Are DJI Drones Waterproof? [2024 Update]

Are you considering flying your DJI drone over water?

Before taking off, it’s important to understand the difference between waterproof and water-resistant, as well as the potential risks and damages that can occur when flying a drone near or over water.

While some DJI drone models are water-resistant, it’s important to know the limitations and take necessary precautions to prevent water damage.

In this article, we’ll explore the various DJI drone models and their levels of waterproofness, as well as provide tips and considerations for flying drones over water.

We’ll also discuss different types of waterproofing and protective measures you can take to ensure your drone stays safe and functional.

So, whether you’re a seasoned drone pilot or a beginner, keep reading to learn everything you need to know about flying DJI drones over water.

Are DJI Drones Waterproof

DJI drones are not waterproof, but they are water-resistant and can withstand mild rain and snow. However, they shouldn’t be flown or landed in bodies of water or heavy rain.

DJI drones are designed with closed compartments to keep moisture away from sensitive electronic components.

Sealants and other factors also contribute to making a product waterproof or dustproof.

Waterproofing techniques have come a long way in recent years, and DJI has made advancements in technology to make their drones more resistant to water.

For example, the M300 RTK drone is tested for weather resistance through simulations and has an IP45 rating, making it DJI’s most weatherproof drone to date.

The drone is protected against solid objects greater than 1mm and low-pressure jets of water from any angle, and can handle rainstorms and swirling rain simulator (IPX4) with no damage or interruption of function.

Testing procedures for DJI drones are rigorous and include exposure to various environmental factors, including water.

However, it’s important to note that the IP rating is not complete waterproofing of the drone, and the product warranty does not cover water damage. Laboratory tests cannot directly correlate to specific environmental conditions during a real-world mission.

Operators should use their best judgement when flying in wet and/or any other tricky weather conditions.

DJI drones are not completely waterproof, but some models are water-resistant and can withstand mild rain and snow.

Operators should take precautions when flying in wet and/or any other tricky weather conditions.

If a DJI drone gets wet, it may malfunction and should be taken out of the air.

Proper care and maintenance of sensitive electronic components are crucial to prevent wear and tear from exposure to water.

IP Rating

When it comes to protecting your drone from water damage, it’s crucial to understand the difference between waterproof and water-resistant.

This is denoted by the IP rating, which measures the device’s ability to protect against water intrusion and other external substances.

The rating consists of two numbers, with the first number indicating the level of protection against solids and the second number indicating the level of protection against liquids.

A higher number signifies greater device protection.

How To Read A Drones IP Rating

An IP rating (Ingress Protection Rating or International Protection Rating) is a system that indicates the effectiveness of electrical enclosures in blocking foreign bodies such as dust, moisture, liquids, and accidental contact. IP ratings consist of the letters “IP” followed by two digits.

The first digit represents the level of protection against solid foreign bodies, while the second digit indicates the level of protection against liquids.

To read an IP rating, follow these steps:

1. Identify the two digits after the “IP” letters. For example, in IP65, the two digits are 6 and 5.
2. Refer to the first digit (6 in this example) for protection against solids:
   • 0: No protection
   • 1: Protection from objects larger than 50mm (e.g., hands)
   • 2: Protection from objects larger than 12.5mm (e.g., fingers)
   • 3: Protection from objects larger than 2.5mm (e.g., tools, wires)
   • 4: Protection from objects larger than 1mm (e.g., small wires)
   • 5: Dust protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposits)
   • 6: Dust-tight (complete protection against dust)

1. Refer to the second digit (5 in this example) for protection against liquids:
   • 0: No protection
   • 1: Protection from vertically falling water droplets
   • 2: Protection from water droplets at a 15-degree angle
   • 3: Protection from water spray up to 60 degrees from vertical
   • 4: Protection from water splashing from any direction
   • 5: Protection from low-pressure water jets from any direction
   • 6: Protection from high-pressure water jets from any direction
   • 7: Protection from temporary immersion in water (up to 1m depth)
   • 8: Protection from continuous immersion in water (beyond 1m depth, specified by the manufacturer)
   • 9K: Protection from high-pressure, high-temperature water jets

In the example of IP65, the first digit (6) indicates that the enclosure is dust-tight, and the second digit (5) indicates that it is protected against low-pressure water jets from any direction.

Keep in mind that sometimes a digit may be replaced by an “X,” which means that the enclosure is not yet rated for that specific aspect of protection. 

