To turn on a DJI drone or controller, press the power button once, then press it again and hold until it powers up (DJI says two seconds for the Avata 2 and its goggles). A single short press only shows the battery level. Turn it off the same way. Power on the controller and then the drone, and when you're done, turn off the drone before the controller, as DJI's manuals advise. Some newer drones, like the Mini 5 Pro and Flip, also turn on automatically when you unfold an arm.
Why one press doesn't work
DJI uses press, then press and hold so the drone doesn't switch on by accident in a bag. One press shows the battery LEDs. Press again right away and keep holding until you hear the beep or see the lights change.
Power on, step by step
- Prep the drone: remove the gimbal protector or storage cover and unfold the arms (on the Mini 4 Pro: rear arms first, then front). DJI says a cover left on can upset the self-check.
- Controller: press the power button once, then press and hold. The RC 2 shows DJI Fly; on the RC-N3, connect your phone and open DJI Fly.
- Drone: press once, then press and hold. The status lights blink red, yellow and green during the self-check.
- Wait for the check to finish before takeoff.
Model shortcuts
| Drone | Extra ways to power on or off |
|---|---|
| Mini 5 Pro | Unfold the right rear arm to power on; fold it to start auto power-off |
| Flip | Unfold a rear arm to power on; fold both rear arms to power off |
| Neo | Press, then press and hold; no arms to unfold |
| Avata 2 | Press, then press and hold, plus the goggles and motion controller |
| Mini 4 Pro, Air 3 | Press, then press and hold |
On the Mini 5 Pro and Flip, a countdown runs before auto power-off. Press any button on the drone to cancel. Auto power-on doesn't work while a USB-C cable is plugged in, and folding won't power off during a download or firmware update.
Goggles
DJI Goggles 3 and Goggles N3 also use press once, then press and hold (about 2 seconds on the N3).
Turning off
- Land and let the motors stop.
- Turn off the drone first: press, then press and hold.
- Then turn off the controller the same way.
Turning the drone off properly saves your camera settings and the last clip. DJI warns that cutting power can leave a video unreadable.
Controller turns itself off?
That's normal. On the Mini 4 Pro and Air 3, if the controller is on but idle for five minutes, it beeps, then turns off after six minutes. Move a stick or press a button to cancel.
Won't turn on?
- Charge it. New batteries ship asleep and wake on their first charge.
- Reseat the battery until it clicks.
- Check the timing: short press, then press and hold.
- Try another battery or charger.
Step-by-step fixes: DJI drone won't turn on and DJI controller won't turn on. Model pages: Mini 4 Pro not turning on, Neo not turning on.
Linking after power-on
If both are on but won't talk to each other, they may not be linked. See how to pair a DJI controller.
Need a controller? See the DJI RC 2 or DJI RC-N3.
Related guides
- DJI controller won't turn on or charge: fixes
- How to link (pair) a DJI controller to your drone
- Can you fly a DJI drone with an Xbox controller?
- Can you fly the DJI Air 3S without a controller?
- DJI Flip controller options: RC 2, RC-N3 or phone only
- DJI RC 2 and RC-N3 compatibility: which drones work with each controller?
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