The Mavic Mini, Mini SE, Mini 2, Mavic Air 2, Air 2S, FPV Drone, and Mavic 3 models all use the DJI Fly application. We’ll show you how to download, set up, and utilize this program in this tutorial so you can effortlessly master drones.
All of DJI’s most recent drone models, including the DJI Mini 2, one of the most popular drones in the world, are controlled using the DJI Fly app. It was released in late 2019 together with the DJI Mavic Mini drone. Since then, it has evolved into the brand’s standard app for operating all of DJI’s most recent drones, including the Mavic Mini, Mini SE, Mini 2, Mavic Air 2, and Air 2S, as well as the DJI FPV Drone and Mavic 3 series of drones.
The DJI GO4 software, which is still in use and can be used to control the Mavic Pro, Mavic Air, and models of the Mavic 2 series, for example, was the one used to operate DJI’s drones prior to the release of the DJI Fly app.
Drones supported by DJI Fly
- Mavic Mini;
- Mini SE;
- Mini 2;
- Mavic Air 2;
- Air 2S;
- FPV Drone;
- Mavic 3 and Mavic 3 Cine
- In an effort to make the process of sharing images and movies shot with drones easier, DJI Fly showed up with a suggestion for a friendlier and more straightforward interface. It offers access to the drone’s settings and information, just like any other application for this product profile, which is necessary to understand the overall situation and everything pertaining to the equipment. Additionally, it is in charge of updating the firmware of compatible drones.
Before going into any detail regarding the app, it’s important to note that DJI Fly stopped receiving updates on Google Play, Google’s app store found on all Android handsets, in early 2021. When there had been no updates for a few months, it was taken down from the store. The APK (application installation file) must now be downloaded straight from DJI’s website. Regarding a potential restoration of the app to the Google Play app store, we don’t have any information. New upgrades and the iOS version are both accessible through the Apple Store. The Google Plays store still offers DJI GO4, which is used to control drones like the Mavic 2 series and the Mavic Air.
Downloading and installing DJI Fly
Both Google Android and Apple iOS support DJI Fly. If you’re using an Apple system, all you have to do is go to the Apple Store on your tablet or smartphone and download the app. Since the most recent versions have their own update system that notifies the user if a new version is released, if you use a smartphone or tablet with this system you will need to access the DJI website to download at least the first time. DJI has already removed the Android version from Google Play.
DOWNLOAD DJI Fly app
Let’s move on to a brief explanation of how to download and install the programme. If you possess one of the drones supported by the app and use an Apple smartphone, you can simply download it from the Apple Store as we’ve already mentioned. If, however, you use an Android device, you must download the installer from the DJI website (do not download on third-party sites where the app can be altered). After you first install the software on your Android smartphone, it automatically updates itself, saving you from having to perform the laborious process.
DOWNLOAD – Latest version of DJI Fly
The official website itself offers the option to download the software through the “Download for Android” and “Download on the App Store” buttons. For Apple devices, simply click one of these buttons and follow the installation instructions outlined below.
Installing the DJI Fly
Once the app has been downloaded, you must install it, and because you downloaded the installation file (.APK), the Android operating system will ask you if you are sure you want to proceed with the installation. We advise only downloading from the DJI website because it is standard procedure for the system to display this warning for anything downloaded outside of the Google Play Shop.
Restrictions and devices supported by DJI Fly
Like any other app, DJI Fly has a list of minimal specifications for the supported hardware and iOS and Android versions that it may be installed on.
For Android, the smartphone must have Android 6.0 or higher in order to launch the app. Regarding the “hardware” requirements of the phone, it needs a SoC (the mobile CPU), with support for 64-bit. This specification is currently a market norm, but many older smartphones lack it, even with Android versions that are more recent than necessary. The best approach to determine whether an application functions properly on your phone is to just install and run it.
It is important to have an iPhone 6 or later model and iOS 11.0 or later for Apple devices. The DJI Fly also supports tablets in addition to mobile phones.
Interface and settings of the DJI Fly app
When compared to the DJI GO4, the UI has undergone significant changes, and the information is now presented in a somewhat different way. Some of the functions are also moved around or receive improvements as a result of the upgrades. Overall, I think the DJI Fly is superior to the DJI GO4 right now, but a lot of it has to do with personal preference and how quickly one can find the desired settings.
