A DJI Air 3S battery that won't charge is usually too hot from the last flight, connected to a charger that doesn't support USB PD fast charging, or being charged while the drone is on. Turn the drone off, let the battery reach room temperature, and use a USB PD charger. If all four LEDs blink at once, DJI says the battery is damaged.
Power it on the right way
Press the power button once, then press again and hold until the drone starts. A single short press only shows the battery level. The RC-N3 and DJI RC 2 controllers use the same press, then press-and-hold pattern.
Battery not charging
Work through these in order:
- Turn the drone off. DJI's manual is clear: the battery can't charge while the aircraft is powered on.
- Check the temperature. The battery only charges between 5° and 40° C (41° and 104° F), and stops if the cells pass 55° C (131° F). After a flight, let it cool. In winter, bring it indoors to warm up.
- Use a USB PD charger. DJI recommends its own chargers or any charger with the USB Power Delivery fast charging protocol. Try a different cable too.
- Read the LEDs. The table above shows the protection codes. For overcurrent, short circuit, overcharge or an over-voltage charger, unplug and plug the charger back in. For temperature stops, just wait: charging resumes on its own.
- Reseat the battery. If two specific battery LEDs blink together while it's in the drone, DJI says the battery is malfunctioning: remove it, reinsert it until it clicks, and check again.
Blinking speed during charging varies with the charger, so fast blinking on a powerful charger is normal.
Charging hub not charging
The Air 3S charging hub charges the fullest battery first, then the others in order, so a battery may simply be waiting its turn.
- Solid yellow: idle
- Pulsing green: charging or transferring power
- Blinking yellow: batteries too hot or cold, no action needed
- Solid red: power supply or battery error. Remove and reinsert the batteries, or unplug and replug the charger.
Clean the hub's battery contacts with a dry cloth if there's visible buildup.
Batteries left in storage
The Air 3S battery discharges itself after sitting idle. Charge each battery fully at least once every three months. DJI's manual warns that a battery not charged or discharged for three months or more is no longer covered by warranty. A long-stored battery may need a full charge before the LEDs respond.
When to replace it
Retire a battery that is swollen, cracked, leaking, hot while idle, or still shows four LEDs blinking together after a charge attempt. See swollen drone battery. If a known-good battery won't power the drone, the aircraft needs service: start a repair.
A spare Air 3S Intelligent Flight Battery also helps you tell a bad battery from a bad drone. For general charging fixes across models, see DJI battery not charging, and keep the rest healthy with our battery care guide.
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