for another and we still don't have it. That's 2 competitions we are missing being able to tape.

I also have no faith in the camera's reliability. I have no faith in Cisco, they lie, the don't do what they say they'll do and they need to work on their customer service....its TERRIBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by **Mark23** » Mon Dec 20, 2010 11:52 pm

Looks like I've got the red light of death.

Turned camera on last week to check charge, all was good. Went to use it tonight and nothing.

I eventually got the red light to go away by resetting it. Now it's in the USB port. Red light is back on but no signs of charging and computer doesn't recognize it. Almost been 30 mins, hopefully something will happen.

I've used it maybe a total of 20 hrs in a year. This is crazy for a $200 camera to do this.

by **Guest** » Tue Dec 21, 2010 12:01 am

well, it just powered on and appears to be charging. Let's just say I'm copying the videos off it now to be safe

by **mak02a** » Tue Jan 18, 2011 7:21 am

not sure if this helps now but I left mine plugged in overnight into my macbook and it was find the next morning.

by **rollergirl** » Sun Feb 06, 2011 12:02 pm

Eek, I've just been reading the above posts. I've had my Flip MinoHD for a year but probably used it twice. Took it out of the box today, switched on and the 'red light of doom' came on but nothing else happened. When I switched it off, the light stayed on. When I plug it into my MacBook USB port, the light stays on but nothing else happens. The computer doesn't 'see' the camera. Have done the pin thing but the red light stayed on. Am now leaving it plugged in for 30 minutes, followed by 3 hours to see if this works. But am I wasting my time if doing 'the pin thing' didn't turn the red light off? Should I try that step again? I would be prepared to leave it overnight as well but how do I stop the computer hibernating and WHY is a Mac USB port 'not powerful enough' to charge this camera? The reports of bad customer service are quite alarming. This camera was a gift but if it doesn't start working, the reports of crap customer service really don't compel me to spend money on another one.

by **rollergirl** » Sun Feb 06, 2011 12:27 pm

Update re the above: the camera has been plugged into the USB port and has come to life. I think I'll leave it in for as long as possible.

george · by **george** » Mon Feb 07, 2011 12:17 am

Rollergirl,

Glad you got it working, and thanks for the update. I have to say, my experience with their customer support was very good, but that was a long time ago. I'm not sure if they continue to provide the same good service.

by **flipsux** » Wed Feb 23, 2011 6:45 pm

flip cams suck a big fat one.

perfect reason for not even bothering to buy these types of products outside of either 1. Apple, or 2. Canon.
PERIOD.

the useless customer service trainwreck alone is good enough reason.

by **chas** » Fri Mar 11, 2011 3:14 pm

I have just called them and offered me to send it to them for 79.99. I do not think it is worth it and plus seeing all these comments it will probobly just continue to happen. She told me to try to reset it and then charge it which i did over night while it WASN'T in power save mode! This has been a complete waste of my time and was really looking foward to a great time using it! But overall was terrible a waste of time and money! DONT GET ONE PERIOD!

george · by **george** » Sun Mar 13, 2011 12:43 am

chas,

Which model do you have and how long have you had it? Were you able to reset it, but it still didn't turn on? Are you sure that the USB port on your computer is a full power USB port? Some devices have lower power USB ports. Did your device ever work?

My Flip Mino is still working great, but I'm very sorry to hear about your problems.

by **msager** » Sat Mar 19, 2011 2:38 pm

I purchased my Video flip this past Christmas. I love the size and ease of using it. The videos are great. However I do use it for only special events (my granddaughters first steps). The battery died yesterday so I plugged it in my computer to charge. After three hours the white light had stopped and the red light came on. The camera would not come on. I tried a different port on my computer and let it charge over night. This morning the white light was still on. I tried to troubleshoot the problem on the internet just now. Nothing has worked yet. I did the reset, and now I am charging it again. So far the white light is blinking. I will let you know if it works. I do love this camera, I hope it last longer than 4 four months. :?:

