How to Downgrade Firmware on a DJI Drone

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While firmware updates are supposed to make a drone better, sometimes they may come with bugs or without features that you had gotten used to in the previous firmware.

Luckily, DJI allows you to access a previous version of the firmware for some of their drones if you’re experiencing problems with the latest version or want to use features that are no longer supported in the latest version.

How do you downgrade the firmware on a DJI drone?

You can downgrade DJI firmware by downloading the previous version if it’s available or by using the DJI Assistant 2. DJI also allows you to downgrade the firmware within the app for those using the DJI GO 4 app.

Please keep reading to learn more about downgrading DJI firmware, including when to do it, when not to, and other things to keep in mind.

How to downgrade firmware on a DJI drone #

Below are the various ways you can downgrade the firmware on your DJI drone.

Downgrade the firmware using an SD card #

To downgrade the firmware on a DJI drone with an SD card, you must first download the older firmware version from the DJI website.

You can find the firmware for your specific model of drone on the DJI Support page under the “Downloads” section.

Make sure to choose the correct firmware version for your drone, as installing the wrong firmware can cause problems. Once you’ve downloaded the firmware, you need to transfer it to a microSD card.

Some DJI drones may come with a microSD card, but if not, you will need to purchase one.

The microSD card should be formatted and have enough space to hold the firmware file. Once the firmware is on the microSD card, you will need to insert the card into the drone.

On most DJI drones, the microSD card slot is located on the side of the drone, near the battery compartment.

Once the card is inserted, power on the drone and connect it to your computer using the USB cable provided with the drone.

Next, you need to use the DJI Assistant 2 software to downgrade the firmware. The DJI Assistant 2 software is a free tool provided by DJI that allows you to manage and update the firmware on your drone.

You can download the DJI Assistant 2 software from the DJI website under the “Downloads” section. Make sure you download the appropriate version for your drone.

Once you’ve installed the DJI Assistant 2 software, launch it and connect it to the drone using the USB cable. The DJI Assistant 2 software should automatically detect the drone and display its information on the screen.

Select “Firmware Update” from the main menu and then click on the “Local Update” option. This will open a new window where you can browse for the firmware file that you downloaded earlier.

Select the firmware file and click the “Open” button to begin the downgrade process. The DJI Assistant 2 software will now start installing.

Do the same for the controller or downgrade the drone while it’s connected to the controller.

Getting the previous firmware from the DJI Assistant 2 #

If you can’t find the firmware on the website, the DJI Assistant 2 will often list the available firmware updates if you are allowed to downgrade.

In such a case, you must connect your drone, run the DJI Assistant 2, access the firmware upgrade, and select the firmware version you are looking for.

How do I downgrade the firmware for the DJI Mini 2, Air 2S, and Mini SE? #

Unfortunately, you can’t downgrade the software in these drones.

Downgrading the firmware of the Mini 2 and the Air 2S was often challenging because their version of the DJI Assistant 2 needed some tweaking before it could work.

There were even hacks that allowed you to downgrade, but DJI later released a firmware update that prevented you from downgrading the firmware in these three drones.

Downgrade the firmware using the DJI GO 4 app #

If you own the DJI Mavic 2 Pro or any drone that uses the DJI GO 4 app, here’s how you can downgrade the drone’s firmware without using the DJI Assistant 2:

Switch on your drone and controller and make sure they are connected.
Open the DJI GO 4 app.
On the dashboard that shows GO FLY, tap on the three lines at the top right corner and hold for five seconds.
A screen prompt will appear showing your drone model, the firmware version it has, and the firmware versions you are allowed to downgrade to.
Tap on Select Firmware and scroll down the firmware versions available, then select the one you need.
Tap on Download.
After downloading, tap on Firmware Refresh to start the downgrade.

Tips for downgrading your DJI drone’s firmware #

While downgrading the firmware on a DJI drone is a relatively simple process, there are a few essential things to keep in mind.

During the firmware update process, it’s crucial to ensure the drone is connected to the computer and powered on at all times and that you have access to the Internet. If the connection is lost or the drone is powered off, the firmware update may be interrupted, and the drone may become unusable. Therefore, it is important to be careful and follow the instructions carefully.
Ensure the drone and the controller have a charge level of at least 50 percent.
Once the firmware update process is complete, the DJI Assistant 2 software will display a message indicating that the firmware has been successfully installed. At this point, you can disconnect the drone from the computer and power it off. Then, remove the microSD card from the drone and store it safely.
It’s also a good idea to perform a test flight after downgrading the firmware on your DJI drone. This will allow you to confirm that the drone is working correctly and that the older firmware is compatible with your drone. During the test flight, please pay attention to the drone’s performance and ensure that it’s stable and responsive. If you notice any problems or issues, you may need to troubleshoot the drone or consult with DJI support for assistance.
It’s vital to only downgrade to a firmware version that is specifically designed for your model of DJI drone. Installing the wrong firmware can cause serious problems, such as rendering the drone unusable or damaging its internal components.

Note: Keep in mind that downgrading the firmware on your DJI drone can cause instability and potentially damage the device, so it is not recommended unless absolutely necessary. DJI has also disabled downgrading of the firmware for some of their drones. While there are hacks that could work, they may damage your drone. If you’re having problems with your DJI drone, it may be better to try other solutions before downgrading the firmware.