Does the DJI Neo record audio?

No, the DJI Neo has no built-in microphone, so videos it records on its own have no sound. That's normal, not a fault. To get audio, record through the DJI Fly app: it captures sound with your phone's microphone, a DJI Mic 2, or supported Bluetooth earbuds while the Neo films, then merges the audio into the video when you view or download it in the app.

Neo audio via DJI Fly — Audio comes from your phone or a paired mic, not the drone. DJI Fly merges the sound into the video when you view or download it in the app's album.

Why your Neo videos have no sound

Drone propellers are loud, and a mic on the drone would mostly record motor noise. The Neo leaves the mic out. If you fly with palm control and download files over USB-C, you'll get silent clips. That's expected.

How to record audio with the Neo

DJI calls this audio recording via app. It works with phone control and with a controller:

Connect the Neo to DJI Fly. With phone control, connect over Wi-Fi; with the RC-N3, your phone sits in the controller.
Choose a mic. DJI supports the phone's built-in mic, DJI Mic 2 and Bluetooth earphones. In phone control, DJI also lists the original DJI Mic. DJI posts a compatible Bluetooth device list on the Neo downloads page.
Turn it on before you record. In the camera view, enable audio recording (also in camera settings, where you can pick a noise-reduction level). Allow microphone access when asked. A mic icon appears in the live view.
Record. Audio is captured only while the Neo is recording video.
Get the file from DJI Fly. When you view or download the clip in DJI Fly's album, the audio is merged into the video file.

Rules that trip people up

You can only turn audio on or off before recording, not mid-clip.
Don't lock your phone or switch apps while recording. DJI says to keep the screen on and DJI Fly open.
Download through DJI Fly. If you copy clips straight off the Neo over USB-C, they won't include the app-recorded audio.
Test Bluetooth earbuds first. DJI warns some models have compatibility issues.

Getting good sound

Use a wireless mic. A DJI Mic 2 transmitter clipped to your shirt hears your voice, not the props.
Keep the drone at a distance. The farther the Neo is from the mic, the less buzz.
Turn on noise reduction in the app's audio settings when it's windy.
Or record separately on any recorder and sync in editing, which also works for palm control flights.

Voice control uses the mic too

DJI Fly's voice control also listens through your phone: say "Hey Fly" and give a command. DJI supports English and Mandarin. See Neo gestures and palm control.

For better clips overall, see how to record video on the Neo and best Neo settings. Pair your DJI Neo with a DJI Mic 2 for clean vlog audio.