Can You Fly DJI Mini 3 / Mini 3 Pro Without a Phone (Explained)

Seamlessly, a mobile phone became a necessity for each of us, and in this case, we need it to fly the DJI Mini 3 or Mini 3 Pro, or most of the drones available.

But let’s say that you don’t want to fly your drone with a phone, and you are looking for alternatives for whatever the reason.

Can you fly DJI Mini 3 or Mini 3 Pro drones without a phone?

Yes, there are a few alternatives to flying the DJI Mini 3 or Mini 3 Pro without a phone. One of them includes the use of the DJI RC, which has an integrated screen that eliminates the need for a mobile phone.

But that’s not all.

There are other alternatives and options, or maybe you are looking to fly your DJI Mini 3 / Mini 3 Pro without a phone or screen at all.

Everything will be answered here, on this topic.

Flying the DJI Mini 3 / Mini 3 Pro without a phone, with DJI RC  #

The DJI RC is a fantastic addition released by DJI as an alternative to the classic remote controllers, where you have to attach your mobile phone with their app in order to fly the drone.

Imagine getting a call when you have your drone in the air or your mobile phone suddenly reboots. You don’t want that, and like you, many people are looking to fly their DJI Mini 3 or Mini 3 Pro drones without a phone.

Here the DJI RC comes in handy, where the controller has an incorporated 5.5″ tablet that runs on Android and already has the required DJI Fly app, allowing you to see a live video feed of the drone’s camera. 

The DJI RC can be bought separately as an alternative to the classic remote controller or can be received in a kit when buying your drone, depending on what you opt for when you purchase your drone.

Therefore, to wrap this up, the DJI RC is the most desirable alternative to fly your DJI Mini 3 or Mini 3 Pro without a phone.

Note: Do not confuse the new DJI RC, which is the remote controller with a 5.5-inch screen, with the classic controller, or with DJI RC PRO Controller.

Connecting a tablet instead of your phone to DJI Mini 3 / Mini 3 Pro #

Alternatively, you can fly your DJI Mini 3 or Mini 3 Pro without a phone and the DJI RC – that is, if you have a tablet available.

Both Android and iOS (iPad) tablets are compatible with the DJI Fly app required for you to fly your drone, which is an excellent alternative to flying with your mobile phone attached at all times to the remote controller.

But you have to keep in mind that it will be slightly inconvenient to how you must set up your remote controller and tablet and position yourself comfortably to be able to see on the tablet and have the remote controller in your hand.

There are tablet holders for your remote controller available, but those are not recommended because you put a lot of pressure on your controller. You will need to figure out how to do it, depending on the device you have.

In the end, yes, there are a few drawbacks to using a tablet instead of a mobile phone as you will probably be required to have active service for best of use, same as with a mobile phone, but in the end, it’s a fantastic alternative. 

Why fly the DJI Mini 3 / Mini 3 Pro without a phone but with a tablet?  #

Let’s be honest. When the drone is in the air, and there’s a fantastic view, you’re missing out on details on a 5-inch phone, for instance. But what about seeing everything on a 12.9-inch iPad instead?

There are advantages in this case where you will be able not only to see more but fly better with less risk involved where you can miss elements on the screen. And just the ability to enjoy the flight, even more, is definitely worth it.

But to connect a tablet, you need to review the compatibility of your OTG cable – can you connect your tablet using the same cable? Does it have the same adaptor?

Can you fly DJI Mini 3 / Mini 3 Pro without a phone or any other device? #

Now let’s get to the scenario where, for some reason, you may want to fly your DJI Mini 3 or Mini 3 Pro without a phone or any other device at all. Is it possible?

Yes, you will be able to take off your drone without a phone, but you won’t be able to have any kind of control from the DJI Fly app or live view image, and it is risky.

You will be able to hover and fly it around, but you will put your drone at risk as you may struggle to fly in the right direction, at altitude, or to observe any obstacles.  

What will you be missing if you fly the DJI Mini 3 / Mini 3 Pro without a phone or any other devices? #

Everything that was included in the DJI Fly app and you could see on the screen is missing now. A short list would be as follows:

• A live image of the drone camera is missing
• The telemetry of your drone
• Battery percentage and flight time
• Distance, altitude, and GPS strength 
• The ability to change any settings from the app
• And much more…

So, our recommendation is to not fly your DJI Mini 3 or Mini 3 Pro drone without a phone or any other device where you can have a live image and access to all those settings for the best flight experience you can get.

In the end, there are options on the table. Yes, you are able to fly your DJI Mini 3 or Mini 3 Pro without a phone and use some of the alternatives listed here. 

But our most recommended option for you is to use the DJI RC for a seamless and smooth flying experience and to gain unique advantages over using the classic version of the remote controller with a phone.