The majority of the information on the main screen, including options for control functions and pertinent data like speed, altitude, and distance, connection strength with satellites and between the control and drone, the amount of time the drone can continue to fly on its current charge, etc., has been made as simple and intuitive as possible by DJI. You can pick whether the main focus of the screen is in camera mode or map mode, as well as whether to snap pictures or record videos and what settings to utilize.
The recording modes also have additional features including Quick Shots, Master Shots, and panoramic photo modes. but only if the drone is supported are they visible. For instance, the only models that now enable these flight modes are the Air 2S and Mavic 3. Master Shots is not present in any other models.
It’s also crucial to emphasize that some features can be accessed via the physical drone controller as well as the screens of smartphones and tablets. I mention the RTH function (Return to Home/Return to the take-off point) or even the photo- and video-taking and other features. However, a number of them are specific to the app and inaccessible through the control, including camera settings and automatic flight modes, among many others.
DJI Fly custom settings
You can access the drone’s advanced settings in the button that reads “…” vertically, which is located in the top right corner. Again, depending on the model, different functionalities are available, such as Active Track, which is only available on the Air 2 and Air 2S versions and not the Mini.
You can disable the drone’s sensors under advanced settings, as well as specify what happens when a sensor detects something, the drone’s maximum height, and the distance. How high it will climb in RTH mode before turning around, as well as specific, fine-tuned settings for how the control sticks and gimbal react. In other words, you can customize the modifications to your preferences.
LIVE with DJI Fly
DJI Fly started providing real-time transmissions (LIVE) of what the drone’s camera is filming with version 1.4.12 (published in early October 2021). The app takes into account the RTMP transmission protocol, which is utilized by numerous video resources like YouTube. This link will take you to an article that explains the procedure in detail.
What if the phone crashes or runs out of battery?
If the user ignores the system’s warnings, which are displayed on the phone’s screen and audibly on the control, the application, like all others, may crash and close abruptly due to a fault with the application or the system, or even the phone’s or control’s battery may run out. What takes place in this circumstance?
The most frequent scenario is for the app to crash, close instantaneously, then automatically reopen, allowing you to carry on with the flight.
It is advised to use the RTH button on the remote to send the drone back to its takeoff location if the app is no longer operable. Furthermore, the RTH function (return to the take-off point) is automatically activated after a short period of time when the drone loses contact with the control, causing it to return to the take-off location. Waiting for the GPS to complete the synchronization process is advised; the app will even notify you when the take-off location has changed. Doing so can help you prevent serious issues.
We advise uninstalling the application and reinstalling it if it frequently crashes your PC. Sometimes the issue can be resolved even by switching to a different version of the offending one. Format the phone in the last scenario, which is only recommended in dire circumstances.
Updating DJI drones firmware by DJI Fly
A launch drone receives the most varied optimizations, especially within the first year of life, and frequently even new features, therefore the app is also responsible for upgrading the drone’s software.
On DJI drones, updating the firmware has always been a reasonably easy process that is handled entirely by the app. The criterion is to take into account that, in addition to the device used for control using the most recent version of the program, it needs to have a battery with a charge larger than 50% (depending on the update, the procedure will use the battery).
It is also crucial to emphasize that certain functionalities require the drone to have the most recent firmware and that the application be updated. For instance, the Mini 2 began recording at 2.7K 60 FPS following a firmware update and the release of a new application. Initially, it could only record at this resolution and 30 frames per second.
It is advised to shut off the drone and the control, close the application, and repeat the operation again if there is a problem. If updating is still not feasible, another option is to use the DJI Assistant for Windows program, which is offered on DJI’s website.
Conclusion
I especially enjoy the DJI Fly app. It performs its primary duty, which is to provide an interface for controlling the drone, from available functionalities to even controlling some commands, and has undergone several positive adjustments over time.
The purpose of this page is to provide clarification on the download and installation procedures for the Android version, which is no longer offered on the Google Play Store and has caused confusion for many new users because an APK installation file must be downloaded. I ended up going a little further and discussing some other DJI Fly app functions and scenarios, but that information can be crucial for owners of compatible models.
Regarding the Android version, I believe it is crucial that DJI submits the app to the Google Play Store once more. This is because the purpose of the operating systems’ app stores is to make life easier for users, particularly for those who are not as tech-savvy. Not to mention the security risk associated with downloading and installing an application that has not been approved by the official device retailers’ approval procedures.
Please post any questions or recommendations in the comments, and I’ll be happy to respond.