No. The DJI Air 3S can't be flown with only a phone. It needs one of its compatible DJI remote controllers: the RC-N3 (with your phone as the screen), the older RC-N2, the DJI RC 2 or the RC Pro 2. The drone's Wi-Fi is only for QuickTransfer, copying footage to your phone, not for control.
Why there's no phone-only mode
Small drones like the DJI Neo and Flip can fly from a phone over Wi-Fi at short range. The Air 3S is built around DJI's O4 video link, which needs a controller with the matching radio. That link is what gives it up to 20 km (12.4 mi) of FCC transmission range and a stable 1080p feed. A phone's Wi-Fi can't do that.
Controllers that work
| Controller | Screen | Our price |
|---|---|---|
| DJI RC-N3 | Your phone | $142 |
| DJI RC-N2 | Your phone | Not sold separately here |
| DJI RC 2 | Built-in 5.5-inch | $406 |
| DJI RC Pro 2 | Built-in 7-inch | $1,209 |
DJI goggles and the RC Motion controllers don't work with the Air 3S. Details in Air 3S controllers and Air 3S goggles.
Lost or broke your controller?
- Buy a compatible controller. The RC-N3 is the cheapest route. If you already own an RC-N2 from an Air 3 or Mini 4 Pro, it works too.
- Update firmware on the drone and controller in DJI Fly.
- Link them. Power both on and follow the linking prompt in DJI Fly. See how to pair a DJI controller.
- Check Care Refresh. A flyaway or controller damage may be covered, depending on your plan. See Air 3S protection.
Can you get footage off without a controller?
Yes. QuickTransfer copies photos and videos from the drone to your phone over Wi-Fi at up to 30 MB/s, and you can also plug the drone into a computer with a USB-C cable. The drone doesn't even need to be powered on for a cable transfer. See Air 3S transfer.
Buying an Air 3S with no RC
If you already own an RC-N2, RC-N3, RC 2 or RC Pro 2, you can buy the aircraft without a controller and save money. Make sure you have the right charger and batteries too. See Air 3S drone only.
One more requirement: the app
Even with a controller, the Air 3S needs the DJI Fly app for activation, and DJI limits flight to 30 m high and 50 m away if you aren't connected or logged in to the app. On the RC 2 and RC Pro 2, DJI Fly comes preinstalled. On the RC-N3, install it on your phone. See Air 3S app.
Want the simplest setup? The DJI Air 3S with the DJI RC 2 needs no phone at all.
Related guides
- Can you fly the DJI Air 3 without a controller?
- DJI Air 3S Fly More Combo: RC 2 or RC-N3?
- Which app does the DJI Air 3S use? DJI Fly setup guide
- Which controllers work with the DJI Air 3S? RC 2 vs RC-N3 and phone-only flying
- Can you fly the DJI Flip without a controller?
- Can you fly the DJI Mavic 4 Pro without a controller?
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