DJI Fly App (Everything You Need to Know)

As many pilots know, a great app is everything when flying a drone.

An app allows you to map out weather, plan flight coordinates, and log flight data, among other tasks. The DJI Fly app is a must if you use most DJI drones on the market.

What exactly is this app, and what does it do?

The DJI Fly app is a DJI-produced drone app for recording photos and videos, editing on the go, tracking flight records, checking flight conditions, and sharing your polished footage with the world.

This guide to the DJI Fly app will tell you everything you need to navigate this app for the first time.

I’ll explain all its features, app compatibility on various devices, how to install and troubleshoot the app, and much more!

What is the DJI Fly app? #

The DJI Fly app is a free app from drone manufacturer DJI available for Android and iOS devices. It’s designed for specific DJI drone models, including:

• Mavic Mini
• Mavic Air 2
• Mini SE
• Mini 2
• Mini 2 SE
• Mini 3
• Mini 3 Pro
• Mini 4 Pro
• DJI FPV
• Air 2S
• Air 3
• Mavic 3 Classic
• Mavic 3 Pro
• Avata

You can’t use the Fly app if you have another DJI drone outside of those above.

Instead, you should try another compatible DJI app, such as DJI GO, DJI Pilot, DJI Ronin, or DJI Mimo.

DJI Fly app features and functions #

Let’s take a deeper dive into the functionality of the DJI Fly app and why it’s such a trusted companion for drone pilots.

Homepage features #

You can use the following functions from the DJI Fly app’s homepage.

Profile #

As you would have imagined from the name, the Profile feature is an overview of your account.

You can set your privacy options, change language settings, review cached data and flight records, switch camera view options, and activate Find My Drone if you haven’t already (and I recommend you do!).

You can also visit DJI’s online store or its forum through links in your Profile.

The most important function here is firmware updates.

When DJI releases a new update for your drone, you can start the download here.

» MORE: DJI Fly App for Mavic 3 (30 Tips & Step-by-Step Guides)

SkyPixel #

The SkyPixel feature is cool if you’re looking for inspiration. You can see all sorts of photos and videos taken by DJI drones that pilots have uploaded. You can also share your own.

Album #

This is another self-explanatory feature, but let’s discuss it anyway.

The Album is where all the footage taken through the DJI Fly app goes when you’re finished with your drone for the day.

If you took videos with your drone’s QuickShots or MasterShots functions, you have to download the videos first to a mobile device and render them, then you can view them.

» MORE: DJI Intelligent Flight Modes (Including QuickShots & MasterShots)

Academy #

The Academy icon in the upper right corner of the app takes you to the DJI Academy, an excellent resource for drone beginners.

You can read your drone’s manual documents, review safety notices, check out DJI’s top flight tips, and review tutorials to master drone flight faster.

Fly Spots #

The last feature on the homepage of the DJI Fly app is Fly Spots.

This function helps you map out your drone flights. You can see aerial shots from other pilots at your chosen location to determine its viability.

You can also check GEO Zones within Fly Spots and review flight recommendations from other pilots and DJI Fly app users.

Camera View features #

Next, let’s explore the functions within the Camera View.

Auto Takeoff/Landing/RTH #

Tap the Auto icon, and you will see a prompt. Press the prompt and hold it, and you can launch your drone automatically.

Repeat this to land your drone when ready, or activate RTH first.

Map #

The basic map will provide information on where you’re operating, but you can glean more detail in the Attitude Indicator.

Tap the map, and you’ll switch to this mode.

Now, you can see your Home Point, remote controller locations, drone tilt angle, and drone orientation

» MORE: DJI Mini 3 App (Read This Before Downloading)

Flight Telemetry #

Within the Flight Telemetry feature, you can set the following:

• 0.0m/s for the horizontal speed
• D 0.0m for the horizontal distance to the Home Point
• 0.0m/s for the vertical speed
• H 0.0m for the vertical distance to the Home Point

MicroSD Card Information #

Are you unsure which microSD card you inserted into the slot before you took off?

