To set up the Osmo Action 5 Pro, insert the battery, hold the Quick Switch button to power on, and activate the camera in the DJI Mimo app with your phone's Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on. After that, you control almost everything by swiping on either touchscreen: down for the control menu, up for shooting parameters, left or right to change modes. Mimo handles firmware, transfers and remote control.
First-time setup
- Press the battery cover release, slide it up and insert the battery. Close it until no red shows.
- Insert a microSD card (optional; there's 47 GB built in). See best SD card.
- Hold the Quick Switch button to power on.
- Turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on your phone, open DJI Mimo, tap the camera icon and connect.
- Follow the prompts to activate. DJI says activation is required before first use.
The Quick Start Guide ("QSG") in the box shows the same steps. The full user manual is on DJI's Osmo Action 5 Pro downloads page.
Buttons
- Shutter/Record: press to shoot or start/stop recording. With the camera off, hold it to power on and start recording instantly (SnapShot). It powers off after 3 seconds idle.
- Quick Switch (QS): hold to power on or off. Press to cycle shooting modes, or to mark a highlight while recording. A firmware update lets you reassign it to start/end Pre-Rec or lock the screen (Control Center > Quick Switch Button Settings).
- Sleep: while on, hold Quick Switch to sleep; press once to wake.
Touchscreen gestures
| Gesture | Action |
|---|---|
| Swipe down from top | Control menu: settings, brightness, voice control, screen lock |
| Swipe up from bottom | Resolution, frame rate, aspect ratio, countdown |
| Swipe left or right | Change mode: video, photo, slow motion, timelapse and more |
| Tap right side icons | Image and audio settings; tap PRO for manual control |
Using the front screen
Swipe up from the bottom of the front screen to unlock it and switch to it. In the control menu you can show both screens at once, use one, or turn on Full Front Screen for selfie framing. Both screens are OLED touchscreens, and the front one works like the rear.
Voice control and voice prompts
- Voice control: swipe down, tap Voice Control and enable it. English commands are "Start Recording", "Stop Recording", "Take Photo" and "Shut Down". Mandarin is also supported. DJI recommends speaking within about 1 m in a quiet place.
- Voice prompts: under Quick Switch settings, turn on Voice Prompt so the camera announces the mode when you press Quick Switch. Handy on a helmet where you can't see the screen.
Microphones
- Built-in: three mics. Turn on Wind Noise Reduction in audio settings. It doesn't work with external mics.
- DJI Mic 2 or Mic Mini: no receiver needed, up to two transmitters. Open Settings > Wireless Microphone, then put the transmitter in Bluetooth linking mode. Once linked, the transmitter's button starts recording. Turn on Built-in Mic Audio Backup to save a separate WAV from the camera's mics.
- Wired mic: use a 3.5 mm to USB-C adapter, or the Osmo Action 3.5mm Audio Adapter.
See DJI Mic 2 and Mic Mini with action cameras.
Firmware updates
Fully charge the battery, connect to DJI Mimo and tap the update prompt. If it fails, restart the camera and the app, turn Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on, and try again. The latest firmware listed by DJI is from February 2026 (minor bug fixes). If the camera won't connect, see Action 5 Pro not connecting.
Handy extras
- Pre-Rec and Loop Recording: tap the upper left in Video mode.
- Custom Modes: save your favorite setups in the control menu.
- Webcam: connect by USB-C and tap Webcam. See use a DJI Osmo as a webcam.
Next, dial in Action 5 Pro settings, or shop the Osmo Action 5 Pro.
Related guides
- Best Osmo Action 5 Pro mounts for motorcycle, bike and car
- Best Osmo Action 5 Pro settings (cinematic, low light, timelapse)
- Best SD card for the Osmo Action 5 Pro (and built-in storage)
- Diving and snorkeling with the Osmo Action 5 Pro (case, settings)
- How deep can the Osmo Action 5 Pro go? Waterproof rating explained
- Is the Osmo Action 5 Pro worth it? Specs, weight and who it's for
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