Guide

DJI RC 2 and RC-N3 compatibility: which drones work with each controller?

UPDATED OCTOBER 2026

The DJI RC 2 (built-in 5.5-inch screen) and the DJI RC-N3 (uses your phone) work with DJI's O4-generation drones: the Mini 4 Pro, Air 3, Air 3S, Neo and Flip, plus the Mini 5 Pro. The RC 2 also flies the Mavic 4 Pro, which the RC-N3 doesn't. Neither works with the Mini 3 or the Mavic 3 series, which use the older RC-N1, DJI RC and RC Pro. DJI's US RC 2 FAQ lists the Mini 4 Pro, Air 3, Air 3S and Neo.

DJI controller compatibility
Based on DJI's controller FAQs, release notes and our model pages. Some pairings need current firmware. Mini 3 and Mavic 3 use the older RC-N1, DJI RC and RC Pro.

Compatibility by drone

Drone RC-N3 DJI RC 2 RC Pro 2 Older controllers that work
Mini 4 Pro Yes (after firmware update) Yes Yes (after update) RC-N2
Mini 5 Pro Yes Yes Yes RC-N2
Air 3 Yes Yes Yes RC-N2
Air 3S Yes Yes Yes RC-N2
Neo Yes Yes No RC-N2; also flies from palm or phone
Flip Yes Yes No RC-N2; also palm or phone (limited)
Mavic 4 Pro No Yes Yes None
Mini 3 No No No RC-N1, DJI RC
Mavic 3 Pro / Classic No No No RC-N1, DJI RC, DJI RC Pro
Avata 2 No No No RC Motion 3, FPV Remote Controller 3 (with goggles)

Details and kit contents for each drone: Mini 4 Pro, Air 3S, Flip, Neo, Mavic 4 Pro and Mavic 3 Pro.

Update first. Several pairings (such as the RC-N3 and RC Pro 2 with the Mini 4 Pro) arrived through firmware. Update the drone and controller in DJI Fly before pairing. See how to pair a DJI controller.

The three current controllers

RC-N3 DJI RC 2 RC Pro 2
Screen Your phone 5.5" FHD, 700 nits 7" Mini-LED, up to 2000 nits
Battery About 3.5 h Up to 3 h About 4 h (with Mavic 4 Pro)
Storage Phone 32 GB + microSD 128 GB + microSD
Our price $142 $406 $1,209

Which DJI controller should you buy?

  • Best value: the RC-N3, if your phone is bright and has battery to spare.
  • Best for most pilots: the DJI RC 2. Turn it on and fly, with no phone calls or notifications interrupting the flight. See RC 2 vs RC-N3.
  • Best screen: the RC Pro 2, for bright sun, HDMI output and Mavic 4 Pro O4+ transmission.

"DJI Smart Controller"

The original DJI Smart Controller was an earlier screen controller for older drones. Today's screen controllers are the DJI RC 2 and RC Pro 2. A smart controller from an older generation won't pair with O4 drones, so check the table above.

FPV controllers

DJI's FPV drones fly with goggles and either the RC Motion 3 (point-and-fly motion control) or the FPV Remote Controller 3 (two sticks, needed for full Manual mode). The RC Motion 3 also works with the Neo, Air 3 and Mini 4 Pro when paired with DJI goggles. See Avata 2 controllers.

Third-party and game controllers

Wondering about gamepads? See can you fly a DJI drone with an Xbox controller for what is and isn't possible.

Troubleshooting

Controller won't connect or turn on? See DJI drone not connecting to controller and DJI controller won't turn on.

Not sure which controller your drone needs? Contact us with your model, or browse accessories.

Related guides

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