The MicroSD Card Information feature will tell you.

You can see the video recording time and allotted number of photos on the card at a glance. By tapping, you can review the card’s capacity.

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

Shooting Parameters #

Confirm your photography and videography settings in the Shooting Parameters function.

You can tap to look deeper into the settings and adjust parameters.

Camera Mode Switch #

Turn on Photo Mode within the DJI Fly app, then select from Pro or Auto modes.

You might have to toggle the Shooting Parameters when you’re done adjusting.

Playback #

The Playback function lets you see your videos and photos immediately after you take them.

On the Homepage, tap the Playback feature to review your content.

» MORE: DJI Avata App (Explained for Beginners)

Focus Button #

Activate Focus Mode by tapping the Focus Button. Hold the Focus Button to set the slide and focus bar and adjust the camera focus.

Shutter/Record Button #

You can take a video on your drone within the DJI Fly app by using the Shutter/Record Button. Just tap to start filming, then tap when you’re finished.

It’s convenient and a lot like shooting on many smartphones.

» MORE: How to Record Video on DJI Mini 3 Pro (Step-by-Step Guide)

Zoom #

Get that much closer by using the Zoom function.

You can see the zoom ratio by default, then tap the button to set the ratio. Hold the button to set the zoom slide and bar.

» MORE: How to Dolly Zoom With a Drone (Step-by-Step Guide)

Landscape/Portrait Mode Switch #

Toggle between Portrait and Landscape modes with this self-explanatory feature for the Mini 3 and Mini 3 Pro.

You can’t use Portrait Mode in QuickShots Asteroid, Pano, or MasterShots.

» MORE: How to Produce Vertical Content with a Drone (That Isn’t the Mini 3)

System Settings #

Review your transmission data, camera settings, control, and safety features in the System Settings.

It’s a good idea to double-check these settings before your flight.

GNSS Status #

GNSS is short for the Global Navigation Satellite System, or how a DJI drone uses GPS.

You can review the signal strength in the GNSS Signal feature by tapping.

You can also update your Home Point when you have a strong signal.

• DJI Drones: You Need This Many GPS Satellites to Fly
• Can You Fly a DJI Drone Without GPS? (Explained for Beginners)

Vision System Status #

The Vision System Status is one icon with two parts.

The first part, which is on top, indicates the Forward Vision System status.

The second part is for the Backward Vision System status. If either part of the icon is red, that system is unavailable. It should be white. 

» MORE: What Are Downward Vision Sensors in Drones? (Explained for Beginners)

Video Downlink Signal Strength #

Review your video downlink signal in this function to determine how well the signal between your remote and drone is.

Battery Information #

Check the battery life of your drone anytime in the Battery Information section.

You can see an estimate of how much flight time the battery has left and its charge level.

» MORE: DJI Fly App for Mini 2 (Read This Before Downloading)

System Status Bar #

Use the System Status Bar when your drone is in flight.

You can review any warnings about entering restricted zones, tapping to learn more about the warning.

This function also tells you your flight status.

Flight Mode #

Toggle between Normal, Manual, and Sport Mode (as applicable) within this feature.

» MORE: DJI Fly App – How to Master Shooting in Manual Mode

Can you fly a DJI drone without the Fly app? #

You don’t need the DJI Fly app to fly a drone, or any other compatible DJI app either, for that matter.

You won’t gain as many insights into flight performance without the app, and you also won’t be able to review your photos and videos on a large screen like you can within the Fly app unless your remote has one.

