STOP Killing Your DJI Drone Batteries: MUST KNOW information for Drone LiPo Batteries

Video Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction
0:25 - LiPo Batteries - How They Work
1:55 - Overcharging/Dis-charging LiPo Batteries
3:19 - DJI app battery settings
4:48 - 'Smart Battery' technology
5:24 - Overheating/Shock Cooling
8:13 - Physical Damage
9:01- Safe Charging/Storage Container
10:02 - Summing It All Up
If you are looking to get the most life out of your drone's LiPo batteries then this is the video for you! In this video, we cover the essentials of taking care of your drone batteries, from charging and storage and usage tips to the mistakes that we have seen others make that can cause irreversible damage.
By following these essential care tips, you'll be able to maximize the lifespan of your drone batteries and ensure they deliver optimal performance every time you fly your drone. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned drone pilot, this video is a must-watch for anyone who wants to get the most life out of their drone LiPo batteries.
V1DroneMedia produces project documentation, promotional, and marketing videos, as well as shoots aerial cinematography for high-end productions. We are an expert drone services provider in Cleveland, Ohio, area, and serve marketing, real estate, construction, reality capture, TV/Film industries, and conduct custom drone training!
Our web links: linktr.ee/V1DroneMedia

[@richardhykes6939]

Thanks for your time. Keep on flying my friend

[@howardsercombe248]

The presentation and clarity on this video is flawless, the info. provided is very helpful and relevant. As a novice Dronie I am grateful for having stumbled across this presentation.

[@v1dronemedia696]

Much appreciated!

[@user-fm7rz3mo1g]

This dude knows his stuff. And his presentation is flawless! As an old, retired EE with many years of battery tech experience, my advice is to pay heed to this excellent video.

[@v1dronemedia696]

Appreciate the kind words - Thank You!

[@ChrisMitchells_FlyingCameras]

Lots of good info here, thanks for posting! Its pretty amazing the amount of "smart tech" DJI has built in to their drones, especially the more recent drones.

[@v1dronemedia696]

Much appreciated - Thanks for watching!

[@RevMikeBlack]

Good info! I use four batteries on my Mini 3 Pro. When a battery drops to 20%, I land the drone and change batteries. After flying, I leave the batteries in the partially discharged state, then re-charge them right before the next flight.

[@v1dronemedia696]

Thanks for watching/commenting! I also typically charge batteries either the day before or day of flying. I just wouldn't leave them in a discharged state for an extended period of time (more than a week or two)

[@RevMikeBlack]

@@v1dronemedia696 I usually store batteries at about 80% then charge them overnight before a flight.

[@harrisongould9460]

Nice point to follow...I'm 'ON IT'.

[@jimanderson4865]

Great Video.....All my batteries have individual fire retardant pouches. Then those go in a fire proof bag.

[@Soundafek]

Valuable information thanks!

[@timwright350]

I love it when information is presented as you have done. Thank you. Great job.

[@v1dronemedia696]

Thanks so much, Tim - appreciate the feedback!

[@True_Narcissist]

Informative and straight to the point!

[@timcolton4680]

Good Information ! - I've worked with Aircraft and UPS batteries for the past forty years and am still learning about batteries.

[@kchamp33]

Amazing portability. Love the different modes you can use.

[@wolfgangernst1336]

Hi, truly helpful and valuable infos for LiPos health care. I'm sure not all of us know the special features of lipos that can pose a risk in certain circumstances. What I missed was a remark on DJI's feature called "auto-discharge" or "self-discharge" to help maintain their health and longevity. This feature reduces issues from staying at 100% charge for long period.

[@RevJimmy69]

Thank you!

[@pandadrone413]

This what I was looking for battery maintenance videos. TY I need to learn more

[@v1dronemedia696]

Thanks for watching - Glad you found the video helpful!

[@nicksacco6024]

Thank you. Very informative and delivered in a timely and easy to understand manner!

[@v1dronemedia696]

Thanks for watching and for the feedback!

[@user-ed4ty4xs4h]

Very useful information regarding safety and prolonging the useful life of LiPo’s

[@v1dronemedia696]

Glad it was helpful - Thanks so much for watching!

[@m118lr]

Great vid brother. A lot..MOST of your info presented coincides with what I’ve understood about these drone/LIPO batteries. Thanks..

