DJI Assistant 2: A Complete Guide (Step-by-Step)

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Table of Contents

The DJI Assistant 2 is one of the best drone apps. If you’re looking for a way to manage your flight data, then it’s worth checking out. This app comes with many feature boosts that make it a better choice to handle your drone than the limited DJI GO 4.

With Assistant 2, you can simulate flights, calibrate your quadcopter’s vision sensors and update the firmware. Additionally, the gathered information is crucial if your drone malfunctions or crashes. The app is available for Windows and Mac computers, making it ideal to streamline your work efficiently.

DJI Assistant 2 comes in many versions. Check out which works with your product, how to download it, install, use, update firmware, plus more.

Is there a DJI desktop app? #

DJI Go lets you make many modifications and provides you with semi-professional rendering. However, while compatible with Android and iOS devices, it doesn’t work with PCs or Windows tablets.

The DJI Assistant 2 is a desktop app from DJI that is available for Windows and Mac. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work with macOS version 11 or newer. But plans to resolve this in further updates are underway.

That means if your drone uses DJI Assistant 2 V1. 2.4, you should ensure your device is compatible as this version lacks further updates.

That said, this fantastic DJI drone app allows you to organize all your pictures and videos easily. It has multiple capabilities that make it simple for beginners, including sophisticated options for advanced users.

You can use DJI Assistant 2 to edit images and videos, generate clips with visual effects, and stabilize shaky footage. Plus, you can share the output on social media platforms such as YouTube and Facebook.

The most recent version has significantly more functionalities than previous versions. In a nutshell, this is what the software provides:

Firmware upgrade
Data upload to your drone
Access to the black box
Flight calibration
Simulation
Numerous Wi-Fi configuration options
Easy-to-use factory reset settings

The DJI Assistant 2 Mavic includes an added option for updating the firmware. However, it’s only compatible with the Mavic Pro, Phantom 4, Phantom 4 Pro, and Inspire 2.

Do I need DJI Assistant 2? #

You can use DJI Assistant 2 or DJI GO 4 in most cases to accomplish the basics. Regardless, DJI Assistant 2 can do more than just firmware improvements. It also has the ability for flight simulation, data exporting, and calibrating VPS.

While assessing whether you need the DJI Assistant 2, it’s also crucial to determine whether you have a compatible device. Are you working with a Linux operating system or Mac version 11 or newer? If yes, the app won’t function with your rig.

So, consider whether DJI Assistant 2 features are worth the cost of getting yourself a new laptop or computer.

Tip: If purchasing a new computer, get a Windows laptop if you plan to use the DJI Assistant 2 for AeroScope.

Moreover, download files on Windows computers are smaller than those on Mac computers. So, if you want to maximize your storage space, get a Windows computer.

What is DJI Assistant 2 Autopilot? #

DJI Assistant 2 Autopilot is an Assistant 2 version that allows you to conduct multiple tasks quickly and efficiently on your Autopilot drone. That means you are either using the A3 or the N3.

Using a micro USB connection, link the DJI drone to a PC or computer. Once connected, the DJI Assistant 2 app recognizes your gadget and auto-updates its firmware to the latest version. You can also download comprehensive flight records to your computer.

The flight viewer module is also available in the DJI Assistant 2 app. This module makes observing flight data easier. The app also allows you to quickly and easily calibrate your vision right from your computer screen.

Each vision sensor requires two calibrations. And an included flight simulator module lets you control a virtual drone with your remote.

Does DJI Assistant 2 work with Mavic Pro? #

With DJI Assistant 2 for Mavic, you can upload flight and black box information, calibrate the vision sensors, and update the firmware. DJI Assistant 2 works with Mavic Pro, as well as with several other Mavic products.

The app’s latest version includes the following components:

Firmware updates
Black box
Data upload
Calibration
Wi-Fi settings
Simulator
Factory reset

Looking at these provisions, it’s clear that DJI Assistant 2 is primarily for enabling you to backup, recognize, and fix problems with your Mavic Pro.

DJI can use the Black Box and Data Upload information to identify problems and examine component data and flying history. The data is then applied in fixing your drone. The information can also help in firmware updates.

When troubleshooting your Mavic Pro, resetting to defaults or performing a firmware update with the Assistant 2 resolves many issues.

