dji phantom 3 standard controller not charging

DJI Phantom 3 Controller Not Charging (Solved)

If you’re having trouble charging your Dji Phantom 3 controller, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the issue.

– First, try swapping out the batteries.

– If that doesn’t work, try connecting the controller to a power source that is different from your computer or other device.

– Finally, make sure the cables are plugged in correctly and that the controller is properly connected to your computer.

If all of those things don’t work, you may need to replace the controller.

How Do You Charge a Phantom 3 Controller?

To charge a Phantom 3 controller, first remove the battery and SD card.

Next, place the controller flat on a surface with the included wall adapter attached.

Finally, place the included USB cable in to the controller and connect it to a powered computer.

How Do I Reset My Phantom 3 Controller?

Step 1: Open the Phantom 3 Controller App

Step 2: Tap on “Settings” in the top left corner

Step 3: Tap on “Reset Controller” in the bottom left corner

Step 4: Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the reset.

How Do I Update My Phantom 3 Controller?

1. Open the Phantom 3 Controller app on your phone.

2. Tap on “Settings.” 

3. Tap on “Controller.”

4. Tap on “Update Controller.”

5. Enter your Phantom 3 controller’s Serial Number, and then tap on “Next.” 

6. Tap on “Yes” to confirm, and then tap on “Next.” 

7. Select your language, and then tap on “Next.” 

8. Tap on “Update Firmware.” 

9. Tap on “Yes” to confirm, and then tap on “Next.” 

10. Wait for the firmware update to finish, and then tap on “End Update.”

How Do I Know When My Phantom 3 Controller Is Charged?

There are a few ways to know when your Phantom 3 controller is charged.

One way is to use the DJI GO app and check the battery level. The app will show a green or yellow battery icon to indicate whether the controller is charging or not. 

If you don’t have the DJI GO app, you can also check the controller’s LED light. The light will turn blue when it’s charging and red when it’s fully charged.

How Long Does It Take to Charge a Phantom 3 Controller?

Phantom 3 controllers take about two hours to charge from empty, which is enough time for a few flights. It’s important to keep the controller charged so you can take advantage of all its features, including autopilot and flight modes.

How Do I Pair My Phantom 3 Remote?

1. Connect your Phantom 3 Remote to your computer.

2. Open the Phantom 3 Remote app.

3. In the left column, select “Pairing.”

4. In the right column, select “Remote.”

5. On the “Remote” tab, enter your Phantom 3 Remote’s serial number.

6. Select “Add.”

7. Select “Phantom 3 (or another device).”

8. On the “Pairing” tab, select “OK.”

9. On the “Remote” tab, select “OK.”

Is DJI Phantom 3 Still Supported?

The DJI Phantom 3 has been out for quite some time now, so it’s safe to say that a lot of people have already used and/or owned one. If you’re one of those people, then it’s probably worth your while to check if your controller is still supported by DJI.

First and foremost, the DJI Phantom 3 is a great drone because of its stability and ease of use. As such, it makes sense that DJI would continue supporting the drone even after its release date.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind if you’re looking to use your controller with the latest firmware:

– First and foremost, make sure you have an updated firmware installed on your controller;

– secondly, make sure your battery is fully charged; and finally, make sure that your quadcopter is properly configured with the correct flight mode (i.e., manual or automatic).

If all of these things are checked and you still encounter issues with using or charging your controller with the latest firmware installed on the drone, then it might be time to consider replacing it. That being said, it should be noted that not all controllers are guaranteed to work with the latest firmware; therefore, it is important to thoroughly check the support page for your specific controller before making a purchase.

What Is the Password for The Phantom 3?

The default password for the controller is “0000”. If you have forgotten your password, you can reset it by following these steps:

– First, make sure that the controller is turned on and connected to the drone;

– Next, open the DJI Go app (available for Android and iOS) on your smartphone and find the “Phantom 3” controller;

– Finally, tap on the “Passwords” tab and enter your old password.

What Is the Best App for DJI Phantom 3?

