No. The DJI Mini 4 Pro can't be flown with a phone alone. It needs a compatible remote controller: the RC-N2 that comes in the standard kit, the DJI RC 2, or, after firmware updates, the RC-N3 or RC Pro 2. Your phone can connect to the drone directly over Wi-Fi, but only for QuickTransfer downloads, not for flying. DJI's US store doesn't list a "No RC" Mini 4 Pro, so the cheapest way in is the standard kit with the RC-N2, $835 at our store.
What your phone can do with a Mini 4 Pro
- Act as the screen on the RC-N2 or RC-N3. The phone clips into the controller and runs DJI Fly. The controller handles the radio link and sticks.
- QuickTransfer. With the drone powered on and not flying, DJI Fly on your phone can connect to it over Wi-Fi and download footage, at up to 30 MB/s in good conditions according to DJI.
- Activate and update. With a controller linked, DJI Fly on your phone activates the drone and installs firmware.
Why there's no phone-only flying
The Mini 4 Pro's long-range O4 video link (up to 20 km under FCC conditions) runs between the drone and a DJI controller. A phone's Wi-Fi can't carry that link, and DJI built the Mini 4 Pro around physical sticks for precise control. DJI's FAQ lists compatible remote controllers only.
"No RC" price
Some DJI drones are sold without a controller for people who already own one. For the Mini 4 Pro, DJI's US store lists:
| Kit | DJI US list price |
|---|---|
| Mini 4 Pro (DJI RC-N2) | $759 |
| Mini 4 Pro (DJI RC 2) | $959 |
| Fly More Combo (DJI RC 2) | $1,099 |
| Fly More Combo Plus (DJI RC 2) | $1,159 |
No controller-free version is listed. Our prices: $835 for the standard kit and $1,209 for the Fly More Combo. If you see a "no RC" Mini 4 Pro elsewhere, it's often a split kit or a body from another region. Check the warranty and what's in the box. See buying a Mini 4 Pro drone only.
Already have a controller?
If you own an RC-N2, RC 2 or RC-N3, you can pair it with a Mini 4 Pro in DJI Fly under Control > Re-pair to Aircraft. The older RC-N1 and DJI RC from the Mini 3 don't work. Details in Mini 4 Pro controllers.
Want to fly from your phone?
The DJI Neo is built for it. It can launch from your palm and fly short-range from the DJI Fly app over Wi-Fi, no controller required, and you can add a controller later. It's a 135 g selfie drone, not a Mini 4 Pro replacement for serious photos.
Can goggles replace the controller?
Partly. With DJI Goggles 3 and the RC Motion 3, you fly with goggles and a motion controller instead of a remote. Camera and intelligent features are limited in that mode. See Mini 4 Pro goggles.
Get the DJI Mini 4 Pro with the RC-N2 or the RC 2 combo.
Related guides
- Can you fly the DJI Mini 5 Pro without a controller?
- Can you fly the DJI Neo without a controller?
- Can you fly the DJI Air 3 without a controller?
- Can you fly the DJI Air 3S without a controller?
- Can you fly the DJI Avata 2 without a controller or goggles?
- Can you fly the DJI Flip without a controller?
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