DJI Mini 2 SE Controller (All You Need to Know)

Released in March 2023, the DJI Mini 2 SE is a welcomed addition to DJI’s Mini line of drones.

Weighing in at 246g the Mini 2 SE is great for beginners while staying in compliance with various Countries’ drone regulations.

A welcome addition to this updated line of Mini SE drones is that it no longer uses a restrictive WiFi transmission system, but instead the more robust and powerful DJI O2 video transmission signal, meaning the Mini 2 SE can fly further distances, on a cleaner and stronger signal.

We’ll take an in-depth look at the DJI Mini 2 SE’s RC-N1 controller, as well as the steps to charge, link, and live stream on the controller. We will also answer a few frequently asked questions.

» MORE: How Far Can a Drone Fly (from the Controller)?

Compatible Controllers #

For those unaware, the previous iteration of the DJI Mini SE drone used the same remote controller as the original DJI Mini: a scaled-down and basic version of the original DJI Mavic Air controller.

In turn, the DJI Mavic Air controller was even a scaled-down version of the original DJI Mavic controller.

As with DJI’s newer drones, specifically the DJI Mini 2, Mini 3, Mini 3 Pro, Air 2, Air 2S, and Mavic 3 lines, the DJI Mini 2 SE also now uses the tried and true DJI RC-N1 remote controller.

The DJI RC-N1 is the only remote controller the Mini 2 SE is currently compatible with. That means no DJI RC compatibility for the Mini 2 SE on the foreseeable horizon.

Why has the Mini 2 SE upgraded to this newer controller?

This is because the Mini 2 SE no longer uses DJI’s enhanced WiFi transmission system, which was very restrictive in strength and distance, only providing transmission up to 2.48 miles (4km).

The Mini 2 SE now uses the stronger DJI O2 (OcuSync 2.0) transmission system. This transmission provides a stronger signal, prone to less interference for up to a distance of 6.21 miles (10km).

The DJI RC-N1 is able to accommodate this upgrade.

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

The RC-N1 Controller #

For those new to the DJI RC-N1 controller, the controller feels very solid in hand and, unlike the previous Mini SE controller, has no parts of the controller that need to be unfolded to hold onto a smartphone or device.

The RC has rubberized grips on the back that fit in the hand very well.

The RC-N1 has no rabbit ear antennas that must be flipped up and facing the correct way to work properly.

Instead, there is a dual-purpose antenna and smartphone holder/mount on the RC-N1 that slide up from inside the body of the remote controller.

The face of the RC-N1 has the following buttons and switches:

• Return to Home button (RTH)
• Cine, Normal, and Sport mode switch
• Power button (press then long-press-hold to turn on)
• FN (Function) Button – can be customized in a variety of ways
• Camera Button 
• 4 LED indicator/status lights

The top of the RC houses the following:

• Slide-out integrated antenna and smartphone holder/mount
• Camera and video trigger button
• Scroll-wheel to adjust the pitch of the camera gimbal
• 2 indented pads to lock in a smart device or tablet mount

Packing up and storing the RC-N1 is made slightly more convenient.

The 2 thumbsticks can be removed and there is a place at the bottom of the RC to house the 2 removable thumbsticks.

There is also a USB-C charging port located at the bottom. 

Also, the Smartphone to Remote Controller USB-C connecting cable is located in the space under the slide-up antenna and is hidden from view when the antenna is down.

» MORE: DJI RC-N1 Controller – What Drones Are Compatible with It? (Explained)

Linking the RC-N1 Controller #

To link the Mini 2 SE to the RC-N1:

1. Connect your smartphone/device to the RC-N1 controller, using the supplied matching cables.
2. Open the DJI Fly app on your smartphone/device and then turn on the RC-N1, by single-pressing the power button once, then pressing and holding briefly.
3. On the DJI Fly home screen, press the Connection Guide button at the bottom right of the screen.

4. Scroll through the list of available/supported drones, until you find the Mini 2 SE and select it.

5. The RC-N1 will search for the Mini 2 SE, while giving instructions on turning on the aircraft. Power on the Mini 2 SE, by single-pressing the power button once, then pressing and holding briefly.
6. There will be an Unable to connect to Aircraft message at the bottom of the screen. Press that message indicator.

7. You will see a Pair button onscreen. Press the button. The RC-N1 will beep, letting you know it is in pairing mode.

8. Press and hold the power button on the underside of the Mini 2 SE for 4 seconds until it beeps, indicating it is in pairing mode.