There are a number of DJI Phantom 3 apps available for both iOS and Android devices. Some of the more popular ones include DJI GO 4, DJI Assistant 2, and DJI GO 4 Remote. All of these apps allow you to control your Phantom 3 drone using your smartphone or tablet. They also provide comprehensive flight data and configuration management capabilities. It’s important to choose the right app for you based on your preferences and needs.

For example, if you primarily use your phone to snap photos and video while flying, an app like DJI Assistant 2 may be a better choice for you than DJI GO 4 Remote.

Conversely, if you’re looking for an app that provides more comprehensive flight data and configuration management features, DJI GO 4 may be a better option than either DJI Assistant 2 or DJI GO 4 Remote. Ultimately, the best app for DJI Phantom 3 controller not charging depends on your specific needs and preferences.

How Do I Reset My DJI Controller Password?

 To reset the password, follow these steps: 

1. Turn on your DJI controller and wait for it to connect to the DJI Go app.

2. In the DJI Go app, select Settings > System > Controller Password.

3. Enter your controller’s unique ID number and press OK. 

4. Select Reset Password and enter your new password in both fields. Click Submit.

• Back Answers Index

DJI Phantom 3

The third generation of the DJI Phantom series released in April 2015.

Charlie Gaines @newoldguy

Posted: Jul 23, 2016

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Controller battery won't charge

The battery in the controller won't accept a charge. When I plug in the charger I can turn the controller on, but it won't charge, even when left plugged in for hours. Also, when plugged in and turned on, the red light next to the four white lights is illuminated. I'm guessing the battery is bad. How do I replace the battery?

Is this a good question?

I have the exact same problem. I have only used it once!!

Oct 12, 2016 by Derek Scott

I'm in the same boat however, mine will flash the one led for a few moments and then will stop.

Jan 28, 2017 by manchesterman96

Same problem with my phantom 4 RC. Send to repair, happen again after 1 month.

Apr 28, 2017 by BT LOH

Just wanting to know PS, XBox, Nintendo Wii etc... and when it is plugged in, does the controller work normally when it is plugged in? Can you play if controller is plugged in?

Jul 31, 2016 by sirozmonster

Yes. Does this mean it is simply a bad battery?

Jul 31, 2016 by Charlie Gaines

Show 1 more comment

Antony Meadley @antonym

Posted: Feb 19, 2018

I have just had the exact same problem with my Phantom 3 Pro controller.

After speaking with DJI I solved the problem, and I have put the instructions on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P60RY47G...

Was this answer helpful?

Chris Green @chrisgreen

I've seen this happening with a Phantom 3 standard before. For me, it wasn't the battery or the cable, but the actual USB connector on the controller. It seemed like they didn't do a great job in the factory soldering the USB connector to the printed circuit board that it sits on. Once you've ruled out that your issue isn't a bad USB cable/charger, you may want to consider this. If you look at this picture , you'll see that the USB port is attached to a little circuit board that is wired to the rest of the controller. I was able to repair the connection between the USB connector and that board with a fine-tip soldering iron, if you're handy with a soldering iron you may want to try the same. If you aren't experienced with a soldeirng iron, I was able to find a replacement part on eBay (but nowhere else so order soon!).

Very helpful of you sir for sharing. Mich thanks and long live.

I do guess that dji should do a recall since a lot of us are affected. I have only flown 5 times and this happened to me.

Feb 25, 2019 by Miguel Ybanez

Pete H @boxav8r

Posted: Aug 5, 2016

I found that you have to push the charging cable in VERY far. Much farther than you think. Mine wouldn't charge either - then I realized it was NOT in far enough. If you're 100% sure it's all the way in and isn't charging then I can't help you with this 'simple' fix. Good Luck.

AB Repair @abrepair

Posted: Jun 10, 2018

Hi, I have a repair service for this fault at http://dronerepair.ab-repair.co.uk/start...

It is not normally the battery but a faulty component on the main board inside. It costs £52.50 to repair

I can't open the link what is the part that your talking about.

