How to Use DJI Avata Simulator (Explained)

Place your link in the Sidebar Section.

Table of Contents

Did you recently get a DJI Avata and have found flying overwhelming? Do you lack the confidence to start using it right away? Or are you considering buying this drone but unsure if it will fit you?

DJI can help you become a better Avata pilot without even flying it! You only need to use the DJI Avata simulator, but how do you use it?

To use the DJI Avata simulator, download DJI Virtual Flight. Choose the mobile device or Windows version according to your needs. To run this software smoothly, your devices must satisfy RAM, storage, and graphics card requirements.

The Windows version only works with the Motion Controller or FPV Remote Controller 2. You can use the mobile version with both controllers and tactile joysticks the app displays on the screen.

This simulator is easy to use but troublesome to set up. We’ll offer some tips, steps on how to use it, and the best practices for you to master the simulator quickly.

Then you can go outside and fly your Avata with confidence!

How to use DJI Virtual Flight #

You can launch DJI Virtual Flight on your mobile device or Windows PC.

The first matter you must decide upon is whether you want to play as a guest or member. If you don’t have a DJI Avata or DJI account, sign up as a guest to start right away.

As a member, you fill in the email and password and are free to start.

Then the app will ask if you’re a beginner or a pro. We advise you always to start as a beginner. The only difference is that the beginner mode explains everything in detail.

If you want to go back and start with pro mode:

Tap the nut icon on the right-top corner of the screen.
Tap the custom settings.
Scroll down and tap the restore beginners guide button.
Tap on confirm, and the Virtual Flight restarts for you to choose from beginner or pro.

After you select the Virtual Flight mode, you need to pick the sticks mode.

If you’re a complete newbie, use Mode 2 since most pilots find it easy to use. The app immediately shows you each stick movement and the other controls.

After this, choose between the zones to fly. Each zone has a free flight, time trial, and arcade mode.

Select whichever mode you want to experience in this impressive simulator.

Best practices for DJI Virtual Flight #

We advise you to follow this path to master the DJI Virtual Flight simulator.

Start slow #

The first mode you see is the time trial race. The faster you fly, the better score you get.

It will make you feel you should fly fast to improve your Avata skills.

But in the beginning, this is counterproductive.

You won’t get better by flying fast. You’ll improve by practicing the fundamental movements over and over again.

The idea is for your fingers to develop the necessary muscle memory to achieve maneuvers without you thinking about them.

Start with the free flight circuits. That way, you get used to the controls. Once you master the turns and go up or down without thinking about every movement, you can start to increase the accelerator.

Then you can experience the time trial circuits, which help you get confidence while you see your scores improving.

Start in Normal Mode #

Start practicing all the above in Normal Mode. That way, you get used to the speed. Even in Normal Mode, the Avata drifts, so you want to experience that sensation.

Through practice, you will feel this mode become slow and easy to control, requiring an upgrade.

Then you can accelerate to max speed in Sport Mode and make more aggressive turns.

Once you master it, enter Manual Mode. You’ll feel the pitch and throttle controls change the Avata piloting experience in a massive way.

Use the DJI controllers #

If you want an improvement that translates into a finer flight experience, avoid using controllers other than the Motion Controller or FPV RC 2.

Gaining experience with your Xbox Series X or PS5 controller will give you a feeling of how to pilot the Avata, but the level of control you get with the DJI controllers differs greatly.

You can be more precise and do slight stick movements.

DJI Virtual Flight: Installation tips #

Some common DJI Virtual Flight sim headaches come with the installation process.

It was troublesome for me, but I successfully installed this software on my computer and mobile devices. Here are some tips that will help you do the same.

DJI Virtual Flight for mobile devices #

You won’t find DJI Virtual Flight in the Play Store for Android mobile devices.

This means you need to install the APK, and some devices will prompt a message that makes you doubt this simulator isn’t a virus.

Rest assured, this file won’t harm your device. However, only download it from the DJI or DJI Avata download website you find in this link.

For iOS devices, download the simulator from the App Store or use the same link to scan the QR code and download.

Tip 1 #

With 100Mbps Wi-Fi speed, downloading the simulator takes up to an hour.

Try not to use your device while downloading this app, as it will delay the process more.

Tip 2 #

This simulator won’t run smoothly on all smartphones.

We encourage you to check this link and look for your device in the recommended devices. Any device with specs below the recommended devices will run the simulator sluggishly, if at all.

I first tried this with a Xiaomi Redmi Note 8. It works at max 18 FPS, so the movements look robotic and have low joystick response.

Then I tried it with a Xiaomi Redmi Note 10, which worked above 30 FPS and looked smooth.

For iPhone 10 and above, the simulator will work without breaking or displaying annoying frames.

Playing it on tablets is a bit uncomfortable. They tend to be heavy, so your hands will get tired fast. Due to its size, holding a tablet and reaching the controls is harder than it is with a phone.

We only advise using it as a screen connected to the Motion Controller or FPV RC 2.

DJI Virtual Flight for Windows #

After downloading the DJI Virtual Flight .exe file from this link, you can face some troubles during installation.

Windows Defender views this file as a threat.

When it shows the message warning you about potential threats, allow the file to execute. Windows will prompt several messages during installation, but keep allowing them.

You’ll have to download the drivers and the simulator. This process takes up to an hour to complete.

Sometimes, the simulator won’t run, displaying an error reading from the file prompt.

Uninstall the Virtual Flight and install it again. You’ll see the drivers are still on your PC, so you only need to reinstall the simulator. Then it should run.

Tip 1 #

Although DJI doesn’t mention that your Windows PC needs a graphics card, the simulator requires an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 650 to run smoothly.

Also, your PC should be at least an Intel Core i5 with 8GB of RAM and 8GB of storage.

If your PC lacks any of these minimum requirements, the simulator can overheat your computer.

Controller recommendations for DJI Virtual Flight #

Once you install and run the DJI Virtual Flight simulator, it’s time to choose your controller.

Controller recommendations for mobile devices #

If you don’t have the Motion Controller or FPV Remote Controller 1, you can always use tactile sticks on your mobile device’s screen.

The tactile sticks aren’t as comfortable as the physical joysticks. Your fingers can get sweaty, so you won’t move the tactile sticks correctly.

We advise you to use some finger sleeves like the ones in this link. They’ll help you achieve precise maneuvers and prevent your fingers from sticking to the screen.