How to Update DJI Mini 2 (Step by Step Guide)

If you are about to launch a new drone for the first time, you may be surprised to learn that you need to update its firmware first. This will ensure you that your drone will fly in adherence to all the safety protocols and you will access any new updates that came out after you bought your drone. 

Firmware is the fixed software found in most electronic devices. This could be a digital camera, navigation devices, or even remote controllers, and drones fall into the category of devices with firmware. There are many types of drones, and if you own a DJI Mini 2, I’m sure you’re enjoying its powerful performance, compatibility, reliability, and convenience. However, the fun might not last for long if you don’t know how to update the firmware properly.

To update your DJI Mini 2, you must first ensure that the battery level is above 40% while the remote controller is at least 20%. You must also have the DJI FLY app installed, and ensure that the drone and the remote controller are well linked. Also, an internet connection should be available for the update to take place.

In this detailed article, I’ll guide you through the steps on updating the DJI Mini 2 Firmware, DJI Mini 2 battery firmware, and the DJI Mini 2 controller firmware. I’ll also discuss when and why you should update the firmware.

How to update DJI Mini 2 firmware #

New firmware updates keep on coming out every now and then. To get the best updating results, you need to use the latest firmware when updating your drone. Here is the step-by-step tutorial on how to update DJI Mini 2 firmware.

1. Ensure that your drone’s battery level exceeds at least 40% while that of the remote controller is not less than 20%.
2. Turn on both the drone and the controller.
3. Ensure that the remote controller and aircraft have a good connection with each other.
4. Start the DJI Fly app.
5. Connect the remote controller to the internet. The DJI Fly app will automatically search for available remote/aircraft firmware updates. If an update is available, you will see a firmware update icon appear. Tap on it to launch the update.
6. Do not switch off the power or exit the DJI Fly app during the update. Sometimes the remote controller and the aircraft might restart automatically, but don’t let that bother you.
7. Once the update is over, the aircraft will automatically turn off, while the remote controller remains on.

How to update DJI Mini 2 battery firmware #

Updating the Mini 2 battery firmware is easy. When you update your Mini 2, the installed battery will also be updated with relevant firmware updates. 

When you boot up the aircraft and the controller and launch the DJI FLY, you’ll see a notification come onscreen with an update firmware icon. Avoid going to the camera view, but instead, remain on the startup screen, and there will be an automatic update of your battery firmware.

Remember, if you have more than one battery, you will have to update each of them to the most recent firmware separately. You can do this by installing each battery into the drone and scanning for firmware update notifications.

How to update DJI Mini 2 controller #

Updates to your DJI Mini 2 controller are done with the same process that the drone firmware updates are performed, and often happen at the same time. 

When your controller is connected to the Internet, with the DJI FLY app launched, the program will automatically scan for firmware updates. If any updates are available, you will see a notification on your screen for the update. Simply tap on the icon and follow the onscreen instructions to complete the update. 

How to make DJI Mini 2 compatible with the Smart Controller #

A recent firmware update made the DJI Mini 2 compatible with the DJI Smart Controller, which was previously not compatible with the Mini 2. In order to get the Smart Controller to work with your Mini 2, you will need to update your drone firmware using your standard controller first. 

Once you’ve finished updating your Mini 2 drone firmware to the latest version, you should be able to connect the Smart Controller to your drone. If you’re having any trouble with this, try updating the Smart Controller firmware as well. 

In this section, we will guide you on updating the Smart Controller using both Assistant 2 and DJI GO 4. The update is done through a built-in system, and here is how to go about it.

Steps to update a DJI Smart Controller with DJI GO 4 #

1. Turn on the smart controller before updating and tap the update icon below the screen’s right side. Ensure the controller is connected to WIFI when updating.
2. Enter into the settings page of the controller system and start scrolling down to the page’s bottom, and press the system update option. You will notice a search for the firmware updates will automatically begin.
3. Follow the directions given by the system to update the firmware.
4. Once the update is over, the controller will restart automatically.

