No. The DJI Mini 3 doesn't have ActiveTrack, follow me or any subject-tracking mode. DJI's Mini 3 manual lists only QuickShots and Panorama as its intelligent flight modes, and no firmware update has added FocusTrack, ActiveTrack, Spotlight or Point of Interest. If you need a drone that follows you, the Mini 4 Pro is the closest step up.
What the Mini 3 can do instead
QuickShots lock onto a subject you select and fly a preset move while filming it. They're not tracking; the drone flies a fixed path around where the subject was, then returns:
- Dronie: flies backward and up, camera on the subject.
- Rocket: climbs straight up, camera pointing down.
- Circle: orbits the subject at a set height.
- Helix: spirals up and away around the subject.
- Boomerang: flies an oval path out and back.
They work best on a person standing still or moving slowly. If the subject walks off, the shot won't follow. See Mini 3 QuickShots.
"Follow me" searches: what people usually want
| What you want | Mini 3? | Better choice |
|---|---|---|
| Drone follows you hiking or biking | No | Mini 4 Pro (ActiveTrack 360°) |
| Drone orbits you while you stand | Yes, Circle QuickShot | |
| Drone keeps the camera on you while you fly | No (no Spotlight) | Mini 4 Pro |
| Hands-free selfie drone without a controller | No | DJI Neo or Flip |
Can a third-party app add tracking?
DJI's Mobile SDK supports the Mini 3 on Android, and some third-party apps built on it add automated flight features. Support varies by app and changes over time. If you go this route, confirm the app lists the Mini 3, test in a wide open space, and remember that the Mini 3 has only downward sensing, so it won't avoid trees while following you. See DJI Fly vs Litchi.
Why the Mini 3 isn't great for tracking anyway
Follow modes depend on obstacle sensing. The Mini 3 only senses downward, so it can't see branches, poles or walls ahead, behind or to the sides. The Mini 4 Pro has omnidirectional sensing and ActiveTrack 360°, which lets you set a tracking direction and distance on a trace wheel. See Mini 3 obstacle avoidance and Mini 3 vs Mini 4 Pro.
Tips for "follow" shots with a Mini 3
- Fly in Normal mode (up to 10 m/s, about 22 mph) for smooth tracking passes; Cine mode (6 m/s) for slow ones.
- Have the subject move in a straight line on open ground while you fly parallel.
- Keep the drone higher than any obstacles along the path.
- Use a spotter to watch the drone so you can watch the screen.
- Stay within visual line of sight and don't fly over people who aren't part of the shot.
Should you upgrade?
If tracking is the main reason you want a drone, yes. The Mini 4 Pro adds ActiveTrack 360°, omnidirectional obstacle sensing and Waypoint Flight while staying under 250 g with its standard battery. For a cross-model overview see best drone that follows you and the DJI ActiveTrack guide.
If you mostly fly scenery and travel, the DJI Mini 3 is still great value. Pair it with our Mini 3 tips.
Related guides
- DJI Mini 4 Pro ActiveTrack and follow-me modes explained
- DJI Mini 5 Pro ActiveTrack and follow-me modes explained
- Does the DJI Avata 2 have ActiveTrack or follow me?
- Does the DJI Mini 3 have obstacle avoidance?
- DJI Air 3 ActiveTrack and follow-me modes explained
- DJI Air 3S ActiveTrack and follow-me modes explained
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