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How Do I Connect My DJI Mini 2 SE to My Computer (Explained)

8 mins
Drone Blog
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With the Mini 2 SE being a great combination of price, weight, and relative features, it is a welcome addition to the DJI Mini space.

Whether for beginners or hobbyists, the Mini 2 SE has something for everyone.

How Do I Connect My DJI Mini 2 SE to My Computer?

To connect your DI Mini 2 SE to a computer, you’ll need either a USB-C cable to directly connect to your PC or Mac, or an SD card reader to transfer media files from the Mini 2 SE to a Windows PC or Mac, without having to physically connect the Mini 2 SE to either.

We will be discussing why a Mini 2 SE owner may want to connect the Mini 2 SE to a computer as well as walk through connecting the DJI Mini 2 SE to a Windows PC or a Mac.

Why Connect the Mini 2 SE to a Computer? #

As with most DJI drones, and certainly all of the new consumer and prosumer lines, there are two main reasons why you’d want to connect your Mini 2 SE to a PC or Mac:

  • To transfer videos and/or photos directly to a computer, to later edit and share
  • To access the DJI Assistant 2 (Consumer Drones Series) software

**» MORE: **Is the DJI Mini 2 SE Worth It?

What is DJI Assistant 2? #

DJI Assistant 2 (Consumer Drone Series) is software provided by DJI that includes various features and utilities to troubleshoot and fix issues that DJI drones might be experiencing.

The DJI Assistant 2 (Consumer Drone Series) software is oftentimes used to:

  • Access Mini 2 SE flight data
  • Update the Mini 2 SE Firmware
  • Roll-back/downgrade firmware versions (when this option is available)

Once the Mini 2 SE is connected to either your Windows PC or Mac, you will be able to use the DJI Assistant 2 (Consumer Drone Series) software to perform the aforementioned functions.

Transferring Photos and Videos #

Although the Mini 2 SE has a “smallish” camera, coming in at a 12 MP 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor, the Mini 2 SE shoots very nice still photographs, comparable to many modern cellphones.

The Mini 2 SE also shoots up to 30 fps (frames per second) in 2.7k, which for many is plenty to capture much of what is around in the environment, as long as slow motion is not required.

The question many new Mini 2 SE owners might have is how to access and download the pictures and videos?

**» MORE: **How to Transfer Videos from DJI Fly App to Computer (Step-by-Step Guide)

SD CARD Reader #

The** quickest way **to access the content (pictures and videos) on a Mini 2 SE SD card is through the use of an SD card reader.

To connect an SD card reader to your computer and access the data:

  • Step 1: While the Mini 2 SE is off, remove the SD card from the Mini 2 SE.
  • Step 2: Insert the SD card into the SD card reader.
  • Step 3: Either while your PC or Mac is off or on, plug the reader into the computer.

**» MORE: **How to Format SD Cards in DJI Drones (Quick Steps with Photos)

You will then be able to view and edit the information directly from within a directory on your computer, using either Windows File Explorer or Mac OS Finder.

This is the fastest, most convenient way to access the data as you do not have to turn on the Mini 2 SE, wait for it to boot up, and then connect it to the computer.

Our Pick

Connecting Directly to a Computer (PC or Mac) #

Although there are alternative ways to access photos and videos from the Mini 2 SE line as mentioned, it may be decided to access the photos directly off the Mini 2 SE’s SD card without removing it for a variety of reasons.

**» MORE: **How Do I Connect My DJI Mini 3 / Mini 3 Pro to My Computer (Explained)

Are drivers needed for the Computer to recognize the Mini 2 SE? #

Thankfully, most Windows PC and Mac computers are able to recognize the Mini 2 SE shortly after being connected, without the need for any type of Windows or Mac drivers.

This makes the entire process of connecting to a computer easier and more convenient.

To connect your Mini 2 SE to a PC or Mac: #

In order to directly connect the Mini 2 SE to a home computer, you’ll need a standard USB to USB-C cable.

They are readily available on Amazon, although we suggest a quality DJI-branded cable, also found on Amazon.

Note: A USB to USB-C cable is included with the Mini 2 SE Fly More combo.

  • **Step 1: **Connect the Mini 2 SE USB to USB-C cable to your PC or Mac. Then, plug the USB side into an empty USB slot on your computer or USB hub.
  • **Step 2: **While the Mini 2 SE is off, plug the USB-C end into the Mini 2 SE.

