DJI Mini 4 Pro – Initial Setup (Unboxing to First Flight with Video)

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Table of Contents

This year has been quite a year for new drones. DJI has been releasing drones faster than they can be reviewed and tested, it seems.

Perhaps you have or will be receiving a brand-new drone in the near future.

If you are new to drones and have just received a brand new Mini 4 Pro, we will be going through the steps needed to get most new, first-time drone owners up and flying.

In this article and video tutorial we will be considering the following:

What’s in the various combos
Charging all of the batteries
Inserting SD cards
Downloading, Installing, and setting up the DJI Fly Software
Preparing the drone for flight

Hopefully, after this guide, you, as a new Mini 4 Pro owner, will have the tools needed to get up in the air safely and quickly.

Pricing #

The Mini 4 Pro comes in the following Packages:

Mini 4 Pro (DJI RC-N2) #

Includes:

DJI Mini 4 Pro
DJI RC-N2 Remote Controller
1 x Intelligent Flight Battery (Standard)
USB-C Cable
Android and iOS Control Cables
Front Sensor and Gimbal Guard
Propeller Holder
2 Sets of Spare Props and 6 Screws
Screw Driver

Mini 4 Pro (DJI RC 2) #

Includes:

DJI Mini 4 Pro
DJI RC 2 Remote Controller
1 x Intelligent Flight Battery (Standard)
USB-C Cable
Android and iOS Control Cables
Front Sensor and Gimbal Guard
Propeller Holder
2 Sets of Spare Props and 6 Screws
Screw Driver

Mini 4 Pro Fly More Combo (DJI RC 2/Standard Battery) #

Our Pick

Includes:

DJI Mini 4 Pro
DJI RC 2 Remote Controller
3 x Intelligent Flight Battery (Standard)
Battery Charging Hub
Carrying Bag
USB-C Cable
USB-C to USB-C PD Cable
Android and iOS Control Cables
Front Sensor and Gimbal Guard
Propeller Holder
6 Sets of Spare Props and 18 Screws
Screw Driver

Mini 4 Pro Fly More Combo Plus (DJI RC 2/Plus Battery) #

Includes:

DJI Mini 4 Pro
DJI RC 2 Remote Controller
3 x Intelligent Flight Battery (Plus)
Battery Charging Hub
Carrying Bag
USB-C Cable
USB-C to USB-C PD Cable
Android and iOS Control Cables
Front Sensor and Gimbal Guard
Propeller Holder
6 Sets of Spare Props and 18 Screws
Screw Driver

Charging the Batteries #

Although new drone day is exciting, and we want to get out and fly immediately, the first thing that will need to be done, is to charge all of the batteries that come in the various packages and combos, including the remote controller batteries.

RC-N2 and DJI RC 2 Controllers #

Although the remote controller might have approximately half power when initially opened, it is important to fully charge the remote controller.

As is the case with previous DJI Mini drones, including the Mini 3 Pro, the Mini 4 Pro does not include a power adaptor.

For the quickest charging speeds, it is recommended you purchase a 30-watt charger.

With a 30-watt charger, you will be able to charge a controller through the battery hub, as well as the drone’s batteries.

You can either purchase DJI’s branded charger or any 3rd party charger you may be comfortable with.

If you decide to go with a single 30-watt charger, instead of one with multiple ports, when you plug the 3-battery charging hub up to the 30-watt charger, then use a 2nd USB-C cable to connect the remote controller, the Mini 4 Pro batteries will always charge first.

Only after the batteries have fully charged will the remote controller begin to charge.

Tip: If you do not have batteries in the hub, then the RC will charge normally. To get around this, it is advisable to either have a 2nd charger, specifically for the RC, or a multiport charger.

To charge the standard RC-N2 controller, plug the included USB-C cable into the bottom of the RC. The LED indicator lights will begin to blink, signifying the remote controller is charging.

To charge the DJI RC 2, with the 5″ integrated screen, the USB-C charging port is located in the port to the right of the Micro SD card slot.

