You can fly your DJI Mavic Mini without a phone. All models of the DJI drones can be flown using the included remote controller or through the use of a tablet with the appropriate DJI firmware installed on the tablet.
Hello, fellow drone enthusiasts! My name is Lavelle and I am a drone pilot and a long-time drone enthusiast. Over the past decade, I have been flying my drones for both professional and recreational uses. There have been times when I’ve needed to fly my drones with the use of my phone.
In this article, I will go over a couple of methods for flying your DJI Mavic Mini without the use of your phone. I will also cover some things that you should keep in mind when flying your drone without a phone and I will answer a few of the frequently asked questions that have come up regularly.
Contents
Key Takeaways
- With a remote controller or a tablet, you can fly your drone without the need for a phone.
- Use caution when flying your drone without a phone.
How to Fly DJI Mavic Mini Without Phone
Here are a couple of methods that you can use to fly your DJI Mavic Mini without using a phone.
Method #1: Fly With Controller
Your first option is to fly your DJI Mavic Mini using the DJI remote controller that comes with the craft. You can connect your remote controller to the mini drone using a micro USB connection. The remote controller should last approximately 2 hours on a single battery charge.
Method #2: Use a Tablet Instead of a Phone
Another option for flying your DJI Mavic Mini is to use a tablet instead of your phone. Any tablet (Apple or Android) can be used as long as the DJI firmware is correctly installed on the device. Please note that iPads are not the preferred device to use with DJI firmware as DJI has stated that there may be some glitches when using an Apple iPad.
Things to Keep in Mind When Flying a Drone Without a Phone
Here are a few considerations to keep in mind when flying your drone without a phone.
1. Stay at a Low Altitude
You should consider flying at a lower altitude than you normally do. Sometimes when using the remote controller without a phone connection, can result in a shorter transmission range. The same is said to possibly occur when using a tablet. Due to possible connection issues, it is best to maintain a lower flying altitude to keep you, the aircraft, and others safe.
2. Fly on Short Distances
Another consideration when flying without a cell phone is to fly for shorter distances. The same rationale applies here as it does for staying at lower altitudes. Connection issues can possibly cause you to lose connection with the drone.
3. Use the “Return to Home” Option
You should always use the “return to home” feature when flying your drone without a phone. This feature allows the drone to return to its home location (where you launched from) when or if the connection to the controller or tablet is lost. This option can be a lifesaver for your drone.
FAQs
Here are a couple of answers to a couple of the questions that regularly come up regarding this topic.
Do You Need an App to Fly Mavic Mini?
Yes, you need to use a DJI-approved application to fly your DJI Mavic Mini. This application will ensure that you have all the features and options that are needed to safely fly your drone.
Can You Fly Mavic Mini Without GPS?
It is not recommended that you fly your DJI Mavic Mini without GPS as there can be issues with controlling the drone under certain circumstances without GPS activation. However, you can fly the mini without GPS, using the Attitude (ATTI) mode.
Final Thoughts
Flying your DJI Mavic Mini without a phone is possible by using the included remote controller or a tablet that has the appropriate DJI firmware installed on it. If you are flying without your phone, keep in mind that you should use caution and be aware of the limitations of flying without your phone.
Have you ever flown your drone without a phone? How was this experience? Share your experience with other drone pilots in the comments below.
