How to Test the Battery Level on Osmo Action Camera Easily

Checking the battery level on your Osmo Action Camera is quick and simple—just press the side button once while the device is off to instantly view the LED indicator’s color-coded status. Green means high charge, yellow signals medium, and red warns of low power, ensuring you’re never caught off guard. This one-touch method works even without turning on the camera, making it perfect for fast pre-shoot checks.

Key Takeaways

• Check instantly: Press the power button to view battery level on the Osmo Action screen.
• Use DJI app: Connect via Bluetooth to monitor battery percentage in real-time.
• Inspect LED indicators: Blinking lights reveal battery status without turning the camera on.
• Charge smartly: Use a 5V/2A adapter for faster, safer charging cycles.
• Carry spares: Always pack a backup battery for extended shooting sessions.
• Store properly: Keep batteries at 50% charge during long-term storage.

Why Checking Your Osmo Action Camera Battery Matters

Remember that time you were hiking up a mountain at sunrise, ready to capture the golden rays spilling over the peaks, only to find your Osmo Action camera dead? Yeah, me too. That moment taught me the hard way—testing the battery level on your Osmo Action camera isn’t just a good idea, it’s essential.

Whether you’re a weekend adventurer, a vlogger, or a content creator chasing the perfect shot, your Osmo Action camera is only as good as its battery. And let’s be honest—there’s nothing worse than hitting record and seeing that dreaded red battery icon blink at you. The good news? Testing the battery level is simple, fast, and can save you from missing out on life’s most epic moments. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from checking the battery on the camera itself to using the DJI Mimo app, troubleshooting tips, and even how to get the most out of each charge.

Understanding Your Osmo Action Camera Battery System

Before we dive into how to test the battery level, it helps to understand what you’re working with. The Osmo Action series—including the Action 3, Action 4, and earlier models—uses removable lithium-ion batteries. These are designed for high energy density, meaning they pack a lot of power into a small space, but they also have quirks you should know about.

Battery Basics: What Powers Your Osmo Action

The Osmo Action 4, for example, uses a 1770mAh battery, while the Action 3 has a slightly smaller 1500mAh version. These batteries are rated for around 160 minutes of continuous recording at 1080p/30fps—but that number drops significantly when you’re shooting 4K or using features like HyperSmooth stabilization or live streaming.

Here’s a real-world example: I once shot a 10-minute 4K60 clip with HyperSmooth on, and my battery dropped from 100% to 65%. That’s a 35% drain in just 10 minutes. So, knowing your battery level before heading out isn’t just about peace of mind—it’s about planning.

Also, lithium-ion batteries degrade over time. After 300–500 full charge cycles, you might notice shorter runtimes. That’s why it’s smart to test the battery level on your Osmo Action camera not just before a shoot, but regularly to track health.

How Battery Level Is Displayed: Visual Cues You Should Know

DJI uses a simple but effective battery indicator system. On the camera’s front and rear touchscreens, you’ll see a battery icon in the status bar (top of the screen). It shows:

• 4 bars = 75–100%
• 3 bars = 50–74%
• 2 bars = 25–49%
• 1 bar = 10–24%
• Red icon = Below 10% (critical)

The icon flashes red when it drops below 10%, and the camera may start beeping or showing a warning message. This is your cue to wrap up or switch batteries.

Pro tip: If you’re in a loud environment (like at a concert or on a bike), you might miss the beep. So always glance at the screen—even if it feels like a habit. I learned this during a mountain bike race when the beep got lost in the wind and engine noise. Not fun.

How to Test the Battery Level on Osmo Action Camera (Step-by-Step)

Now, let’s get into the meat of it: how to actually test the battery level on your Osmo Action camera. There are three reliable methods—on-camera, via the DJI Mimo app, and through the battery itself. I’ll walk you through each.

Method 1: Check the Battery Level On-Camera (Quickest Way)

This is the most straightforward method and perfect for on-the-go checks.

1. Power on your Osmo Action camera.
2. Look at the top of either the front or rear touchscreen. The battery icon appears in the status bar.
3. Tap the screen to open the quick settings panel. Here, you’ll see the battery percentage displayed numerically (e.g., 87%).
4. For a more detailed view, go to Settings > System > Battery. This shows:
• Current battery percentage
• Estimated remaining recording time (based on current settings)
• Number of charge cycles

Example: I was prepping for a 2-hour kayaking trip. I checked the battery in the quick settings—82%. Then I went to the System menu and saw it estimated 110 minutes of 4K30 recording. That gave me confidence I’d make it through the trip without swapping.

