"SYS WARNING CHECK APP" on a DJI Mavic Pro controller means the drone has raised a system warning that the controller's small screen can't describe. DJI's Mavic Pro manual defines it simply as "System Warning. See DJI GO 4 app for more information." Connect your phone, open DJI GO 4, and tap the status bar at the top to read the actual message, such as a compass, IMU, sensor, battery or firmware warning. Fix that specific issue and the warning clears.
How to find the real message
- Connect your phone to the controller with the cable and open DJI GO 4, the app for the Mavic Pro.
- Look at the status bar across the top of the camera view. Tap it to open the full list of warnings.
- Note the exact wording. That tells you what to fix.
- If the app won't connect, try a different cable and the other USB port on the controller, then restart the controller, drone and app.
Other "CHECK APP" messages on the controller screen
The Mavic Pro manual lists several related messages. Each one means "read the details in DJI GO 4":
| Controller screen | What it means |
|---|---|
| SYS WARNING + CHECK APP | General system warning |
| UNACTIVATED + CHECK APP | Aircraft not activated |
| MAG INTERF + CHECK APP | Compass error or magnetic interference |
| BATTERY ERR + CHECK APP | Battery error |
| SD ERR + CHECK APP | microSD card error |
| CALIBRATING | IMU calibrating, or the drone wasn't restarted after calibration |
| STICK ERR + RE-CTR STCK | Control stick not centered |
| MECH ERR | Controller error; calibrate in DJI GO 4 |
Other screen messages include NO PROP (no propellers attached), BAT TEMP HI or BAT TEMP LO (battery too hot or cold), NO RC SIGNL (controller signal lost) and NO RTH (aircraft can't return home).
Common warnings and fixes
- Compass calibration or interference. Move away from metal, cars and rebar and calibrate. In DJI GO 4, the path is ··· > Main Controller Settings > Advanced Settings > Sensors > Compass > Calibrate Compass. See DJI compass error.
- IMU calibration required. Place the drone on a level surface and run ··· > Main Controller Settings > Advanced Settings > Sensors > IMU > Calibrate IMU, following the on-screen positions. Restart the drone afterward, or the controller may keep showing CALIBRATING. See DJI IMU error.
- Firmware inconsistent or update required. Update the drone, controller and batteries in DJI GO 4, or with DJI Assistant 2 for Mavic on a computer.
- Not activated. Log in to DJI GO 4 with your DJI account and follow the activation prompt.
- Battery warnings. Charge or swap the battery and let a hot or cold battery reach room temperature. Old Mavic Pro batteries may no longer hold a charge well; one that's swollen should be retired. See swollen drone battery.
- SD card errors. Format the card in the app after backing up your files, or try a different card.
- Gimbal warnings. Remove the gimbal clamp before powering on and run gimbal auto calibration in DJI GO 4's gimbal settings.
If the warning won't clear
- Power everything off. Remove and reseat the battery.
- Start the drone on level ground, away from metal, with the gimbal clamp off.
- Re-run the calibration the app asks for.
- Reinstall firmware with DJI Assistant 2.
- If it still appears, the fault is likely hardware. Don't fly it.
Other DJI drones
Newer DJI drones use DJI Fly, which shows warnings directly on the phone or screen controller, so you won't see this message. If DJI Fly shows a warning you don't recognize, our DJI drone troubleshooting guide explains the common ones.
Mavic Pro support status
The Mavic Pro launched in 2016. DJI's end-of-service list shows production ended in 2018 and lists support for the Mavic Pro ending in October 2024 and the Mavic Pro Platinum in April 2025. That means DJI repairs and parts may no longer be available. If the warning points to a hardware fault, compare the repair cost with a current drone. See repair for options.
Quick answers
Can I fly with SYS WARNING showing? Not until you've read the warning in the app and fixed it.
Does DJI Fly work with the Mavic Pro? No. The Mavic Pro uses DJI GO 4.
Is it worth fixing an old Mavic Pro? For simple calibration or firmware issues, yes. For hardware faults, often not.
Time to upgrade? The Mini 4 Pro and Air 3S both fly longer than the Mavic Pro and have omnidirectional obstacle sensing. Our drone finder helps you choose.
Related guides
- DJI strong wind warning: what to do when it appears
- DJI motor or propeller error: check propellers warning
- DJI vision sensor error: how to calibrate the sensors
- Old DJI Phantom 3 problems: fix it or upgrade?
- Why is my DJI drone gimbal shaking or vibrating?
- DJI Fly app guide: home screen, camera view, settings and icons explained
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