Plug the USB-C cable in and the controller will begin charging.

» MORE: 27 Best Drone Accessories (I Can’t Live Without)

Mini 4 Pro Batteries #

The Mini 4 Pro uses the same Standard and Plus battery options as the Mini 3 and Mini 3 Pro.

The Mini 4 Pro gets approximately 34 minutes of flight time with the Standard battery option and 45 minutes with the Plus battery.

The difference in flight times between the Mini 3 Pro and the Mini 4 Pro may have to do with the extra processing and power needed for the omnidirectional obstacle avoidance system in the new Mini 4 Pro.

With the Mini 4 Pro, as with the previous Mini 3 Pro, there are 2 ways in which to charge the batteries.

The 1st Method: This is for those who purchased the Mini 4 Pro with only one drone battery, having not opted for the Flymore combo.

The Mini 4 Pro battery can be charged while installed in the Mini 4 Pro.

Locate the USB-C charging port in the rear of the drone. Insert the provided UBS-C cable into the Mini 4 Pro and then into a 30-watt charger. The battery will begin charging.

The 2nd Method: If you purchased one of the Flymore combos, you will be able to charge all 3 batteries, in succession, not simultaneously.

To do this, insert the batteries into the Flymore combos charging hub and connect the included USB-C cable to a 30-watt charger (not included).

The batteries will then charge individually, one after another.

If you have a fly more combo and also purchased an additional battery (as I have), then you can charge 3 batteries in the charging hub and use a separate USB-C and 30-watt charger to charge the additional battery in the Mini 4 Pro itself.

I use the charger that I have specifically for the DJI RC to charge my 4th battery.

» MORE: Does DJI Mini 3 Pro Come with a Charger? (See Our Recommendation)

SD Cards #

While the Mini 4 Pro does have 2GB of internal storage, whether you have decided to get the standard Mini 4 Pro kit with the RC-N2 controller, or with the DJI RC 2, you’ll want to purchase an SD card if you’d like to record lots of videos or photos.

If you purchased the DJI RC 2 kit, there is also an SD card slot in the remote controller. This is used for screen recording.

If you don’t do screen recording, however, you can store an SD Card in the DJI RC 2 as a backup, just in case the Mini 4 Pro’s SD card is left in a computer at home.

To insert an SD card into the Mini 4 Pro:

With the back of the Mini 4 Pro facing you, insert the SD card into the SD card slot (to the right of the USB-C port), with the gold pins facing upwards.

Using a thumb or fingernail will aid in getting the card in.

Just beware that the SD card slot is spring-loaded. If your nail slips, it could cause the SD card to fly out of the slot.

To insert an SD card into the DJI RC 2:

With the bottom of the DJI RC 2 facing you, insert the SD card into the SD card slot (to the left of the USB-C charging port) with the gold pins facing downwards.

Like with the Mini 4 Pro, the DJI RC 2 SD card slot is likewise spring-loaded.

Below is a list, direct from DJI, of recommended SD cards:

SanDisk Extreme PRO 32GB V30 U3 A1 microSDHC
Lexar 1066x 64GB V30 U3 A2 microSDXC
Lexar 1066x 128GB V30 U3 A2 microSDXC
Lexar 1066x 256GB V30 U3 A2 microSDXC
Lexar 1066x 512GB V30 U3 A2 microSDXC
Kingston Canvas GO! Plus 64GB V30 U3 A2 microSDXC
Kingston Canvas GO! Plus 128GB V30 U3 A2 microSDXC
Kingston Canvas React Plus 64GB V90 U3 A1 microSDXC
Kingston Canvas React Plus 128GB V90 U3 A1 microSDXC
Kingston Canvas React Plus 256GB V90 U3 A1 microSDXC
Samsung EVO Plus 512GB V30 U3 A2 microSDXC

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

Flight Software – DJI Fly #

Aside from ensuring all batteries are charged, to fly your Mini 4 Pro, you will need to use DJI flight software.

Flight software is an app used by either a smartphone or electronic device and connected to your remote controller, which enables the Mini 4 Pro and remote controller to communicate, essential for flight control.

