DJI Osmo Action Camera Wont Turn On and No Battery Fix Guide

If your DJI Osmo Action camera won’t turn on and shows no battery response, the issue is often a drained or faulty battery—start by testing with a known-good, fully charged battery. Ensure the battery contacts are clean and properly seated, and try a reset by holding the power button for 15+ seconds. Persistent problems may indicate firmware glitches or internal power circuit failure, requiring DJI support or professional repair.

Key Takeaways

• Check battery level first: Ensure the battery is charged before troubleshooting further.
• Inspect for physical damage: Look for cracks or corrosion on the battery or camera contacts.
• Try a different battery: Swap in a known-working battery to rule out battery failure.
• Reset the camera: Hold the power button for 10+ seconds to force a restart.
• Use official DJI accessories: Non-certified chargers may damage or fail to power the camera.
• Update firmware: A software glitch could prevent startup—update via DJI app if possible.
• Contact DJI support: If all else fails, seek professional repair or warranty service.

Why Your DJI Osmo Action Camera Won’t Turn On (And What to Do About It)

Ever been all geared up for a weekend hike, ready to capture stunning mountain views with your DJI Osmo Action camera, only to press the power button… and nothing happens? No lights, no beeps, not even a flicker. You check the battery—it’s fully charged, you swear! But the camera just won’t turn on. It’s frustrating, especially when you’re relying on this little powerhouse to document life’s adventures.

If your DJI Osmo Action camera won’t turn on and no battery seems to be the culprit—even after charging—you’re not alone. Many users face this issue at some point, whether it’s the Osmo Action 3, 4, or an older model. The good news? It’s often fixable. From simple power resets to battery diagnostics and firmware quirks, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take before giving up or shelling out for a new unit. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything I’ve learned—sometimes the hard way—after dealing with my own Osmo Action camera refusing to power up. Think of this as a friendly chat between two action cam enthusiasts, with practical tips, real-life examples, and no fluff.

Understanding the “No Battery” and Power Failure Issue

The phrase “DJI Osmo Action camera won’t turn on and no battery” usually means one of two things: either the camera genuinely has no power (battery is dead or not detected), or the system is in a state where it’s not responding to input, even if the battery is fine. This can be misleading. The camera might show no signs of life—no LED, no screen, no vibration—leading you to believe the battery is the problem, when in reality, it could be a software glitch, a stuck button, or a temporary system freeze.

Common Scenarios Where This Happens

• You charged the battery overnight, but the camera still won’t power on.
• The battery was stored for months and now shows no charge.
• You inserted a fully charged battery, but the camera gives no response.
• The LED flashes briefly and then dies, suggesting a power detection issue.
• The camera worked fine yesterday but now won’t turn on, even after a full charge.

For example, last winter, I left my Osmo Action 3 in a cold car overnight. The next morning, it wouldn’t turn on. I assumed the battery died, but after warming it up for 30 minutes and trying a known-good battery, it booted right up. Cold temperatures can temporarily disable lithium-ion batteries—a fact I learned the hard way.

Why the Camera Might Not Recognize the Battery

The DJI Osmo Action series uses smart batteries with built-in microchips that communicate with the camera. If that connection fails—due to dirt, moisture, or a glitch—the camera may not “see” the battery at all. Think of it like a phone that won’t recognize a new SIM card. The battery is physically there, but the system doesn’t acknowledge it.

Other factors include:

• Corrosion on the battery contacts (common after water exposure).
• Damaged battery pins inside the camera.
• Firmware bugs that misinterpret battery status.
• Using third-party or counterfeit batteries (a big no-no).

So before you panic, remember: the “no battery” message or complete power failure is often a symptom, not the root cause. Let’s dig into how to diagnose and fix it.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting: Start with the Basics

When your DJI Osmo Action camera won’t turn on and no battery appears to be the issue, start with the simplest fixes. These are low-effort, high-reward steps that solve the problem in most cases. I always follow this order—it’s saved me countless trips to customer support.

1. Check the Battery Charge Level

It sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many times a battery isn’t actually charged. Here’s what to do:

• Remove the battery and place it in the DJI charging dock or use a USB-C cable directly.
• Wait at least 2 hours—even if the dock shows full, some batteries take longer to reach true 100%.
• Use the DJI Mimo app to check the battery percentage (if the camera boots at all).
• Try a different battery if you have one. This is the fastest way to rule out a dead cell.

Pro tip: I keep a spare battery in my gear bag at all times. It’s saved me on multiple shoots when the main battery failed unexpectedly. If the camera works with the spare, you know it’s the battery—not the camera.

2. Clean the Battery and Camera Contacts

Dust, sand, or moisture can interfere with the electrical connection. I once shot a beach vlog and got salt residue on the battery contacts. The camera wouldn’t turn on until I cleaned it.