Mar 24, 2023 by Still Deciding

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10 Things to Try if Your DJI Phantom 3 Battery is Not Charging

People are seeming to have this problem where their phantom 3 doesn’t charge or doesn’t seem to charge, nonetheless DJI has not come up with any clear answer why that is happening.

I also had this problem a couple of weeks ago, when I plugged my Phantom 3 to its charger nothing happened, then I went on google to look for a solution but I didn’t find a clear answer.

Then I contacted DJI support but they couldn’t have been more naive, but then I saw some recommendations on some forums that helped me understand the problem and I fixed mine, so I thought I could curate some possible explanations as to why your Phantom 3 might not charging and how you can fix it.

But before we proceed take a look at the precautions you should take first.

• Pay close attention to the recovering battery and don’t leave it unattended.
• Keep the battery away from flammable materials
• Stop the process if you notice the battery deforming or enlarging.
• discard the battery if it’s visibly damaged from the outside.
• Do  not  dispose of a LiPo battery using heat.

Why is your Phantom 3 not charging and How do You Fix it?

There is no one reason why your phantom 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-

• The battery is in hibernation mode
• The battery is used until it was flat and was stored
• Using unsupported power cable or brick
• Faulty battery or charger
• Overheating
• Dirt build up in the charging port
• A faulty Hardware inside the drone, like a loose wire.
• 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

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

If your Phantom 3 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 3 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-

• Switch on battery – one quick press followed by a press that lasts 3 seconds.
• Plug it into your DJI charger.
• The battery will eventually come out of hibernation mode without you needing to do anything,  it can take hours.

Note: If you have more than one battery and you are using a charging hub to charge them you should understand not every battery will come out of hibernation at the same time some can take longer, so if some batteries are not responding give them some time.

2. Fully flat battery (flat lipo)

Lithium Polymer batteries are lightweight and provide long flight times, However they have this problem where if you use them till they are flat they might have a hard time trying to charge again.

So, how’re you supposed to recover a flat LiPo battery? Here are the basics.

You can fix your Phantom 3 LiPo battery that is not charging by using a multi-functional charger. Start by charging the battery at 0.1A using a NiMH charger. Once it’s recovered to around 2-3 volts per cell, you can switch to the LiPo setting and balance the charge of the battery until it’s fully recovered.

3. Overcurrent Protection

DJI smart chargers stop the current from reaching the battery when there is too much of it to avoid damage.

There is no way to fix this problem except waiting until the power outlet gets normal and, you can try unplugging the charger and replugging it after a minute or so. If the amperage still doesn’t regulate, the power outlet might be the culprit instead.

4. Clean the charging ports on the phantom 3

The next step is to clean the ports, to do that grab a small toothpick, or roll a paper or cotton product into a small tip. Carefully insert the tip into the port and jiggle it to loosen dirt or debris. Give the port another burst of compressed air to help remove anything you’ve loosened, do the same for the mini’s port

5. Change the charging brick

To get the battery out of hibernation mode you might need more power than usual so if you are not using the charger that came with the drone that can be the issue.

It is better if you use an approved DJI charger for this because there is no guarantee that any third-party or phone charger can kick the battery out of hibernation. You can use your iPhone charging brick to charge your drone but to get it out of hibernation mode you might need more power than usual.

The DJI Phantom 3 intelligent flight battery supports input of 12V 1.5 A / 9V 2A / 5V 3A.

6. Overheating

If you want to charge the drone right after being used it might not respond, and that is because the intelligent battery blocks power input if the battery is above a certain temperature, this is done to avoid explosion, swelling, and such.

For this, you don’t have to do anything, unplug it and give it 30 minutes till it cools down then it will start charging normally.

7. Faulty charger

If you are not successful with the previous steps you might have a faulty charger,  so we need to check and see if your charger is broken.

