The DJI Air 3 uses the DJI Fly app, and only DJI Fly. On iPhone you get it from the App Store; on Android you download it from DJI's website, not Google Play. If your Air 3 came with the DJI RC 2 screen controller, DJI Fly is already installed on it and you don't need your phone at all.
Where to download DJI Fly
- iPhone and iPad: search "DJI Fly" in the App Store. DJI lists iOS 13.0 or later and recommends an iPhone 11 or newer.
- Android: download the APK from the DJI Fly download page. DJI lists Android 9.0 or later and recommends a recent flagship phone. You'll need to allow installs from your browser the first time. Our Android install guide walks through it.
- DJI RC 2 or RC Pro 2: DJI Fly is built in. Update it through the controller when prompted.
DJI keeps a list of tested phones on the same download page. A phone that isn't listed often works, but if the live view stutters or the app crashes, that list is the first thing to check. See DJI Fly compatible phones.
Which controllers use the app on your phone
| Controller | Where DJI Fly runs |
|---|---|
| DJI RC-N2 (in the standard kit) | Your phone, connected by cable |
| DJI RC-N3 | Your phone, connected by cable |
| DJI RC 2 | Built into the controller |
| DJI RC Pro 2 | Built into the controller |
The Air 3 can't be flown from a phone alone. You always need a controller, or DJI goggles with a motion controller.
Connecting the Air 3 for the first time
- Unfold the front arms first, then the rear arms, and remove the gimbal protector.
- On the RC-N2, pull out the phone holder and use the cable that fits your phone (Lightning and USB-C are both in the box). On Android, if a USB prompt appears, choose charge only.
- Press, then press and hold the power button on the controller, then do the same on the drone.
- Open DJI Fly and follow the prompts to activate the Air 3. Activation needs an internet connection and a DJI account.
- The drone binds to the controller automatically. If it doesn't, follow the binding prompt in the app.
- Install any firmware update DJI Fly offers before your first flight.
Our Air 3 quick start covers the rest of the first-flight checklist.
Why you should log in
DJI notes that if the app isn't connected or logged in during flight, the drone is limited to 30 m (98 ft) height and 50 m (164 ft) distance. Logging in also lets you unlock GEO zones and use Find My Drone.
What else the app does
- QuickTransfer: downloads photos and videos straight from the drone to your phone over Wi-Fi. See Air 3 transfer.
- Firmware updates for the drone, controller and batteries. See Air 3 firmware update.
- Waypoint flights, QuickShots, MasterShots and Hyperlapse.
- Editing and sharing from the album.
Want to compare DJI Fly with a third-party app? Our DJI Fly vs Litchi page explains the trade-offs. Ready to buy? See the DJI Air 3.
Related guides
- Which app does the DJI Air 3S use? DJI Fly setup guide
- Which app does the DJI Flip use? DJI Fly setup guide
- Which app does the DJI Mini 4 Pro use? DJI Fly setup guide
- Which app does the DJI Mini 5 Pro use? DJI Fly setup guide
- Which app does the DJI Mavic 4 Pro use? DJI Fly setup guide
- Which app does the DJI Neo use? DJI Fly setup guide
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