For example, IPX6 signifies that the enclosure’s protection against liquids is rated, but its protection against solids is not yet rated.

Here are five things to keep in mind about drone IP ratings when considering waterproofing:

• An IPX7 rating means the device can withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter deep for up to 30 minutes.
• An IPX8 rating means the device is waterproof and can withstand continuous immersion in water deeper than 1 meter.
• A device with an IP67 rating is dust-tight and can withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter deep for up to 30 minutes.
• The highest rating for solid and liquid protection is IP68, indicating the device is dust-tight and can withstand continuous immersion in water deeper than 1 meter.
• Even if a device has a high IP rating, it’s still important to properly care for and maintain it to prevent water damage.

Remember that while an IP rating can help you determine a device’s level of water protection, it doesn’t guarantee complete waterproofing.

It’s important to use caution when flying your drone near water and to avoid exposure to rain or other wet conditions whenever possible.

If your drone does get wet, immediately remove the battery and dry all components thoroughly before attempting to use it again.

By taking these precautions and understanding the nuances of waterproofing, you can help ensure your drone stays safe and functional for years to come.

DJI Drones & Their IP Rating

Drone Model	IP Rating	Meaning
DJI Mini SE	N/A	Not waterproof and have no water resistance rating given by DJI
DJI Mini 2	N/A	Not waterproof and have no water resistance rating given by DJI
DJI Mini 3 Pro	N/A	Not waterproof and have no water resistance rating given by DJI
DJI Mavic Pro	IP43	Protected against objects larger than 1mm. Protected against spraying water from any angle up to 60° from the vertical.
DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0	IP45	Protected against a solid object greater than 1mm. Protected against water jets from all directions.
DJI Mavic 2	IP54	Protected against dust, limited ingress permitted. Protected against water splashes from all directions.
DJI Matrice 300	IP55	Protected against dust, limited ingress may be possible. Protected against water spray from any direction.
DJI Matrice 350 RTK	IP55	Protected against dust, limited ingress may be possible. Protected against water spray from any direction. Note: Not to be flown in rain heavier than 100mm/24hr.

Please note that the effectiveness of the IP rating can decrease due to wear and tear, and it’s always recommended to avoid flying drones in adverse weather conditions unless they’re specifically designed for such circumstances.

DJI Drone Waterproof vs DJI Water-Resistant

Remember, when it comes to protecting your drone from water damage, it’s important to understand the difference between waterproof and water-resistant.

Waterproofing materials and techniques can make a device impervious to water, while water-resistant materials and techniques only slow down the penetration of water for a short time.

Most consumer-level DJI drones are not completely waterproof and are not advertised with an IP rating.

This means that while they may be able to withstand mild rain and snow, they shouldn’t be flown or landed in bodies of water or heavy rain.

DJI drones are designed with closed compartments to keep moisture away from sensitive electronic components, and seals and other factors also contribute to making a product waterproof or dustproof.

There are different types of DJI drone waterproofing techniques and materials that can be used to protect drones from water damage.

• Protective Covers: These are budget-friendly, easy-to-install accessories that protect the drone’s key components. Made from water-resistant materials, they can safeguard against water exposure. However, they might not prevent damage from submersion and could potentially affect the drone’s flight due to added weight.
• Full-Body Shells: Offering comprehensive protection, full-body shells are robust casings that can keep a drone safe even when fully submerged. Made from waterproof polymers or composites, they provide superior water resistance. They can be heavy, potentially affecting flight performance, and may be more expensive and require professional installation.
• Silicone Conformal Coating: A protective layer of waterproof silicone applied directly onto the drone’s circuit board, offering excellent protection against moisture and corrosion without adding much weight. However, application can be complex and can complicate future repairs or component replacements.
• Water-Repellant Sprays: A cost-effective, quick method that involves applying a water-resistant coating to the drone’s exterior. These sprays can enhance a drone’s water resistance substantially, but their protection is less comprehensive compared to other methods and they may not protect against full submersion.

While DJI drones are not completely waterproof, they are water-resistant and can withstand mild rain and snow. However, they shouldn’t be flown or landed in bodies of water or heavy rain.

There are different techniques and materials that can make a drone more water-resistant, but proper care and maintenance are key to preventing wear and tear on sensitive electronic components.

So, if you want to use your DJI drone in wet conditions, be sure to take the necessary precautions to protect it from water damage.

DJI Drone Water Damage Prevention

Drone maintenance is crucial to ensuring your device remains in top condition. Make sure to regularly clean your drone, especially after flying in wet conditions.

Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the exterior and avoid using water or cleaning solutions, which can damage the electronic components.

Additionally, inspect your drone for signs of wear and tear, such as cracks or corrosion, and address any issues promptly.

If your drone does get wet, the rice trick may not be your best option. Instead, disassemble the drone and allow all components to dry thoroughly before attempting to use it again. This can prevent further damage and costly repairs.

You may also consider using waterproof accessories, such as drone water shields or full-body shells, to protect sensitive components from water damage.

In addition to proper maintenance and accessories, it’s important to avoid flying your drone in heavy rain or around bodies of water.

Water drops on propellers can be detrimental, and water trapped inside can cause damage to sensitive electronic components. Fighting wind in wet conditions can also drain your battery faster and affect performance.

Take precautions and always use your best judgement when flying in wet or tricky conditions.

Overall, protecting your DJI drone from water damage requires proper maintenance, avoiding wet conditions, and using waterproof accessories when necessary.

By taking these steps, you can prevent costly repairs and ensure your drone remains in top condition for all your aerial adventures.

Saltwater Damage

Protecting your drone from saltwater damage is crucial for ensuring it remains in top condition during your aerial adventures. Saltwater is more dangerous for corrosion than regular water, and can lead to permanent damage to your drone’s electronic components.

Here are three tips for preventing corrosion from saltwater damage:

• Avoid flying your drone over saltwater environments: As much as possible, try to keep your drone away from bodies of saltwater. Saltwater is highly corrosive and can cause damage to your drone’s sensitive electronic components. If you must fly your drone over saltwater, try to keep the flight time to a minimum and avoid landing or taking off from the water’s surface.
• Clean your drone with deionized or purified water: If your drone has been damaged by saltwater, it’s important to clean it with deionized or purified water as soon as possible. This will help remove any salt build-up on the surface of your drone and prevent further corrosion. Avoid using tap water or any cleaning solutions that may contain abrasive chemicals.
• Apply silicone conformal coating: Applying silicone conformal coating to your drone’s electronic components can help make it more resistant to saltwater damage. This coating forms a protective layer around your drone’s sensitive electronics, preventing saltwater from penetrating the surface of the material. This can be a good option if you frequently fly your drone over saltwater environments or plan to use it for marine applications.

Preventing corrosion from saltwater damage is essential for keeping your drone in top condition.

By following these tips, you can help protect your drone from saltwater damage and ensure that it remains in good working order for your next aerial adventure.

Remember to always take care when flying your drone, and avoid exposing it to conditions that may cause damage or harm.

Future Possibilities

Imagine DJI drones taking a leap into the future where they can transition from flight to dive seamlessly.

This isn’t just a drone that can withstand a splash, we’re talking about drones that can actively navigate the diverse environments of air and water in a single operation.

In the future, envision these DJI drones gliding smoothly over the sea, and then, without any hesitation, plunging into the ocean’s depth below.

They could be designed with state-of-the-art waterproofing technology, resilient enough to tolerate the harsh sea conditions.

These drones wouldn’t just be flying above the water surface, they’d become submersibles capable of exploring the world beneath the waves.

The potential uses of such drones are exciting.

In one mission, these advanced DJI drones could take high-resolution aerial shots of the coast, then dip into the water to capture stunning imagery of coral reefs or follow a pod of dolphins.

Photographers and filmmakers could take their storytelling to new depths, quite literally.

For scientific research, oil and gas exploration, or even military applications, the uses are even more wide-ranging.

Aerial mapping, wildlife tracking, infrastructure inspection – all could be done in one swift operation.

Uncovering the secrets of the deep sea while maintaining the ability to return to the sky would revolutionize these fields.

As we look forward to this future, the possibilities for DJI drones that can transition from air to water during the same flight are truly limitless.

With advanced waterproofing technology and design, we may soon witness a transformative shift in the drone industry, offering new opportunities for professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Conclusion

So, are DJI drones waterproof? The answer is no DJI drones are not waterproof, but some models are water-resistant.

It’s important to understand the difference between waterproof and water-resistant, as well as the potential risks and damages that can occur when flying a drone near or over water.

When flying a drone near or over water, it’s crucial to take precautions and follow FAA regulations. Consider the weather conditions, use protective measures, and be aware of your surroundings.

By understanding the levels of waterproofness and taking the necessary steps to prevent water damage, you can safely and confidently fly your DJI drone over water.