How to Downgrade Your DJI Firmware Using DJI Assistant 2 (Explained)

If you have a DJI drone or product, from the Mavic to Mini series, from consumer to enterprise editions, you may be able to change the DJI drone firmware, in this case, to downgrade, using DJI Assistant 2.

But how do you downgrade your DJI Firmware using DJI Assistant 2?

You will need a Windows PC or Mac to install the appropriate version of DJI Assistant 2 for your DJI Product. Additionally, you will be required to connect your DJI product to the computer using a data cable and power on your device. Once your device is recognized, you may be able to downgrade its firmware.

Furthermore, let’s have a look together over everything to know about downgrading your drone or DJI product firmware using the DJI Assistant 2, shall we?

What is DJI Assistant 2, and how can you Downgrade your DJI Firmware using it? #

DJI Assistant 2 is a computer software engineered by DJI, available both for Windows and Mac computers.

Its fundamental role is to micromanage the firmware versions of a DJI Product and for a complete data log.

The idea behind this program is that the DJI Assistant 2 will allow you to upgrade your DJI firmware, reinstall it (in case you encounter issues), or downgrade in some circumstances.

Please remember that you will not always be able to downgrade to an earlier version or a specific DJI Firmware version for functionality reasons.

But in general, you should be able to downgrade your firmware no matter what you have, a drone, remote controller, battery, and/or other DJI Products.

What Drones or DJI Products are Compatible with DJI Assistant 2 #

There is more to the DJI Assistant 2 than may be realized. This program has an entire branching system to cover a vast number of DJI Products. 

To be able to downgrade your DJI firmware, you first have to choose the adequate version of DJI Assistant 2.

For instance, we have DJI Assistant 2 for the FPV series, Mavic, Ronin, consumer series, and so on. Each program will require you to use a different installation to support a particular type of DJI Product.

Now, let’s look at the main DJI products supporting a connection with DJI Assistant 2 and possible DJI firmware downgrades and upgrades.

Remember, the below table does not contain all the supported products in DJI Assistant 2 but only the familiar DJI products. Please check the official DJI here for a complete list.

DJI Assistant 2 VersionsCommon DJI ProductsDJI Assistant 2 (Consumer Drones Series)DJI Mini 3 Pro, DJI Mini 3, DJI Mini 2, Mavic Air 2, DJI Avata, DJI Goggles 2, DJI O3 Air Unit,DJI Assistant 2 (DJI FPV series)DJI Goggles, DJI Goggles RE, DJI Digital FPV SystemDJI Assistant 2Mavic Pro, Osmo Mobile, Datalink Pro, Inspire 2, DJI SparkDJI Assistant 2 For MavicDJI Smart Controller, Mavic 2, Mavic 2 Enterprise Series, Mavic Mini

What is the Step-by-Step Guide to Downgrading your DJI Firmware?  #

Before we start downgrading the DJI firmware, please ensure that your device has enough battery and you have a stable connection to the internet.

The short version to downgrade your DJI firmware using DJI Assistant 2: #

• Download and install the needed DJI Assistant 2 version found here
• Power on the DJI device you want to downgrade and connect it to the computer 
• Select your DJI product once it is connected from DJI Assistant 2 software
• Check the current version and to what version you can downgrade
• Click on the downgrade button and wait until finished

Extended version to downgrade your DJI firmware (step-by-step guide): #

Step 1: Download the DJI Assistant 2 version you require for your DJI Product.

Head over to the DJI official website > download center and locate the DJI Assistant software for the DJI product you want to downgrade firmware (click here to check the list). 

For instance, in this example, I am using the DJI FPV Remote Controller 2, and because it is part of the DJI FPV system, I have to download the DJI Assistant 2 (DJI FPV Series). 

Other DJI Assistant 2 versions won’t work for me.

Step 2: Download the software for your PC or Mac version and follow the installation instructions.

You have to follow the program installation instruction and set the location where you want to install it, accept the terms and conditions, and install it.

You will be required to have administrative computer access to be able to install it.

Step 3: Start the DJI Assistant 2 and follow the on-screen instructions, such as accepting the terms of use & privacy policy, deciding if you want to contribute with analytical data for improvements to DJI, etc.

Once you go through the setup steps, you should reach the screen that will require you to connect the device.

Step 4: Power on the device and connect it to the computer using a recommended data cable (usually the one the device comes with). 

Once a connection is successful, you will see the DJI product listed – for instance, I can see my DJI FPV Remote Controller 2

Step 5: Click on the DJI Product you want to downgrade the firmware and see the list of all available firmware, both updates, and downgrades. 

You can also reinstall the current DJI firmware.

Step 6: Click the DOWNGRADE to the firmware version you want to downgrade – please keep in mind that not all versions may be displayed here, such as unstable versions or ones to create incompatibilities, very old firmware versions, etc. – those won’t be shown.

Only the safe-to-downgrade versions should be listed here.

Step 7: Wait for the downgrade to take place. It will re-download the firmware version you want to downgrade your DJI product to and will be installed. 

The installation process usually takes a few minutes, but depending on the firmware size and device, it may take much longer.

Once the firmware is installed (downgraded), you will see a confirmation message.

Why do we need to Downgrade DJI Firmware using DJI Assistant 2? #

Downgrading firmware using this method is the cheapest (free) and easiest way to do it.

There could be multiple reasons, such as existing incompatibilities or bugs with the recent firmware or other causes, and the best strategy is to downgrade and wait for a new version.

What else do we need to know about DJI Assistant 2? #

Because DJI’s objective was to create connectivity between DJI products and software to install newly released firmware versions, nowadays, DJI has a mobile phone app for each product.

The phone app’s idea is to slowly replace the DJI Assistant 2 used for firmware upgrades. 

Just a hint, currently I am able to upgrade my DJI FPV firmware from both DJI Fly app on my phone and DJI Assistant 2 (DJI FPV)

Therefore, we have to consider that now, some DJI Assistant 2 versions are being discontinued and may not support new DJI Products (but do support all new firmware updates for their active products)

For example, I cannot create a connection to the program for my DJI Osmo Mobile 5 to test updating and downgrading firmware, although DJI Osmo is supported in DJI Assistant 2. 

At the time of writing this guide, DJI Assistant 2 is not currently compatible with macOS version 11 or later. 

Downgrading DJI firmware using DJI Assistant 2 is relatively easy if you follow our step-by-step guide. But please remember, not all DJI Products and DJI firmware versions are found on this software. 

Therefore, if you are unable to downgrade your DJI firmware by following our guide, there should be alternative methods to seek out.

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