[@v1dronemedia696]

Thanks for watching and commenting - much appreciated!

[@thebackwardpointinggodwit8080]

Good summary. Many things I’ve wondered about covered here

[@v1dronemedia696]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jamesrabkin7571]

Lots of great and useful information here! Great job!!!

[@v1dronemedia696]

Thanks so much!

[@dalewiley9208]

Outstanding video. Thank-you very much.

[@v1dronemedia696]

Glad you enjoyed it - Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@bozmorley5353]

Thankyou for the valuable information ...much appreciated.

[@v1dronemedia696]

Glad it was helpful!

[@metanoian965]

Very good need to know ideas. Very informative. Thanks.

[@v1dronemedia696]

Glad it was helpful!

[@izoyt]

good idea on toolbox, thank you.

[@trekertrev7]

Excellent info! Very well presented.

[@v1dronemedia696]

Appreciate the kind words - Thanks for watching/commenting! 👍

[@J2onton]

Thank you for presenting this important info. Cheers.

[@v1dronemedia696]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tonyglasstv2685]

Hi from the UK. Great info, thanks so much.

[@v1dronemedia696]

Thanks for watching!

[@thelordbart]

Thank you! Good data I was in need of :)

[@v1dronemedia696]

Glad it was helpful!

[@robertparenton7470]

Thank You!

[@v1dronemedia696]

Thanks for watching/commenting!

[@MrRaymond1021]

Yeah, I didn't know too much about that with my drone batteries. At first I used to charge my batteries to 100% because I thought they would go bad, but then I heard about leaving them partially charged. I haven't used my drones for about 6-7 months now. I'm wondering if the batteries are still in great working condition. I don't fly when it's below 45° because I don't like the cold weather too much. I fly during summer. Do you think that's a good idea, To leave them alone without charging for so many months? I love the video and all the great information that you have provided. I'm now a new subscriber of yours and hopefully continue to get awesome information. Thanks for sharing. 👍👍👍

[@R0dan]

Very good information!!

[@v1dronemedia696]

Glad it was helpful!

[@glennalan]

Great video and so informative! I just subscribed!

[@v1dronemedia696]

Very much appreciated! There are so many more videos that I would like to make - it's just a matter of finding the time to make them, LOL!

[@prosocialdistancer]

something different and Informative👌

[@v1dronemedia696]

Thanks for watching - hope you got something out of it!

[@shantanubhosale112]

Good information 👍 thanks

[@v1dronemedia696]

No problem - thanks for watching and commenting!

[@marklama4478]

Nice infor! Thank you

[@v1dronemedia696]

Thank you - much appreciated!

[@ukdroneking]

Great information 👍

[@v1dronemedia696]

Thanks for watching - Cheers!

[@bertsteenbergen6729]

Many thanks for this great video. Although I am not reckless, I learned a good bit from your video.

[@v1dronemedia696]

Awesome! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@aerialadventures4k932]

Thanks Dude

[@v1dronemedia696]

You're welcome!

[@_Per_Aspera_Ad_Astra_]

great 👍 ❤

[@v1dronemedia696]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@mediamannaman]

Great reminder as my drone fleet grows.

[@v1dronemedia696]

Appreciate the view and comment - Thanks!

[@Zachary77]

Great video, nice information. LIPO fires are a real thing. Ive heard to many stories throughout the years. So I strongly believe that folks should not cheap out when it comes to getting a battery charger. The charger I have has temperature probes, if the batt. gets to hot it will shut down automatically. Or you could just go out and buy an old army ammo can and charge the batteries in it.

[@v1dronemedia696]

Thanks for watching and commenting - appreciate the kind review!

[@mike._.feliciano6782]

I've seen LiPo batteries catch fire in RC Car racing. It's very dangerous, they sell bags for storage and or charging, that's where I keep my LiPo batteries.

[@bwmcelya]

Drone batts frighten me a bit. I store them in fireproof bags, inside an old tool chest. I have an aftermarket charger that will bring them up to 60% after a flight for storage. If I have an extra fully charged batt at the end of the day, I discharge it to three lights running this iPad for a few minutes. The three-way DJI charger has a usb out. Note: I drilled a few holes in the tool chest to vent pressure from a ballistic battery. I notice that my mini 2 batts will continue auto-discharging down to about 60% after a few weeks idle. Sometimes I forget and leave them stored at 80%. Pretty smart batts. Thanks for the video.