From Alaska
msager

by **BigG** » Sat Mar 19, 2011 4:18 pm

My less than 2 year old Mino HD suddenly stopped powering on. I read the online info and even contacted the FlipShare people for advice. The general consensus was to reset it by shoving a paper clip into the hole in the bottom which I did many times. Occasionally, after numerous tries, it would suddenly power up, but the next time I tried to use it, it was dead until I repeated the procedure again. The FlipShare people suggested that I reset (paper clip) it and then charge it without turning it on first, but that didn't help. Finally, they told me to send it to them, and for around $80, they would repair it. Being cheap and of engineering mentality, I decided to take it apart. There are 2 small screws under the labels on the bottom. I removed the screws carefully by lifting a corner of each label and peeling it back without destroying it. Once the screws were out I pried the cover off revealing a circuit board and the screen. Attached to the circuit board is a small ribbon cable connecting to the pried off cover, which I carefully disconnected from the circuit board. It pulls out. Next I removed the 4 tiny black screws holding the circuit board down. Once the screws were removed I gently lifted the circuit board from the bottom, easing out the TV connector to reveal the battery. I only lifted the bottom of the circuit board about a quarter inch at the bottom to reveal the battery, the top was still connected. There I found the problem. The battery has 3 terminals which are nothing more than exposed metal squares. The circuit board has 3 metal tabs that press against the battery when it is screwed in place. There are no wired connections between the battery and the circuit board. With a Q-tip containing a little alcohol, I cleaned the 3 connections on the battery. Using a very small screwdriver, I "gently" bent the circuit board connectors with so they could make better contact with the battery once the mino was reassembled. Next, I put it back together. The ribbon cable slides about an eighth inch back into the slot on the circuit board. Now, when I press the power button, it turns on. It's been working ever since. The problem, in my opinion, seems to be a bad design. The circuit board, after a while, fails to make proper contact with the battery probably because of either lost tension on the connectors, or tarnished connectors. Reestablishing good contact between the circuit board and the battery did the trick, at least in my case.

george · by **george** » Sun Mar 20, 2011 10:49 pm

BigG,

Thank you very much for your detailed post. The information you shared is something I haven't seen anywhere else and may be a solution for people where nothing else has worked. Of course, you seem much bolder than most people, willing to take apart the device as you did. I think for many people out there, though, the information will be extremely valuable.

I have to admit - if my device were dead, I'd likely give your suggestion a try rather than shell out $80 on a 2 year old device. If I'm going to pay $80, I'd rather put the money towards a new device with better specs.

Thanks again and I hope your device continues to serve you well.

by **robin** » Thu Apr 07, 2011 9:17 pm

JUST REMOVE BATTERY AND PUT BACK IN. THIS UNLOCKS MY FLIP HD.

by **rogerk** » Tue Apr 26, 2011 6:53 am

Hi i have a Flip Mino HD that would not charge, turn on, reset, anything

took it apart to get battery no and order one checked voltage and it was 4.1V

put it back together and it worked

wonder if removing the battery fixed the problem, eg it powered fully down

anyway another way to try to fix it

by CM » Sun May 01, 2011 9:15 pm

BigG,

Thanks for your post! I followed your instructions and for the first time in a long time, I actually see green on the battery charge screen. I think you saved my Flip from the junk heap.

CM

by **andymont** » Fri May 13, 2011 7:09 am

I'm having the same issue with my Flip which is less than 1 year old and up until yesterday was working perfectly. Today, when I power on it comes on for a second and then the screen goes blank. After a minute or so, I can hear the bleep which tells me Flip has switched off from stand-by mode. I have tried to reset several times but it is having no effect. The battery has recharged and is showing as full. Ideas?

by **iStudddd** » Fri Jul 08, 2011 3:16 am

I just held down the power button for however long until the screen went dark and then I just started to charge it. Im pretty sure that worked, but the only downside was that I just got it today and I haven't even used it yet.

by **Kate** » Sun Jul 17, 2011 8:45 pm

BigG your method rocks!
I called Flip customer service multiple times to no avail.
My MinoHD would NOT turn on and was also not recognized by computer.
I followed your perfectly-easy-to-follow instructons and fixed the little bugger myself and for free. I was just about ready to throw it away so... THANK YOU!
I do and always have loved my little Flip.

by **Yippee** » Fri Aug 05, 2011 6:46 pm

The solution is 5 short clicks!!
I was having trouble switching my Mini HD on or off. Holding down the button - didn't work.
I plugged it into the computer and ensured there was sufficient charge - didn't work.