Steps to update a Smart Controller with DJI Assistant 2 #

1. Turn the remote controller off.
2. Use a USB cable to connect the remote controller to the PC, then turn the DJI Smart controller on.
3. Start the DJI Assistant 2.
4. Use your DJI account to log in, select the main interface and enter.
5. Click the icon of the DJI smart controller, select and click the firmware button on the left side of your screen.
6. Click the upgrading button, which is usually displayed after the latest firmware.
7. Click start to commence the update.
8. Automatically the Assistant 2 will download, install and update the firmware.
9. Once the update is complete, the controller will restart automatically.

When to update firmware #

Firmware updates are essential, and it’s usually a simple and straightforward task. The need for an update arises if there is a problem in your drone that needs to be fixed. Also, new updates come out when there are some security issues. Additionally, you can update your firmware to make sure you have the newest features to enable your drone to perform well and reliably.

However, the update is not just something to do for fun, and sometimes the newest update can come with bugs of its own. Therefore you should avoid updating your firmware until the new version has been out for a little while. This is because it can cause more harm or make your drone unusable. 

Another critical thing to do when you feel the need for a firmware update is to understand the specific update version before proceeding. You can, however, disregard it if you notice there is nothing in that version that will address the issues with your device or improve it.

Why you should update firmware #

Firmware is the backbone of all your drone’s operations. There are many reasons why drone operators should update their device’s firmware. Some have legal benefits, while others are personal. Here are a few of the main reasons you should update your firmware.

Improves functionality #

The firmware manages all of the drone’s features and operations, including the batteries and flight inputs. Specifically, the firmware update provides programming that your drone needs to perform its main functions and be safe. Therefore, it is not advisable for drone operators not to update their firmware and continue to fly their devices indefinitely. 

Safety #

Firmware updates can feature the aspect of fail-safe landing. This permits you to control the position and altitude of your drone fully. Drones are not cheap devices, and the last thing you would want is to crash them. These updates go a long way to solving issues affecting your drone’s stability when flying and managing it, thus ensuring it doesn’t crash. 

A few drone manufacturers continually improve their firmware updates, with DJI being a good example. They have optimized their program for compass calibration, thus improving reliability.

Restricted areas compliance  #

This is one of the main reasons drone operators should periodically update their firmware. Some firmware updates prevent your drone from flying in restricted or no-fly zones.  Some examples include the DJI Phantom and Phantom 2 Vision plus, which are restricted from flying over the limits of Washington DC city. 

DJI has also developed a firmware update whose no-fly zone limit is extended in all directions. This will help you not get into trouble with flight authorities.

Here are other reasons why you should update the firmware: #

• Firmware updates significantly reduce the cost of repair or fixing problems.
• Updates help in the hardware utilization to an optimum level and enable algorithm decoding.
• It eliminates delays in drones and dramatically improves overall performance.
• Firmware updates improve executions, instruction times and also help expedite the execution time.

Important firmware update tips #

• Always do a firmware update in a quiet place with enough space.
• Do not try to update your firmware while the drone is flying.
• Before starting the update, remove the propellers.
• Ensure there is a strong and reliable internet connection before upgrading to avoid hiccups during the installation.
• Always check your settings after completing a firmware update.
• Make checking for drone updates an everyday habit.
• Ensure the battery charge is above 40% before starting a firmware update.

What to expect during a firmware update #

The following things may take place as you update your drone

• The gimbal may become limp.
• You will notice that the indicators on the aircraft’s arms will flash abnormally.
• There will be an automatic rebooting of your drone.
• Sometimes your drone might lose its signal after updating.

What to do if a firmware update fails #

Sometimes the update may fail and this isn’t a cause for worry. If that happens, delete the downloaded firmware file and try the download again.

Conclusion #

Your drone is an investment that you intend to keep for a long time. Whether you are using it for commercial or other reasons, you need to make sure you’re getting the most out of it. If you have a DJI Mini 2, make sure to update its firmware every so often. 

This detailed article has thoroughly discussed the step-by-step process of updating the DJI Mini 2 firmware, battery firmware, and the controller. You now know what you stand to gain with the update more so in terms of security, safety, reliability, and performance. We hope this will help you enjoy a better drone flying experience.