The software that works for the Mini 4 Pro is the DJI Fly app. If you have a DJI RC 2 combo, the DJI Fly app is pre-loaded on the remote controller.

If you are using a separate electronic device with the RC-N2 controller, you’ll need to download the DJI Fly software.

Where to Download DJI Fly #

If you are using either an Android or iOS phone or tablet, the links to download the DJI Fly app are as follows:

Additionally, from your smartphone or electronic device, you can do a Google Search for “DJI Download Center”.

In the results, choose DJI Fly and you will be brought to the software downloads page.

Note: the DJI Fly app for Android is only available online at the link above, and is no longer available in the Google Play store, whereas the iOS version for Apple devices is accessible via the App Store.

Setting up your DJI Account #

Now that you have the DJI Fly app installed, it is time to set up your DJI Account.

You can either do so from within the app on your cellphone, or using the DJI RC 2.

If you have a DJI RC 2: #

STEP 1: Turn on the RC by pressing once on the power button, then immediately press and hold the power button.

After the DJI splash screen appears, you should be brought to the main home screen.

You’ll need to connect to WiFi if setting up a DJI account through the DJI RC 2.

STEP 2: To turn on WiFi and connect to a network, double-swipe down from the top of the DJI RC 2 screen.

This will bring up a screen with a notification window on the left side, and a setting window to the right.

STEP 3: Press and hold the WiFi icon, as would be done on an Android or Apple phone. This will bring you to the Network Select screen.

STEP 4: Select your network and input the WiFi password if there is one.

Exit out of the screens back to the main screen and follow the steps below for setting up a profile if you have an RC-N2.

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

If you have an RC-N2 #

STEP 1: Without being connected to the RC-N2, from a cellphone or smart device launch the DJI Fly app and go into Profile .

STEP 2: Once in the Profile Screen, go to Log In.

STEP 3: Input the phone or email you would like to register with and be sure to check off the “I have read” section at the bottom.

STEP 4: Create your DJI Account by setting up a password for the email address you are using to log in to your DJI Account.

STEP 5: Enter the Captcha info and submit.

You’ll now be brought to the main profile page. You will see you have been set up as a generic DJI User.

STEP 6: To change your name and profile picture, tap your current djiuser_ name (this will bring you to the Profile details page, and you can change your DJI username to whatever you’d like, as well as upload a profile picture.

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

Navigating DJI Fly #

It’s now time to go into the DJI Fly app and get familiar with flying for the first time.

Connecting to the Fly App #

With the RC-N2 Controller:

STEP 1: If you are still in the Fly app, Exit the app. Connect your smartphone to your RC-N2 controller, as seen below.
STEP 2: Open the DJI Fly app and turn on the RC-N2. To power on the controller, press the power button once, then long-press-hold until the RC makes a power-on signal. The lights will also flash.
Step 3: First, unfold the arms and legs of the Mini 4 Pro and remove the gimbal cover. Turn on the Mini 4 Pro by pressing the power button once, then press and hold the power button and the Mini 4 Pro will turn on.

With the DJI RC 2 Controller:

If you created your DJI Profile with your DJI RC 2 and the RC is already on, turn on the Mini 4 Pro.

First, unfold the arms and legs of the Mini 4 Pro and remove the gimbal cover. Next, press the power button once, then press and hold the power button and the Mini 4 Pro will turn on.

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

The Home Screen/Flight View #

The main screen within the DJI Fly app houses all the important flight information you will need for a flight.

At a glance, you can see (along the top):

Aircraft Battery percentage – flight time remaining
RC (Remote Control) signal strength
Obstacle Avoidance mode – whether it is off, set to bypass, or hover
Number of locked satellites (it is best to fly after 7-12 satellites have been locked)

If you press the battery percentage icon, while in flight, you are given more detailed information regarding:

How many minutes until RTH (return to home)
How many minutes until the drone force lands
How many minutes until the batteries are completely depleted

At the bottom of the app, you’ll see the following:

How fast you are flying
How far out the drone is from your current position
How high the drone currently is AGL (above ground level)
Drone positioning (Map)

By tapping the Map icon (bottom left – small up-arrow), you can get into 3 different Map views:

Radar
Small Map view
Large Map view

Now that you are familiar with the main screen, we will talk about the various in-app options that affect flight safety.

