Making sure that your DJI drone’s firmware is up to date is an easy and effective way to ensure that your drone has all the latest software support and features and flies safely and efficiently. Follow our step by step guide to easily update the firmware of your DJI Mini Series drone and remote controller.
Why do I need to update my drone’s firmware?
A core component of any digital device’s operating system, firmware is used to make sure that your DJI drone operates safely and effectively. Drone firmware is updated regularly by DJI to ensure ongoing product support and improvement, new feature support and up-to-date safety standards.
Firmware updates sometimes include new piloting and camera features and often include updated safety protocols and features to ensure safer flights including sensor adjustments and obstacle avoidance performance updates. For example, since its launch, DJI has released firmware updates for the Mini 2 to improve battery performance and provide Smart Controller support, making it easier than ever to fly the Mini 2.
By ensuring that your DJI Mavic Mini, Mini 2 or Mini SE has up-to-date firmware you can fly with confidence and the latest operating features.
Updating firmware is critically important if you’re about to fly a new drone for the first time. By updating before you fly, you can ensure that your drone operates with all the latest safety protocols and you have access to any post-release features.
How is the firmware updated?
Firmware for your DJI Mini series drone can be updated easily by following this guide that covers firmware updates for both your drone and remote controller.
Drone Update Steps (DJI Fly Method)
This method simply requires your drone, remote controller and smartphone and can even be performed out in the field before takeoff.
1. Charge your Battery
Before the firmware update process can begin, make sure that your Intelligent Flight Battery is above 50%. If two of four LED indicator lights are on, you’re ready to go.
2. Standard Startup
Power on your drone and remote controller like normal and connect your smartphone to the controller via the appropriate cable. Once connected, launch the DJI Fly app. Make sure your smartphone is connected to a secure network for firmware downloading.
3. Firmware Update Prompt
When launched, DJI Fly will automatically search for new firmware updates. If a new firmware update is available, a notification will appear. Simply tap update on the prompt and the firmware update process will begin. Do not turn off or exit DJI Fly whilst the update is in progress.
4. Drone Restart
Drone gimbal movements are normal during update installations and should not cause concern. When the firmware update has been installed, the drone will automatically restart. Once the drone restarts it is ready to fly.
Drone Update Steps (DJI Assistant 2 Method)
This method requires a computer to execute but is worth doing to explore the functionality of DJI Assistant 2.
1. Charge your Battery
Before the firmware update process can begin, make sure that your Intelligent Flight Battery is above 50%. If two of four LED indicator lights are on, you’re ready to go.
2. Connect Drone to Computer
Connect your drone to an internet-connected computer using the appropriate provided cable. DJI Mavic Mini will require a Micro-USB cable to USB-A cable. DJI Mini 2 and Mini SE will require a USB-C to USC-A cable.
3. Launch DJI Assistant 2
Once connected, launch DJI Assistant 2, DJI’s easy-to-use support software for firmware updates, flight logs and more. If you do not have DJI Assistant 2, it can be downloaded for free using the links below.
Please note that a different version of DJI Assistant 2 will be required for each drone. Ensure that you have the correct version or DJI Assistant 2 will be unable to register drone connection.
DJI Assistant 2 for Mavic Mini can be downloaded here.
DJI Assistant 2 for Mini 2 and Mini SE can be downloaded here.
4. Select Device
Upon launch, your connected drone will appear in DJI Assistant 2’s device menu. Select it. If your drone does not appear, check the cable connection to ensure it is secure. If so, check that you are using the correct version of DJI Assistant 2 for your drone.
5. Update Firmware
After selecting the drone, the firmware history page will be presented. The latest available firmware will be presented at the top of the list. Click update to begin the firmware update process.
6. Drone Restart
Drone gimbal movements are normal during update installations and should not cause concern. When the firmware update has been installed, the drone will automatically restart. Once the drone restarts it is ready to fly.
Remote Controller Update Steps
It’s important to also remember to update your remote controller’s firmware and is best done in tandem with the drone firmware update.
1. Connect Remote Controller to Computer
Connect your drone’s remote controller to your laptop or desktop with the USB cable included with your drone.
2. Launch DJI Assistant 2
Launch the DJI Assistant 2 app when the remote controller has been connected.
3. Select Device
When DJI Assistant 2 launches it will detect the connected controller. Select the controller from the menu. If your remote controller does not appear, check the cable connection to ensure it is secure. If so, check that you are using the correct version of DJI Assistant 2 for your remote controller.
4. Update Firmware
After selecting the controller, the firmware history page will be presented. Select update in the top right-hand corner to begin the firmware download and installation. You will be notified when the controller’s firmware update has been completed.
What next?
After updating your drone’s firmware, you’re ready to fly! Be sure to check your drone regularly to confirm that your firmware is up to date. If you’re planning on flying in a location with a poor internet connection, make sure to check if your firmware is up to date by starting up the DJI Fly app or connecting your drone to a computer and checking through DJI Assistant 2.
Need more Help?
Struggling to update your drone or have another issue? Visit one of our convenient locations around Australia and our friendly product specialists and we’ll do our best to help. We are more than happy to help you update your firmware and provide product support for you in-store.
Looking to get the most out of your shiny new DJI Mini SE? Well, look no further and check out our comprehensive list of must-have DJI Mini SE accessories to take your flying experience to the next level! All items are available now at D1 Store.
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