Phantom 4 Battery Not Charging Causes and Finding Solutions

The DJI Phantom 4 is a highly sought-after drone, renowned for its exceptional performance, advanced features, and sleek design. However, like any electronic device, it can experience certain issues, especially related to its battery. One of the most frustrating problems that Phantom 4 users encounter is when their battery fails to charge properly or doesn’t charge at all. This obstacle can hinder your enjoyment of the drone’s capabilities.

Determining the exact cause of your Phantom 4 battery not charging can be a complex task. Several factors can contribute to this issue, including outdated software, a damaged battery, or a faulty charger with bent pins. The problem can originate from either the software or hardware, making it challenging to pinpoint the root cause.

Quick Summary

• The article addresses the issue of the DJI Phantom 4 drone battery not charging.
• It provides various causes for the problem, including hibernation mode, fully discharged and stored batteries, unsupported power cables or bricks, faulty battery or charger, overheating, dirt accumulation in the charging port, faulty hardware, and software problems.
• The article offers step-by-step solutions for each cause, such as bringing the battery out of hibernation mode, recharging fully discharged batteries, using compatible power cables and bricks, testing with different batteries or chargers, preventing overheating, cleaning the charging port, and performing firmware refresh for software issues.
• It emphasizes the importance of proper battery maintenance practices, such as using genuine DJI accessories, storing batteries correctly, and following manufacturer guidelines.
• The article recommends seeking professional assistance if issues persist and suggests considering battery replacement with reliable sources.
• It provides a comprehensive guide for understanding and troubleshooting charging issues with the Phantom 4 battery while promoting good battery maintenance practices.

Hibernation Mode 

Understanding Hibernation Mode If your Phantom 4 batteries have been in storage for an extended period, there’s a high probability they have entered hibernation mode. This mode prevents LiPo batteries from discharging completely, as it significantly reduces their lifespan. If you plug in a battery that has been sitting idle for months and notice no LED lights illuminating, follow these steps to bring the Phantom 4 battery out of hibernation mode:

1. Plug the charger into a power outlet and connect it to the battery.
2. Keep the battery connected to the charger for at least 3-4 hours.
3. To expedite the process, consider using a more powerful charger that supports 12V-1.5A, 9V-2A, or 5V-3A.
4. After a few hours, you should observe blinking LED lights on the battery.
5. Press the power button on the battery once to check the battery level.
6. If the battery level is low, press and hold the power button for approximately 10 seconds until you hear a beep sound.
7. This activates the self-discharge function, allowing the battery to gradually discharge until it reaches around 50%.
8. Once the battery reaches 50%, you can charge it normally.

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Fully Discharged

Addressing Fully Discharged and Stored Batteries Another reason your Phantom 4 battery may refuse to charge is if you depleted it entirely before storing it without recharging. This can lead to irreversible damage to the battery cells, rendering them incapable of holding a charge. To avoid encountering this problem, make it a habit to recharge your batteries after each flight and never let them drain below 20%. Store them in a cool and dry place, maintaining a charge level of around 50%. If you’ve already damaged your batteries through improper storage, it might be necessary to replace them with new ones.

Faulty Battery or Charger

Similarly, a defective charger can also cause charging problems. To diagnose whether the battery or charger is at fault, you can try the following steps:

1. Test with a Different Battery: If you have access to another Phantom 4 battery, try charging it with your charger. If the other battery charges successfully, it indicates that the problem lies with your original battery. Consider replacing it with a new one.
2. Test with a Different Charger: Similarly, if you have another compatible charger, attempt to charge your Phantom 4 battery with it. If the battery charges correctly, it suggests that your original charger is faulty. Replace the charger with a new one.

If both the battery and charger exhibit charging issues, it is advisable to contact DJI Support or a professional repair service for further assistance.

Unsupported Power

Importance of Using Supported Power Cables and Bricks Using an unsupported power cable or brick can also hinder the charging.

Using an unsupported power cable or brick can also hinder the charging process of your Phantom 4 battery. DJI provides specific cables and chargers that are compatible with the drone’s battery and charging system. Using third-party or counterfeit cables/bricks may not deliver the necessary power or voltage, resulting in charging issues. Ensure that you are using the original DJI charging accessories or reliable alternatives recommended by the manufacturer.

Identifying a Faulty Battery or Charger Sometimes, the problem lies with a faulty battery or charger. A damaged battery can occur due to various reasons such as physical impact, exposure to extreme temperatures, or excessive charging/discharging cycles. 