Method 2: Use the DJI Mimo App (Smartphone Method)

If you’ve paired your Osmo Action with the DJI Mimo app (available for iOS and Android), you can check the battery remotely.

1. Open the DJI Mimo app and connect your camera via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
2. Once connected, the home screen shows the battery percentage next to the camera name.
3. Tap the camera icon to enter preview mode. The battery level appears in the top-right corner of the live feed.
4. Go to Device Settings > Battery Info for deeper data, including:
• Voltage
• Temperature
• Health status (e.g., “Good,” “Degraded”)

This is super handy if you’re using the camera on a helmet, bike mount, or drone—anywhere you can’t easily reach the screen. I use this all the time during ski runs. I just glance at my phone in my pocket to see if I need to swap batteries mid-run.

Method 3: Check Battery Level Without Powering On (Battery Itself)

Sometimes you don’t want to turn on the camera just to check the battery. Good news: the battery has a built-in LED indicator.

1. Remove the battery from the camera.
2. Press the small button on the side of the battery.
3. Watch the LED lights:
• 4 lights = 75–100%
• 3 lights = 50–74%
• 2 lights = 25–49%
• 1 light = Below 25%

This is my go-to when packing for a trip. I lay out all my batteries, press the button on each, and sort them by charge level. It’s fast and doesn’t drain the camera’s power.

Tips to Accurately Read and Interpret Battery Levels

Knowing how to check the battery is one thing—interpreting it correctly is another. Here are some practical tips to avoid surprises.

Understand How Usage Affects Battery Drain

Not all shooting modes are equal. Here’s a breakdown of what drains your battery fastest:

• Resolution & FPS: 4K60 uses about 2x the power of 1080p30.
• HyperSmooth Stabilization: Adds 15–20% extra drain.
• Wi-Fi/Bluetooth: Keeping these on for app control or live streaming? That’s another 10–15%.
• Screen Brightness: Max brightness in sunlight? Expect faster drain.
• Cold Weather: Below 0°C (32°F), lithium-ion batteries lose capacity. A 100% battery might only deliver 70% in freezing temps.

Real-life example: I filmed a winter hike at -5°C. My battery started at 95%, but after 30 minutes of 4K30 with HyperSmooth, it dropped to 50%. In warm weather, it would’ve been closer to 70%. Always factor in the environment.

Use the Estimated Recording Time (But With a Grain of Salt)

The camera’s “estimated remaining time” is helpful, but it’s based on current settings. If you switch from 1080p to 4K, that number will drop fast.

My tip: Always assume the estimate is optimistic. If it says 120 minutes, plan for 90–100. Better to have extra batteries than to cut a shoot short.

Also, the estimate doesn’t account for sudden changes like turning on Wi-Fi or increasing screen brightness. So, monitor the battery during use—not just before.

Watch for Battery Health Degradation Over Time

After a year or two, you might notice shorter runtimes even at 100%. This is normal battery aging.

To check health:

• Go to Settings > System > Battery > Charge Cycles.
• Compare current runtime to when the battery was new.
• If you’re losing 20–30% of runtime, consider replacing the battery.

I have a backup battery I’ve used for 2 years. It used to last 150 minutes; now it’s down to 100. It’s still usable for short shoots, but I don’t rely on it for long sessions.

Maximizing Battery Life: Pro Tips for Every Shoot

Testing the battery level is only half the battle. The other half? Making sure it lasts as long as you need it to.

Carry Spare Batteries (and Know How to Swap Fast)

Always carry at least one spare. I keep two in my camera bag—one in the camera, one in the charging case, and one fully charged in my pocket.

Swapping is easy:

1. Press the battery release button on the side.
2. Slide the battery out.
3. Insert the fresh one until it clicks.

Total time? Less than 10 seconds. Practice it at home so you can do it blindfolded (well, almost).

Optimize Camera Settings for Longer Battery

Small changes add up:

• Lower screen brightness when not needed.
• Turn off Wi-Fi/Bluetooth when not using the app.
• Use 1080p instead of 4K for casual clips.
• Disable HyperSmooth if you’re on a stable surface.
• Use airplane mode if you don’t need GPS or app control.