The Mini 2 SE will then pair with the RC-N1 controller.

Charging the RC-N1 Controller #

The DJI RC-N1 takes approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes to charge. Thankfully, like with many DJI peripherals, charging the RC-N1 is straightforward.

Unfortunately, the standard Mini 2 SE package does not come with either a supplied USB-C or 18-Watt USB Charger. There is a USB-C cable included in the Flymore Combo.

To charge the RC-N1:

1. Connect the USB-C cables A-side to an 18-watt USB-C charger. Plug the charger into a wall outlet.
2. Plug the USB-C side of the cable into the USB-C connector at the bottom of the RC-N1.

The 4 LEDs on the front of the RC-N1 will indicate the remote controller is now charging.

Compatible Devices #

Because the RC-N1 is running the DJI Fly app, there is a wide assortment of smart devices that are compatible with the remote controller.

In light of this, a question many have is: Will the Mini 2 SE work with an iPad?

Yes, the Mini 2 SE will work with an iPad. However, the iPad must be running, at a minimum, iOS 11.0. In addition to iPads, the Mini 2 SE will also work on iPhones running iOS 11.0 or higher.

Some may also be wondering what Android OS devices are compatible with the RC-N1.

The RC-N1, running the DJI Fly app is compatible, based on DJI’s compatibility list, with the following hardware manufacturing devices (Smartphones and Tablets), running, at a minimum, Android 6.0, although higher versions of the Android OS are recommended.

Samsung, HUAWEI, Honor, Mi, Redmi, OPPO, Vivo, OnePlus, Pixel 

Regarding phones and tablets not mentioned here, DJI has this to say:

DJI is unable to have compatibility tests on all mobile phones available on the market, as phone software and hardware update frequently. Mobile devices not on the compatibility list have not been verified for regular use. In theory, a device that meets system requirements can be used, but the stable performance of the app cannot be guaranteed. We recommend that you download the app first and then check compatibility.
DJI Support

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) #

Can the Mini 2 SE Live Stream? #

Because live streaming is controlled from within the DJI Fly app, you are able to live stream footage from the Mini 2 SE to YouTube.

You’ll just need to ensure you are on the DJI Fly app version 1.4.12 or higher.

For in-depth details, instructions, and videos on setting up Live Streaming from within the DJI Fly app, please see:

• Can You Live Stream with a DJI Mini 2?
• DJI Mini 3 / Mini 3 Pro – How to Live Stream on YouTube (Video)

Why doesn’t my controller work with my Mini 2 SE? #

There are a few things that can cause this. The first is ensuring you are using a DJI RC-N1 controller to connect your Mini 2 SE.

As mentioned previously, there are no other remote controllers that work with the Mini 2 SE, outside of the RC-N1, including the RC that was previously released with the original Mini SE.

If you are using the RC-N1 that was included with the drone or fly more combo, and find you are still having issues connecting, it could be one of a variety of reasons, not limited to:

Damaged USB-C cable

To determine if this is the issue, try using a different cable. Although the cable may look pristine from the outside, there could be damage or a kink internally, preventing the cable from working properly.

The included USB-C cable is reversed in the RC-N1

This is something that happens from time to time, especially if the connecting cable is removed from the controller.

Upon putting the cable back, the connection side could be inadvertently placed in the storage end instead of the connection end.

If looking at the back of the RC with the antenna extended, the side of the USB-C cable with the image of an RC (connection end) will need to be on the left-hand side of the RC (connection port).

The right-hand portion of the cable would connect to a smart device or cellphone.

On Android Devices, USB debugging may currently be off

To run the DJI Fly app on an Android device, USB Debugging needs to be on.

If you are running an Android device, ensure that USB debugging is currently enabled by doing the following:

1. Go to System Settings > About Mobile Phone2. Tap “Version Number” quickly 7 to 10 times until the device says: **“You’re in developer mode!”**3. Search for “Development” in the System Settings.4. Go to Developer Options;5. Navigate the screen until you see the “USB Debugging” option.

I damaged my controller – where can I get a replacement? #

Thankfully the RC-N1 controller can be purchased separately if you find you need a replacement. Amazon has official DJI RC-N1 controllers for sale, as well as other reputable retailers.

Not to be overlooked, there are regular sales of the RC-N1 locally, as well as through Facebook and drone-related forums.

If going this route, it is advised you do your homework to ensure you receive quality, working items in a safe manner.