If connecting the Mini 2 SE to a computer to access pictures and video: #

  • **STEP 3: **Unfold the Mini 2 SE’s arms and legs. Remove the gimbal cover and then turn on the Mini 2 SE by pressing the power button once, and then holding the power button.

Your computer should recognize the Mini 2 SE SD card storage.

If using a Mac, the Mini 2 SE’s SD card will show as an accessible drive shortcut on the desktop, which you will be able to double-click and access through Mac Finder.

If using a Windows PC, you will have to access the data on the Mini 2 SE’s SD card through either Windows Explorer or File Explorer, depending on which version of Windows you are running.

**» MORE: **How Do I Connect DJI Mini 3 to Computer?

If connecting the Mini 2 SE to a computer to work with the DJI Assistant 2 (Consumer Drone Series) software: #

  • **Step 3: **Launch the DJI Assistant 2 software
  • Step 4: Open the DJI Assistant 2 software.
  • **Step 5: **Unfold the Mini 2 SE’s arms and legs. Remove the gimbal cover and then turn on the Mini 2 SE by pressing the power button once, and then holding the power button. Your computer, whether Windows PC or Mac, should recognize the Mini 2 SE SD card storage.
  • **Step 6: **The DJI Assistant 2 software will then transition to a screen that shows your Mini 2 SE. Simply choose your model and the software will guide you from there.

Connecting the RC-N1 Remote Controller to a computer #

Like with the Mini 2 SE, it may be necessary to connect the RC-N1 remote controller to your PC or Mac to work with the firmware in the DJI Assistant 2 software.

  • **Step 1: **Connect the Mini 2 SE’s USB to USB-C cable to your PC or Mac. Then, plug the USB side into an empty USB slot on your computer or USB hub.
  • **Step 2: **While the RC-N1 is off, plug the USB-C end into the RC.
  • Step 3: Open the DJI Assistant 2 software.
  • Step 4: Log in to the DJI Software using your DJI account credentials.
  • Step 5: Turn on the RC-N1 by single pressing the power button once, then press and hold the power again until the RC-N1 beeps and turns on.

The DJI Assitant software will then see the remote controller and switch over to the connected devices screen.

  • Step 6: Choose the RC-N1 remote controller and you will be brought to the Firmware Update screen.

**» MORE: **DJI Mini 3/Pro – How to Transfer Videos/Photos to a MAC (Video)

Can you charge your DJI Mini 2 SE or controller directly from your computer USB port? #

This is a great question, as one may want to charge their drone or RC when sitting in front of a Windows PC or Mac. While it is technically possible to do so, it’s not advisable.

This is because the Mini 2 SE and RC-N1 remote controller require a lot higher watt charger to quickly and effectively charge.

This is 18 watts. Most PCs and Mac’s USB ports only have a combined power output of 2.5 watts. <2.5 watts is not a sufficient enough power source to do much good.

While you might connect your Mini 2 SE or RC-N1 to the computer and it blinks, it is not getting anywhere near enough power to fully charge.

The same holds true for powered USB hubs. While these USB hubs draw power directly from a wall outlet, and not the computer itself, each USB port only has 2.5 watts of power.

Again, this is not enough power to charge a Mini 2 SE or its remote controller.

**» MORE: **How to Connect DJI Mini 2 SE to WiFi (Step-by-Step Guide)

The best ways to charge the Mini 2 SE #

Since charging the Mini 2 SE from a computer appears to be a no-go, what other ways of charging the Mini 2 SE are there?

Aside from the standard 18-watt USB wall charger that is recommended by DJI, and the 3-battery DJI charging hub, the Mini 2 SE can also be charged via a battery bank.

That’s right. Because the Mini 2 SE has smaller, less power-intensive batteries, they can be charged via a portable battery bank.

If deciding to go this route, it’s suggested a >20,000 mAh bank, running at least 20w speeds be used to quickly charge 5 Mini 2 SE batteries on the go.

**» MORE: **27 Best Drone Accessories (I Can’t Live Without)

Additionally, the Mini 2 SE batteries can be charged via a car charger, plugged right into a cigarette outlet.

Although DJI doesn’t manufacture a car charger specifically for the Mini 2 SE like it does for the larger prosumer line of drones, any 18-watt, fast charging high-quality car charger will work to charge the Mini 2 SE’s batteries.

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