Keeping your DJI drone firmware up to date is important for safety, performance, and new features — but updating can be intimidating if you have never done it before. In this complete guide, we walk you through everything you need to know: why you should update, how to prepare, step-by-step instructions for both the DJI Fly app and DJI Assistant 2, how to troubleshoot failed updates, and even how to downgrade if you need to. Whether you have a Mini, Air, or Mavic series drone, this guide will help you update safely and successfully.
The easiest way to update your DJI drone firmware is through the DJI Fly app (or DJI Go 4 for older drones):
Never interrupt a firmware update. Do not turn off the drone, close the app, disconnect the cable, or fly away while updating. Interrupting mid-update can "brick" the drone — make it completely unresponsive — and you may need to send it to DJI for repair. Always update in a safe place where the drone will not be disturbed.
Firmware is the software that runs inside your drone — it controls everything from flight stability to camera quality to obstacle avoidance. DJI regularly releases firmware updates to improve their drones. Here are the main reasons to keep your firmware up to date:
The most important reason to update. DJI constantly improves flight safety features like obstacle avoidance, return-to-home reliability, GPS accuracy, and fail-safe behavior. Updated firmware is generally safer to fly than outdated firmware.
DJI often adds new features and flight modes via firmware updates — things like new camera modes, better tracking, new video formats, waypoint improvements, and more. Sometimes a firmware update adds features you did not even know you wanted.
All software has bugs, and drone firmware is no exception. Updates fix glitches, crashes, connection issues, camera problems, battery management issues, and all sorts of other bugs that can affect flight reliability.
Firmware updates often improve camera performance — better color science, less noise, improved dynamic range, better low-light performance, new video resolutions or frame rates, and better gimbal stabilization.
Like any connected device, drones can have security vulnerabilities. Firmware updates patch security holes that could potentially be exploited. This is especially important if you fly in sensitive areas or use your drone for business purposes.
Sometimes updates add features required by new aviation regulations — things like remote ID, new geofencing rules, or airspace information updates. Keeping firmware current helps ensure you are flying legally.
When NOT to update: Do not update right before an important trip, event, or flight. Wait until you have time to test afterward — just in case the update introduces new issues or changes behavior you are used to. Also, if you use third-party apps, hacks, or modifications, check if they are compatible with the new firmware before updating — updates can break them.
Proper preparation helps ensure a smooth update process and prevents problems. Do these things before you start:
Make sure the drone battery is at least 50% charged. 80% or more is recommended. If the battery dies in the middle of a firmware update, you can brick the drone — it will not boot up and may need to be sent for service. Use a fully charged battery to be safe.
You need to download the firmware file, which can be several hundred megabytes. Use a stable WiFi connection — avoid mobile data if possible, and do not use a public or unreliable WiFi network that might drop the connection mid-download.
While rare, firmware updates can sometimes cause data loss. If you have important photos or videos on the drone's internal storage, back them up to your computer or phone before updating. This is a good habit anyway.
Always read the release notes before updating so you know what is changing. Are there new features? Bug fixes? Known issues? This helps you know what to expect and lets you check if the update has any known problems.
Place the drone on a flat, stable surface where it will not be disturbed during the update. Do not update while the drone is in a bag, on an uneven surface, or somewhere it could get knocked over. The gimbal will move around during calibration.
Make sure you have the latest version of the DJI Fly or DJI Go 4 app installed on your phone before updating the drone firmware. Outdated apps can have trouble with new firmware or might not show you that an update is available.
Set aside 15-30 minutes for the whole process. Do not try to squeeze an update in right before you need to fly. You want enough time to do it properly and test afterward. Patience prevents mistakes.
The DJI Fly app is used by most newer DJI drones: Mini 3/4/5 series, Air 2S/Air 3, Mavic 3 series, Avata, and FPV. Here is how to update:
Do NOT: Turn off the drone, close the app, disconnect the cable, let your phone go to sleep, or take a call during the update. Any interruption can brick the drone. Leave everything alone until the update is fully complete and the drone has restarted.
Older DJI drones use the DJI Go 4 app instead of DJI Fly: Mavic Pro, Mavic 2 series, Phantom 4 series, Spark, Inspire 2, Osmo series. The process is similar:
Not sure which app to use? Newer drones (Mini 3+, Air 2S+, Mavic 3+, Avata, FPV) use DJI Fly. Older drones (Mavic Pro, Mavic 2, Phantom, Spark, Inspire) use DJI Go 4. Check DJI's website if you are unsure — using the wrong app means you will not see the drone or firmware updates.
Using DJI Assistant 2 on a Windows or Mac computer is often more reliable than the mobile app, especially for major updates or if you are having trouble with the app method. You can also downgrade firmware using this method.
Benefits of computer update: More reliable than WiFi/app updates, you can see all available firmware versions, you can downgrade if needed, and it is often faster. The downside is you need a computer. If you are having repeated failures with the app method, try the computer method — it usually works when the app method does not.
