Yes. The DJI Mavic 4 Pro has omnidirectional obstacle sensing from vision cameras on every side, a forward-facing LiDAR, and a 3D infrared sensor underneath. DJI says the vision system works down to 0.1 lux, about city-street lighting at night, and the LiDAR keeps forward sensing going in even darker conditions. Set Obstacle Avoidance to Bypass or Brake in DJI Fly and the drone steers around or stops for obstacles in Normal and Cine modes. It's off in Sport mode.
Sensing ranges
From DJI's specifications:
| Sensor | Measurement range | Works up to |
|---|---|---|
| Forward vision | 0.5–24 m (detects to 200 m) | 18 m/s |
| Backward vision | 0.5–22 m (detects to 200 m) | 18 m/s |
| Lateral vision | 0.5–21 m (detects to 200 m) | 18 m/s |
| Upward vision | 0.5–18 m | 6 m/s |
| Downward vision | 0.5–17 m | 6 m/s |
| Forward LiDAR (night) | 0.5–25 m, 60° field of view | |
| Downward infrared | 0.3–8 m |
What the LiDAR adds
DJI's FAQ lists two benefits. First, when it's too dark for the cameras (below 0.1 lux), the LiDAR still senses obstacles ahead so the drone can stop in time. Second, during night Return to Home, it detects obstacles ahead and the drone climbs to avoid them. If it reaches its altitude limit while climbing, it hovers.
LiDAR limits: it can't detect glass or objects with reflectivity under 10%, it doesn't work in strong light (over 20,000 lux), and dirt on the window can cause false detections. Keep it clean.
Bypass, Brake or Off
In DJI Fly, open Safety > Obstacle Avoidance Action:
- Bypass (APAS): the drone keeps following your sticks and flies around obstacles. Choose Normal or Nifty. Nifty flies closer and smoother, but DJI says crash risk rises, and it doesn't work properly with propeller guards fitted.
- Brake: the drone stops and hovers. Safest near trees and buildings.
- Off: no avoidance.
If light drops while bypassing, DJI says the drone switches to braking and hovering; center the sticks to continue. In ActiveTrack and Point of Interest, the drone bypasses obstacles regardless of this setting when vision is working.
When obstacle avoidance won't save you
- Sport mode: sensing is off, and top speed rises to 25 m/s (56 mph).
- Thin and framed objects: branches, power lines, cranes, towers and suspension bridges.
- Water, glass, mirrors and plain surfaces, and anything moving. DJI says it can't avoid moving people, animals or vehicles.
- Rain, fog and visibility under 100 m.
- Total darkness to the sides and rear. The LiDAR only looks forward.
Tips
- Leave it on Brake near anything solid.
- Set RTH altitude above the tallest obstacle nearby.
- Wipe the sensors and LiDAR window before every flight with a soft cloth, no alcohol.
- Unfold the front arms before inserting or removing the battery; DJI warns this protects the LiDAR.
For older drones without LiDAR, compare Mavic 3 Pro obstacle avoidance. Damaged sensors? Contact our repair desk. Shopping? See the DJI Mavic 4 Pro.
Related guides
- Does the DJI Mavic 3 Pro have obstacle avoidance?
- Does the DJI Mavic 3 Classic have obstacle avoidance?
- Does the DJI Mavic 4 Pro have Remote ID? Serial number and FAA registration
- Does the DJI Mini 4 Pro have obstacle avoidance?
- Does the DJI Mini 5 Pro have obstacle avoidance? Settings explained
- Best SD card for the DJI Mavic 4 Pro (and internal storage)
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