• Plug the charger into a wall socket that you know is working, try plugging your phone to check it is working.
• Turn the battery on and plug it in, The flat turned on the battery should be flashing red before connection.
• If the battery keeps flashing red after red, that means the charger is not working and there you have it

Another great way to check if a charger is dead is by using a voltage tester. If there is no voltage, then you’re dealing with a dead battery.

8. Dead battery

Battery damage can be caused by age, physical damage, or poor battery maintenance and it might be time to buy another battery

There is no way to check if your battery is dead except when you turn it on if it doesn’t flash red that is a sign it might be dead but you can’t be sure

But if the battery has had a short life for the past weeks or if it discharges randomly it was a sign it is old and needs to be changed.

Phantom 3 batteries are sold for about $70 on Amazon, but before you buy a replacement to make sure it is the charger that is not working try different chargers.

9. Refresh the batteries firmware

So if you can somehow get the battery out of hibernation and charge it to 30% you should defiantly do a firmware refresh to prevent this problem in the future

watch the video below which shows you how you can refresh your batteries firmware

If DJI go tells you to update the batteries firmware great if not connect your drone to DJI assistant and do a firmware refresh with every battery you own.

10. Factory reset your drone

You can try factory resetting the drone with the battery that is having problems to start of with clean software.

This is really not important if you have already refreshed the firmware, but just in case there is still some error in the software that hasn’t been solved with a firmware refresh.

• First, Install the DJI Assistant 2 Program on your device, make sure you download the proper one.
• Connect your drone to your laptop using the USB cable provided, and wait for the software till it detects your drone
• You’ll be able to see your drone on the Connected Devices screen. Select your drone and then click on confirm.
• Click on Firmware Update. After that, you’ll be able to see the “Restore factory defaults” button.
• Click on the factory reset button and then confirm when you are asked to confirm the reset. A progress bar will pop up showing the progress of the reset. You’ll be notified when the reset is complete.

Note: After a factory reset you have to calibrate everything again

Final choice

If none of the methods fix it, you might have to send it to DJI, so if the battery is new and you bought it from DJI, they will send you a replacement without any cost.

After you hand it to DJI it can take up to 15 days till they send a replacement, and it can take longer if you don’t live in the United States

If you are located in Armenia, you may contact the local dealer or DJI’s support via email to start a case and send the unit back.

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DJI Phantom Controller Not Charging: 4 Easy Fixes!

The DJI Phantom is one of the most advanced drones out there. Yet, the DJI Phantom controller’s battery stops charging over time.

So, how can you fix the DJI Phantom controller not charging?

DJI Phantom controller won’t charge if the IC chip is faulty. So, you need to refloat the IC chip. An old firmware can cause it too. A bug may show the battery isn’t fully charged and will stop the controller. Hence, updating the firmware can fix it. Lastly, a faulty battery can cause the issue.

Nevertheless, there are more to the problems. These are just the tip of the iceberg. But don’t worry! I will provide the proper guideline to solve this issue.

So, let’s get started.

4 Common Reasons Why DJI Phantom Controller Won’t Charge

Every DJI phantom controller has 3 light indicators for charging. While charging, the first light stops blinking at 30%. Afterward, the second indicator stops blinking at 60% and the third at 100%.

But, here’s an issue. The DJI Phantom controller sometimes doesn’t charge after a certain time. So, when can you tell that DJI Phantom 4 controller not charging?

DJI Phantom 4 controller isn’t charging if you see the DJI app indicates low battery. Also, you may see that the controller light stops blinking at 2nd indicator. Also, if the controller disconnects frequently, it is also an indicator of the battery not charging.

That’s the sign that your controller battery not getting charged. But, why do DJI Phantom 3 or 4 pro controllers not charging? Let’s see some of the issues below.

Reason 1 of 4: Old Firmware

At the early stage of DJI Phantom 3 or 4, the DJI application had some issues. That caused the application to render the controller’s battery charged low. As a result, it disconnected the controller.

After that indication, when you plug it in, the battery may not charge. Because it is already charged. Hence, an old firmware can cause the issue to arise.

