Battery Not Charging
Ryze Tello Drone
Severity:What Does This Error Mean?
Tello battery not charging is often caused by the battery being fully discharged (below 3V). Try a deep-discharge recovery by leaving the battery connected to the charger for 30+ minutes — it may slowly recover.
Affected Models
- Ryze Tello
- Ryze Tello EDU
Common Causes
- Battery fully discharged below recovery threshold
- Micro-USB charging cable faulty or not rated for charging
- USB charger not providing enough current (need 1A minimum)
- Battery physically swollen — end of life
- Charging port dirty or bent
How to Fix It
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Try a different Micro-USB cable and a wall charger (not a laptop port).
Many Micro-USB data cables do not carry enough current for charging. Use a wall USB charger rated 5V 1A or higher, not a laptop USB port. The Tello's LED will pulse orange when charging correctly.
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Leave the battery connected for 30-60 minutes if it is fully discharged.
A deeply discharged LiPo battery may not show any LED activity at first. Leave it plugged in to a good wall charger — after 20-30 minutes it may begin a slow recovery charge.
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Check the Micro-USB charging port for bent pins or debris.
Inspect the charging port on the Tello with a torch. A bent centre pin is a common issue after dropping the drone. Remove any debris carefully with a toothpick.
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Inspect the battery for swelling.
Remove the battery from the Tello and place it on a flat surface. A swollen battery will rock back and forth (not sit flat). A swollen LiPo battery must be safely disposed of — do not attempt to charge it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Ryze Tello battery take to charge?
A fully depleted Tello battery charges in approximately 90 minutes using a 5V 1A USB charger. Using a higher-amperage charger (2A) does not charge faster as the battery limits the intake current.
Can I use third-party Tello batteries?
Third-party Tello batteries are widely available and generally work fine. Avoid extremely cheap batteries — poor-quality cells degrade quickly and can swell. Check that the voltage and mAh match the original (3.8V, 1100 mAh).