In addition to the drone itself, you should also update the remote controller firmware when updates are available. The remote and drone need compatible firmware to work together properly.
Remote controller updates are usually done through the same app as the drone update. When you connect to the drone and check for firmware updates, the app will show you if there is an update for the remote controller too. The process is similar:
Smart controllers like the DJI RC, RC 2, and RC Pro also have their own system updates (like updating a phone's operating system). These are separate from the regular remote firmware and are usually updated through the controller's own settings menu.
Update both together: When you see updates for both the drone and remote controller, update both. If one is updated but the other is not, you may have connection problems or features may not work correctly. The app usually prompts you to update both if needed.
Sometimes firmware updates fail. Here is what to do if something goes wrong:
Give it time — updates can seem stuck for several minutes. If it has been less than 20 minutes, be patient.
If it has been more than 20-30 minutes with no progress, you may need to restart and try again. Try the computer method if the app method is stuck.
First, try again — sometimes updates fail on the first try for no obvious reason.
If it keeps failing: check your internet connection, try a different WiFi network, make sure the battery is fully charged, try the DJI Assistant 2 computer method instead, restart everything and try again.
This is scary but often fixable. Try a different battery first — make sure the battery is charged.
If the drone is in recovery mode (lights flashing oddly), connect it to DJI Assistant 2 on a computer and try re-flashing the firmware. If nothing works, contact DJI support — most firmware issues are fixable.
Make sure you have the latest version of the app installed. Sometimes old apps do not show new updates.
Also check that you have the right app for your drone model (DJI Fly vs DJI Go 4). If you still do not see an update, it might not be available for your region yet — try again in a few days.
Gimbal calibration is often needed after firmware updates. Go to settings and run the gimbal calibration.
Also try IMU calibration and compass calibration if flight seems off. Sometimes sensor parameters get reset after major updates.
When to contact DJI support: If you have tried everything — both app and computer methods, multiple batteries, restarting everything — and the update keeps failing, or if the drone will not turn on or respond at all, it is time to contact DJI support. They can walk you through recovery procedures or arrange for service if needed. If your drone is under warranty or you have DJI Care, this should be covered.
Sometimes you might want to downgrade to an older firmware version — maybe the new version has bugs, removes a feature you liked, or breaks compatibility with third-party apps.
You can only downgrade using DJI Assistant 2 on a computer — the mobile apps do not support downgrading.
Downgrade limitations: Not all older versions are available — DJI sometimes removes very old firmware versions from the server. Some safety-critical updates cannot be downgraded. Also, going back too far might mean you miss important security patches and safety improvements. Downgrade at your own risk and only if you have a specific reason. Always research the version you want to downgrade to before doing it.
After a firmware update, there are a few things you should do before you fly:
Verify the version. Check the firmware version in the app to make sure the update was successful and you are on the version you expect.
Do a test flight. Fly in a safe, open area close by. Test basic controls, takeoff and landing, camera functions, and make sure everything feels normal. Do not fly far or try new things on your first flight after an update.
Check settings. Sometimes firmware updates reset certain settings to defaults. Check your camera settings, flight modes, RTH settings, and other preferences to make sure they are how you want them.
Calibrate if needed. If the gimbal seems off or the drone drifts, run a gimbal calibration and IMU calibration. Compass calibration might be needed too.
Test new features. If the update added new features, try them out in a safe environment to learn how they work before using them in important situations.
Watch for issues. Keep an eye out for anything that seems broken or different from before. If you find a serious bug, you can consider downgrading or reporting it to DJI.
Common questions about updating DJI drone firmware.
To update your DJI drone firmware: 1) Make sure the drone battery is at least 50% charged (50% minimum, 80%+ recommended to be safe). 2) Install the latest version of the DJI Fly or DJI Go 4 app on your phone — which app depends on your drone model. 3) Connect your phone to the drone or remote controller via WiFi or USB cable. 4) Open the app and go to the firmware update section (usually in Settings > Firmware Update, or you will see a notification badge if an update is available). 5) If an update is available, tap 'Update' or 'Download and Update'. 6) Wait for the update to complete — this usually takes 5-15 minutes. 7) The drone will restart automatically when done. Do NOT turn off the drone, close the app, or disconnect during the update process — interrupting can brick the drone.
Yes, you should generally keep your drone firmware updated. Firmware updates fix bugs, improve flight performance and reliability, add new features, improve flight safety, and patch security vulnerabilities. However, there are a few caveats: do NOT update right before an important flight or trip — wait until you have time to test afterward to make sure everything works. If the current firmware works perfectly and the new update does not add anything you need, you can wait a while to see if others report issues. And if you rely on certain third-party apps or modifications, be aware that updates can break them. For most people, updating is recommended for safety and reliability. Always read the release notes to see what changed before updating.