DJI Assistant 2 download #

DJI Assistant 2 is immensely beneficial and includes several versions, depending on your drone’s model. Also, the app is free, though challenging to download because the DJI UAVs and products are not compatible with just any version.

Your smartphone won’t work with DJI Assistant. So, you can only use the software on Windows and Mac computers.

You can head over to the DJI website to download the Assistant 2 app that is compatible with your DJI product. Make sure it’s compatible with your PC before downloading, and make sure you select the right Assistant 2 version for your drone.

Check out the next section to determine which DJI Assistant 2 versions to get based on your products.

How do I get DJI Assistant 2? #

Because there are many install pages available online, it can be challenging to establish which version works with your machine. Below are download pages with compatible devices.

DJI Assistant 2 App [V1. 2.4/V1.2.5] #

DJI Assistant 2 App (V1. 2.4/V1.2.5) is available as a 229 MB pkg file on Mac and 226 MB zip and executable files on Windows. You can download this version and use it on these products:

MG-1
DJI Goggles RE
Mavic Air
Mavic Pro Platinum
Datalink 3
Spark
DJI Goggles
Takyon Z14120
Inspire 2
Snail
Osmo Mobile
Mavic Pro
Takyon Z415-M and Z425-M
Datalink Pro
D-RTK
Ronin-MX
Takyon Z420 and Z318
E5000
Matrice 100
E7000
DJI Lightbridge 2

DJI Assistant 2 for Mavic #

This version is available as 221 MB zip and executable files on Windows. You can access the 369 MB pkg file if you have a Mac. Downloading DJI assistant 2 for Mavic is easy, and the version works with:

Mavic 2 Enterprise Series
Mavic 2
DJI Smart Controller
Mavic Air 2
Mavic Mini

DJI Assistant for Mini 2 #

Here’s a link to DJI Assistant 2 for Mavic Mini 2. Lovers of the Mavic Mini can enjoy an enhanced performance in the Mavic Mini 2. Assistant 2 is available for the Mini 2 as V2.1.8 for both Windows and MAC computers.

DJI Assistant 2, Mac version is a.pkg file sized 403 MB.

You can download an executable or zip file for Windows systems. Both files are 256 MB.

DJI Assistant for Mavic 3 #

The DJI Assistant for Mavic 3 is similar to the DJI Assistant for Mini 2. So whether on Mac or Windows, you’ll be using V2.1.8 available for download in a 403 MB Mac file or 256 MB on Windows.

DJI Assistant for Mavic Pro #

You can download the V1.2.4 for use on Mac computers. Windows uses a different version, the V1.2.5.

The Mac option is available as a pkg file sized 229 MB. On the other hand, Windows users can access it in a zip or executable format. Both files are 226 MB in size.

Unlike most other options, DJI Assistant for Mavic Pro no longer features updates.

DJI Assistant 2 Mavic Air #

DJI Assistant 2 Mavic Air is similar to the Mavic Pro option. Hence, you can download a pkg file version V1.2.4 for Mac or get an executable or zip version V1.2.5 for Windows computers.

DJI Assistant 2 for Phantom #

The DJI Assistant 2 for Phantom comes as a 359 MB pkg file for Mac computer users. You can get the zip or executable files sized 200 MB if you have Windows. You can download this version and use it on:

Phantom 4
Phantom 4 Advanced
Phantom 4 Pro
Phantom 4 Pro V2.0
P4 Multispectral
Phantom 4 RTK
D-RTK 2

DJI Assistant 2 for Enterprise Series #

The Assistant 2 is available for pilots with enterprise drones as a 395 MB pkg file for Mac computers. On the other hand, Windows users can access executable, or zip files sized 229 MB each. Once you download this version, you can set up your:

Matrice 600
Matrice 200 Series V2
Matrice 600 Pro
Matrice 200 Series
D-RTK 2
Matrice 300 RTK
Mavic 2 Enterprise Advanced

DJI Assistant 2 for MG #

The app’s MG version is ready for use on these devices upon download:

AGRAS MG-1S Series
Agras T16
MG-1P
AGRAS T20
DJI Agras T30
DJI Agras T10
D-RTK 2

The DJI Assistant 2 for MG comes in a 395 MB pkg file supported in Mac computers. Windows computer owners can get the app in executable or zip formats occupying 264 MB.