Reason 2 of 4: Worn Out Battery

DJI Phantom’s controller is equipped with a lithium-ion battery. There’s a chance that the controller can go bad after an extended period.

The battery can handle a 300-400 charge cycle. Although it seems low, the average year it can work is 2 years. Yet, it can go bad due to overcharging or charging with high wattage.

Reason 3 of 4: Faulty IC Chip

The most frustrating issue is the IC chip. A faulty IC chip reads 8.6 voltage regardless of the charge available. Hence it may stop charging at a low charge level thinking the battery is fully charged.

Reason 4 of 4: Faulty Controller

Rarely does the DJI Phantom controller get bricked. As a result, it may not charge accordingly. However, it can happen to anyone.

These are the issues why your DJI Phantom controller isn’t charging properly. I know this is frustrating. But, in the next step, I will troubleshoot every issue.

So, let’s move on.

Troubleshooting the DJI Phantom Controller Charging Issue

DJI Phantom can be utilized by DJI Fly App. However, DJI Phantom can be properly used if DJI Fly App stops working. It may cause the controller to disconnect too.

Now, let’s deal with the frustrating issues that technically brick your controller.

Troubleshooting 1 of 4: Old Firmware

As stated before, the old firmware can show a low battery percentage. This is a common bug and with a new DJI Phantom model, you can face it. 

So, the first thing to do with DJI Phantom is to update the firmware. For that first launch the DJI Assistant 2. After that, choose the linked device (DJIPhantom 3 or 4). Simply choose “Firmware Update” from the drop-down menu. 

The latest firmware will be deployed after a time. Now, if your controller battery is fully charged, it will show the full charge. Any bug or glitch will be removed by doing it.

Furthermore, if DJI’s Android-based application keeps crashing, it can disconnect the controller. Hence, you may need to reinstall the application or simply just update it.

If this didn’t help, you need to move to the next step.

Troubleshooting 2 of 4: Worn Out Battery

A battery can go bad for multiple reasons. If that’s the case it won’t charge up to 100%. So, changing the battery can be the only way out.

If you have a warranty, you can send your device to DJI and get it fixed. Regardless of that, you can find battery replacements on the market. Some of the best products are given below.

To replace the battery, firstly unscrew the back cover of the controller. You will see the battery there.

Now, carefully remove the battery ribbon. Afterward, remove the battery.

Then, with the new battery attach the ribbon to the motherboard. You need to put the battery back in the slot as the last step.

Troubleshooting 3 of 4: Faulty IC Chip

IC chip being faulty is perhaps the most common issue. It improperly informs the battery to stop charging. But, you can easily fix it.

All you need is a heat gun. Some of the best heat guns are given below.

Now, you need to remove the whole of the DJI Phantom controller. You will find the IC chip on the bottom.

Afterward, take cardboard and heat the lower part of the controller with a heat gun. Don’t apply heat directly

It should now properly connect with the battery and give an accurate reading. It will fix the issue of charging.

Here’s someone who is fixing the issue of the IC chip of DJI Phantom controller.

When am working on it charging problem #phemydronemaster dji phantom 4pro+ controller @phemy_of_god_multimedia @phemydronemaster #dji #dronephotography #drone #phantom #phantom4 #i_care_for_drone_camera @i_care_for_drone_camera pic.twitter.com/oNmJoybTc2 — PhemyDroneMaster (@AlaoDamilareO1) October 31, 2019

Troubleshooting 4 of 4: Faulty Controller

Reason why your DJI Phantom 4 Pro not charging can be a faulty controller. If that happens, changing the controller is the only way out. Unless, if you have a warranty, you can easily claim it.

Some of the best DJI Phantom controllers are listed below.

With this, the troubleshooting ends. However, remember to properly maintain your DJI battery . It will last longer with proper care.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the maximum runtime of the dji phantom 4 controller battery .

