DJI Flip quick start: setup and first flight

To set up a DJI Flip: press both sides of the gimbal protector to remove it and throw away the disposable rubber cover, charge the battery until its LEDs light up, then unfold the front arms and the rear arms. Unfolding a rear arm turns the Flip on automatically; you can also press the power button once, then press and hold it. Activate the Flip in DJI Fly, and you're ready to fly by controller, phone or palm.

DJI Flip setup — Power button: press once, then press and hold. Fold both rear arms to start an automatic power-off countdown.

1. Unbox and prepare

Gimbal protector: press the left and right sides and lift it off. Remove and discard the disposable rubber cover; it can't be reused.
Battery: it ships asleep. Charge it until the battery level LEDs come on. That activates it.
Arms: unfold the front arms, then the rear arms.

Always remove the gimbal protector and unfold every arm before power-on, or the self-check can fail. Reattach the protector when you pack up.

2. The power button and auto on/off

Auto power on: unfolding either rear arm turns the Flip on (default setting).
Auto power off: folding both rear arms starts a countdown. Press any button on the drone to cancel.
Manual: press the power button once, then press and hold to turn it on or off.

You can turn off the fold/unfold feature in DJI Fly when connected to a controller. Folding won't power it off while it's downloading, updating firmware or after a collision on that flight.

3. Set up the controller and activate

RC-N3: fit the control sticks, pull out the phone holder and connect your phone (USB-C cable fitted by default). On Android pick "charge only" if asked.

DJI RC 2: fit the sticks, unfold the antennas, power on and activate it online.

Then power on the controller and the Flip, open DJI Fly and follow the activation prompts. You need internet. Install any firmware update. See Flip app setup and Flip firmware update.

4. Rules (US)

The Flip weighs under 249 g, so no FAA registration for recreational flying. See drones under 250 g.
Pass the free TRUST test and carry proof.
Check airspace with B4UFLY or Aloft before each flight.
Flying for business? You need Part 107 and registration.

5. First flight with a controller

Pick an open area without people, cars or wires.
In DJI Fly, set RTH altitude above nearby obstacles (Settings > Safety). Wait for the Home Point prompt.
Tap auto takeoff and confirm. The Flip lifts off and hovers.
Practice gentle moves in Normal mode. Try FocusTrack on yourself once you're comfortable.
Land with auto landing or by holding the left stick down.

DJI rates the Flip at 31 minutes of flight, measured in ideal conditions. Land with 20% or more left.

6. Palm takeoff (no controller)

Turn off any controller. The Flip must have connected to DJI Fly by Wi-Fi at least once.
Press the mode button to choose Follow, Dronie, Circle, Rocket, Spotlight or Custom.
Hold the Flip from below by its sides, camera facing the subject (usually you), fingers clear of the props.
Press and hold the mode button. After a countdown it takes off and films.
To land, put your flat hand under it and keep still.

Palm and phone control are limited to 30 m high and 50 m away, with no Return to Home.

Manual and tutorials

The full Flip user manual (PDF), quick start guide and DJI Assistant 2 are on the Flip downloads page. DJI's tutorial videos are at dji.com/flip/video.

Next: Flip record video and photos or Flip home point and RTH. Extra flight time: the Flip Intelligent Flight Battery.

Rules current as of October 2026. This is general information, not legal advice.