How to update DJI Air 3 firmware (and fix failed updates)

The easiest way to update a DJI Air 3 is in the DJI Fly app: connect the controller and drone, make sure the phone or DJI RC 2 is online, and tap the update prompt. You can also update from a computer with DJI Assistant 2 (Consumer Drones Series). An update takes about 10 minutes, and the drone may reboot and the gimbal may go limp while it runs.

Before you start

• Battery: DJI asks for the flight battery at 40% or more and the controller at 20% or more.
• Internet: the phone (RC-N2 or RC-N3) or the DJI RC 2 needs a working Wi-Fi or data connection.
• Linked controller: DJI Fly can't update the drone if the controller isn't linked to it.
• Time: plan 10 to 15 minutes in a place where nothing will be unplugged.

Method 1: update in DJI Fly

1. Power on the controller, then the Air 3. Open DJI Fly.
2. When the "update available" prompt appears, tap it.
3. Leave the app open and on screen until it finishes. Don't switch apps during the download.
4. The drone restarts on its own. Wait until DJI Fly confirms the update is complete.
5. Update spare batteries. Battery firmware ships inside the aircraft firmware. Put each battery in the drone, power on, and accept any battery update prompt.

Method 2: DJI Assistant 2 on a computer

Use this if the app update keeps failing or you don't have a good phone connection.

1. Download DJI Assistant 2 (Consumer Drones Series) from the Air 3 downloads page and log in with your DJI account.
2. Power on the Air 3 and connect it to the computer with a USB-C data cable within 20 seconds.
3. Select DJI Air 3, then Firmware Updates, then the version you want.
4. Wait for it to download and install. Don't unplug the cable.
5. Repeat with the controller connected by USB-C. The drone and controller update separately in Assistant 2.

If the update fails

Work through these in order:

1. Restart everything. DJI's own release notes say to restart the aircraft, controller and DJI Fly (or Assistant 2), then retry.
2. Check battery levels. Updates commonly fail when the aircraft or controller drops low, or power is lost mid-update. Charge both and try again.
3. Fix the connection. A dropped network during the download causes failures. Move to strong Wi-Fi and keep DJI Fly in the foreground.
4. Update DJI Fly itself. New firmware often needs the latest app version.
5. Switch methods. If the app keeps failing, use DJI Assistant 2 with a known-good data cable (not a charge-only cable) and a different USB port.
6. Stuck for more than 30 minutes, or the drone won't power on afterward? Stop trying and contact us or DJI. See our repair page.

More fixes for stubborn errors are in DJI firmware update failed.

After updating

• Check your camera settings. DJI release notes for several models warn that an update can reset them.
• Recheck your max altitude, max distance and RTH altitude.
• Fly a short test hover before a real shoot.

Will the Air 3 keep getting updates?

Yes. The FCC's December 2025 Covered List decision affects new DJI models seeking authorization. Models already authorized, like the Air 3, stay legal to own and fly and still get firmware updates. Details are in Is DJI banned in the US?.

Need a full walkthrough of the app first? Start with Air 3 app setup, or shop the DJI Air 3.

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