DJI Phantom 4’s battery can last for 4 hours at full charge. 2600 mah battery is capable to pull it off. However, it isn’t equipped with smart charging. So, it takes roughly 3 hours to be completely charged. However, you don’t need to worry about overcharging it, as it can avoid overcharging. 

Which DJI Drones Can Be Flown in the Rain?

DJI Matrice 200 and DJI Agras can be flown in the rain. Both drones are rated IP-43 water-resistant. So, these drones can withstand rain, snow, and any harsh weather conditions. However, drones are more expensive than other DJI drones. But, these drones are also equipped with more premium features.

What Is the Maximum Altitude That A DJI Phantom 4 Pro Can Fly?

The DJI Phantom 4 Pro can be flown at about 6000 meters above sea level. It is because the drone is equipped with several intelligence features. The advanced transmitter will allow the drone to stay connected to the controller. As a result, you won’t lose the drone signal that high.

That’s all folks about the DJI Phantom controller not charging. Hopefully, you can now fix the issues at ease.

A piece of advice while using the DJI drone is to avoid obstacles at all costs. Because some DJI drones aren’t equipped with collision avoidance sensors.

Have a good day!

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DJI Phantom Battery Won’t Charge? Here’s How to Fix It

So you just finished flying your DJI Phantom drone or brought it out of storage and decided to charge up the battery. Then you discovered that the battery isn’t charging. You are completely livid as you have no idea why your drone’s battery isn’t charging. We know how you feel!. And in this article, we’ll be discussing reasons why DJI Phantom batteries may not charge and how to fix it.

The most common reason that a DJI Phantom battery isn’t charging is actually a faulty charger. Check if your charger is working and replace it if it isn’t. Another common solution to battery charging problems is to bring your battery out of hibernation mode if it hasn’t been used in a while. 

Drone batteries have evolved over the years to become very advanced. Typically, most batteries are made using a lithium polymer blend because it is lightweight, charges quickly and efficiently, and also has a long life span. But with lithium batteries come a number of maintenance and storage practices that must be performed to ensure the batteries remain in top condition for as long as possible. 

If you don’t carry out these maintenance and storage practices, your battery may become permanently damaged. While we know you are eager for all the possible solutions to the issue of your DJI Phantom battery not charging, it’s important you understand all the reasons why your battery may not be charging. 

Why Isn’t Your DJI Phantom Battery Charging?

So what are the reasons why your drone battery may not be charging? We investigate them below. 

Faulty or broken charger

The first thing to check off your list is whether the charger is faulty or broken, because it’s the easiest issue to detect. Also, faulty chargers are one of the most common reasons why the batteries of many DJI Phantom users are not charging. So if your DJI battery isn’t charging, the first thing you should do is to check if your charger is working. 

First of all, ensure that the power outlet/wall socket you are connecting the charger to is working. Be sure to confirm this. After you are sure that the problem isn’t from the wall socket, then plug in the charger, after which you should connect a battery that is turned on.

A battery that is turned on will be flashing red before it is connected to a power outlet. Now after the battery has been connected and is charging, the flashing red light should stop. But if the battery is still flashing red and stays red after connection, then it’s obviously not charging. This most likely means the charger isn’t working. 

If you don’t have a charged battery handy to test if the charger is working, you can also use a voltage tester. No voltage implies that your battery is dead

Inconsistent firmware

This is another reason why your battery may not be charging. If you have been using DJI drones for a while now, then you’ll be familiar with the DJI GO app. If you get any notification informing you of an “inconsistent firmware”, then this may be the reason why your battery isn’t charging. Some of your drone’s functions can be controlled from the DJI app. Head over to PlayStore or AppStore depending on your device, update the firmware, then head over to the aircraft firmware in your DJI app and update it. 

Temperature of the battery is too hot to charge

As we said earlier at the beginning of this article, drone batteries have advanced a lot over the years. Manufacturers now embed sensors in batteries to protect the batteries from unsafe charging conditions. One of such conditions is charging your drone when the battery is too hot. There’s a huge chance of your drone’s battery getting damaged if you charge it when it’s too hot. And there are a number of reasons why the temperature of your battery may be too high for safe charging. 

