Is the DJI Neo waterproof? Flying in rain and over water

No. The DJI Neo isn't waterproof or water resistant, and DJI lists no IP rating for it. DJI's manual says not to fly it in rain, snow or fog, and not to fly over water in Palm Control or phone control. If it lands in water, don't power it on; dry it and send it for inspection. DJI Care Refresh covers water damage.

DJI Neo and water — Based on DJI's Neo manual and Care Refresh terms. DJI lists no water resistance rating for the Neo and warns against rain, flying over water, and taking off from moving vehicles or boats.

What DJI says about water

From the Neo user manual:

Weather: don't fly in wind over 8 m/s, snow, rain or fog. Operate the drone, controller, battery and charger in a dry environment.
Over water: in Palm Control and Mobile App Control, "DO NOT fly over water." DJI's beginner guide also says to avoid flying over water.
Vision system: the downward sensors that hold the Neo in place can't work properly over water or reflective surfaces, so it may drift, and it can't reliably avoid water when landing.
Fog and clouds: flying in heavy fog can make the gimbal wet and cause a temporary failure.

Can you use the Neo on a jet ski or boat?

Not safely. DJI says not to take off from moving objects such as cars and boats. Follow mode also tops out at 8 m/s (about 18 mph) and tracks people only, so it can't follow a jet ski at speed. Over open water, the vision positioning can fail, and in palm or phone mode there's no Return to Home. A Neo over a lake is one gust or one lost signal away from a swim.

If you want to film water sports, fly with a controller from a stable spot on shore, stay over land when you can, and keep the drone low and close.

If your Neo gets wet

Don't power it on. DJI says turning on a drone that has fallen in water can cause permanent damage.
Remove the battery and wipe everything dry with a soft, absorbent cloth.
If it went into salt water, don't try to save it yourself; corrosion starts fast.
Let it dry thoroughly, then contact us or DJI. See repair and drone fell in water.
If you have DJI Care Refresh, file a claim. The Neo plan lists water damage cover, with a $19 replacement fee in the US.

Light drizzle and wet grass

Even light rain can get into the motors and the air intakes on the sides of the Neo. Land as soon as it starts raining. Wet grass can confuse the downward vision system too; DJI notes it may mistake wet ground or puddles for water and refuse to land. Use palm landing or land manually.

Flying near water often?

If you fly near water often, choose a drone with GPS Return to Home and better wind resistance, and consider protection. See can you fly a drone in the rain and Neo protection.

Fly the DJI Neo on dry days, and add DJI Care Refresh within 48 hours of activation in case the worst happens.