[@eprohoda]

Salut!amigo!thanks~ best sharing!have a nice day. =)

[@DroseMr]

Pretty scary! Guess i should pull off the charger.🎉

[@ralf8766]

Good info. Might benefit from - info on how to best discharge batteries to a good storage voltage - ideas on how to keep batteries at a good operating temperature for those that might spend all day out in the cold with a small portable drone in the pack.

[@tonybucca5667]

I have a Mini 3 Pro, and the 3-battery charger/cradle. I have seen that storing the batteries in the cradle will discharge them. I found this out yesterday as 1 of my batteries was at 54%, and the other 2 were at 70%. It affected my flight times! I lifted the batteries OFF the detents of the cradle before I tucked them away this time.

[@Stefan_Boerjesson]

Great video, greate tips. I hope the built in discharge stops discharging at a safe level. Thanks for showing where/how to activate the detailed battery status. Having 3 standard and 3 plus Mini 3 PRO batteries a kind of log updated at regular times feels interesting. The same applies to the 3 Mavic 3 PRO batteries. During the cold winter the worst thing is the joystick fingers getting frozen, not much or any flying for months. Some Y T guy suggested some exercising for the not flying batteries. Did I miss that information in Your video? T U of course.

[@v1dronemedia696]

Thanks for watching and for the detailed comment! I would recommend (as does DJI) storing batteries around 50-60% level if they aren't going to be used for a couple of weeks or even a month or two. That being said, you also don't want them to site for months on end without any use and/or let the charge get too low for an extended period. In this case, I would charge them back up and either use them back down to the 50-60% level or let them self discharge back to that level to 'reset the clock' so to speak. Hopefully that makes sense.

[@Stefan_Boerjesson]

@@v1dronemedia696 Thanks! if I, during longer periods of no flying, check the voltage of the batteries and charge them up when they've gone below 50 percent, would that good? Letting the selfdischarge be the consumer?

[@SKid_Athor]

Hi! Very good information. Veeery important Video!!! With my new mini 4 and before with the mini 3 I do/did the following procedure: land the drone when bat is in range of 15%-20% (that is the beginning of the orange status on the flight app). When back home I load them up to around 63%-66%. How? This level is reached, when the third green led has just started to light constantly (check by pressing the status button, dont use the load indication!). When I'm up for a flight I load them all to 100% 4 hrs before. I have 6 bats. I usually use 3 for a run, but can use 6 for a full fun day. I do something similar with the controller..... After flying 3 bats the controller has around 70-85%. I leave it and make the next run without loading it, as it still has enough juice for the next 3 friends. Then after that run I do it the same way as with the bats. And I have an extra box, built for LiPo airplane transports, where all bats and the controller fit in. That LiPo box was about 100,-- EUR. It's worth it, I believe. And yes, I have a second charging hub, which keeps me in the 4 hrs range when loading all 6 boys and the controller. I guess most newbie pilots load them to 100% and let the logic do the rest or leave them discharged. Some of my drone mates do it that way, even though I explained it to them. One cant help always. 🙄 I got these hints from a battery expert (works at photovoltaic company and he's the battery master of them). Have a good time and fly savely! Greets from Germany. 😊

[@smc1377]

Last year, during the heat of summer (about 95 degrees ambient temp), I had a DJI Mavic 2 battery blow apart on me while in flight. I had already finished flying and flew it over to the parking lot area and let it hover about 10 feet off the ground while I walked over to the parking lot. Then boom, I see the battery blow apart and thankfully the battery separated from the drone. The drone without a battery is pretty light so it more or less fluttered to the ground and miraculously, there's a thick grassy patch about 3 feet wide that the drone fell on so it didn't sustain any damage. The battery, on the other hand, had basically blown into two halves. No fire though.

[@salk007]

Thank you for sharing this most useful information on battery care. I have one quick question. I do not use drone that much only may be in 6 months or so when I go on holiday. So what's the best way to store the battery so it does not discharge completely. Do I leave it in the intelligent battery pack and the battery pack will prevent discharging the battery after it reaches minimum level? Thanks in advance.