• Use a soft, dry microfiber cloth to wipe the metal contacts on both the battery and inside the camera.
• For stubborn grime, lightly dampen the cloth with isopropyl alcohol (70% or higher), then dry thoroughly.
• Never use water or abrasive materials.
• Let the camera sit open for 10 minutes after cleaning to ensure no moisture remains.

3. Try a Hard Power Reset

This is the action cam equivalent of “turn it off and on again.” Sometimes the internal system freezes, and a reset wakes it up.

• Remove the battery.
• Press and hold the power button for 30 seconds (yes, a full half-minute).
• Reinsert the battery.
• Press the power button normally.

Why 30 seconds? It gives the internal capacitors time to fully discharge. I’ve had cameras that wouldn’t respond to a quick reset but sprang to life after this method. It’s like giving the brain a hard restart.

4. Warm the Battery (If It’s Cold)

Lithium-ion batteries hate cold weather. If you’ve been shooting in winter or left the camera in a cold car, the battery may be in a low-power protection mode.

• Remove the battery and keep it close to your body (e.g., inside a jacket pocket) for 20–30 minutes.
• Reinsert and try powering on.

I once had a camera that wouldn’t turn on during a ski trip. After warming the battery in my glove for 15 minutes, it booted up perfectly. Cold weather can temporarily reduce battery voltage below the camera’s startup threshold.

Advanced Fixes: When the Basics Don’t Work

If the simple steps didn’t fix your DJI Osmo Action camera won’t turn on and no battery issue, it’s time for deeper troubleshooting. These steps require a bit more effort but are still DIY-friendly.

1. Test the Charging Dock and Cable

A faulty charger or cable can give the illusion of a dead battery.

• Try charging the battery with a different USB-C cable and power source (e.g., a laptop or wall adapter).
• Use the DJI charging dock with another battery to see if it charges properly.
• Check the dock’s LED: a steady red light means charging, green means full, and no light suggests a power issue.

I once used a cheap third-party USB-C cable that looked fine but only transferred data, not power. The battery never charged. Always use DJI’s original cable or a certified USB-PD (Power Delivery) cable.

2. Perform a Firmware Reset (If Possible)

If the camera boots briefly or shows any signs of life, you might be able to reset the firmware.

• Connect the camera to your phone via the DJI Mimo app.
• Go to Settings > System > Reset.
• Choose “Reset All Settings” (this won’t delete footage but resets firmware logic).

Note: If the camera won’t turn on at all, this won’t work. But if it powers on for a few seconds before dying, a reset can clear temporary software glitches that prevent startup.

3. Try a Different Battery Slot (Action 3/4 Only)

The Osmo Action 3 and 4 have a unique battery design with dual contact points. Sometimes, one side fails.

• Remove the battery.
• Wipe the contacts again.
• Insert the battery, making sure it clicks fully into place.
• If it still doesn’t work, try gently wiggling the battery while pressing the power button (this can help reconnect a loose contact).

I’ve had cases where the battery wasn’t seated properly—just a millimeter off—and the camera wouldn’t detect it. A firm press fixed it instantly.

4. Use a “Battery Wake-Up” Trick

Some users report success by “waking up” a deeply discharged battery.

• Connect the battery to the charger.
• Leave it for 1–2 hours.
• Disconnect and reconnect the charger 3–4 times (this can help the battery’s internal circuit reset).
• Try charging again.

This isn’t guaranteed, but it’s worked for me with batteries that showed 0% for days. It’s like jump-starting a car battery—sometimes a little jolt helps.

When to Suspect Hardware Failure

If you’ve tried all the above and your DJI Osmo Action camera won’t turn on and no battery issue persists, hardware damage may be the culprit. This is the least fun part, but it’s important to recognize the signs so you don’t waste time on ineffective fixes.

Signs of Physical or Electrical Damage

• Water exposure: If the camera was submerged or used in heavy rain, corrosion may have damaged internal circuits. Look for water indicators (red dots inside the battery compartment).
• Drop or impact: A hard fall can dislodge internal connectors or damage the battery interface.
• Overheating: Leaving the camera in direct sunlight or using it in hot environments can degrade battery performance.
• Swollen battery: A puffy or misshapen battery is dangerous and should be replaced immediately. It can damage the camera or even cause a fire.

I once dropped my Osmo Action 3 from a 3-foot tripod onto concrete. It survived, but the battery wouldn’t seat properly afterward. DJI support confirmed a bent internal contact and replaced the unit under warranty.

Testing the Camera Without a Battery (Advanced)

If you have a USB-C power supply and a compatible cable, you can try powering the camera directly—bypassing the battery. This is risky and not officially supported, but it can help diagnose if the camera itself is dead.

