Canon · Digital cameras
Canon PowerShot A520 battery
2 × 1.5V alkaline cell
The Canon PowerShot A520 takes two AA alkaline batteries or Canon AA NiMH (NB-2AH / NB-1AH family). Optional ACK800 powers the camera from AC — that is not a substitute cell type. Check the device page before buying random NiMH brands.
How to replace it
| Compartment | Battery compartment in the camera body |
|---|---|
| How to open | Open the battery cover; insert two AA cells matching polarity; close until it clicks. |
| Orientation | Follow polarity marks |
| Access | Tool-free |
| Notes | Optional AC Adapter Kit ACK800 for household power. |
Important
- Takes 2× AA alkaline or Canon AA NiMH (NB-2AH / NB-1AH family).
- Canon NiMH approval is model-documented — do not assume every third-party NiMH brand is approved.
- ACK800 is an external AC kit, not the native battery answer.
Sources
Helpful for this device
Optional tools for opening, testing or charging — separate from the battery answer.
- Panasonic eneloop AA (LSD NiMH)
Replacement AA cells when the device accepts NiMH
- Ansmann Energy Check LCD
Quick household cell check (good / low / replace)
- Battery tester
Quick good / low / dead check for household cells
New battery but still not working?
A fresh 2 × AA should restore Canon PowerShot A520 if the battery was the problem. Work through the checks below before replacing the device.
- Check orientation
Confirm the cell is seated correctly: Follow polarity marks
- Check the battery type
This device needs 2 × AA (alkaline). Supported chemistry: alkaline, NiMH. Rechargeable cells are only suitable when the manufacturer accepts that chemistry — set battery type in device settings if available. Same size does not always mean the same battery.
- Check known model-specific issues
Takes 2× AA alkaline or Canon AA NiMH (NB-2AH / NB-1AH family). Canon NiMH approval is model-documented — do not assume every third-party NiMH brand is approved. ACK800 is an external AC kit, not the native battery answer.
- Confirm the battery itself
If you have a battery tester or multimeter, check the cell. A low open-circuit voltage often means replace; for rechargeable AA/AAA, a capacity test is more informative than voltage alone.
- Still not responding?
If a correct, fresh battery installed properly does not restore the device, the fault may be elsewhere — the device may need service or replacement.