The DJI Mini 3 uses DJI Mini 3 Propellers, small screw-on blades (152.4 x 76.2 mm, about 6 x 3 inches) with two blades per motor. You replace them with the small screwdriver that comes in the box: remove the screws, swap the blades, and match marked blades to the motors on the marked arms. If one blade is damaged, DJI says to replace both blades on that motor with a matched pair from the same package.
Which blades fit
| Blades | Fit the Mini 3? |
|---|---|
| DJI Mini 3 Propellers | Yes, the qualified part |
| Mini 3 Pro, Mini 4 Pro or Mini 2 props | Not on DJI's Mini 3 list |
| Third-party blades | Not recommended |
DJI's Mini 3 manual lists the Mini 3 Propellers (model MT3PD-PPS) as the qualified spare part, and says to use only official DJI propellers and never mix types. The Mini 3 has larger props than earlier Minis, which DJI credits for part of its longer flight time.
Marked and unmarked blades
There are two blade types that spin in opposite directions. Blades with marks go on the motors of the arms with marks; unmarked blades go on the unmarked arms. Both blades on one motor are the same type. Mixing them up means the drone won't lift off properly or will flip.
How to replace Mini 3 blades
- Power off and remove the battery.
- Unscrew both blades on the damaged motor with DJI's screwdriver.
- Discard the old blades and screws. DJI says to replace both blades and their screws together.
- Match the marks: marked blades for marked arms, unmarked for unmarked.
- Fit the new blades using two blades and screws from the same package.
- Tighten with the screw held straight, not at an angle. DJI says to use only the included screwdriver, since others can strip the screws.
- Check that the screws sit flush and each blade turns freely without unusual resistance.
The screwdriver is only for the props. DJI warns not to use it to take apart the drone.
When to replace blades
- Any chip, crack or nick, even at the tip
- A bent or warped blade
- After any crash or prop strike
- If a blade is loose and the screw won't stay tight
Also check that the propeller screws are still tight about every 30 hours of flight, as DJI recommends.
Damaged props cause vibration, which shows up as jello in video, a tilted horizon and motor warnings. See Mini 3 jello.
Storing and transporting
Fold the blades along the arms and don't squeeze or bend them in a tight bag. A shoulder bag with a molded slot, like the DJI Mini Shoulder Bag, protects them. Keep a spare set of blades, screws and the screwdriver in the bag. If you lose the screwdriver, buy a genuine replacement rather than using a random bit.
Propeller guards
DJI's manual mentions using a propeller guard with the Mini 3 and lowers the maximum takeoff altitude to 1,500 m when one is fitted with the standard battery. DJI also says not to fit a guard with the Battery Plus. Keep weight in mind: DJI lists the Mini 3 at 248 g, so a guard will almost certainly take it to 250 g or more, which means FAA registration for hobby flying. Turn on Payload mode in DJI Fly's Safety settings when a guard is fitted.
After a crash
If a motor sounds rough or won't spin freely after a prop strike, don't fly. See Mini 3 repair and Mini 3 ESC error. General steps for every model are in how to change DJI propellers.
Keep spares on hand and fly with confidence. Shop the DJI Mini 3 and drone accessories.
Related guides
- Best DJI Mini 3 accessories and upgrades worth buying
- Best SD card for the DJI Mini 3 (it has no internal storage)
- Buying the DJI Mini 3 drone only: what else you need
- Can you buy the DJI Mini 3 in the US? Ban status and price
- Can you fly the DJI Mini 3 without a controller?
- DJI Mini 3 batteries and chargers: what to buy
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