In the US you can fly the DJI Mavic 4 Pro up to 400 ft (about 120 m) above the ground, the FAA limit for recreational and Part 107 pilots. The drone can go much higher: DJI rates its maximum takeoff altitude at 6,000 m (19,685 ft) above sea level, or 3,000 m with the propeller guards fitted. You set your own ceiling in DJI Fly, and staying legal is up to you.
Three different "max altitudes"
| Number | What it means |
|---|---|
| 400 ft AGL | The legal US limit, measured above the ground below the drone |
| Your DJI Fly max altitude | The software ceiling you set, measured from the takeoff point |
| 6,000 m (3,000 m with guards) | The highest elevation above sea level DJI says it can take off from |
So you can launch from a high mountain trailhead, but you still can't climb more than 400 ft above the terrain beneath you.
How to set the altitude limit
In DJI Fly, open the safety settings and set Max Altitude (and Max Distance if you want one). A good US habit is 120 m (394 ft), so you can't drift over the line by accident. Set the RTH altitude above the tallest trees and buildings nearby, but below your max altitude.
DJI Fly shows height above the takeoff point, not above the ground beneath the drone. Take off from a hilltop and fly over a valley, and you can be well over 400 ft AGL while the app shows less.
Why is my Mavic 4 Pro stuck at 30 m?
DJI's manual lists these automatic limits when the GPS (GNSS) signal is weak:
- 30 m (98 ft) above the takeoff point if light is good.
- 3 m (10 ft) above the ground in low light while the 3D infrared sensing system is working.
- 30 m in low light if the infrared system isn't working.
Each time the drone powers on, these limits lift for the rest of the flight once the GPS signal is strong (strength 2 or more). Fix: power on in open sky and wait for a solid lock before takeoff.
There's another cap. If the drone isn't connected to DJI Fly or you aren't logged in, flight is limited to 30 m high and 50 m (164 ft) away. Log in before you fly.
With propeller guards
DJI's propeller guard instructions lower the maximum takeoff altitude to 3,000 m and recommend a maximum flight height of 120 m and distance of 500 m with the guards on. See Mavic 4 Pro propeller guards.
When the 400 ft rule has exceptions
- Part 107 near structures: you may fly higher than 400 ft AGL if you stay within 400 ft of a structure and no more than 400 ft above its top.
- Controlled airspace: LAANC often approves less than 400 ft near airports, sometimes zero. See LAANC explained.
- No-fly zones and TFRs override everything. See drone no-fly zones.
Flying at high elevation
DJI warns that aircraft and battery performance drop at high elevation and braking distances get longer. Cold makes it worse: the battery can't be used below -10° C (14° F), and DJI recommends warming it to at least 10° C (50° F) before takeoff.
Rules current as of October 2026. This is general information, not legal advice.
For the rules for every drone, see how high can a drone fly. Shopping? See the DJI Mavic 4 Pro.
Related guides
- How high can the DJI Mavic 3 Pro fly? Altitude limit explained
- How high can the DJI Mavic 3 Classic fly? Altitude limit explained
- How high can the DJI Mini 4 Pro fly? Altitude limit explained
- How high can the DJI Mini 5 Pro fly? Altitude limit explained
- Can you fly the DJI Mavic 4 Pro without a controller?
- DJI Mavic 4 Pro Fly More Combo vs Creator Combo
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