Look after a drone battery by charging it with the manufacturer's approved charger, only while you are present and not overnight, letting it cool first, storing it partly charged in a cool dry place, and retiring it the moment it swells, is damaged or behaves oddly. Many drones use lithium polymer (LiPo) or similar lithium-ion packs, and damaged or abused cells can overheat and catch fire.
This page draws on guidance from a UK fire and rescue service and one manufacturer's battery safety guidelines. Different drones and packs have different rules, so your own manual overrides anything here.
Charging safely
- Use the charger approved by the manufacturer, and follow its charging times. Replace a damaged charger with an official one.
- Charge in a safe area, away from flammable materials and not in hallways or escape routes. Do not cover the battery, charger or device while charging.
- Do not charge overnight or when you are away from home. Unplug the charger once the battery is full.
- Let the battery cool after a flight before you charge it. DJI's guidance for one of its battery types advises against charging straight after use, and gives a charging range of 5 to 40 degrees Celsius with 22 to 28 degrees as ideal.
- Avoid overloaded sockets and coiled extension leads.
Those temperature figures come from one DJI battery document and are model-specific. Use the numbers in your own drone's manual.
Storage between flights
Keep batteries in a cool, well-ventilated place, away from extreme heat or cold. Do not leave them in a hot car. Do not store them fully flat for long periods, because deep discharge can permanently damage cells.
For storage charge level, follow the manufacturer. The DJI guideline reviewed says a battery left unused for 10 days or more should be at around 40% to 65%, while another section of the same document points to 30% to 50% for long-term storage, so the figures vary by document and model. Many modern drones discharge themselves to a storage level, which is why the manual is the best source. Remove the battery from the aircraft for extended storage.
Fire-resistant bags and containers are sold for charging and storing drone batteries. They can limit damage if something goes wrong, but they are an extra measure and do not replace the steps above.
Spotting a battery that must be retired
The fire service advice is to stop using and charging a device if the battery smokes, gets very hot, swells or leaks, hisses or cracks, smells unusual, or charges slowly or not fully. Be especially careful after a drop. DJI's guidance adds that you should not use a battery that has been in a crash or heavy impact, or whose plastic cover is torn. If a battery falls in water, remove it immediately, put it in an open area, keep away until it is dry, and do not reuse it.
| Sign | What to do |
|---|---|
| Swelling or a puffed case | Stop using and charging it. Contact the manufacturer or dealer, and recycle it properly |
| Smoke, hissing or strong smell | Move away from it and call the fire service if there is a fire. Do not try to use it again |
| Dropped or crashed battery | Treat as damaged until checked by the manufacturer or dealer |
| Very hot during charge | Stop charging if it is safe to do so and do not reuse it |
| Charges slowly or not fully | Stop using it and ask the manufacturer |
Quick checks before each flight
Look at the battery before it goes in the aircraft. Check the case for swelling, cracks or dents, check the contacts are clean, and check the pack clicks in properly. A battery that has been in a hot car or cold boot should be allowed to come to normal temperature before use, as the DJI guidance gives -10 to 40 degrees Celsius as its use range for the battery type reviewed.
Disposal and recycling
Never put lithium batteries in household waste. Damaged batteries can start fires in bin lorries and landfill. Take used or damaged batteries to a local recycling centre or a manufacturer recycling service, and check your local council's guidance. DJI advises discharging a battery fully before disposal where it is safe to do so, using proper battery recycling boxes. If you cannot discharge it, speak to a professional recycling agent.
Travelling with drone batteries
Airlines set their own limits on carrying lithium batteries. Check your airline's policy before you travel. The DJI guideline reviewed also warns against transporting a damaged battery, and gives a 30% charge ceiling for air travel for that battery type.
Your safety comes first. Get out, keep others away and call 999. Do not try to carry a burning battery.
Good battery habits also protect your flying time. For the rest of a sensible kit, see best beginner drones in the UK and drone photography tips for beginners.
Frequently asked questions
At what charge should I store drone batteries?
It depends on the model. One DJI document gives 40% to 65% for 10 days or more unused, so check your manual.
Can I charge a battery right after flying?
DJI's guidance for one battery type says let it cool first. Check your drone's manual for the rule that applies.
What do I do with a swollen battery?
Stop using and charging it, and contact the manufacturer or dealer. Recycle it properly and never put it in household waste.
Can I take drone batteries on a plane?
Airline rules vary, so check with the airline first. DJI's guideline warns against transporting a damaged battery.