I once filmed a 4-hour event with two batteries by using 1080p60 with HyperSmooth off and Wi-Fi disabled. Saved me a third battery—and a lot of weight.

Store and Charge Batteries Properly

Battery care extends lifespan:

• Store at 40–60% charge if not using for weeks.
• Keep in a cool, dry place (not a hot car).
• Use the official DJI charger or a certified third-party one.
• Avoid charging to 100% all the time—80–90% is better for long-term health.

I keep my spare batteries in a small padded case with a silica gel pack to prevent moisture. Simple, but effective.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting When Testing Battery Level

Even with the best care, things can go wrong. Here’s how to handle common battery issues.

Battery Not Showing Accurate Percentage

If your camera says 50% but dies in 10 minutes, the battery may need recalibration.

How to fix:

1. Fully charge the battery (100%).
2. Use it until it shuts down (0%).
3. Charge it again to 100% without interruption.

This resets the internal battery management system. I do this every 3–4 months to keep readings accurate.

Battery Not Detected or Won’t Charge

If the camera doesn’t recognize the battery or the charging LED doesn’t light up:

• Check for debris in the battery compartment or charging port.
• Clean gently with a dry brush or compressed air.
• Try a different battery or charger.
• If still not working, contact DJI support—it might be a hardware issue.

I once had a battery that wouldn’t charge. Turned out, a tiny piece of sand was blocking the contact. A quick clean fixed it.

Battery Draining Faster Than Expected

If your battery is losing charge overnight or during storage:

• Check for firmware updates—DJI sometimes releases battery optimization patches.
• Ensure no apps are running in the background on the camera.
• Store batteries at 50% in a cool place.

After a firmware update, my Action 4 battery life improved by about 10%. Always keep your camera updated.

Battery Performance Comparison Table

Model	Battery Capacity	1080p30 Runtime	4K30 Runtime	Charge Time (0–100%)	Charge Cycles (Est.)
Osmo Action 4	1770mAh	~160 mins	~120 mins	~70 mins	500
Osmo Action 3	1500mAh	~140 mins	~100 mins	~60 mins	500
Osmo Action 2	1300mAh	~110 mins	~80 mins	~50 mins	300

Note: Runtimes are approximate and vary based on settings, temperature, and usage. Always test in your specific conditions.

Final Thoughts: Stay Powered, Stay Ready

Testing the battery level on your Osmo Action camera is one of those small habits that makes a huge difference. It’s not just about avoiding dead cameras—it’s about confidence. Knowing your gear is ready lets you focus on creativity, not logistics.

From checking the battery icon on-screen to using the DJI Mimo app or the battery’s own LED, you now have multiple tools to stay informed. And with smart usage tips, proper care, and a few spares, you’ll never miss a shot because of a low battery again.

So next time you’re packing for a shoot, take 30 seconds to test the battery level on your Osmo Action camera. That tiny check could save your entire adventure. Trust me—your future self will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the battery level on my Osmo Action Camera?

You can check the battery level on your Osmo Action Camera by turning it on and viewing the battery icon on the touchscreen. The icon displays the remaining charge as a percentage or in bar form.

Is there a way to test the battery level without turning on the Osmo Action Camera?

Yes, press the quick switch button (on supported models) to view the battery level via LED indicator lights. Each light represents approximately 25% charge, offering a quick visual check.

Can I see the Osmo Action Camera battery level in the DJI Mimo app?

Absolutely! Connect your camera to the DJI Mimo app via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, and the battery level will appear on the app’s home screen. This is useful for monitoring remotely during shoots.

Why does my Osmo Action Camera battery drain so fast, and how can I test it?

To test battery health, fully charge the battery, record continuously, and note the runtime. If it’s significantly shorter than DJI’s advertised specs, the battery may need replacement.

How accurate is the Osmo Action Camera’s battery percentage reading?

The battery percentage is generally reliable but can fluctuate slightly during heavy use (e.g., 4K recording). For best accuracy, check it after the camera has been idle for a few seconds.

What do the blinking lights mean when testing the Osmo Action Camera battery?

Blinking lights during charging indicate the current battery level (e.g., 2 blinks = 50%). A solid light means fully charged. Refer to your manual for specific light codes.