DJI Flip keeps saying "manual mode": what it means

The DJI Flip doesn't have a manual flight mode like an FPV drone: DJI's FAQ says plainly that the Flip does not support Manual mode flight control. When the Flip or DJI Fly says "manual," it usually means Manual Control in the app (you're flying it with on-screen sticks instead of an automatic mode), manual camera exposure, or a warning that the drone has lost positioning and won't hold itself in place.

Flip "manual": which one? — The Flip doesn't have an FPV-style manual flight mode. "Manual" on the Flip usually refers to one of these three things.

1. Manual Control in DJI Fly

When you fly the Flip from your phone (Mobile App Control), DJI Fly has a mode list. Smart Snaps like Follow, Dronie, Circle, Rocket and Spotlight fly themselves. Manual Control hands you the virtual joysticks. DJI's manual tells you to select Manual Control from that list to take over and land, for example if a tracking mode loses its subject.

In Mobile App Control, DJI limits the Flip to 30 m (98 ft) altitude and 50 m (164 ft) distance, and Return to Home isn't available.

Also note that the Flip's mode button speaks the selected mode out loud when you change it, in English or Mandarin depending on DJI Fly's language. Pressing the button cycles through the modes.

2. Manual camera settings

The Flip's camera supports manual exposure: you can set shutter speed, ISO and white balance in DJI Fly. If the camera shows "M" or Pro settings, that's an exposure mode, not a flight mode. Switch back to Auto in the camera settings if you prefer.

3. Positioning lost (ATTI mode)

This is the one to take seriously. The Flip switches to Attitude (ATTI) mode when its vision system is unavailable and GNSS is weak or the compass has interference. In ATTI mode it can't hover or brake on its own, so you are effectively flying it by hand. The status indicator blinks yellow slowly.

What DJI says to do: land as soon as possible. When flying by palm or app control, the Flip lands automatically if positioning fails.

Then fix the cause:

Fly in open sky and good light, over textured ground
Avoid flying high over water, glass buildings or plain surfaces without GNSS
Calibrate the compass if DJI Fly asks, away from metal and cars
Update the aircraft firmware

More help: drone no GPS signal and why does my drone drift.

If you can't tell which it is

DJI doesn't publish a complete list of the Flip's voice prompts. If a prompt keeps repeating and you're not sure what it means, connect DJI Fly and read the on-screen message, which spells out the warning. If it points to a sensor, IMU or compass fault that won't clear after calibration and a firmware update, contact DJI or start a repair.

Want a drone with a true manual flight mode? The Avata 2 supports Manual mode with an FPV controller. Compare options in Neo vs Flip or the Flip guide.