DJI Assistant 2 FPV #

Upon download, this version is available for DJI Goggles, DJI FPV, DJI Digital FPV System, and DJI Goggles RE. File sizes include:

408 MB pkg file for Mac devices
242 MB executable and zip files for Windows users

DJI Assistant 2 for Consumer Drones Series #

You should download the consumer drone series version if you have these gadgets:

DJI Mini 2
DJI Mini SE
DJI Air 2S
DJI Mavic 3

The file sizes include:

256 MB executable ad zip options for Windows models
403 MB pkg file for Mac versions

DJI Assistant 2 for Autopilot #

DJI Assistant 2 is available for download to use on two Autopilot devices:

The DJI Assistant 2 For Autopilot comes in smaller files than the above versions. Windows users can access it as a 184 MB executable or zip file. On the other hand, Mac users have the 422 MB pkg file.

Additional Versions #

The Remaining DJI Assistant 2 versions work with single devices, including:

DJI Battery Station: It occupies the least space. Windows users can access it as V2.0.1 sized 174 MB in executable or zip format. For Mac users, the app is available as V2.0.0 in a 305 MB pkg file.
AeroScope: The DJI Assistant 2 For AeroScope only works with Windows computers. The app is accessible in a zip or executable format sized 178 MB.
DJI Ronin 4D: Mac computer users can access the 444 MB pkg file. Windows users can pick zip or executable files occupying 255 MB.

How to install DJI Assistant 2 #

Download the app from the DJI official website.
To access the executable file, double-click it.
Permit Assistant to make changes to your device by clicking “Yes.”
Accept the user agreement.
To make a desktop shortcut, tap the “Next” option.
Wait after clicking “Install.”
The installation begins after the file’s extraction.
To finish the process, select “Finish.”

How to connect my drone to DJI Assistant 2 #

Launch Assistant 2 on the computer.
Remove the propellers and turn on your drone.
Connect a mini-USB cable between your computer and quadcopter. Wait for several seconds for the two to connect. For instance, the Mini 2 does this within 20 seconds.
Click on your drone’s name when it appears.
You can then choose firmware upgrade, log export, and flight simulator.

How to use DJI Assistant 2 #

You can use DJI Assistant 2 to get more configurations for each DJI product. Assistant 2 can assist you with DJI devices like UAVs, gimbals, or cameras.

Also, your drone airport can save all your information on flight history. With this software, you can also get info from your black box. If you have your DJI Assistant 2 on a Mac or Windows computer, you can check your device’s vision detectors and upgrade the firmware.

In summary, here’s how to use DJI Assistant 2:

Remove the gimbal guard and propellers.
Connect your computer with your drone using a micro USB cord.
Launch the app.
To open, double-click your drone’s icon.
If you lack an account, create one. To do so, sign in to the created account and get an internet connection.
Proceed to set up your rig.

How do I do updates with DJI Assistant 2? #

DJI Assistant 2 lets you update your firmware when you’d prefer to do this on a computer rather than a smartphone.

Here’s how to update your drone and controller’s firmware:

Connect the drone to a micro USB cable.
Next, attach your computer using the same cable.
Start your drone.
On your computer, launch the DJI Assistant 2 app.
Choose your UAV from its main menu.
Navigate to the left pane and choose “firmware update.”
Pick the latest firmware version once the list of available firmware updates appears on your screen.
Start the update by clicking “Start Update.”

DJI Assistant 2 then downloads and flashes the most recent firmware to your drone. It takes some time, during which the drone reboots.

Besides the simplicity of firmware upgrades, DJI Assistant 2 can also help you:

Reset the quadcopter to factory settings
Refresh the ongoing firmware installation
Revert to a previous firmware version if the latest ones have bugs you dislike

How do I update a DJI Smart Controller with DJI Assistant 2? #

You’ll receive warning signals if you try flying unless you keep your controller updated, as you do with your drone. So, while you’re upgrading your drone on your computer, do the same for the controller as follows:

Connect the controller to your computer with a micro USB cable.
Switch on your controller.
On your computer, launch the DJI Assistant 2 software.
Choose the controller from its main menu.
Navigate to the left pane and choose “firmware update.”
Select the latest firmware version once the list of available firmware versions populates on the screen.
Start the update by clicking on “Start Update.”

The DJI Assistant 2 app, just as for the drone, can allow the following functions on your controller:

Downgrading your controller’s firmware
Refreshing the installation process
Factory settings restoration

There are many other tasks the DJI Assistant 2 software performs, but for most individuals, the most convenient feature is firmware management.

