The DJI Avata 2 needs a microSD card rated UHS-I Speed Grade 3 (U3) or faster. DJI's tested list is the Kingston Canvas Go! Plus and Lexar Professional 1066x, both U3, A2, V30, in 64, 128, 256 and 512 GB. The drone also has 46 GB of internal storage, so it still records with no card, but DJI recommends a card for large amounts of footage. The card slot is on the aircraft, under a dust cover.
DJI's recommended cards
| Card | Sizes DJI lists |
|---|---|
| Kingston CANVAS Go! Plus U3 A2 V30 microSDXC | 64, 128, 256, 512 GB |
| Lexar Professional 1066x U3 A2 V30 microSDXC | 64, 128, 256, 512 GB |
Our pick for most pilots: 128 GB. At the Avata 2's top bitrate of 130 Mbps, 128 GB holds a little over two hours of video, more than a full Fly More Combo day. Choose 256 GB if you shoot 4K/100fps or rarely offload.
The card must be formatted exFAT. Avoid cheap no-name cards; a slow or failing card is a common cause of corrupted clips and dropped recordings.
Where the SD card goes
The microSD slot is on the aircraft body, next to the USB-C port, each behind a rubber dust-resistant cover. DJI's pre-flight checklist says to make sure both covers are firmly closed before you fly. Insert the card with the drone powered off, and never pull it out while the drone is on or recording; DJI warns this can damage the card.
The goggles have their own microSD slot. That card stores the goggles' screen recording (the live feed), not the drone's 4K footage. See DJI Goggles 3 recording and SD card.
Internal storage: 46 GB
With no card in the drone, photos and videos save to the 46 GB internal storage. That's handy if you forget a card, but DJI adds two notes:
- The internal storage's write speed can drop after long use, which can affect recording.
- When the goggles prompt you, transfer your footage, then format the internal storage to restore performance.
"No storage" or recording won't start? Usually the internal storage is full, the card is missing or full, or the card isn't fast enough. Offload, format, or switch to a recommended card.
How to format the SD card
- Back up anything you want to keep. Formatting can't be undone.
- Power on the drone and goggles.
- Open the goggles menu and go to Settings > Camera > Format.
- Choose the storage device (aircraft card, internal storage or goggles card) and follow the prompts.
Format each new card in the drone before its first flight.
Getting footage off
- QuickTransfer: Wi-Fi to DJI Fly on your phone at up to 30 MB/s. Keep the phone within 2 m of the drone.
- USB-C: connect the drone to a computer with a data cable. DJI says the drone doesn't need to be powered on.
- Card reader: take the card out and copy it directly.
Steps and fixes in Avata 2 transfer and Avata 2 QuickTransfer not working.
Add a 128 GB U3 card to your DJI Avata 2 order, and see Avata 2 accessories for the rest of the kit.
Related guides
- Best SD card for the DJI Neo (and internal storage)
- Best SD card for the DJI Air 3S (and internal storage)
- Best SD card for the DJI Flip (and internal storage)
- Best SD card for the DJI Mavic 3 Classic (and internal storage)
- Best SD card for the DJI Mavic 3 Pro (and internal storage)
- Best SD card for the DJI Mavic 4 Pro (and internal storage)
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