Your drone’s battery may get hot/warm after a flight or when it is left in the sun. In any of these cases, the battery will not charge until it has sufficiently cooled down. This is why you should always wait for your battery to cool down a bit after flying your drone, before putting it in the charger. 

It’s also possible for your battery to refuse to charge if it’s too cold, usually below 5°. If this is the case, you’ll have to wait for the battery to warm up to room temperature which can take up to 30 hours depending on your location.

High amperage detected

Your battery may also not charge if the embedded sensors detect that the amperage is too high. High amperage may damage your batteries. Also, if an alternating current is used to charge the battery, the battery will not charge. Alternating current needs to be converted to direct current to charge your battery. Your drone charger should be able to make this conversion and if it’s unable to do this, your battery may not charge. But again, this is technically a problem with the charger, and not the battery.

Damaged or ‘bricked’ battery

You may have heard of bricked batteries before and be wondering what the term means. Well, a bricked battery is one that has become damaged and may not be recoverable through normal means. So if your drone battery turns to brick, it’ll be as useful as brick or in clearer terms, almost useless. 

There are a number of reasons why drone batteries may become bricked but the most common is long storage coupled with poor maintenance. There are things you should do before storing your drone for a long time to maintain the integrity of the battery. Also, some basic maintenance practices must be carried out occasionally. Failure to do this may result in the battery becoming completely discharged. And if a battery is completely discharged, you’ll be unable to charge it using the normal method as the cells would have lost their capacity to store a charge. 

How to Fix a DJI Phantom Battery That’s Not Charging?

We’ve discussed the various reasons why your drone battery may not be charging. Now, it’s time to talk about the solutions. Below are specific ways you can fix the issue of your DJI Phantom battery not charging:

Replace faulty charger

Faulty or broken chargers are a very common cause of drone batteries not charging. We already discussed how to check if your charger is working or not earlier in this article. If you find out that your charger isn’t working, then you’ll have to get another one. 

Be sure to get good quality chargers so your battery can be charged safely and efficiently.

Bring the battery out of hibernation mode

We’ve been talking a lot about the sensors embedded in drone batteries and how they protect the batteries from high amperage and short circuits. The sensors also protect the battery during long storage as they prevent the cells from being completely discharged. Should the cells become completely discharged, there’s a high chance that the battery may become permanently damaged. 

DJI batteries have a hibernation mode that prevents the cells from being completely discharged. And that is why a battery that has been stored for a long time will not charge until you bring it out of hibernation mode. And how do you bring the battery out of hibernation mode? It just takes a bit of patience.

You need to first know when a DJI battery is in hibernation mode. A solid red light is one of the indications that a battery has entered hibernation mode. Wait for about five minutes and see if the red light goes off. If it does, then it’s another indication that the battery is in hibernation mode. 

Plug in the battery again and wait for a few hours. The battery will eventually come out of hibernation mode without you needing to do anything except wait patiently.

Fixing a bricked battery

You can’t charge a bricked battery by normal means. To charge a bricked battery, you’ll need the following materials: The bricked LiPo battery, a LiPo balance charger, and a NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride Battery) charger.

If you have these tools available it should be pretty easy for you to recover your drone battery.

Start by first connecting the bricked battery to the NiMH charger. Charge the battery by using the lowest current which is usually 0.1A. Depending on the type of NiMH charger you are using, you may be able to select the output voltage. And if this is the case, choose a voltage that’s the same as your battery’s nominal voltage. 

Your battery should have about 3.3 volts per cell after charging for a few minutes. Dividing the total charge of the battery by the number of cells will give you the charge per cell. So after you get about 3.3 volts per cell, it’s time to use the Lithium Polymer balance charger and then balance charge the battery at 0.5C or 1.0C. 0.5C is safer but will take longer to fully charge your battery than 1.0C.

After you are done balance charging your battery, then you are good to go as you now have a working full battery. 

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