DJI Fly app iOS compatible devices #

The following iOS devices running iOS 11.0 or up are compatible with the DJI Fly app:

• 9.5-inch iPad Pro
• 9.7-inch iPad Pro
• 10.5-inch iPad Pro
• 11-inch iPad Pro 2018
• 12.9-inch iPad Pro
• iPhone 8
• iPhone 8 Plus
• iPhone X
• iPhone XS
• iPhone XS Max
• iPhone XR
• iPhone 11
• iPhone 11 Pro
• iPhone 11 Pro Max
• iPhone 12 Mini
• iPhone 12
• iPhone 12 Pro
• iPhone 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 13 Mini
• iPhone 13
• iPhone 13 Pro
• iPhone 13 Pro Max

» MORE: DJI Fly App Compatible Devices (& Troubleshooting)

How to install the DJI Fly app on iOS devices #

Installing the DJI Fly app on a compatible iOS device like an iPhone or iPad couldn’t be simpler. Here’s how it’s done.

• Step 1: Open the App Store on your iOS device. You can also use this link to DJI’s website to find the Fly app.
• Step 2: Download the app by tapping it. You might have to type in a password or do a face scan before your iOS device lets you download the Fly app.
• Step 3: Wait for the app to download. When it’s finished, it will make a ding sound (if you have your device’s sound turned on). Open the app, create an account, and log in.
• Step 4: Update the DJI Fly app as necessary.

How to install the DJI Fly app on Android devices #

The DJI Fly app works on Android devices but hasn’t been available to download in the Play Store for a while.

That doesn’t mean you can’t use the app; you must be willing to take an extra step to get it. Here’s what’s required.

• Step 1: Click the DJI Fly app link, then click the Android button to download the APK file.
• Step 2: Download an APK installer if you don’t already have one or you can’t do much with the APK file.
• Step 3: Open the APK file, and you can use the Fly app as normal.

» MORE: DJI Fly App for Android (Read This Before Downloading)

Can you install the DJI Fly app on a tablet? #

See your drone parameters on the big screen by downloading the DJI Fly app for Android or iOS tablets.

The Android tablet must use a 64-bit operating system to be compatible with the Fly app. If you’re uncertain whether your tablet qualifies, use the free 64Bit Checker app.

The DJI Fly app works on the aforementioned compatible iPads.

The only downside to using a tablet instead of a phone with the Fly app is tablets are heavier and bulkier.

» MORE: How Accurate Is “Find My Drone” in the DJI Fly App?

Can you install the DJI Fly app on a laptop? #

That has you thinking. If you can use the DJI Fly app on your tablet’s large screen, what’s stopping you from upgrading to an even bigger screen, such as your laptop?

Compatibility, or lack thereof, in this case.

The DJI Fly app is designed for Android and iOS mobile devices, not Mac or Windows computers. You can’t even download an app emulator, as none are available.

For your safety, only use the DJI Fly app as intended with compatible devices and operating systems.

» MORE: Can You Fly a Drone from a Computer? (Explained)

Does the DJI Fly app work with incompatible devices? #

You must have an Android device running Android 6.0 or later or an iOS device with the 11.0 operating system or later. If you have older devices, the Fly app will not work.

Please update your device’s operating system to safely use the app.

Best settings for the DJI Fly app #

The DJI Fly app includes many default settings you may wish to adjust. Here are some to turn on and change:

• Max Altitude
• Max Distance
• Auto RTH Altitude
• Signal Lost settings (RTH)
• 4K video quality
• J+RAW photos
• 4K for QuickShots
• Pro photo settings for adjustable shutter speed and ISO

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

I have a problem installing the DJI Fly app – Now what? (A troubleshooting guide) #

Although installing apps on our smartphones and tablets is usually straightforward, it’s not always.

This succinct troubleshooting guide will help you determine why the DJI Fly app won’t download or open on your device.

My DJI Fly app won’t download #

If you can’t download the Fly app, check your device.

You’ll recall that Android devices require an APK and APK Downloader to download and run the DJI Fly app.

If you’re running an iOS device, check if you missed a software update.

Your device won’t download the Fly app unless it’s running a version of the operating system compatible with this DJI app.

Another reason you might struggle to download the DJI Fly app is due to insufficient space on your device. Clear out some files, photos, and videos and try again.

