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How to Connect DJI Mini 2 SE to WiFi (Step-by-Step Guide)
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The DJI Mini 2 SE is a great starter drone for those new to the hobby. It is also a great inexpensive drone for those who don’t want to break the bank when buying a drone with decent specs and capabilities.
With its 12 MP 1/2.3-inch CMOS camera it is quite capable when taking photos or videos up to 2.7k 30fps or 60fps at FHD.
Of course, the main draw to many buying the Mini 2 SE, in addition to its low price tag, is the fact that it is a sub-250g drone, meaning it need not be registered in the United States.
To connect the Mini 2 SE to WiFi, go into your device’s WiFi settings and choose the appropriate network. Afterward, open the DJI Fly app (making sure the Mini 2 SE and RC-N1 remote controller are connected to DJI Fly) and the Mini 2 SE will be connected to your chosen WiFi network via the RC-N1 controller.
Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about connecting your DJI Mini 2 SE to WiFi.
Why should you connect the Mini 2 SE to Wi-Fi? #
Connecting the DJI Mini 2 SE to a WiFi network will enable it to receive and install DJI firmware updates. It is important to keep up with firmware updates, as they include:
- Bug fixes
- Flight performance increases
- Enhancements
- New features and more
Because the Mini 2 SE is basically a less feature-rich version of the ever-popular DJI Mini 2, some of the other WiFi-based functions found in the Mini 2 and also the Mini 3 Lines are not available.
The DJI Mini 2, Mini 3, and Mini 3 Pro utilize WiFi for the Quick Transfer function.
Quick Transfer, for those unaware, allows you to wirelessly transfer the content from the drone’s SD card to a smartphone or tablet at a high rate of speed, without having to ever power on the controller.
Sadly, the Mini 2 SE does not have the Quick Transfer feature.
» MORE: DJI Mini 2 Quick Transfer Not Working (Solved)
Additionally, the Mini 2, Mini 3, and Mini 3 Pro can use the DJI-recommended LightCut video editor.
Per DJI, on supported drones:
“LightCut supports real-time previews of your footage and quick editing without having to export footage from your DJI devices. With the One-Tap Editing feature, it can generate 4K HD videos quickly for instant sharing.“
LightCut also works as a standard video editor, allowing you to take full control of the editing process, from start to finish, fully customizing your creative vision.
Currently, the Mini 2 SE is not on the support devices list provided in-app and cannot be connected. This could possibly change in the future.
**» MORE: **Tips for Shooting & Editing Drone Videos (Guide for Beginners)
How to connect to Wi-Fi with the RC-N1 remote controller #
Connecting the Mini 2 SE to WiFi is actually done through the RC-N1 controller. We’ll walk through connecting the RC-N1 to WiFi for both Android and iOS devices.
Android Devices #
STEP 1: On your Android device, swipe down from the top of the screen. You will see your settings and connections.
STEP 2: Press and hold the WiFi icon. You will be presented with a list of networks to join.
Select the network you would like to join.
STEP 3: If you have never connected to this network, you will be asked to input the password and connect.
STEP 4: To turn WiFi either on or off, repeat STEP 1 and tap the Wifi icon.
iOS (Apple) Devices #
STEP 1: On your Apple device, swipe down from the top-right of the screen. You will see your settings, connections, and Control Center.
STEP 2: Press and hold the WiFi icon. You will be brought to a screen showing all of your connections.
Again, press and hold the WiFi icon.
STEP 3: You will be presented with a list of networks to join.
Select the network you would like to join.
STEP 4: If you have never connected to this network, you will be asked to input the password and connect.
STEP 5: To turn WiFi either on or off, repeat STEP 1 and tap the Wifi icon.
Updating the Mini 2 SE Firmware #
As mentioned, with the Mini 2 SE connected to WiFi, the firmware for the drone can be updated. We’ll briefly go through the steps needed to update the firmware.
The first thing to do prior to updating the Mini 2 SEs firmware is to make sure the drone has at least a 40% charge and the RC-N1 has at least a 20% charge.
STEP 1: After powering on the Mini 2 SE and the controller, launch the DJI Fly app ensuring the controller is connected to your smart device.
After DJI Fly is up and connected to the RC-N1 and Mini 2 SE, it will look for available firmware updates.
STEP 2: If there is an update available, DJI Fly will prompt you to update the firmware. The update(s) could be for, not only the Mini 2 SE but also the batteries and remote controller.
Ensure you do not switch off the Mini 2 SE, RC-N1 controller, or your smart device.
The Mini 2 SE may beep and start and restart multiple times. This is normal.
STEP 3: After the firmware has updated, turn the Mini 2 SE off, and, if you have additional, insert the next battery, turn the Mini 2 SE on, and repeat the process. If there are battery updates, the firmware will be updated for those as well.
» MORE: DJI Mini 2 Firmware (Read This Before Updating)
What happens if you don’t connect DJI Mini 2 SE to Wi-Fi #
WiFi is not required for flying DJI drones. If there is no WiFi, the Mini 2 SE will still fly normally.
As a matter of fact, the DJI RC (used with the DJI Mavic 3 series, Mini 3 Series, Air 2S, and Air 3) shuts WiFi completely off when flying, with no disruptions to flying.
However, if your device does not have an internet or WiFi connection when out flying, especially in rural areas where you have not flown before, you may find the area maps in DJI Fly do not work.
Downloading Offline Maps #
Downloading maps prior to heading to your destination will allow you to have full map information if your smart device cannot connect to a cellular or WiFi signal.
Also in rural areas, it might be difficult, if not impossible, to get a cell signal or WiFi, leaving individuals without in-depth map information.
To download offline maps:
**STEP 1: **While still on a WiFi network at home, turn on the Mini 2 SE, RC-N1 remote controller and connect to DJI Fly.
**STEP 2: **After both the drone and the RC-N1 have connected to DJI Fly, in Live View go to the map in the lower-left corner. If it is in radar view, change it to map view by tapping the bottom right of the radar.
**STEP 3: **In map view, locate the area you are wanting to fly in. Tap and zoom into the area, as far as you can. You will then begin seeing restaurant info, gas stations, park names, etc. That information is now stored.
Once you get to your location and are off WiFi/Cellular data, you will still have access to full map features, including street names, landmarks, stores, and restaurants.
**» MORE: **How to Connect DJI Mini 3 / Mini 3 Pro to WiFi (Step-by-Step Guide)
Can you transfer photos/videos to a computer over Wi-Fi? #
No, you cannot transfer photos and videos to a computer over WiFi.
The Mini 2 SE is only able to transfer photos and videos either through connecting a USB-C cable to your PC or Mac or by ejecting the SD card and inserting that into the computer.
For those interested in transferring photos and videos to their computer (Windows PC or Mac), please see the following videos ( these are Mini 3 related, but essentially the same steps for the Mini 2 SE):
- DJI Mini 3/Pro – How to Transfer Videos/Photos to a Windows PC (Video)
- DJI Mini 3/Pro – How to Transfer Videos/Photos to a MAC (Video)