• Connect the camera to a 5V/2A USB power source (like a wall adapter).
• Press the power button.

If the camera turns on, the issue is likely the battery or its connection. If it still won’t power on, the main board may be damaged. Note: This can void your warranty, so proceed with caution.

When to Contact DJI Support

If you’ve tried everything and the camera remains unresponsive, it’s time to reach out:

• DJI offers a 1-year warranty for most regions.
• You can request a repair or replacement via their website.
• Keep your proof of purchase handy.

DJI’s support team is generally helpful. I once had a camera with a stuck power button. They sent a prepaid shipping label and fixed it in a week. Just don’t expect instant responses—be patient and detailed in your description.

Prevention: How to Avoid Future Power Issues

Once you’ve fixed your DJI Osmo Action camera won’t turn on and no battery problem, take steps to prevent it from happening again. A little maintenance goes a long way.

1. Store Batteries Properly

• Keep batteries at 50–60% charge if storing for more than a month.
• Store in a cool, dry place (not the freezer or car).
• Use the DJI battery case to protect contacts.

I keep my spare batteries in a small padded case with desiccant packs. It’s saved me from moisture damage during humid summer shoots.

2. Use Genuine DJI Accessories

Third-party batteries and chargers may be cheaper, but they often lack proper voltage regulation and can damage your camera. Stick to DJI-branded gear.

3. Clean Contacts Regularly

After every shoot, especially in dusty or wet conditions, wipe the battery and camera contacts. It takes 10 seconds and prevents connection issues.

4. Keep Firmware Updated

DJI regularly releases firmware updates that fix power management bugs. Use the DJI Mimo app to check for updates monthly.

5. Avoid Extreme Temperatures

Don’t leave your camera in a hot car or use it in freezing conditions for extended periods. If you must, warm or cool the battery before use.

Quick Reference: Power Troubleshooting Table

Issue	Likely Cause	Quick Fix	Notes
Camera won’t turn on, no LED	Dead or disconnected battery	Charge for 2+ hours, clean contacts	Try a spare battery first
LED flashes, then dies	Low voltage or cold battery	Warm battery, try hard reset	Common in winter
Camera powers on briefly	Software glitch	Reset via DJI Mimo app	Check for firmware updates
No response after drop	Internal damage	Contact DJI support	May require repair
Swollen battery	Battery failure	Replace immediately	Do not charge or use

Dealing with a DJI Osmo Action camera won’t turn on and no battery issue is never fun, but it’s rarely the end of the road. Most of the time, it’s a fixable problem—whether it’s a dirty contact, a cold battery, or a simple software hiccup. The key is patience and methodical troubleshooting.

I’ve been there: standing on a mountain ridge, camera in hand, heart sinking as nothing happens when I press the power button. But over the years, I’ve learned that these moments are part of the adventure. Each time my camera refused to start, I discovered a new fix, a better routine, or a smarter way to care for my gear.

Remember, your Osmo Action is built for action—but it still needs a little TLC. Keep your batteries charged, your contacts clean, and your firmware updated. And if all else fails? Don’t hesitate to reach out to DJI. They’ve got your back.

Now go grab your camera, give it a fresh battery, and get back out there. The world is waiting to be captured—and this time, your Osmo Action will be ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why won’t my DJI Osmo Action camera turn on even with a charged battery?

This issue can occur due to a drained battery, loose battery connection, or a firmware glitch. Try reseating the battery, charging it fully, or performing a hard reset by holding the power button for 10+ seconds.

How do I fix a DJI Osmo Action camera that shows “no battery” error?

The “no battery” error often results from a faulty battery connection or a depleted battery. Clean the battery contacts with a dry cloth and ensure the battery is properly inserted. If the problem persists, try a different battery.

Can a firmware issue cause my DJI Osmo Action camera to not turn on?

Yes, outdated or corrupted firmware can prevent your DJI Osmo Action camera from powering on. Connect the camera to the DJI Mimo app and check for firmware updates. If the camera still won’t turn on, contact DJI support for a factory reset.

What should I do if my DJI Osmo Action camera battery isn’t holding a charge?

If the battery isn’t holding a charge, it may be worn out or defective. Test the battery in another compatible device or replace it with a new DJI Osmo Action battery. Avoid using third-party batteries, as they may cause compatibility issues.

Is there a way to troubleshoot a DJI Osmo Action camera that won’t turn on after a firmware update?

Try a hard reset by holding the power button for 15+ seconds. If that fails, connect the camera to a computer via USB and use the DJI Assistant software to reflash the firmware. This often resolves post-update power issues.

Why does my DJI Osmo Action camera turn off suddenly or show no battery warning?

This could be due to low battery, overheating, or a power management bug. Let the camera cool down, fully charge the battery, and update the firmware. If the issue continues, the battery may need replacement.