Why won't my DJI drone take off?

A DJI drone that won't take off is usually blocked by software, not broken. DJI's help center lists the common causes: you're in a restricted GEO zone, the propellers are on wrong, a motor is faulty, or Beginner mode is on with a weak GPS signal. Low battery, a failed Remote ID self-test and, on FPV drones, Manual mode settings also stop takeoff. Read the message in DJI Fly first; it usually names the problem.

Check these first

1. The message in DJI Fly. If the status light blinks red slowly, DJI says takeoff is disabled and the reason is shown in the app.
2. GEO zones. Open the map in DJI Fly. A red area is a restricted zone where the drone won't start its motors. Authorization zones can be unlocked; see how to unlock DJI GEO zones. In the US you may also need FAA authorization through LAANC.
3. Propellers. DJI says a drone with wrongly mounted props can't take off. Check that each prop matches its motor. See how to change DJI propellers.
4. Motors. Start the motors and watch each one. If one doesn't spin, see DJI ESC error and motor not spinning.
5. Beginner or tutorial mode. DJI says the drone can't take off in Beginner mode with a weak GPS signal. Turn it off under ··· > Control or wait for a strong signal.
6. Remote ID. DJI drones run a Remote ID self-test before takeoff and won't fly if it fails. See DJI Remote ID error.
7. Battery. Charge it, and warm it up in the cold.
8. Firmware and app. If there's no message at all, DJI suggests connecting to the internet, updating the drone's firmware and updating DJI Fly.

Unlocked a zone but still can't fly?

DJI's list: check the unlock license is activated and not expired or not yet started, the drone is inside the unlocked area, GPS is strong (not indoors), you're signed in with the DJI account the unlock was issued to, and the right drone is connected.

DJI Avata 2 won't fly

With the DJI FPV Remote Controller 3, DJI's checklist:

• If Custom Mode is set to Manual, put the throttle stick at its lowest position, then press the Start/Stop button twice.
• If C2 is set to unlock Manual mode, double-pressing Start/Stop won't start the motors; pull the throttle all the way down to unlock.
• Recenter and calibrate the control sticks.
• If Max Distance is set to 30 m or less, Manual mode can't be enabled.

DJI Neo and Flip not taking off

• Palm takeoff: DJI says to hold the drone flat and still, in as little wind as possible, with good light and textured surroundings. Don't throw it.
• Connected devices: before palm or phone control, DJI says to power off other devices connected to the Neo.
• Low battery, positioning or a GEO zone block takeoff the same way as on other drones.
• Propeller guards and props: check nothing is bent or rubbing.

Takes off, then lands or flips

That's a different problem. Read why does my drone flip on takeoff. If none of this works, DJI asks you to send the drone in; start a repair.

Related guides

• DJI drone won't land or turn off: what to do
• DJI gimbal protectors: when to use them (and when to take them off)
• FPV drone won't arm or take off: common causes
• DJI drone has no GPS signal: how to fix weak GNSS
• DJI Avata 2 won't turn on or charge: what to do
• DJI Flip won't turn on or charge: what to do

All troubleshooting →