Yes, but only within a window. DJI sells a first Care Refresh plan for a product that is new and not activated, a drone activated within the last 48 hours, or a handheld such as an Osmo Pocket 3 activated within the last 30 days. Past those windows, DJI requires a video verification of the product before it will sell a plan. Once approved, you have 72 hours from the purchase notice to buy.
The windows
| Product | Can buy without verification |
|---|---|
| Any product, not yet activated | Yes |
| Drone (aircraft) | Within 48 hours of activation |
| Handheld (Osmo, gimbals) | Within 30 days of activation |
| Anything past those | Video verification first |
The clock starts at activation, the first time you set the product up in DJI Fly or DJI Mimo, not the day you bought it. If a drone sits in its box for two weeks, you still have 48 hours after you activate it.
How to buy after purchase
- Find the serial number on the box, the product, or in the app. See check DJI Care status.
- Buy the plan for your exact model, either from an authorized dealer as a code or from DJI by entering the serial number.
- Bind the code to the serial number on DJI's Care Refresh page. Do it the same day; a code that isn't bound doesn't cover anything.
- Watch for the Service Agreement email, which lists start and end dates.
Step-by-step binding is in DJI Care Refresh activation.
Missed the window: video verification
If your drone was activated more than 48 hours ago, apply for video verification through DJI's Care Refresh purchase process. DJI reviews a video of the product to confirm it's undamaged and working. If approved, you get a purchase notice, and DJI says you can buy the plan within 72 hours of receiving it.
DJI doesn't publish a fixed checklist for the video, so follow the instructions it sends when you apply. Expect to show the serial number and the product working normally. A drone with existing damage won't pass.
Other rules that apply
- Same country or region. The plan and the product must be bought in the same country or region, and service is usually only available there.
- One serial number. The plan is bound to that product and can't move to another. See can Care Refresh be transferred.
- Not every model. Coverage, the 2-year option and flyaway cover vary by product.
Renewing an existing plan
Renewal is separate from a first purchase. DJI lets you renew a 1-Year Plan if it hasn't expired yet or expired within the last 15 days, and the serial number hasn't hit its plan limit. Renewal length varies by model. If DJI says "the purchase limit of the service plan for the product S/N you entered has been reached," that serial number can't be renewed.
Our advice
- Decide at checkout. It's the simplest way, and there's no clock to watch.
- If you skipped it, activate the drone only when you're ready to buy the plan the same day.
- Bind your account and controller in DJI Fly under Profile > Device Management on day one. Flyaway coverage depends on it.
Care Refresh for a Mini 4 Pro is from $98, and for an Osmo Pocket 3 from $50. To compare plan lengths, read Care Refresh 1-year vs 2-year.
Related guides
- Can DJI Care Refresh be transferred to a new owner?
- DJI Care Refresh 1-year vs 2-year plan: which to buy?
- How to buy and activate DJI Care Refresh (48-hour rule and video verification)
- DJI Care Refresh explained
- DJI Care Refresh vs drone insurance: which do you need?
- How to file a DJI Care Refresh claim (and what it costs)
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