Manual mode on the DJI Avata 2 is full acro FPV control with no self-leveling, no position hold and no auto-brake. It only works with the DJI FPV Remote Controller 3 (or the FPV RC 2 with Goggles 2 or Integra), and it's off by default. To enable it, adjust the throttle stick so it doesn't spring back to center, then in the goggles go to Settings > Control > Remote Controller > Button Customization > Custom Mode and set it to Manual. Then flip the N/S/M switch to M.
What Manual mode is
| Mode | Behavior | Top speed |
|---|---|---|
| Normal (N) | Stabilized, holds position, auto-brakes | 8 m/s |
| Sport (S) | Stabilized, faster and more responsive | 16 m/s |
| Manual (M) | Acro: sticks set rotation rate, drone holds any attitude | 27 m/s (19 m/s in the EU) |
In Manual mode the sticks control throttle and attitude directly. Let go and the drone keeps whatever angle it's at, even upside down. See FPV flight modes.
How to enable Manual mode
- Get the right controller. The RC Motion 3 doesn't support Manual mode. You need the FPV Remote Controller 3 with Goggles 3 or N3. See Avata 2 controllers.
- Adjust the throttle stick. Open the rubber grip on the back behind the throttle stick. With the included 1.5 mm hex key, tighten the F2 screw to reduce the spring so the throttle doesn't re-center, and tighten F1 to set resistance to taste. Do this on the ground only.
- Set Custom Mode. With everything powered on and linked, press the 5D button on the goggles, then go to Settings > Control > Remote Controller > Button Customization > Custom Mode, and choose Manual Mode.
- Start safely. On first use DJI restricts the drone's maximum attitude. Once you're comfortable, you can remove the restriction and tune Gain and Expo in the goggles.
- Fly. In Manual mode, with the throttle at the bottom, press the start/stop button twice to start the motors, then raise the throttle.
Pressing the flight pause/RTH button once in Manual mode brakes, levels the drone and switches it back to Normal mode. DJI recommends switching to Normal before landing.
"Manual mode not available"? Check these
- Using the RC Motion 3. It can't fly Manual mode.
- Custom Mode not set to Manual in the goggles. The M position then stays Normal or Sport.
- Max flight distance under 30 m. DJI won't enable Manual mode with that setting.
- Outdated firmware. Manual mode support with the FPV RC 3 came in April 2024. Update everything. See Avata 2 firmware update.
Easy ACRO vs Manual mode
Easy ACRO is the RC Motion 3's one-push trick system: flips, rolls, 180° drift, Slide and Power Loop, with the drone stabilizing itself afterward. It isn't Manual mode, and it isn't available with the FPV RC 3.
Easy ACRO not working? It won't run in Sport mode, below 1.5 m, under 25% battery, in wind over 10 m/s, with weak GNSS, with Head Tracking on, near a GEO zone or max distance, or if you try to enable it while recording. See Avata 2 flips.
Learn in a simulator first
DJI says to practice Manual mode in a simulator before flying it for real. The FPV RC 3 works with Liftoff, Uncrashed, The Drone Racing League and DCL. See how to practice drone flying on PC.
Safety in Manual mode
- Fly in a big, open area away from people. DJI urges caution below 5 m or within 5 m of obstacles.
- Low battery limits power output. Land early.
- Know the emergency stop: in Manual mode, pressing start/stop twice stops the motors at any time, and the drone will fall.
- Keep your visual observer beside you.
Ready to go acro? Start with the DJI Avata 2 and practice daily in a simulator.
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