An Osmo Pocket 3 that won't go vertical is usually set to Landscape orientation, or it powers off when you rotate the screen because Rotate screen to power off is set to Now. Swipe down for the control menu, set orientation to Portrait or Auto-Rotation, and in Settings change Rotate screen to power off to 2s or Never. Do this before you start recording, because the orientation locks once you press record.
How vertical works on the Pocket 3
The Pocket 3's screen rotates. Turning it clockwise powers the camera on. The camera can shoot landscape or portrait, and DJI's FAQ says the orientation follows the screen by default. You choose between three settings in the control menu:
- Auto-Rotation: the format follows the screen position.
- Landscape: always 16:9 horizontal.
- Portrait: always 9:16 vertical.
Fixes for "won't go vertical"
- Check the orientation setting. If it's on Landscape, it will never switch. Choose Portrait or Auto-Rotation.
- Stop recording first. DJI says the orientation is locked once recording starts. Stop, rotate, then record again.
- Check the mode. Vertical 9:16 is available in normal Video mode at 3K, 2.7K and 1080p. Other modes, like Slow Motion, Low-Light and Timelapse, are listed by DJI in 16:9 resolutions only.
- Update the firmware in DJI Mimo.
Camera turns off when you rotate the screen
That's the Rotate screen to power off setting. From DJI's manual, swipe down, open Settings, and choose:
- Now: rotating the screen counterclockwise powers off immediately.
- 2s: a prompt asks if you want to keep shooting. Ignore it and it powers off after 2 seconds.
- Never: rotating the screen doesn't power it off.
If you started recording with Screen Rotate & Capture and orientation is set to Portrait, DJI says rotating the screen back keeps shooting. With Auto-Rotation or Landscape, it stops and powers off.
Gimbal won't rotate for vertical
If the camera doesn't roll 90° when you switch to portrait, the gimbal may be blocked or need calibration. Make sure nothing touches the camera, press the joystick twice to recenter, and run Gimbal Calibration in Settings on a flat surface. If you get a "gimbal protection" message, see Pocket 3 gimbal protection.
Not full screen
DJI says both horizontal and vertical shots fill the 2-inch screen. If you see black bars, you're likely in 1:1 square format, or viewing a 16:9 clip in playback while holding it upright. Check the resolution in shooting settings.
Screen won't lock or click into place
The screen should turn smoothly and stop at the on and off positions. Don't force it past its stop. If it's loose, grinding or won't stay put, the hinge may be damaged; start a repair.
For framing tips and best resolutions, read Pocket 3 vertical video and why there's no 4K in vertical. The Osmo Pocket 3 product page has the full specs.
Related guides
Not sure which to pick?
Tell us what you'll fly and your budget. One of our drone pilots will reply with a recommendation.
Buying drones for a business, agency or store? Get wholesale pricing →
