"RC not connected to mobile device" means DJI Fly can't talk to your RC-N controller through the phone cable. The usual fixes: use the correct cable for your phone (USB-C or Lightning), plug it in firmly at both ends, and on Android, choose charge only when a USB prompt appears. Then force-close and reopen DJI Fly. DJI's own manual warns that picking other USB options on Android can make the connection fail.
Check the cable and connection
RC-N3 and RC-N2 controllers come with swappable phone cables. From DJI's Flip manual:
- Choose the cable that matches your phone's port. The USB-C cable is connected by default; swap to Lightning for older iPhones.
- Connect the end without the controller logo to your phone.
- Make sure the phone is firmly in the holder so the cable doesn't pull loose.
Cables wear out and break inside. If the phone doesn't start charging when you plug it in, the cable is the first suspect. Try a DJI replacement cable, not a generic one.
Android fixes
- Choose charge only when Android asks what the USB connection is for. DJI says other options can cause the connection to fail.
- Pick DJI Fly if Android asks which app to open, and tap "Always."
- Turn off USB debugging in developer options if you enabled it.
- Allow DJI Fly's permission requests.
- Some phones have aggressive battery savers that kill apps in the background. Exclude DJI Fly from battery optimization.
iPhone fixes
- Unlock the phone and open DJI Fly before or right after plugging in.
- If iOS asks whether to allow the accessory to connect, tap Allow.
- Turn off Low Power Mode.
- Check you're using the right cable: Lightning for older iPhones, USB-C for iPhone 15 and later.
General fixes
- Update DJI Fly from the App Store or Google Play, or from DJI's website on Android.
- Restart everything: controller, drone and phone.
- Check compatibility. Your phone and OS version must be supported by DJI Fly. See DJI Fly compatible phones.
- Try another phone. If a second phone connects, the first phone's port, settings or OS is the problem.
- Is the controller linked to the drone? If the app connects but there's no video, re-pair the drone. See DJI drone not connecting to controller.
"DJI Fly not connecting to drone" without a controller
The Neo and Flip can fly straight from a phone over Wi-Fi. That uses Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and location instead of a cable, and the controller should be powered off. See Neo not connecting and Flip not connecting.
DJI RS 4 not connecting to the Ronin app
DJI's gimbals use the Ronin app, not DJI Fly. Turn on Bluetooth, open Ronin, log in, and select the gimbal. The RS 4 Mini's default Bluetooth password is 12345678, per DJI's manual. If you changed and forgot it, use Restore Parameters in the gimbal's settings to reset it.
Still not connecting
If no phone or cable works, the controller's port may be damaged. Start a repair, or replace it with a new DJI RC-N3. Tired of cables altogether? The DJI RC 2 has a built-in screen. Compare them in DJI RC 2 vs RC-N3.
Related guides
- Why won't my DJI Flip connect to the controller or phone?
- Why won't my DJI Neo connect to the controller or phone?
- Why won't my DJI Air 3 connect to the controller or phone?
- Why won't my DJI Avata 2 connect to the controller or phone?
- Why won't my DJI drone connect to the controller?
- Why won't my DJI Mavic 3 Pro connect to the controller or phone?
Not sure which to pick?
Tell us what you'll fly and your budget. One of our drone pilots will reply with a recommendation.
Buying drones for a business, agency or store? Get wholesale pricing →