Overheating Phantom 4 battery not charging

Addressing Overheating Overheating can also hinder the charging process of your Phantom 4 battery. When the battery or the drone itself becomes too hot, the charging function may be disabled to prevent damage. Ensure that you are charging the battery in a cool and well-ventilated area. Avoid charging it immediately after an intense flight or in direct sunlight. If overheating persists, it is recommended to let the battery cool down before attempting to charge it again.

Dirt in Charging Port

Removing Dirt from the Charging Port Accumulated dirt or debris in the charging port can interfere with the connection and prevent proper charging. Gently inspect the charging port of your Phantom 4 drone and remove any visible dirt or foreign particles using a soft brush or compressed air. Be cautious not to damage the port while cleaning. After cleaning, try charging the battery again to see if the issue is resolved.

Faulty Hardware

Checking for Faulty Hardware In some cases, the problem may lie within the hardware of the drone itself. A loose wire or faulty component inside the drone can disrupt the charging process. If you suspect this to be the case, it is advisable to contact DJI Support or a professional repair service. They have the expertise to identify the issue and offer the needed repairs or replacements.

Software Problem

Software Problem and Firmware Refresh If your Phantom 4 drone is experiencing a software-related issue, it may prevent the battery from charging. In such cases, performing a firmware refresh can often resolve the problem. However, this process can be complicated if the drone is unable to power on due to a drained battery. To address this, follow these steps:

1. Connect the drone to a power source using a fully charged battery.
2. Power on the drone.
3. Connect the drone to a mobile device with the DJI GO or DJI Fly app installed.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to check for firmware updates and perform a firmware refresh if available.
5. Once the firmware refresh is complete, disconnect the drone from the power source and attempt to charge the battery again.

Prevent Your Phantom 4 battery From Not Charging

Preventing Charging Issues and Extending Battery Lifespan To prevent charging issues with your Phantom 4 battery and ensure its longevity, consider implementing the following practices:

1. Always use genuine DJI charging accessories or recommended alternatives.
2. Avoid storing batteries in a fully charged or fully discharged state for extended periods.
3. To ensure the best condition for your batteries, it’s important to store them in a cool and dry location, away from direct sunlight.
4. Regularly inspect and clean the charging port of your drone.
5. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for battery maintenance, including calibration and firmware updates.

By following these guidelines, you can mitigate charging problems and optimize the performance of your Phantom 4 battery, ensuring a longer lifespan for your drone’s power source.

Remember, if you encounter persistent charging issues or are unsure about performing any troubleshooting steps, it is best to seek assistance from DJI Support or a professional repair service. They can provide expert guidance and resolve any technical problems you may encounter.

Understanding Battery Replacement

If you have tried various troubleshooting steps and are still unable to resolve the charging issue with your Phantom 4 battery, it may be necessary to consider a battery replacement. Over time, lithium polymer batteries like the one used in the Phantom 4 will experience degradation, resulting in reduced capacity and charging performance. If your battery is no longer holding a charge or exhibiting other signs of significant wear, it is advisable to replace it with a new one.

When purchasing a replacement battery, ensure that you are buying from a reliable source, preferably directly from DJI or authorized resellers. Counterfeit or low-quality batteries can be unreliable and potentially pose safety risks.

Proper Battery Disposal

If you decide to replace your Phantom 4 battery, it is essential to dispose of the old battery properly. Lithium polymer batteries are classified as hazardous waste due to their chemical composition. It is crucial to follow the regulations and guidelines set by your local waste management authority when disposing of these batteries. Most areas have designated recycling centers or collection points for hazardous materials, including batteries. Do not throw lithium polymer batteries in the regular trash, as they can pose environmental and safety hazards.

Conclusion

Charging issues with the Phantom 4 battery can be frustrating, but with proper troubleshooting and maintenance, they can often be resolved. Start by ensuring that you are using compatible charging accessories and that the battery and charger are not physically damaged. Check for overheating, clean the charging port, and consider firmware updates to address any software-related issues. If all else fails, contacting DJI Support or a professional repair service is recommended.

Remember to implement good battery maintenance practices to extend the lifespan of your Phantom 4 battery. Always use genuine DJI accessories, avoid extreme temperatures, and store the batteries in a cool, dry place. Regularly inspect and clean the charging port, and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for calibration and firmware updates.

By taking these steps and being proactive in battery care, you can ensure a reliable power source for your Phantom 4 drone and enjoy many successful flights.

FAQ’s