How to Fix DJI Phantom 4 Battery Not Charging

If you own a DJI Phantom 4 drone, you know how important it is to keep your batteries charged and ready for flight. But what if your battery is not charging or flashing red and green lights? This can be a frustrating and worrying situation, especially if you have an upcoming flight or project.

Fortunately, there are some possible solutions to this problem that you can try before giving up on your battery or sending it back to DJI. In this article, we will explain why your DJI Phantom 4 battery may not be charging and how to fix it.

Why is Your DJI Phantom 4 Battery Not Charging?

There is no one reason why your DJI Phantom 4 battery is not charging. Your battery may not be charging due to outdated software, a damaged battery, or a faulty charger, with perhaps bent pins. There are possible issues both software and hardware and it can be hard to ascertain which is causing it but here are some things that might be causing it-

1. The battery is in hibernation mode
2. The battery is used until it was flat and was stored
3. Using an unsupported power cable or brick
4. Faulty battery or charger
5. Overheating
6. Dirt build-up in the charging port
7. A faulty hardware inside the drone, like a loose wire.
8. A software problem that can be fixed with a firmware refresh, which is not easy to do because you can’t turn the drone on in the first place

Let’s look at each of these possible causes and how to fix them.

How to Fix DJI Phantom 4 Battery Not Charging

1. Give the battery time to get out of hibernation mode

If your Phantom 4 batteries are not charging it means the batteries are in hibernation mode, so it is recommended you give it at least 3-4 hours before going further. You can use a more powerful charger to get it out of hibernation mode faster, the battery supports 12V-1.5A, 9V-2A, and 5V-3A.

Generally, batteries can’t hold a charge if not used and that can decrease their life span, to avoid this problem, DJI introduced hibernation mode, So when the battery is not used for some time It will go to hibernation mode, or different components of the battery to “sleep” to protect the battery from the free flow of charge, and that is most probably why your Phantom 4 battery seems like it is not charging.

This is also quite common when the batteries are still new and haven’t been charged up yet and makes people think they received a faulty battery although it is just in hibernation mode.

Getting the battery out of hibernation mode doesn’t require much energy it just needs patience-

1. Plug your battery into the charger directly using the cable that came with your drone.
2. Leave it on charge for at least 3-4 hours or until you see the LED lights turn on.
3. If the LED lights turn on, press the power button once to check the battery level.
4. If the battery level is low, press the power button again to start charging normally.
5. If the battery level is high, unplug the battery and plug it back in to start charging normally.

2. Update the firmware of your drone and battery

Sometimes, your DJI Phantom 4 battery may not be charging because of a software issue that can be fixed by updating the firmware of your drone and battery. Firmware updates can improve the performance and compatibility of your drone and battery, as well as fix some bugs and glitches.

To update the firmware of your drone and battery, you will need a computer with DJI Assistant 2 software installed, a USB cable, and a fully charged battery. Here are the steps to follow-

1. Connect your drone to your computer using the USB cable.
2. Launch DJI Assistant 2 software and log in with your DJI account.
3. Select your drone model from the list and click on Firmware Update.
4. Choose the latest firmware version and click on Upgrade.
5. Wait for the upgrade process to complete and follow any instructions on the screen.
6. Disconnect your drone from your computer and turn it off.
7. Connect your battery to your drone and turn it on.
8. The LED lights on your battery should flash green rapidly, indicating that the firmware update is in progress.
9. Wait for the firmware update to finish and check if your battery is charging normally.

3. Check if your charger is working properly

Another common reason why your DJI Phantom Phantom 4 battery is not charging is a faulty charger. Check if your charger is working properly and replace it if it isn’t. Here are some ways to check your charger-

1. Look for any physical damage on the charger, such as cracks, dents, or bent pins.
2. Plug the charger into a different power outlet and see if it works.
3. Use a multimeter to measure the output voltage of the charger. It should be around 17.4V.
4. Try charging a different battery with the same charger and see if it works.
5. Try using a different charger with the same battery and see if it works.

If you find that your charger is faulty, you can buy a new one from DJI or other authorized dealers. You can also use a compatible third-party charger, but make sure it has the same specifications and safety features as the original one.

4. Clean the charging port and pins

Sometimes, your DJI Phantom 4 battery may not be charging because of dirt or dust build-up in the charging port or pins. This can prevent the battery from making good contact with the charger and disrupt the charging process.

To clean the charging port and pins, you will need a soft cloth, a cotton swab, and some rubbing alcohol. Here are the steps to follow-

1. Turn off your battery and unplug it from the charger.
2. Wipe the charging port and pins with a soft cloth to remove any loose dirt or dust.
3. Dip a cotton swab in some rubbing alcohol and gently rub it on the charging port and pins to remove any stubborn dirt or grease.
4. Let the alcohol evaporate completely before plugging the battery back into the charger.

5. Avoid overheating your battery

Overheating your DJI Phantom 4 battery can damage its cells and reduce its lifespan. It can also cause your battery to stop charging or charge slowly. To avoid overheating your battery, you should follow these tips-

• Do not charge your battery immediately after flying. Let it cool down for at least 10 minutes before plugging it into the charger.
• Do not charge your battery in direct sunlight or high temperatures. Charge your battery in a well-ventilated and shaded area.
• Do not charge your battery near flammable materials or sources of heat, such as stoves, heaters, or fireplaces.
• Do not charge your battery with other devices plugged into the same power outlet. This can overload the circuit and cause overheating.
• Do not leave your battery on charge for too long. Unplug it once it reaches 100% or uses a smart charger that stops charging automatically.

6. Use a battery charging hub

If you have multiple DJI Phantom 4 batteries, you may want to use a battery charging hub to charge them more efficiently and conveniently. A battery charging hub can charge up to three batteries at once, either sequentially or simultaneously, depending on the model.

A battery charging hub can also help you optimize your battery performance by balancing its voltage levels and extending its lifespan. You can buy a DJI Phantom 4 Series Battery Charging Hub from DJI or other authorized dealers. You can also use a compatible third-party battery charging hub, but make sure it has the same specifications and safety features as the original one.

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7. Replace your battery if it is damaged

If none of the above solutions work, your DJI Phantom 4 battery may be damaged beyond repair and need to be replaced. You can check for signs of damage on your battery, such as-

1. Swelling or bulging
2. Cracks or leaks
3. Deformation or warping
4. Discoloration or corrosion
5. Low voltage or capacity
6. Short circuit or fire

If you notice any of these signs on your battery, do not attempt to charge it or use it again. Dispose of it properly according to local regulations and buy a new one from DJI or other authorized dealers. You can also use a compatible third-party battery, but make sure it has the same specifications and safety features as the original one.

Conclusion

We hope this article has helped you understand why your DJI Phantom 4 battery may not be charging and how to fix it. By following these tips, you can keep your batteries healthy and ready for flight.

Remember to always use genuine DJI products or compatible third-party products that meet DJI’s standards. Also, follow DJI’s guidelines on how to store, transport, and maintain your batteries.

If you have any questions or suggestions about this topic, feel free to leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you