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

In-App Options #

To get into the many Fly app options, press the 3-button menu at the top-right of the screen.

In the options, you will see the following tabs:

Safety
Control
Camera
Transmission
About

For our intent and purposes, we will go through the tabs that are specific to getting up in the air safely and take a few pictures and videos.

OBSTACLE AVOIDANCE

This is one of the more important options that need to be set correctly and has an impact on those new to flying drones.

The Mini 4 Pro now has omnidirectional obstacle avoidance, meaning it can sense obstacles to the:

Front
Back
Top
Bottom, and
Both sides

There are three options for setting obstacle avoidance behavior: Bypass, Brake, and Off.

OFF – Basically, this means that the top, bottom, front, rear, and side sensors are inactivated, which, unfortunately, does allow you to fly your drone into any obstacle that might be in the Mini 4 Pros flight path.Why would anyone want to turn these obstacle avoidance sensors off?That would be to get close to objects and fly in tight areas that would otherwise not be possible with the sensors on, as the Mini 4 Pro would stop upon sensing the obstacles in the immediate flight path.
BYPASS – this enables the Mini 4 Pro (when flying in a straight line) to go around an object currently in its way. The Mini 4 Pro will pick the best path to do so.
BRAKE – when enabled, the Mini 4 Pro will stop and continue to hover when an obstacle presents itself. You will then be able to determine the best course of action to take to get around the object.

» MORE: Obstacle Avoidance in DJI Drones (Explained for Beginners)

RADAR MAP

When on, this option will give you a real-time on-screen view of how far objects are in front of, on the side of, and behind the Mini 4 Pro.

This is actually a great option to have if you are flying with the obstacle avoidance system off (like I normally do), as you will be presented with audible and visual alerts when close to objects, without being slowed down.

» MORE: DJI Mini 3 / Pro – Map and Radar Explained (Video)

FLIGHT PROTECTION

Flight protection, like obstacle avoidance, has very important options and should be immediately set.

In the Flight Protection tab, you can set the Maximum Height the Mini 4 Pro can fly, Its maximum flight distance, Advanced RTH (Return to Home) Options, and the Auto RTH Altitude.

Max Altitude – In the United States, as specified by the FAA, the maximum altitude a drone can fly is 400ft AGL (Above Ground Level).

However, there are some exceptions to this, such as when flying around high structures (buildings, towers, etc.).

To stay in compliance, it is best to set the Max height at either 400ft or just shy of it, so you won’t have to worry about breaking the law while in flight.

Max Distance – Also, in the United States, the FAA has mandated that drones stay within visual line of sight (VLOS). This is subjective to how far a person can see without the aid of binoculars.

We suggest setting the Max Distance to “no limit” and just taking care to keep an eye on where the Mini 4 Pro is at all times.

As you look through the options more closely, you’ll see mention of RTH (Return to Home).

RTH is a function built into most DJI drones that, when activated (either manually by the operator or automatically at RC disconnect), the Mini 4 Pro will stop what it is doing and make its way back to you.

Advanced RTH – This is a newer option in the DJI Fly app. There are two options: Optimal and Preset.

Optimal allows the Mini 4 Pro, during good lighting conditions, using the obstacle avoidance sensors, to ascend/descend to the best height to return home, given the immediate surroundings.
Preset will set the Mini 4 Pros RTH to a predetermined altitude of your choosing, to avoid colliding with obstacles when in low-light situations

Auto RTH Altitude – This is also very important. If the RTH height is not set at least higher than the highest object where you are flying, the Mini 4 Pro is in danger of crashing into said object.

Some choose to have their RTH height set to 400ft and just forget about it.

