A DJI Air 3 that won't power on almost always has a battery problem: it is empty, in hibernation, too hot or cold to charge, or not fully clicked in. Charge the battery with a USB PD charger at room temperature, power it on with a short press followed by a press-and-hold, and most "dead" Air 3s come back.
Turning it on correctly
The Air 3 uses a two-step press: press the power button once, then press again and hold for two seconds. A single short press only shows the battery level. The controllers use the same press, then press-and-hold pattern.
Battery won't charge or shows no lights
- Wake it from hibernation. If an Air 3 battery sits below 5% for six hours, it enters hibernation and the LEDs stay dark when you press the button. New batteries also ship in hibernation. Connecting a charger wakes it.
- Use the right charger. DJI recommends the DJI 100W USB-C Power Adapter, the DJI 65W Portable Charger or another USB Power Delivery charger. A phone charger or a cheap cable may not charge at all.
- Charge with the aircraft off. You can charge through the USB-C port on the aircraft, with the battery installed and powered off.
- Check the temperature. The battery only charges between 5° and 40° C (41° and 104° F). Right after a flight it is often too hot. Let it cool to room temperature first.
- Read the protection codes. While charging, LED2 blinking means overcurrent or a short circuit, LED3 means overcharge or an over-voltage charger, and LED4 means the temperature is too low or too high. Unplug and replug the charger to clear a protection stop.
- Watch for maintenance mode. If all four LEDs blink twice per second, the battery is asking for maintenance. Fully charge it, let it rest 48 hours, and try again. DJI says to contact support if it still fails after two maintenance cycles.
Charging hub not charging
The Air 3 Battery Charging Hub charges the fullest battery first, then the rest in sequence, so one battery may wait its turn. Use the table above to read its status LED. If it shows solid red, remove and reinsert the batteries or unplug and replug the charger. The hub only works with the Air 3 battery (BWX233-4241-14.76). Clean the battery contacts with a dry cloth if you see buildup.
Controller won't turn on
Charge the RC-N2 or DJI RC 2 over USB-C for a while, then use press, then press-and-hold. The DJI RC 2 takes about 1 hour 30 minutes to fully charge with a 9V/3A charger. If it still won't start, see DJI controller won't turn on.
Replace or repair
Stop using a battery that is swollen, cracked, hot without use or smells odd. See swollen drone battery. If a battery charges normally but the aircraft still won't power on with it, the fault is in the drone. Contact DJI or start a repair.
To keep batteries healthy, charge each one at least once every three months and don't store them full for long. The Air 3 battery discharges itself to 96% after three idle days and to 60% after nine. Our drone battery care guide covers the details. A spare is the easiest insurance: the Air 3 Fly More Combo adds two batteries and the charging hub.
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