DJI Remote ID error: how to fix it

A DJI "Remote ID error" means the drone failed its Remote ID pre-flight self-test, and DJI says the drone can't take off until it passes. The most common cause is the location source: Remote ID broadcasts where you are, so with an RC-N series controller your phone must run DJI Fly in the foreground and give it precise location access. Fix the phone's location permission, update the firmware on the drone and controller, and restart. When it works, DJI Fly shows "Takeoff permitted".

Remote ID error: fixes — DJI drones run a Remote ID self-test before every takeoff and won't fly if it fails. Most failures come from the location source, not the drone.

Why the drone needs a location source

Under the FAA rule (14 CFR Part 89), Standard Remote ID broadcasts the drone's identity, position and altitude, plus the location of the control station. DJI explains how each setup gets that location:

DJI RC, DJI RC 2, RC Pro and other screen controllers have their own GNSS. Just keep their firmware current.
RC-N1, RC-N2, RC-N3 have no GNSS. Your phone is the location source. DJI Fly must be running in the foreground, and the phone must always allow DJI Fly to get its location.
Goggles with a motion controller or FPV controller, such as the Avata 2 setup, need the goggles updated and a connected phone running DJI Fly in the foreground with location allowed. DJI Goggles Integra has its own GNSS.

DJI says the phone must be an FCC-certified device with GNSS or GPS with SBAS.

Fixes, in order

Allow location. On iPhone, set DJI Fly's location to "While Using" with Precise Location on. On Android, allow location and precise location for DJI Fly, and turn on location services.
Keep DJI Fly in front. Don't switch apps or lock the phone during preflight.
Update firmware on the drone, controller and goggles, and update DJI Fly. DJI's Remote ID compliance needs both app and firmware updated. See how to update DJI firmware.
Go outside so the phone and drone can get satellite fixes.
Restart everything and wait for the self-test.

How to check Remote ID is working

DJI lists three ways:

DJI Fly: "Takeoff permitted" appears. Tap it to see "Remote ID functionality normal". A problem shows as "Remote ID error".
DJI goggles: the status bar shows "Remote ID functionality normal", or "Remote ID error" in the lower right.
Wi-Fi scan: with the motors running, a phone near the drone sees a network name starting with "RID-" followed by the serial number.

DJI also says Remote ID can't be switched off once compliant firmware is installed.

Sub-250 g drones

On the Mini 4 Pro, DJI says Remote ID only activates with the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus. With the standard battery it's under 250 g and not required to broadcast for recreational flying. Under Part 107, every drone must be registered and must meet Remote ID. See which DJI drones have Remote ID.

Registration and labels

Your FAA registration must include the drone's Remote ID serial number. For most current DJI drones it's the same as the aircraft serial number, starting with 1581F. Add it in FAADroneZone; DJI notes you may need to add the drone again rather than edit an old entry. See FAA registration and Remote ID explained.

If the error continues with a working location source and current firmware, contact DJI support or start a repair.