We suggest setting your RTH to 30 or so feet above the height of the highest obstacle where you are flying.

Setting your RTH in this manner can prove to be safer for manned aircraft that might be flying in your immediate area (i.e. helicopters, seaplanes, etc..)

COMPASS and IMU

When flying for the first time with a new drone, it is important to calibrate your Compass and IMU.

The compass (and IMU) is used for the drone’s positioning, just like a standard hand-held compass.

If the drone compass is not calibrated or calibrated correctly, it could result in the drone flying erratically or the loss of the drone (in worse-case scenarios).

Oftentimes, when flying in the same general area, the Mini 4 Pro compass would just need to be calibrated once.

If you fly in vastly different geographical areas, or far from home, but in the same state, calibrating the compass is recommended.

To calibrate the Compass or IMU on the Mini 4 Pro, while in the Safety tab go to Compass or IMU and tap Calibrate and the Fly app will walk you through how to do so.

In addition, you may be prompted by the Fly app to calibrate either the Compass or IMU if it is deemed necessary, like when using the Mini 4 Pro for the first time.

In these cases, you would follow the simple on-screen prompts.

» MORE: DJI Mini 3 & Mini 3 Pro: How to Calibrate IMU, Compass, and Gimbal (Video)

ADVANCED SAFETY SETTINGS

An essential safety setting that should be done regularly, based on your situation and where you are flying, is setting the Mini 4 Pros behavior for when the signal is lost.

There may come times when, due to environmental issues, there is signal loss between the Mini 4 Pro and the remote controller.

This might happen in congested areas or just out of the blue, on occasion.

There are 3 actions the Mini 4 Pro can take upon signal loss:

RTH
Descend
Hover

RTH – When signal loss is detected, the Mini 4 Pro will ascend to the predefined RTH height, previously mentioned earlier, and return to the drone operator.

DESCEND – With this option, the Mini 4 Pro will descend, to the point of landing. This could be a viable option when flying your Mini 4 Pro in windy conditions, while over land.

Many drone owners (not just Mini owners) have stated that this option has saved quite a few DJI drones, where RTH would have caused the drone to get lost in excessive winds at higher altitudes.

HOVER – This will allow the Mini 4 Pro to hover in place when the signal is lost. This is ideal for flying indoors or in areas with a lot of tall buildings or skyscrapers, where RTH would inevitably cause a crash or loss of the drone.

» MORE: Does DJI Avata Have Return to Home? (Explained)

Remote Controller #

Briefly, we will highlight the various functions of the RC-N2 and DJI RC 2 remote controllers.

RC-N2 Controller #

As mentioned earlier, to power on the controller, press the power button once, then long-press-hold until the RC makes an audible signal.

This denotes that the remote is powering on.

The face of the DJI RC-N2 #

Power button
4 LED indicator/status lights and a Power On LED
- 4 green LED: 75% – 100% battery life
- 3 green LED: 50% – 75% battery life
- 2 green LED: 25% – 50% battery life
- 1 green LED: 0% – 25% battery life
Cine, Normal, and Sport mode switch
- Cine – slow smooth flight with dampened controls. Tailored for getting cinematic shots
- Normal – straight out of the box, standard control speed
- Sport – allows the Mini 4 Pro to fly at speeds up to 35.7mph. This mode turns off all obstacle-avoidance
Flight Pause/Return to Home button (RTH)
- When pressed and held, the Mini 4 Pro will automatically return to the location marked as home in the DJI Fly app. RTH options can be adjusted.
- Press once to make the aircraft brake and hover in place
FN (Function) button which can be customized as such:
- Single Press
  - Recenter Gimbal
  - Auxiliary LED
  - Toggle Map/Live View
  - Gimbal Follow/FPV Mode
  - Camera Settings
  - AE Lock/Unlock
  - Increase EV
  - Decrease EV
  - Portrait/Landscape Mode Switch
  - Plan Waypoint Flight
  - Cruise Control
- Double Press
  - Recenter Gimbal
  - Auxiliary LED
  - Toggle Map/Live View
  - Gimbal Follow/FPV Mode
  - Camera Settings
  - AE Lock/Unlock
  - Increase EV
  - Decrease EV
  - Portrait/Landscape Mode Switch
  - Plan Waypoint Flight
  - Cruise Control
Photo/Video Toggle
- Press once to switch between photo and video mode.** **
2 Removable Control Sticks

» MORE: Is the DJI RC Controller Worth it?