[@RelivitMedia]

I'm assuming the answer is the batteries need to be replaced, but do the DJI mavic air batteries tend to swell even just a little bit after running a full flight? Also, do you or does anyone know where to get a decent deal on DJI mavic air batteries still at this time in June 2024? The battery seem to be so expensive...it might be better off just to buy another drone. 😅 Thanks for your great videos.

[@sergep5563]

But of course thank you for the informations....

[@v1dronemedia696]

No problem - Thanks for watching!

[@sutv6754]

Thank you. Great lesson and video. I have the auto discharge after 3 days. So I'm good? No worries, is it's automatic?

[@v1dronemedia696]

Thanks for watching and the 'review!' Yes, if you have the auto discharge set for 3 days, then the batteries will start to auto discharge (automatically) after 3 days.

[@gvibes69]

my drones 7.4v have 3 wires and its hard to buy some batteries aftermarket so im thinking buying one off those high perfomrance lipos for fpv drones ,but they have two conectors ! So i need to solder all the 5 wires or only the positive egative and white wire for balancing the voltage ?taking in consideration that the normal battery drones have a board in the plastic inclosure to balance the voltage and overcharge protection!

[@damniedelacreme]

Thank you for the information. I noticed all my mavic batteries get warm without being used…I’m worried, is that normal? What am I doing wrong? I usually store them in room temperature

[@rickniemi1784]

Thanks for the battery tips! I tried to install DJI Go 4 app V4.3.54 and got a "Unsafe app blocked. This app can collect data that could be used to track you" message. Bummer!

[@_Per_Aspera_Ad_Astra_]

❤

[@briken2539]

Thank you for the treatment of batteries. What about leaving the batteries in the DJI charger, beyond when they reach full charge? Should they be immediately taken off the charger?

[@v1dronemedia696]

Once the batteries reach full charge they should stop charging. Taking them off the charger doesn't have to be 'immediate,' but I wouldn't leave them on the charger once they are fully charged.

[@Hinapulan]

DJI recommends discharging Phantom 3 batteries to less than 8% every 20 charge-discharge cycles. Any recommendations on how best to do these? BTW, thanks for the video guides and tips! 👍

[@v1dronemedia696]

Thanks for watching and commenting! When it is time to do a 'deep cycle' on your battery, I would recommend flying as you normally would, but once you have depleted most of the battery bring it back and either: 1. Hover over your landing spot until the drone wants to land itself (Be sure to cancel Return To Home if it tries to initiate). Let the drone land and just leave it on until the drone shuts itself off. By hovering over the landing spot you are draining the battery until the drone is forcing itself to land. OR 2. Land as you normally would and just leave the drone on until it shuts itself off. (This option may take longer, depending on your battery level, but will accomplish the same thing. Let the batteries cool normally and then charge them back up to 100% - don't let them sit depleted of charge for an extended period of time (more than a day or two). Hopefully that makes sense.

[@Hinapulan]

@@v1dronemedia696 Your advice makes perfect sense! These procedures are consistent with LiPo maintenance protocols recommended by battery gurus and closely parallels points you mentioned in this video. Hopefully, we can gain more charge/discharge cycles from these expensive batteries. Much appreciated! Subscribed and looking forward to more vids from your channel. 😃💯

[@Hinapulan]

​​​​@@v1dronemedia696You make perfect sense! This advice consistently parallels LiPo maintenance protocols of manufacturers and battery gurus. Same goes for the points mentioned in the video. "Deep cycle", as you call it, is surely a huge plus in squeezing more charging cycles from these expensive power storage units. Much appreciated! 👍💯 Subscribed, as I would not want to miss your upcoming videos. 😉😁💫

[@Hinapulan]

Makes perfect sense! Thank you. This advice parallels LiPo maintenance protocols recommended by manufacturers and battery gurus. "Deep cycle", as you call it, helps us extract more charge cycles from these expensive power storage systems, with their BMS and temperature sensors. Much appreciated! 👏 Subscribed, as I would not want to miss your upcoming videos 👍💯💥

[@sergep5563]

It's frightening what can happen using these batteries... it's crazy that you should keep in mind all these rules if you simply want to use a drone!

[@v1dronemedia696]

Very true - This is why it's important to know as much as possible about the equipment that you use in order to fly safely and get the most life out of it.

