The DJI Mini 5 Pro works with the DJI RC-N3 (standard kit), the DJI RC 2 (Fly More Combos) and, according to DJI's Mini 5 Pro release notes, the RC-N2 and RC Pro 2. It can't be flown with a phone alone, and DJI says it works only with the DJI Fly app. Older controllers not on that list, like the RC-N1 and the original DJI RC, aren't supported.
Compatible controllers
| Controller | Screen | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DJI RC-N3 | Your phone | Standard kit. Up to 3.5 hours (1.5 hours while charging your phone). Holds phones up to 180 × 86 × 10 mm |
| DJI RC 2 | 5.5-inch, 700 nits | Fly More Combos. DJI Fly preinstalled, built-in GNSS, about 3 hours |
| DJI RC-N2 | Your phone | Listed in DJI's Mini 5 Pro release notes; came with the Mini 4 Pro |
| DJI RC Pro 2 | 7-inch, 2,000 nits | Premium screen controller, listed in the release notes |
All use DJI's O4+ link with the Mini 5 Pro, with a live view up to 1080p/60 and about 120 ms latency, per DJI.
RC 2 or RC-N3?
Get the RC 2 if you fly often or travel. It's ready faster, bright enough in sun, doesn't tie up your phone, and its own GNSS reports your position for Remote ID. On the Mini 5 Pro it also enables Dynamic Home Point, which keeps updating the Home Point to where you're standing; useful on a boat or a moving hike. With the RC 2, Cruise Control can also keep the gimbal rotating at a steady speed.
Stick with the RC-N3 if you're on a budget and have a good phone. DJI Fly must stay in the foreground, and calls or notifications can interrupt you. Your phone supplies location for Remote ID.
Controls you'll use
- Gimbal dial: tilts the camera.
- Roll: on the RC 2, hold C1 and turn the camera control dial; on the RC-N3, hold the customizable button and turn the gimbal dial. This is how you rotate the 225° gimbal.
- Flight mode switch: C (Cine), N (Normal), S (Sport).
- Flight Pause/RTH: press once to brake and hover, hold to return home.
- Joysticks: the control sticks detach and store inside the controller. DJI Fly lets you choose Mode 1, 2 or 3; Mode 2 is default. Replacement RC / RC 2 control sticks are available.
How to link a controller
Controllers bought in the same box as the drone are already linked. Otherwise:
- Power on the drone and controller and open DJI Fly.
- In the camera view, open settings, then Control > Connect to Aircraft (RC 2) or Control > Re-pair to Aircraft (RC-N3).
- Press and hold the drone's power button for more than four seconds until it beeps and the battery LEDs blink in sequence.
- Keep the controller within 0.5 m of the drone. It beeps twice when linked.
Linking a new controller unlinks the old one. Update the controller firmware if the drone isn't found. If it still won't link, see Mini 5 Pro not connecting.
Already have a Mini 4 Pro controller?
An RC 2 or RC-N2 from a Mini 4 Pro is on DJI's Mini 5 Pro firmware list, so you can link it after updating. The batteries are different, though. See Mini 5 Pro drone only.
No remote at all?
There's no phone-only or goggles mode for the Mini 5 Pro. Read can you fly the Mini 5 Pro without a controller and Mini 5 Pro goggles.
Upgrade from the RC-N3 with the DJI RC 2, or get it bundled in the Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo.
Related guides
- Which controllers work with the DJI Mini 4 Pro? RC 2 vs RC-N2 vs RC-N3
- Which controllers work with the DJI Air 3? RC-N2, RC-N3, RC 2 and RC Pro 2
- Which controllers work with the DJI Air 3S? RC 2 vs RC-N3 and phone-only flying
- Which controllers work with the DJI Mavic 4 Pro? RC 2 vs RC Pro 2
- Does the DJI Mini 5 Pro work with DJI Goggles 3 or N3?
- DJI RC 2 and RC-N3 compatibility: which drones work with each controller?
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