Hey folks… I just got a Mini 4 Pro about a week ago and picked up the three-battery charger, plus two extra regular batteries and one extended one before prices jumped. Right now I’m wondering—what’s the best way to store them? Like, in between flights and also for longer periods?
Should I open and charge the new ones even if I’m not going to use them for a while, or leave them in their packaging? Is it bad to store a battery in the drone? Can I just leave them sitting in the charger if they’re not charging? I want to do whatever keeps them safest and helps them last longer.
I just leave mine in the charger. Once they’re fully charged, they automatically start discharging to around 50% if you don’t use them for a bit—it helps preserve them long term. But yeah, don’t be surprised if they aren’t full when you grab them a few weeks later.
@Wei
That’s really helpful. I actually started wondering yesterday if it might be better not to top them off as soon as I get home, and instead charge them right before I go fly again. Sound about right?
@Lior
Yup, that’s how I do it. Heat is rough on batteries, and they get warm when charging and flying. I always charge mine the night before or morning of a flight. And I never charge them right after flying—too hot. Better to let them cool first, but in the end it’s your call.
@Lei
Yeah, that really makes sense. I had a hunch and now I’m glad to hear it confirmed. I’ll just have to get into the habit of planning a little more ahead before flying.
For those new batteries you haven’t used—just leave them in the box until you need them. Once you charge one, it’s ‘active’ and will need regular upkeep. Some people say they can sit unused for months after activation, but it’s not ideal. For your regular batteries, I charge mine just before I fly, then after flying, I let them cool and charge them only to about 50% for storage. That way I can go a few weeks without touching them. Then when I’m ready to fly again, I top them up the night before or that morning.
Also, don’t charge a hot battery. Let them cool down—heat really messes with battery health. DJI says one year or 200 cycles is the life span, but I’ve had some go past that. If you start seeing big drops in flight time, it’s time to replace.
Lior said: @Lei
That’s super helpful, thank you! Do you have a rough idea how long it takes for a battery to cool down enough to be charged safely indoors?
If they’re warm when you pull them out after a flight, I usually let mine sit for 35 to 45 minutes out of the sun in a cool spot. If you have AC or a fan near the battery, it might be quicker. Just don’t charge them if they still feel warm. Also don’t try charging them in the fridge or a cold garage—that can mess with charging too.
By the way, it’s smart that you’re asking about battery care. A lot of people forget how much heat and storage habits matter and end up killing their drone batteries early. Same thing happens with phones if you leave them sitting in a hot car. Good instincts on your part.
I store mine in a cool, dry place. I don’t keep them fully charged unless I plan to fly soon. I also use fireproof bags and a fireproof box for safety. I don’t leave them inside the drone and I keep them away from anything flammable.
Lior said: @Toni
I didn’t even know fireproof bags were a thing. Got any names I can search for on Amazon?
Just search for ‘lipo bag’ on Amazon. There’s a ton of options. I got mine from a local RC hobby shop. For the box, I use a SentrySafe fireproof box—it’s meant to protect papers but I figure it can help contain a battery fire too. No guarantees, but better than nothing.