DJI firmware updates typically take 5 to 15 minutes total, depending on the size of the update and your internet speed. The download part takes 1-5 minutes depending on your WiFi speed and the file size — major updates with lots of changes can be several hundred megabytes. The actual installation and reboot takes another 3-10 minutes. During the update, the drone may beep, the status lights may flash in different patterns, and the gimbal may move around and calibrate itself — this is all normal. Do not interrupt the update at any point. If it seems stuck for more than 20 minutes, there might be a problem, but give it at least 15-20 minutes before assuming something is wrong. Larger updates with major changes take longer than small bugfix updates.
If a firmware update fails or gets interrupted, do not panic. Most of the time the drone will just restart normally and you can try again. In the worst case, the drone may enter 'recovery mode' where you can re-flash the firmware. Try these steps: 1) Restart the drone and try updating again — sometimes it just fails randomly. 2) Try a different update method — if the app update failed, try DJI Assistant 2 on a computer, which is generally more reliable. 3) Make sure the battery is fully charged and try again — low batteries cause update failures. 4) Check DJI's support site or forums for specific recovery procedures for your model. 5) If nothing works, contact DJI support — most firmware issues are fixable. The key rule is to not turn the drone off mid-update, which can cause a 'bricked' drone that needs professional service.
Yes, you can usually downgrade DJI drone firmware to a previous version, but it is not as straightforward as updating. You will need to use DJI Assistant 2 software on a Windows or Mac computer — the mobile apps do not support downgrading. Connect the drone to your computer via USB, open DJI Assistant 2, log in with your DJI account, go to the firmware section, and you should see a list of available firmware versions — both newer and older. Select the version you want and follow the prompts. Not all older versions may be available — DJI sometimes removes very old versions from the servers. Some updates include safety-critical features that cannot be downgraded. Always check DJI's forums or community sites to see if downgrading is possible and recommended for your specific model and version combination.
If your DJI firmware update is taking longer than expected, it could be due to: slow internet connection (the download takes longer), large update file size (major updates with lots of new features are bigger and take longer), weak WiFi connection to the drone or a poor USB connection, low battery (can slow down the update process), or the drone is doing multiple restarts and calibrations as part of the update. If it has been less than 20 minutes, be patient — it is probably still working even if progress seems slow. If it has been more than 30 minutes with absolutely no progress, there might be an issue. Do NOT turn off the drone unless you are absolutely sure it is frozen. Check the progress indicator in the app — if it is still moving or changing, it is working. If it is completely stuck at 0% or 100% for 20+ minutes, you may need to restart and try again with a different method.
Yes, you should update the remote controller firmware when an update is available, in addition to the drone firmware. The remote and drone need to be on compatible firmware versions to work together properly. If one is updated but the other is not, you may have connection issues, feature problems, or things might not work correctly. The DJI Fly app will usually prompt you to update both if updates are available for both. Remote controller updates are usually faster than drone updates — typically 2-5 minutes. Smart controllers like the DJI RC, RC 2, and RC Pro have their own system updates as well (like updating a phone's operating system), which are separate from the regular remote firmware and are updated through the controller's own settings menu.
Yes, you can update DJI firmware without the mobile app by using DJI Assistant 2 software on a Windows or Mac computer. Download DJI Assistant 2 from DJI's official website, install it on your computer, connect the drone (and remote if needed) to your computer via USB cable, open DJI Assistant 2, log in with your DJI account, select your drone from the device list, go to the Firmware Update tab, and follow the prompts to update. The computer method is often more reliable than the app and is the recommended method for major updates or if you are having trouble with the app-based update. You can also downgrade firmware using DJI Assistant 2, which you cannot do with the mobile app. You will still need a DJI account and internet connection.
Before updating your DJI drone firmware: 1) Charge the battery to at least 50% — 80% or more is recommended because if the battery dies mid-update, you can brick the drone. 2) Make sure you have a stable internet connection — WiFi is preferred over mobile data. 3) Backup any important photos or videos from the drone's internal storage just in case. 4) Do not plan to fly immediately after — leave time to test afterward. 5) Read the release notes so you know what is changing and can check for known issues. 6) Clear some space on your phone if needed — the app needs room to download the firmware file. 7) Make sure the drone is on a flat, stable surface and will not be disturbed during the update. 8) Do not update right before a trip or important flight — always test after updating to make sure everything works.
DJI releases firmware updates for several reasons: to fix bugs and glitches, improve flight stability and reliability, add new features and flight modes, improve camera quality and performance, patch security vulnerabilities, comply with new aviation regulations (like remote ID or new geofencing rules), improve battery management and efficiency, add compatibility with new accessories, and improve obstacle avoidance and other safety systems. Most updates include a mix of bug fixes and new features. Major updates (like going from v1.0 to v2.0) usually add significant new features and big changes, while minor updates (v1.1 to v1.2) are mostly bug fixes, small improvements, and security patches. DJI supports their drones with firmware updates for several years after release.