I gave the on button 5 short clicks - hey presto! On it came.
I still couldn't turn it off though. So I gave the start button 5 short clicks - hey presto! Off it went.

Try the 5 click thing!!!

by **sisley** » Mon Sep 19, 2011 5:10 am

I haven't used my Flip in a few months. I tried to turn it on today and nothing. I tried to charge it from my laptop and it didn't even recognize it. No red lights, no blinking white lights, nothing. I tried the 10 second holding the power button, nothing. I tried the pin/paper clip in the little hole, nothing. I started to take it apart to look for a battery and I noticed the red light was on. I plugged it back into the computer and the computer still isn't recognizing it. I am going to leave it in for 3 hours just to see what happens.

by **Applegate** » Wed Sep 21, 2011 12:40 pm

Mine had been dead for months. After charging the red light stays on. After many attempts at charging and resetting, took it apart. Just the act of doing that got it working. In my model the battery is connected by a proper connector, although what appears to be the microphone/speaker only has contacts resting on the circuit board. I unplugged the battery from the board and plugged it back in. No idea what step fixed it.

by **Anonymus** » Fri Sep 23, 2011 7:43 pm

Thank you so much! I was having a breakdown because mine wasn't working!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by **Kait** » Sun Sep 25, 2011 11:56 am

I tried the whole resetting and charging it over night and mine still won't turn on. I chatted with support online and they were telling me to do the same things. Once that wasn't working, I was told that it was defective and there was nothing they could do for me since my warranty expired in May. I've only used my Flip like 3 times in the last year. I asked why they aren't doing anything more when they know they sold a defective product since so many people are having these issues. They just replied that if it was in the warranty then they would replace it, but I could upgrade if I wanted to. Yeah, definitely won't be buying a Flip again.

Since it seems to be a lost cause and it won't hurt me to try, I might have to take it apart and see if that will help at all.

by **Guest** » Wed Dec 07, 2011 2:02 pm

BigG wrote:My less than 2 year old Mino HD suddenly stopped powering on. I read the online info and even contacted the FlipShare people for advice. The general consensus was to reset it by shoving a paper clip into the hole in the bottom which I did many times. Occasionally, after numerous tries, it would suddenly power up, but the next time I tried to use it, it was dead until I repeated the procedure again. The FlipShare people suggested that I reset (paper clip) it and then charge it without turning it on first, but that didn't help. Finally, they told me to send it to them, and for around $80, they would repair it. Being cheap and of engineering mentality, I decided to take it apart. There are 2 small screws under the labels on the bottom. I removed the screws carefully by lifting a corner of each label and peeling it back without destroying it. Once the screws were out I pried the cover off revealing a circuit board and the screen. Attached to the circuit board is a small ribbon cable connecting to the pried off cover, which I carefully disconnected from the circuit board. It pulls out. Next I removed the 4 tiny black screws holding the circuit board down. Once the screws were removed I gently lifted the circuit board from the bottom, easing out the TV connector to reveal the battery. I only lifted the bottom of the circuit board about a quarter inch at the bottom to reveal the battery, the top was still connected. There I found the problem. The battery has 3 terminals which are nothing more than exposed metal squares. The circuit board has 3 metal tabs that press against the battery when it is screwed in place. There are no wired connections between the battery and the circuit board. With a Q-tip containing a little alcohol, I cleaned the 3 connections on the battery. Using a very small screwdriver, I "gently" bent the circuit board connectors with so they could make better contact with the battery once the mino was reassembled. Next, I put it back together. The ribbon cable slides about an eighth inch back into the slot on the circuit board. Now, when I press the power button, it turns on. It's been working ever since. The problem, in my opinion, seems to be a bad design. The circuit board, after a while, fails to make proper contact with the battery probably because of either lost tension on the connectors, or tarnished connectors. Reestablishing good contact between the circuit board and the battery did the trick, at least in my case.

BigG you gave the best help advise. I followed your instructions and Wallah! my Mino Flip recorder is working again. Thanks so much!

Med-Psych.com

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