DJI Drone Battery Care: 11 Tips for Prolonging Battery Life

Knowing how to care for your drone batteries is definitely one of the most important aspects of owning a drone.

In this article, I’m going to share with you some of my tips and tricks on what I do to take care of my batteries.

However, I will mainly discuss DJI’s guidance because this is where I got my information from.

Let’s dive in.

1. Refer to the manufacturer’s guide

The starting point for caring for your drone batteries is to consult the manufacturer’s guide. Whether it’s DJI or another brand, these guides are packed with essential information tailored to your specific drone model.

It’s always a great idea to get firsthand advice from the experts who designed your equipment.

2. Use manufacturer-approved chargers

One of the most emphasized recommendations is to use only manufacturer-approved chargers. These chargers are designed to complement the battery’s chemistry and charging requirements.

Avoid using third-party chargers, as they may pose risks to your batteries, potentially leading to decreased performance or even damage.

3. Keep firmware updated

Keeping your battery’s firmware up-to-date is crucial. It’s often tied to your drone’s firmware updates. Inconsistent firmware can lead to issues, so ensure that both your drone and battery have matching, updated firmware.

This helps maintain the compatibility and reliability of your battery.

4. Beware of extreme temperatures

Extreme temperatures can be detrimental to battery health. Drone batteries should never be used, charged, or stored in temperatures outside the recommended range.

Exposure to extreme heat or freezing temperatures can lead to diminished performance and even permanent damage.

5. Wait for the optimal charging temperature

After flying, it’s essential to wait for your battery to return to an acceptable internal temperature before charging. Plugging in a hot battery could compromise its health.

Although DJI chargers allow for faster charging, it’s still advisable to let the battery cool down before charging.

6. Allow cooling before storage

Another thing that you want to do is, say you’re out at a shoot, and a battery has died, avoid placing it immediately in an insulated environment like your drone bag., where it will be insulated. Set it outside or leave it somewhere to cool off before putting it back in your bag.

Intelligent flight batteries, which DJI uses for the most part, are designed to stop charging when the battery gets full. Still, DJI recommends monitoring the charging process and disconnecting the batteries when they are fully charged.

7. Optimal storage environment

Storage conditions also play a significant role in battery longevity. DJI recommends storing between 71°F and 86°F. Storing in this range will help minimize non-recoverable capacity loss.

If ideal storage conditions aren’t possible, ensure they are stored in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.

It is very important that you avoid storing drone batteries in your vehicle, especially if your vehicle is parked outside, where it can get very hot or very cold.

8. Avoid storing batteries at 100%

Also, you should never store your batteries at 100%.

Now, say you just got done flying, and you get home and know you’ll wait to fly the drone for a few days. It would be best to wait to plug in the batteries until maybe a day or two before you start flying again. That way, they’re not being stored at 100%.

DJI also says that in most cases, you can set a time from 1-10 days in the DJI app for the batteries to start self-discharging down to 60 percent. Now, say your battery is below 60, like in the 40 to 60 percent range, then it should be charged until it reaches that range for long-term storage.

Now, if you are a person who requires the batteries to be charged at 100% at all times, then you have to understand that this will negatively affect the lifespan and performance of your batteries.

9. Charging for long-term storage

If you plan to store your batteries for an extended period, maintain them within the 40% to 60% charge range. Charging them to this level before storage helps prevent over-discharge while ensuring they are not fully charged, which can also be detrimental.

10. Avoid flying to 0%

Over-discharging your drone batteries, especially to zero percent, can lead to irreversible damage. I recommend landing your drone when the battery level reaches 15% to extend the battery’s lifespan. However, many drone operators prefer to land when the battery is at around 25%, just to be on the safe side.

DJI recommends recharging your batteries when they reach around 15% capacity. If they go below this threshold, it’s advisable to plug them in as soon as possible.

11. Monitor battery health and cycle count

Batteries are a small portion of the cost compared to a drone’s overall price, so I don’t recommend risking your drone with a battery that may be faulty like you wouldn’t want to drive with bald tires.

So Keep a close eye on your battery’s health. As outlined by DJI’s recommendations, there are several factors to watch out for:

Visual Inspection: Regularly check for any signs of visual abnormalities like swelling, leaking, cracks, dents, or physical damage. These could indicate underlying issues that might compromise your battery’s performance or safety.

Bent Terminals Awareness: Ensure the battery’s terminals remain in good condition. Bent terminals can lead to short circuits, potentially damaging the battery and your drone. Stay vigilant for any deformities.

In-App Notifications: Pay attention to any in-app notifications or prompts related to battery cell damage or over-discharge. These warnings can offer valuable insights into your battery’s state and alert you to potential problems.

Charging Cycle Count: Most drone batteries have a finite number of charging cycles they can undergo before their capacity starts to decline. DJI recommends retiring a battery after it reaches 200 charging cycles to maintain optimal performance.

Persistent Issues: If a battery error persists even after performing standard charge and discharge procedures twice consecutively, or if the battery has endured a crash or hard impact, it’s essential to address the issue promptly.

DJI has made it convenient to track your battery’s charging cycles. Simply insert the battery into your drone and navigate to the battery menu. There, you’ll find information about the battery’s cycle count.

Once the battery has completed 200 charging cycles, it’s prudent to retire the battery and consider purchasing a new one. This ensures that your drone continues operating smoothly and safely during aerial escapades.

FAQs about DJI drone battery care

Final words

So, if you’ve ever wondered how to take care of the DJI drone batteries, I hope you’ve got the answer!

Feel free to comment if you have more problems with battery care.