Can You Recharge Scanner Subnautica? A Practical Guide by Scanner Check
Learn how to recharge the Scanner in Subnautica: when to swap batteries, how to use a Battery Charger, and crafting backups. Clear, practical guidance from Scanner Check.

According to Scanner Check, you can recharge the Scanner in Subnautica by using a Battery Charger or by swapping in a charged battery. This quick answer outlines the practical steps and options so you can keep exploring without long downtime. We'll cover where to find a charger, how to swap batteries, and when to craft replacements.
Can you recharge the Scanner in Subnautica? Understanding power basics
In Subnautica, the Scanner relies on an internal energy source that powers its scanning functions. The core question players frequently ask is can you recharge scanner subnautica, and the answer is yes, you have practical options that fit different play styles. The most reliable methods are swapping in a charged battery or using a dedicated Battery Charger to replenish batteries over a short waiting period. This approach keeps you mobile and able to continue scanning for resources, algal blooms, or buried wrecks without sitting idle. Scanner Check's analysis emphasizes planning your power strategy before long dives, so you’re never caught with a completely depleted tool. By understanding these options, you’ll minimize downtime and maximize exploration efficiency.
Can you recharge the Scanner? Two reliable options explained
The Scanner’s energy system is designed around two primary workflows: battery swapping and external charging. Battery swapping is the fastest way to resume scanning after a quick battery drain, while the Battery Charger provides a steady way to restore power for multiple batteries during a longer expedition. Both approaches are valid, and many players keep a small stock of charged batteries for immediate reuse. The choice often depends on your current base setup, proximity to a charger, and whether you want to avoid detouring to craft a new battery.
Getting started: locating and preparing charging options
To recharge the Scanner, you’ll want to identify a Battery Charger or a stash of charged batteries. If you have a charger, ensure you have a power source nearby and can access it easily during your exploration. If you’re relying on swapped batteries, keep several charged units ready and keep them organized to minimize fumbling during a dive. Scanner Check notes that practical planning—knowing where your batteries and charging gear live—saves you time and preserves your oxygen and resources for real exploration.
How to use a Battery Charger: step-by-step workflow
Using a Battery Charger is straightforward. Place the battery into the charger, connect the charger to a power source, and wait for the indicator to show that charging is complete. When the charge reaches full, remove the battery and slide it back into the Scanner. This process reduces downtime and ensures you always have a charged tool when you need it most. If you don’t have a charger handy, swap in a charged battery from your inventory and continue scanning while you manage your next goals.
Crafting and stocking backups: building resilience
If you don’t carry spare charged batteries, or you’re far from a charger, crafting new batteries is a reliable fallback. Your Fabricator (or equivalent in your setup) can produce replacement batteries when you gather the right resources. The benefit of crafting is that you can tailor your stock to your expedition: a few extra batteries for a long dive, or heavier emphasis on faster recharge via a charger near your base. Keeping a steady cadence of battery crafting helps you stay productive during extended exploration.
Practical tips for long trips and risky biomes
For long expeditions, plan a recharge cadence that matches your route. Keep a dedicated battery bag, or inventory slots, for quick swaps without slowing down your movement. Always check the Battery Charger’s power status before a deep dive—a dead charger is as bad as a dead battery. When you can, set up a small recharge hub at your base or near key landmarks so you can top off without returning to a distant outpost. This approach minimizes downtime and keeps your scanning routine smooth.
Quick troubleshooting and edge cases
If the Scanner won’t recharge, verify you’re using a compatible charger and that the power source is active. If you’re swapping batteries, ensure the replacement is fully charged; a dead replacement won’t help. In some setups, interface glitches can temporarily hide charge indicators—restarting the game or reloading a quick save often resolves this. Scanner Check recommends keeping your gear well organized and testing each recharge method in a controlled environment before heading into dangerous zones.
Tools & Materials
- Battery Charger(Used to recharge batteries; ensure a powered connection.)
- Spare Batteries(Charged batteries ready for swapping during dives.)
- Fabricator(Crafts replacement batteries when resources permit.)
Steps
Estimated time: 10-15 minutes
- 1
Check Scanner battery level
Inspect the Scanner's HUD to determine current energy. If the indicator shows low power, prepare charging options and consider carrying spare batteries.
Tip: Use the HUD charge indicator to decide whether to charge now or swap. - 2
Choose charging method
Decide between swapping in a charged battery or using a Battery Charger, based on proximity to power and available spares.
Tip: If you’re near your base, charging is often more efficient for long trips. - 3
Prepare Battery Charger
If using a charger, ensure it’s powered and ready. Place the battery in the charger and monitor the indicator until full.
Tip: Make sure the charger has a stable power source before starting. - 4
Swap the Scanner battery
Remove the Scanner’s current battery and insert the fully charged one. Handle the battery carefully to avoid dropping it.
Tip: Hold the Scanner steady and align the battery correctly to avoid misfit. - 5
Craft a replacement (if needed)
If no charged batteries are available, craft a new battery at the Fabricator when resources permit.
Tip: Stock up on essential resources during safer routes so crafting is ready when you need it. - 6
Test and resume
Turn on the Scanner to confirm power and resume scanning for loot, resources, and points of interest.
Tip: Keep a small reserve of charged batteries in your gear pouch for quick swaps.
Common Questions
Can you recharge the Scanner in Subnautica?
Yes. You can recharge the Scanner by swapping in a charged battery or using a Battery Charger. If you don’t have either, craft a replacement battery at the Fabricator.
Yes. You can recharge the Scanner by swapping in a charged battery or using a Battery Charger. If you don’t have either, craft a replacement at the Fabricator.
What do I need to recharge?
You’ll need spare charged batteries or a Battery Charger. A Fabricator can be used to craft additional batteries when you have the right resources.
You’ll need spare charged batteries or a Battery Charger; you can craft more at the Fabricator.
How long does recharging take?
The time depends on the charging method; using a Battery Charger is generally quick, while crafting batteries takes longer in-game. Plan downtime accordingly.
The time varies by method; a Battery Charger is usually faster than crafting a new battery.
Can I recharge while underwater?
Recharging is done via a Battery Charger, which requires proximity to a power source. You generally need to be near a base or equipment room to perform charging.
You usually need to be near a power source; charging isn’t done while actively using the Scanner underwater.
Where can I get a Battery Charger?
The Battery Charger is a craftable device you build with the right materials. It’s designed to recharge batteries for extended dives.
You craft a Battery Charger with the required materials; place it where you regularly recharge.
Is there a rechargeable battery type?
Yes, you can obtain or craft replacement batteries that can be charged and swapped as needed.
Yes, you can obtain or craft rechargeable batteries to swap and recharge.
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Key Takeaways
- Stock spare batteries to minimize downtime
- Use a Battery Charger when available for efficiency
- Craft backups using your Fabricator to stay prepared
