Yes. The DJI Mini 4 Pro has omnidirectional obstacle sensing: four vision cameras on the front cover forward, backward, sideways and up, two cameras on the bottom watch downward, and a 3D infrared sensor below adds distance measurement. In Normal and Cine modes, set Obstacle Avoidance to Bypass to fly around obstacles or Brake to stop in front of them. Sensing is off in Sport mode and needs good light.
How many sensors does it have?
- 4 omnidirectional vision cameras on the front of the aircraft, sensing horizontally in all directions and upward.
- 2 downward vision cameras on the bottom.
- 1 3D infrared sensor (emitter and receiver) on the bottom.
- 1 auxiliary light on the bottom to help the downward cameras in low light.
Sensing ranges
| Direction | Measurement range | Works up to |
|---|---|---|
| Forward | 0.5 to 18 m (detects up to 200 m) | 12 m/s |
| Backward | 0.5 to 15 m | 12 m/s |
| Left / right | 0.5 to 12 m | 12 m/s |
| Upward | 0.5 to 15 m | 5 m/s |
| Downward | 0.3 to 12 m | 5 m/s |
| 3D infrared | 0.1 to 8 m |
All vision directions need light above 15 lux and surfaces with visible texture.
Obstacle avoidance settings
In DJI Fly go to Settings > Safety > Flight Assistance:
- Obstacle Avoidance Action: Bypass. This is APAS. The drone flies over, under or around obstacles while following your stick inputs. Choose Normal or Nifty; Nifty flies faster and closer to obstacles, with more risk.
- Brake. The drone stops and hovers when it detects an obstacle.
- Off. No obstacle sensing. Don't use this unless you have a reason.
- Display Radar Map. Shows a live map of nearby obstacles on screen.
Vision positioning and obstacle sensing can also be turned off entirely under Advanced Safety Settings, which DJI added in firmware. Leave them on for normal flying.
When obstacle avoidance doesn't work
- Sport mode. DJI disables the vision systems in Sport mode.
- Low light. At night or in dark areas the cameras can't see. ActiveTrack is unavailable then too.
- Thin, clear or plain things. Bare branches, power lines, glass, water and plain walls are hard to detect.
- Fast flight. Sideways and backward sensing works up to 12 m/s, upward and downward only up to 5 m/s.
- Propeller guard fitted. DJI says the Mini 4 Pro doesn't support obstacle avoidance with the guard installed.
- Moving objects. It can't avoid moving people, animals or vehicles.
What it does well
- Stops you backing into a tree while framing a shot.
- Lets ActiveTrack follow a subject past obstacles.
- Advanced Return to Home plans a path around obstacles when the light is good.
- Landing Protection checks the ground before touching down.
If sensing seems to have stopped, see Mini 4 Pro obstacle avoidance not working or sensor error.
Compared with other Minis
The Mini 3 senses only downward. The Mini 5 Pro adds a forward LiDAR for low light. See Mini 4 Pro vs Mini 5 Pro.
Shop the DJI Mini 4 Pro, a safe sub-250 g choice for new pilots.
Related guides
- Does the DJI Mini 3 have obstacle avoidance?
- Does the DJI Mini 5 Pro have obstacle avoidance? Settings explained
- DJI Mini 4 Pro obstacle avoidance not working
- Does the DJI Flip have obstacle avoidance?
- Does the DJI Mavic 3 Pro have obstacle avoidance?
- Does the DJI Mavic 4 Pro have obstacle avoidance?
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