The back of the DJI RC-N2 #

Heat vent
2 Ergonomic Hand Grips

The top of the DJI RC-N2 #

The slide-out integrated antenna and smartphone holder/mount
The camera/video trigger button
- Press once to take photos or start or stop recording
Plastic Scroll-wheel
- adjusts the pitch of the camera gimbal
2 indented pads to lock the smartphone in
Android or iOS Control Cable

The bottom of the DJI RC-N1 #

USB-C Charging Port
Control Stick Holder

» MORE: Best Drone Controllers

DJI RC 2 Controller #

The DJI RC 2, like the original DJI RC released with the Mini 3 Pro, is a welcomed new addition to the DJI line of Smart Controllers.

Although substantially cheaper than the DJI RC Pro and almost the same price as the original DJI RC, the DJI RC 2 likewise has a bright screen at 700 nits and a 5.5″ integrated screen.

Similar to the RC-N2, to power on the controller, press the power button once, then long-press-hold until the RC makes an audible signal.

You will soon see the DJI splash screen.

The face of the DJI RC 2 #

Flight Pause/Return to Home button (RTH)
- When pressed and held, the Mini 4 Pro will automatically return to the location marked as home in the DJI Fly app. RTH options can be adjusted.
- Press once to make the aircraft brake and hover in place
Cine, Normal, and Sport mode switch
- Cine – slow smooth flight with dampened controls. Tailored for getting cinematic shots
- Normal – straight out of the box, standard control speed
- Sport – allows the Mini 4 Pro to fly at speeds up to 35.7mph. This mode turns off all obstacle-avoidance
Power button (press then long-press-hold to turn on)
4 LED indicator/status lights and a Power On LED
- 4 green LED: 75% – 100% battery life
- 3 green LED: 50% – 75% battery life
- 2 green LED: 25% – 50% battery life
- 1 green LED: 0% – 25% battery life
2 Removable Control Sticks

» MORE: DJI Mini 3 / Mini 3 Pro: How to Connect/Pair RC (Video)

The back of the DJI RC2 #

#

C1 and C2 buttons. Can be customized as follows:
- C1 Button
  - Recenter/Tilt Gimbal Down
  - Follow/FPV
  - Auxilliary Lights
  - Cruise Control
  - AE Lock On/Off
  - Increase EV
  - Decrease EV
  - Camera Settings
  - Switch Cameras
  - Plan Waypoint Flight
- C2 Button
  - Recenter/Tilt Gimbal Down
  - Follow/FPV
  - Auxilliary Lights
  - Cruise Control
  - AE Lock On/Off
  - Increase EV
  - Decrease EV
  - Camera Settings
  - Switch Cameras
  - Plan Waypoint Flight
2 Slots to store the removable control sticks
2 recessed mounting holes
Vent

The top of the DJI RC2 #

2 scroll wheels/dials.
- Left dial
  - Gimbal up/down
- Right Wheel/Dial. Can be customized as follows:
  - Zoom In/Out
  - Adjust Focal Length
  - Adjust EV
  - Adjust Shutter Speed
  - Adjust ISO
Video record button
Photo shutter button
2 internal/integrated antennas
2 rabbit ear adjustable antennas

Button/Dial Modifiers #

Additionally, there are modifiers or button and dial combinations that perform certain functions as well and can be changed:

C1 Button + Right Dial
- Zoom In/Out
- Adjust Focal Length
- Adjust EV
- Adjust Shutter Speed
- Adjust ISO
C2 Button + Right Dial
- Zoom In/Out
- Adjust Focal Length
- Adjust EV
- Adjust Shutter Speed
- Adjust ISO