» MORE: How to Download from DJI Air 3 (Step-By-Step Guide with Photos, Screenshots & Video)

My DJI Fly app won’t open #

What if you can download the app without difficulty, but it gives you an error when you open it or won’t open at all?

That’s often an Android issue caused by trying to operate the Fly app on non-64-bit devices.

You must use a 64-bit-supported Android device to use the DJI Fly and DJI Mimo apps.

If you have the appropriate device to run the Fly app but it won’t open, go to your device’s settings, and navigate to notifications and permissions.

Double-check that the DJI Fly app has permission to run.

» MORE: Best DJI Drones for Mapping and Photogrammetry

My DJI Fly app constantly crashes #

You’ve gotten the DJI Fly app to open, but not for long. You can use it for a few minutes, then it crashes.

This makes going out on the field impossible, at least if you want the assistance of the app. What can you do?

First, check that your device’s operating system is current. If not, run the latest update.

Next, check the DJI firmware. Perhaps your drone needs a firmware update.

You should also confirm whether there’s a newer edition of the Fly app and download it if there is.

Sometimes, the new version of the app causes the problem. In that case, you can roll back to an older edition of the Fly app by going into your device’s settings, then apps.

Find the DJI Fly app, tap it, and select the three dots.

This will uninstall updates and roll your app back to a prior version. 

» MORE: DJI App Not Working? (Ultimate Troubleshooting Guide)

The best DJI Fly app alternatives #

If the DJI Fly app gives you too much hassle, don’t drive yourself crazy trying to fix it. It’s not the only dog in the park.

You have many third-party alternatives to explore that some pilots say work even better than the Fly app!

Litchi #

Although a third-party app, Litchi is officially supported by DJI, making it the next best app to download besides the Fly app. It’s available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, and yes, you can download the app itself for Android devices.

That’s right, no APK needed!

Litchi works with many DJI drones and is accessible on Mac and Windows devices, unlike the DJI Fly app. You can plan missions and set waypoints, then turn on Virtual Reality mode for an FPV-like experience even if you don’t own the Avata or DJI FPV.

Focus Mode automatically activates the yaw axis and gimbal, allowing you to adjust the horizontal motions and improve your photography and videography skills.

Track Mode lets you use autonomous flight modes like Follow or Orbit. Alternatively, you can fly the drone manually while the camera homes in on your chosen subject.

You can also enjoy fun flight modes like Follow, Orbit, and Panorama. Best of all, your flight data gets automatically logged to Airdata UAV if you have an account.

Litchi costs $25.

Maven #

Another app designed for DJI drones is Maven, which is available in the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Unlock the full potential of your DJI drone within this third-party app.

You can set your orbit settings and monitor their speed, use in-flight GPS, activate in-app follow-me, toggle the camera settings to your heart’s content (including a cable cam feature), and use head tracking. There’s also a VR mode!

Maven is in beta for Android but is fully workable for iOS devices. The app costs $18.

» MORE: Is the DJI Mini 2 Still a Good Drone to Buy?

AirMap for Drones #

Use the power of commercial flight planning with AirMap’s software. In conjunction with DroneUp, this app is available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

Request flight authorizations and save your permissions as PDFs. Live traffic alerts help you plan your drone flights, as do the drawn flight maps saved as JSON files.

» MORE: Airmap LAANC Authorization – How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

Dronelink #

I also quite like Dronelink, available for Autel and DJI drones. You can download this app today on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

Set waypoints for videography or photography projects within Dronelink, using modes like terrain follow and point of interest.

The Orbit feature lets your drone fly in arcs, circles, or spirals for taking breathtaking videos and photos.

You can also use vertically stacked paths, orbits, spirals, or columns for inspections and mapping, generating 3D models and setting the gimbal pinch, sample distance, and degree of overlap.

Combine mapping features like linear, crosshatch, or grid maps, customizing options like crabwalks, overlaps, and oblique angles.

Dronelink costs $19.99 per month.

» MORE: DJI SDK Update – DJI Mini 2, DJI Air 2S, and Mini SE (Explained)