The DJI Mavic 3 Pro works with three remote controllers: the DJI RC (included in our kits), the DJI RC Pro and the DJI RC-N1. DJI's FAQ lists only those three for the Mavic 3 series. The newer DJI RC 2, RC-N3 and RC Pro 2 use DJI's O4 system and are not on the list, so they won't pair with a Mavic 3 Pro.
The three compatible controllers
DJI RC. A light controller with a built-in 5.5-inch screen and DJI Fly preinstalled. This is the controller in our standard kit and Fly More Combo. You don't need your phone to fly. It doesn't support live streaming platforms or HDMI output with the Mavic 3 Pro.
DJI RC Pro. The high-end option, sold in DJI's RC Pro Fly More Combo and Cine Premium Combo. Its 5.5-inch 1080p screen reaches 1,000 nits, so it stays readable in sun. It runs Android 10, has 32 GB of storage plus a microSD slot, a mini-HDMI output and a battery DJI rates at about three hours. It also downloads footage from the drone fastest, at 15 MB/s.
DJI RC-N1. The older phone-clip controller from drones like the Mini 3 Pro and Air 2S. Your phone runs DJI Fly and becomes the screen. DJI says it updates its firmware automatically when linked to a Mavic 3 series drone and then supports O3+, the same 15 km FCC range and 1080p/60fps live view as the screen controllers.
All three use O3+ on 2.4 and 5.8 GHz. The Mavic 3 Pro doesn't support two controllers flying the same drone at once.
Why the RC 2, RC-N3 and RC Pro 2 don't work
These controllers were built for O4 drones such as the Air 3S, Mini 4 Pro and Mavic 4 Pro. The Mavic 3 Pro's radio is O3+, and DJI hasn't added the newer controllers to its compatibility list. If you see "Mavic 3 Pro with RC 2" listings, check carefully: it's almost always a mistake.
Which controller should you get?
| You want | Pick |
|---|---|
| Fly out of the box, no phone | DJI RC (included) |
| Bright screen for sun, HDMI to a monitor | DJI RC Pro |
| Cheapest spare, or you already own one | RC-N1 |
If you fly with the RC-N1, Remote ID uses your phone's location, so keep DJI Fly open in the foreground with precise location allowed.
Controller tips
- Joysticks: the sticks unscrew and store in the controller. Keep a spare pair if you travel.
- Linking a new controller: power on both, open DJI Fly and follow the linking prompt.
- Firmware: update the drone and controller together. See Mavic 3 Pro firmware update.
- No signal? Work through Mavic 3 Pro not connecting.
There's no phone-only mode on this drone. See can you fly the Mavic 3 Pro without a controller. Ready to buy? The DJI Mavic 3 Pro ships with the DJI RC.
Related guides
- Which controllers work with the DJI Mavic 3 Classic? RC-N1, DJI RC and RC Pro
- Which controllers work with the DJI Mavic 4 Pro? RC 2 vs RC Pro 2
- Does the DJI Mavic 3 Pro work with DJI Goggles 3 or N3?
- Which controllers work with the DJI Air 3? RC-N2, RC-N3, RC 2 and RC Pro 2
- Which controllers work with the DJI Mini 3? RC-N1 vs DJI RC
- Which controllers work with the DJI Mini 4 Pro? RC 2 vs RC-N2 vs RC-N3
Not sure which to pick?
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