9 Most Common Problems with DJI Mini 3 (Must-Read)

Undoubtedly, the DJI Mini 3 is the choice for beginners who want a premium experience.

It delivers incredible footage and piloting it is easy. Plus, it is very well-made and robust, so it will last you for years of rough use.

However, it has its flaws.

The 9 most common problems the DJI Mini 3 faces are:

• RC buttons malfunction
• Motor making abnormal sounds
• Photo/video overexposure/underexposure
• Failure to capture photo/video
• Aircraft live view flickering
• Spinning while hovering
• Abnormal battery charging or no charging at all
• Battery overheating
• Aircraft won’t power on

To help you, this guide explains the common problems this drone has and its fixes.

RC buttons malfunction #

This problem applies to the DJI Mini 3 using the RC-N1. This error doesn’t apply to the DJI RC Series.

The issue consists of a lack of response to the control stick input. So you won’t be able to control your drone. It only happens after using the RC for long periods or after it hits something hard.

The solution is to restart the mobile device, RC, and drone to pair them again.

Sometimes it may happen as well that the buttons don’t work due to foreign matter (dust, grass, dirt, etc.) lodged in the buttons of the controller.

You can solve this issue by removing any foreign matter obstructing its movement.

If neither of the solutions solves this problem, it is most likely a hardware issue. You should fill out an online repair request (link) so that DJI can assist you.

Motor making abnormal sounds #

This is the least common problem you can face on this list. However, it presents itself when you use the drone non-stop.

When starting the engine, you may hear a strange noise different from its familiar sound. In this case, it could be a mechanical or electrical failure. It is a mechanical issue if you hear a metallic or grinding kind of sound. If the engine produces an intermittent noise, the problem is electrical.

Whatever the cause, you must contact support immediately. Preferably with a short video so they can hear the sound and see how it behaves.

They will ask you to fill out an online repair request as soon as possible.

Photo/video overexposure/underexposure #

You might be taking footage that is too bright or too dark. It never gets to the perfect exposure sweet spot.

If you notice an underexposed image, check if you haven’t removed the lens cover or ND filter. Remove it before your flight to fix the exposure issue.

Then look at the environment you are in. If it is a dark place or you are flying the drone on a sunny day, try using the auto exposure mode AEB.

If these two steps don’t solve your problem, check if the app reports camera warnings. Then restart the camera or drone. If the camera doesn’t work, contact support.

They will ask you to fill out an online repair request.

Capturing photo/video failure #

You might observe that your camera doesn’t take footage after pressing the shutter button.

This issue is commonly caused by the microSD’s lack of compatibility or other malfunction. First, ensure that your microSD is compatible for use with your Mini 3 or Mini 3 Pro.

» MORE: Best DJI Mini 3 Pro SD Cards

If your card is not compatible with the Mini 3 or Mini 3 Pro, try using a different one that is. If your SD card is compatible, but it suddenly stopped working, you may need to reset it.

These microSD cards corrupt frequently, but they rarely break. So go to the DJI Fly app and go to the camera view. Here press the three horizontal dots on the upright corner. Now tap the Camera option and then Format.

Please reset the camera parameters if you still can’t take footage after these steps.

Go to the DJI Fly app and go to the camera view. Press the three horizontal dots on the upright corner. Finally, tap the Camera option and Reset Camera Parameters at the bottom.

If this doesn’t solve the issue, get in touch with support.

Aircraft live view flickering #

While navigating your Mini 3, you may observe some flickering or a frozen display on your screen.

Firmware not updated is the most common cause, followed by signal interference. The first step is to check the environment.

Are there too many people nearby using devices? Am I flying in an area with lots of buildings?

If so, please go to a place with less interference and check if the issue continues.

If the problem insists, update the DJI RC and drone firmware from your DJI Fly app. When using the RC-N1, please also update the DJI Fly app on your mobile device.

Contact support if this method doesn’t solve your issue between the DJI RC and the drone. You may have to send the RC to them.

For the RC-N1, check to see that you are using a mobile device that is compatible with the Mini 3. You may need to try using a different device. And if that doesn’t work either, contact support.

Spinning while hovering #

Another common issue is that the drone is unstable or spins while hovering. This issue could potentially cause a loss of aircraft control.

If your drone spins while hovering with no input from the controller, it’s an engine or RC issue. So land the drone, and detach the propellers.

Check if the engine is working intermittently.

If yes, please go to the controller settings in the DJI Fly app. Here notice if the control stick inputs vary without you moving them. If it varies, then calibrate the RC in the app.

If the engine continues to work intermittently, contact support.

However, if you see your engines run smoothly without propellers, you must change the propellers. A broken or chipped propeller develops vibration.

This vibration can damage the engine long-term, causing the spinning while hovering issue.

Abnormal battery charging or no charging at all #

Batteries are one of the components that can break without any warning or at any time.

To understand what’s happening to your battery, note the drone LEDs while charging.

Is one of those LEDs blinking? If yes, please check the table below.

LED 1LED 2LED 3LED 4Blinking PatternDescriptionBlinkingBlinks twice per secondOvercurrent detectedBlinkingBlinks three times per secondShort circuit detected/internal communication errorBlinkingBlinks twice per secondOvercharge detected, resulting in high battery voltageBlinkingBlinks three times per secondOver-voltage charger detectedBlinkingBlinks twice per secondCharging temperature is too lowBlinkingBlinks three times per secondCharging temperature is too highBlinkingBlinkingBlinkingBlinkingBlink three times per secondBattery damagedCredit: DJI

Then follow the steps found here. In that link, you will find a step-by-step guide by DJI.

What if the LEDs don’t light up? This is a symptom of inadequate storage.

As far as possible, store the battery at ambient temperature in a dry place with a charge of approximately 60%. When you don’t use it for a while, it enters hibernation.

So now you need to check the battery condition. Connect the battery to the charger, and after 20 minutes, one or several LEDs must light.

If none of the LEDs lights after 20 minutes, contact the support team, as you apparently have a non-functioning battery.

Battery overheated #

Typically, the battery will get hot after a flight or while charging.

However, you can face high battery temperatures that are actually too hot to touch even when not in use or while charging. This overheating issue is an issue of inadequate storage procedures.

So please follow the steps below:

After finishing the flight, put your drone in a ventilated area with low ambient light. If 30 minutes pass and the battery is still too hot, contact DJI support.

Overheating is also noticeable when fast charging or charging in a hot place. Only charge the battery with a proper charger and in a cool place. And if it still gets too hot, contact support.

Avoid storing the battery fully charged.

It’s normal for it to discharge to get to approximately 60%. The way it does it is by dissipating that heat. Wait for the battery to cool down for about two hours.

If it is still hot, contact support.

Aircraft can’t be powered on #

Keep in mind that the Mini 3 will not power ON while charging.

This issue occurs when the battery can’t power ON the drone or when the power button malfunctions.

The first step is to press the power button and release it. This action displays the battery level. The LEDs must light.

If the LEDs don’t light, test the battery with these steps. The battery may be in hibernation and needs to be charged first.

If the battery looks ok, then press and release the power button. Immediately press the power button for two seconds. If the drone doesn’t power ON, there is an issue with the power button, and you should contact support.

Are there other issues? #

There certainly are, but they aren’t too common. These are the most common questions people tend to ask in the forums, and have possible solutions not involving DJI support.

However, if these solutions don’t resolve your issue, contact support right away.