[@marleystjohn]

what is the result (possibly negative ive been told ) of flying your batteries to the last of the charge available in the battery? I often push it until the drone goes into a auto landing sequenced ad then i bring the drone back with sport mode and land immidietly, even if that means going Ito the single digits of remaining battery percentage . like %4 for example . is there anything I should be aware of when pushing it using this technique to get the most out of a single flight ? Thanks FYI I AM FLYING THE MAVIC 2 PRO WITH DJI SMART CONTROLLER

[@70Marc]

I’ve got a Mini 2 for the last 2 1/2 years. My batteries are swelling now, and I believe it’s from too many long flights. I’m at ~115 cycles. These batteries should last at least 200 cycles, but I don’t think I’m going to make it. 😢

[@bigdanny2442]

subscribe to this guy ...

[@cyan4455]

is 63C to hot for a lipo battery after a flight?

[@bladerunner.1984]

I used to work in China and had my drones there. Then during Covid I ended up in my home country, and my drones left in China, locked down for 2 years. Went back there recently, only to find all my batteries are dead and not charging anymore. If only I knew that they needed to be charged regularly. Tons of videos on youtube about how they can be restored - do you think it's worth it, and is it safe?

[@Xenoose7041]

Me storing my old drone with full batteries for a month.. Is it ok ? : (

[@v1dronemedia696]

I would store them at room temperature at approx 50-60% charge if they aren't going to be used for an extended period of time (several weeks to a month)

[@frankfernandes5]

I've always followed these guide lines, but DJI battery quality up to the Mavic 2 Pro is appalling, my 3 batteries that came with the fly more combo have puffed, 2 of them were still under warranty, just for reference my Macbook Pro from 2010 still work with its original battery, so in my Canon 7D from 2010 both original batteries still work, DJI is so out of touch because of some of these DJI Fan Boys. Theres no Drier, temperature low and stable place at home than my desk, and is the same place I keep all my battery powered devices including Drill and Lawn Mower high capacity battery, I have 6 Mavic 2 Pro all puffed and all with less than 15 uses each , none of them drained bellow 20% and all set to self discharge , I am a big fan of the Mavic 2 Pro but the batteries are crap, once they puff (inflate) they become unusable as they can just pop out of the drone. I will soon sell my Mavic 2 Pro because of that as I sold the Mavic Air for the same reason. I have bought the Mini 4 PRO 2 weeks ago and thats the only drone I'll keep also will be my last if the batteries end up having the same issues.

[@Anayfpv]

hey v1 i have a drone crazy for over 5years now and i alwayss wanteed a dji drone and i finally got a mini 3. If you have any drone which you are not using plssss can you give it to me

[@BaronRosa]

JOOOOOB

[@GrantM.-gx2kn]

Dont store for a long time, but fails to mention what is a long time. With my mini black and mini grey I notice the blacks seem better in the cold. Then I bought the none DJI big battery for the Pro 3 as they were giving out the fire bag which you'd think would be mandatory for storage.

[@fpvrc9829]

most DJI batteries are not li-po, their li-on

[@v1dronemedia696]

If you look up the battery specs on a lot of the DJI drones, most of them say that the battery type is Lithium Polymer (LiPo) - DJI Matrice 30 battery type: 5,880 mAh LiPo battery, DJI Mavic 2 battery type: Four-cell LiPo battery, DJI Mini 2 battery type: LiPo 2S, etc. Regardless, Li-Ion and Lipo batteries are very similar in chemical properties (LiPo is technically a Lithium Ion Polymer battery)

[@allanjarrettbasi78]

Wow this is but a video too late... Crashed our companies drone just recently .......... RIP MY P4P RTK!!!!!

[@v1dronemedia696]

Sorry to hear - Hope it wasn't too bad and can be fixed - Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@chadgilmore5046]

Never buy refurbished batteries on the internet most of them are shit people want to get rid of.

[@Anayfpv]

plsssss if you hvae any drone which you are not using plsss give it to mmeeeee i am 12years old

[@paulsimin-gv6jj]

THIS IS MOSTLY COMONSENS ! WHERE IS THE " MUST KNOW " ?

[@TheRoybert]

Useless info. DJI batteries are NOT the problem. Cheap commercial drones and quadcopter Lipos are. This video is about as useful as the sign at th e gas pump that says no smoking. 😂