DJI Mavic 3 Pro quick start: setup and first flight

To set up a DJI Mavic 3 Pro: charge the batteries to wake them from hibernation, remove the storage cover, unfold the front arms first, then the rear arms, then the propeller blades, and power on the controller and drone. Activate both in DJI Fly with an internet connection, bind them, and install any firmware update. Before flying outdoors, register it with the FAA ($5, valid 3 years), since it weighs 958 g.

1. Charge

Batteries ship in hibernation and wake up when charged. DJI quotes about 1 hour 20 minutes per battery with the 100W USB-C power adapter, or 1 hour 36 minutes with the 65W portable charger. The Drone Only package has no charger; DJI recommends a 65W or higher USB PD charger. The Mavic 3 series 100W charging hub charges three in turn.

Charge the DJI RC or RC Pro too.

2. Prepare the drone

1. Remove the storage cover that protects the gimbal and props.
2. Unfold the front arms, then the rear arms, then the blades.
3. Check that marked props are on marked motors. See how to change DJI propellers.

DJI warns that powering on with the cover attached or arms folded can affect the self-check. Put the cover back on when you pack up.

3. Prepare the controller

• DJI RC: screw in the control sticks, then press and press-and-hold the power button.
• DJI RC Pro: charge it to activate the battery, screw in the sticks, unfold the antennas and power on.

Connect the controller to Wi-Fi or a phone hotspot and follow the activation prompts. DJI Fly is preinstalled. For phone setups, see Mavic 3 Pro app.

4. Activate the drone

1. Power on the drone with the same press, then press-and-hold.
2. Follow DJI Fly's prompts to activate it online.
3. Bind the drone and controller when prompted.
4. Install updates. See Mavic 3 Pro firmware update.

5. US rules checklist

• Register with the FAA and mark the number on the outside. Remote ID is built in.
• Flying for fun: pass the free TRUST test. Paid work: get your Part 107 certificate.
• Check airspace in B4UFLY or Aloft and use LAANC in controlled airspace.
• Stay at or below 400 ft and keep the drone in sight.

6. Safety settings to check

In DJI Fly, tap settings, then Safety:

• RTH altitude: default 100 m (328 ft). Set it above nearby trees and buildings.
• RTH mode: Optimal or Preset. Details in Mavic 3 Pro home point.
• Max altitude and distance limits.
• Signal lost action: RTH, Land or Hover.

7. First flight

1. Pick an open area away from people and wires. Wait for the Home Point prompt.
2. Use auto takeoff and hover at about 10 ft for a minute.
3. Mode 2 (default): left stick climbs, descends and turns; right stick moves forward, back and sideways.
4. Fly slow squares in Normal mode. Switch to Cine for smoother video.
5. Try the three cameras: the 24 mm Hasselblad, then 70 mm and 166 mm.
6. Test RTH once at a short distance, then land with 20 to 30% battery left. DJI rates 43 minutes, but wind cuts that.

Mavic 3 Pro Cine differences

The Cine version records to a built-in 1TB SSD and offloads through the DJI 10Gbps Lightspeed Data Cable. The standard model has 8 GB built in plus a microSD slot. Setup is otherwise the same.

Manual and tutorials

DJI's user manual (PDF), quick start guide and DJI Assistant 2 are on the Mavic 3 Pro downloads page. New to flying? Read how to fly a drone.

See the DJI Mavic 3 Pro, or compare it in Mavic 3 Pro vs Mavic 4 Pro.

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

Related guides

• DJI Mavic 3 Classic quick start: setup and first flight
• DJI Mavic 4 Pro quick start: setup and first flight
• DJI Mini 4 Pro quick start: setup and first flight
• DJI Mini 5 Pro quick start: setup and first flight
• DJI Air 3 quick start: setup and first flight
• DJI Air 3S quick start: setup and first flight

All how-to guides →