How do you recalibrate vision with DJI Assistant? #

Return your drone to home immediately whenever vision system errors occur, to ensure safety for your drone and others nearby. The DJI Assistant 2 can help you get it back in tune through calibration.

You can use DJI Assistant 2 to calibrate your drone as follows:

Start DJI Assistant.
Check that your drone’s battery exceeds 49%.
Remove your drone’s propellers.
Start your drone.
Link your drone to a computer using a mini USB cord. DJI Assistant 2 automatically detects your quadcopter’s connection.
Choose the section with your drone’s name.
Click “Calibration” on the left side of the new window.
Examine the calibration tutorials shown.
After mastering all the steps, tap “Start Calibration.”
Place the drone carefully before the screen at the appropriate distance. Begin with your drone nearly touching the screen’s center, then pull away from it until the square’s corners turn blue.
Follow the squares while keeping your drone fixated in one place. Only tilt and rotate it.
After that, step back and redo the process.
After calibrating a set of sensors for both “Far” and “Close,” the app will ask you to do the same for the following sets (if available).

With all vision sensors calibrated, the app calculates the gathered data, then uploads the current settings to the drone.

Once finished, you’ll see a “Calibration Success!” text. You can now exit DJI Assistant, disconnect, and then shut down your drone.

How do I get my DJI flight logs? #

This component helps to check and assess your drone’s flight data and diagnose the UAV. You can find the SD card in “Resource Manager.”

To access your logs:

Launch the DJI Assistant app and select “Profile.”
At the profile’s screen bottom, click “More.”
Then select the “Flight Data Center” option.
When opening this section for the first time, a message appears asking you to enter the page and view your records by clicking the “SD Card” button. Press the button to confirm.
To browse the files stored on the SD Card, use “Open Data Viewer.”

If you can’t find the flight logs on your SD card, you can get them from your phone. DJI Go 4 software also saves the records.

The procedure below will help you find the Flight Logs on your phone:

Link your smartphone to your computer. When you connect your Android phone or iPhone to the computer, it appears as a drive.
Explore the folders on the DJI-DJI. go.v4 FlightRecord – MCDatFlightRecords folder to find the flight info.

Some info available on flight logs includes:

Longitude
The altitude of air pressure
Latitude
Acc X, Y, and Z (Accelerometer)
East, North, and Down Valid Velocity
Gyro X, Y, and Z (Gyroscope)
Compass X, Y, and Z
Pitch, yaw, and roll
Satellite numbers
GPS level
Status of flight
RC input throttle
Status of RC
ESC and battery motor status, avoidance
Usonic height and the valid flag
RC input yaw, roll, and pitch
Vision height

The Black Box #

You can export your drone’s black box flight data to your computer from Assistant 2. Besides the quadcopter’s data, you can also transfer your remote controller’s black box data.

The above details are critical in case your drone flies strangely or crashes. The technician analyzes the black box info containing flight control data if you take the drone in for repair.

Click on the “Black Box.”
Select “Save To Local.”
Pick a folder on your computer.
Choose your file and name it.
The DJI Assistant 2 app then exports your drone’s information.
Finally, it displays “Export Complete.”

You can locate log files by navigating to the location you stored your Black Box data. However, without specialized software, these are indecipherable. In case of problems with the drone, you can share them with the DJI Server so that they can use them to handle issues or bugs.

Data Upload with DJI Assistant 2 #

The Data Upload component allows you to transfer data from your drone to your computer. You can upload flight log data, aerial clips, and photos. You can also specify the location you want your files saved.

The saved files have DAT file extensions. Their filenames are something like “DJI ASSISTANT EXPORT FILE 2021-01-22 11-04-01.DAT.”

After opening the Data Upload section, the text pop-up box states that the info goes to the DJI Server. However, you only transfer data to your computer after clicking on the confirm button. But, before you confirm, kindly read what’s on the pop-up box.

Steps #

On the left side, select “Data Upload.”
Read the text and then press the “Confirm” button.
The “Data Upload” function reads and records the files that Assistant 2 software uploads.
All of the files are unchecked. You can select everything or whichever files you want to upload.
Click “Save To Local” to save your data to the local computer. If it fails, simply exit “Data Upload” and re-enter. It should function properly the second time.
Notably, it compresses the files while uploading them to your local computer.
In the end, press the “Complete” button. Each file is now saved as a single compressed DAT file.

