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Rank 1
Zamaria
Rank 1
April 27, 2019
Solved

Just got the Chameleon IHD and the battery only last 2 hours, is it faulty?

  • April 27, 2019
  • 27 replies
  • 6943 views

Just got the Chameleon IHD and the battery only last 2 hours. Is it faulty?

Best answer by Amy_OVO

Updated on 28/10/25 by Ben_OVO

 

Great to hear about your new Chameleon In-Home Display (IHD). This’ll really help you get the best out of your smart meters by showing your up-to-date usage information. There’s more advice on using the device on our online tutorial here.

 

In answer to your question, whilst the Chameleon IHD does have batteries installed, we’d advise keeping it plugged in as the batteries are only intended to be used as a back-up power source, and don’t have the longest battery life.

 

If your IHD battery doesn’t last for any time at all, or you’re experiencing any further issues with your IHD, like a faulty display, please get in touch with our Support Team, who’ll see if they can fix the issue, and will send you a new IHD if they can’t. You can find more advice and IHD troubleshooting tips on our website.

 

You can also view the smart meter usage data on the usage pages of your online account or OVO app (download for Android or iOS).

 

Hope this info helps you enjoy the full benefits of going smart!

 

OVO member but not got a smart meter yet? - Book today!

Interested but not yet an OVO member? - Check out our plans!

 

27 replies

Show previous replies
M.isterW
Rank 6
M.isterW
Rank 6
February 28, 2023

By "not charging" what do you mean? Is your IHD (I assume the problem is with your In Home Display as your actual meter doesn't need charging) not working at all? Or only working when it's plugged in? Or something else?

1992 4 bed detached house. Solar PV + battery, Zappi EV charger, Mitsubishi Ecodan ASHP and i-life2 fan assisted radiators.... No gas 😊
P
Newcomer
Pipalong33
Newcomer
February 28, 2023

it only charges when I move cable about..I can read display no bother.?.

M.isterW
Rank 6
M.isterW
Rank 6
February 28, 2023

It sounds like either your cable is damaged or the connector in the IHD is damaged. Do you have another USB cable you can try?

1992 4 bed detached house. Solar PV + battery, Zappi EV charger, Mitsubishi Ecodan ASHP and i-life2 fan assisted radiators.... No gas 😊
P
Newcomer
Pipalong33
Newcomer
February 28, 2023

Don’t think so..but thanks for help👍

BPLightlog
Super User
BPLightlogSuper User
Super User
February 28, 2023

There are several IHD’s which don’t have internal batteries .. if you can say which one you have @Pipalong33 it might be easier for someone to help

Bring me Sunshine ~ E&E {Solar PV, Battery Storage, Hybrid EV, ASHP and Home Assistant automation}
S
Newcomer
Sheila59
May 19, 2023

Hi, I have just had a smart meter installed and can only use the meter when it is plugged in. There is no battery sign showing next to the time in the top right-hand corner.  If I unplug the lead from the meter the screen goes blank.  Do I need a new IHD please?

Thanks.

BPLightlog
Super User
BPLightlogSuper User
Super User
May 19, 2023

Hi @Sheila59 and welcome to this customer forum. The IHD isn’t designed to be off power for long and so is probably fine (depending on which one you have).
You should leave it somewhere plugged in. I leave mine for example in the kitchen where several high use appliances are and I can check easily

Bring me Sunshine ~ E&E {Solar PV, Battery Storage, Hybrid EV, ASHP and Home Assistant automation}
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