What is the DJI Assistant 2 Simulator? #

The DJI Assistant 2 Simulator is a 3D virtual environment created from flight info transmitted to your computer. This simulator allows for more realistic simulations ideal for commercial users.

Simulator Lite is the correct name for this Assistant 2.

You can use your remote control to manipulate Simulator Lite. Your quadcopter flies in the direction of the longitude, latitude, and windspeed you set it to.

How to use DJI Assistant 2 Simulator #

Launch the app on your computer.
Link the controller to your smartphone and launch DJI Fly.
Detach the drone’s propellers, though the motor won’t spin while simulating if your simulator commences properly.
Now, connect your drone to a computer by inserting a mini USB cord.
Turn on your controller and quadcopter.
When properly connected to your computer, the DJI Fly software screen indicates that it’s connecting to Assistant 2.
In Assistant 2, choose “Simulator” from the left-hand menu, then click “Open.”
Enter the longitude, latitude, and wind speed you want to be simulated. The “North component” specifies the north-south wind velocity.The “East component” indicates the east-west wind velocity.The “Downward component” denotes the vertical wind velocity.
To begin the simulation, tap “Start Simulating.”
A new window displaying your drone launches. DJI Fly shows the camera view display. You can control the simulator by using the controller like you would a real plane.
To relocate your viewpoint, tap on the screen and adjust your mouse cursor.
A setting screen appears when you right-click where your drone is.
If you tick the “show trace” box, the flight path appears on the screen.
If you select “save trace to file,” the log file containing the flight path is stored in text format. Underneath the folder noted as “save path,” a new folder gets created, and the log saves as “trace.txt.”
To close the simulation, select “Stop Simulating.”

Wi-Fi settings for DJI Assistant 2 #

When you select Wi-Fi Settings in Assistant 2, the app directs you to its settings page. The software then retrieves your passcode and Wi-Fi SSID from your drone.

Ensure you set and add your drone’s Wi-Fi to your computer’s network setting. This way, DJI Assistant 2 can recognize the drones’ Wi-Fi SSID and passcode.

Your computer automatically identifies your drone’s Wi-Fi. Hence, you only need to enter your password. Inspect the front arms for your quadcopter’s SSID and password. Another way of locating these Wi-Fi credentials is by removing the drone’s battery.

That’s all that needs configuring in Assistant 2’s Wi-Fi Settings.

Release Notes #

Over time, DJI keeps updating its apps to deal with issues hampering smooth usage. However, the app’s V1. 2.4 and V1.2.5 versions no longer have further updates. Release notes tell you what features have improved depending on your product and the Assistant 2 version it uses.

Now, Assistant 2 serves numerous products. But, when you link your DJI device to your computer and launch the DJI Assistant 2, the app recognizes it.

For instance, to update a DJI Mini 2, you must connect it to your computer through the mini-USB jack. The same applies to other DJI quadcopters, googles, gimbals, flight controllers, and propulsion systems.

Below are a few new features and upgrades for DJI’s products:

M600 Pro and M600: Enhanced Device D-RTK page– Added Record Mapping and Playback features to the Function Channel page under Tools.– Improved Shutter Settings support under Tools
M100: Enhanced flight data upload feature
Ronin 2: Improved gimbal motor configuration support.
Spark: New black box info transmission feature.
N3 and A3: Resolved remote controller bugs under the basic settings.– Introduces the E5000 ESC setting.– Introduced the simultaneous motor startup setting– Introduced the control performance slider– Corrected an issue in which the distance limit and altitude switches were displayed inconsistently.
P4A: Introduced vision system calibration
DJI Goggles: Improved data upload support
General: Added an update feature to the Polygon No-fly Zone database on the Phantom 4 Pro, Phantom 4, Inspire 2, and Mavic Pro drones.

Closing Remarks #

I hope using the DJI Assistant 2 app is now easier. It’s now time to simulate, update firmware, revisit your logs, and use your footage and picture to the fullest.

Please exercise caution when modifying your drone with the DJI Assistant 2. If you’re not confident with what you’re adjusting, research. Ask for clarification on the DJI forum, or contact DJI for help. You don’t want to mess it up and crash your quadcopter in the process.

If you are a programmer and want to modify your drone or develop new apps, sign up for and exploit DJI’s SDK developer tools.