A Beginner's Guide to DJI Mini 3

Did you just get the DJI Mini 3? Congratulations! You have taken the first step into a fun new world. This tutorial goes through everything you need to know about flying the Mini 3, including how to link and activate the drone. Let's set up your new drone before you head out to fly!

Applicable Products: Not involving

About DJI Mini 3

With Intelligent Flight Battery Plus, DJI Mini 3 can fly for up to 51 min. It supports abundant intelligent flight features, such as Quickshots, Portrait Mode, and QuickTransfer.

Unboxing and Getting Started

DJI Mini 3 requires activation before using for the first time. Download DJI Fly, and connect the drone to remote controller and mobile device. Then you will need to follow the prompts on the screen to activate the drone. Here are some helpful tips on how to power on and activate DJI Mini 3.

Unboxing

DJI Mini 3 packages vary among different regions. The ones available in DJI Online Store in your region shall prevail.

In the Box for Different Combos:  

· DJI Mini 3 (Drone Only)

· DJI Mini 3

· DJI Mini 3 (DJI RC)

· DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo

· DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo (DJI RC)

Removing the Gimbal Protector

[Important] Remove the gimbal protector before powering on the drone.

· When powering on the drone, the gimbal will rotate and perform self-check*. If the gimbal protector is not removed, the motor may be damaged or the service life will be affected, or even impact the flight safety after takeoff.

· To safeguard the camera lens and aircraft arm, you'd better attach the gimbal protector to your drone during daily storage or carrying outdoors.

* If the drone is powered on without activation, the gimbal will not vibrate and run self-check.

 

· Removing the gimbal protector

Push the lower buckle of the gimbal protector towards the camera to remove the gimbal protector.

· Attaching the gimbal protector

1.  Snap the buckle at the upper part of the gimbal protector into the slot on the aircraft.
2.  In the same way, snap the lower buckle into the slot at the bottom of the aircraft.

Powering on or off the Device

Press and hold the power button on the aircraft or remote controller to power on or off the device.

• Aircraft

• Remote Controller

DJI RC

RC-N1

Status Indicator Descriptions

You can tell the status of your device through the blinking patterns of the aircraft status indicator. Different color indicates different status of the aircraft, and the blinking frequency as well. Refer to the table below for more information about the aircraft status indicators.

Replacing the Propellers

As we all know, there are two types of propeller/motor: CW and CCW, and you can easily recognize it through the mark on it. Before mounting the propeller, better confirm the mark on each first.

DJI Mini 3 has been installed with propellers before leaving the factory. In case of a propeller replacement, please refer to the steps below. 

· Distinguishing between Propellers

If the propeller is mounted in an improper way, the drone cannot take off.

· Replacing the Propellers

Step 1: Place the drone horizontally and make sure that the drone’s camera faces forwards;

Step 2: Tighten the propellers with a mark onto the motors using the provided screwdriver.

Step 3: Tighten the propellers without a mark onto the remaining motors.

To learn more about how to replace the propellers, check the video:

Mounting and Removing the Battery

Note that the battery can be charged without being removed from the drone. If you would like to install or remove the battery from the drone, please see below:

· Installing the Battery

· Removing the Battery

Activating Your Device

DJI Mini 3 requires activation before first use. After powering on the aircraft and remote controller, follow the on-screen prompts to activate the device using DJI Fly.

Step 1: Download the app.

DJI Fly is required for product activation and connection. 

Step 2: Connect the drone to other devices.

Before takeoff, connect the drone to the remote controller and mobile device. (There is no need to connect the mobile device for DJI RC.)

Watch this video to learn more about linking:

Step 3: Activate for the First Time

Make sure that the aircraft, remote controller, and mobile device are connected (there is no need to connect the mobile device for DJI RC) and linking is successfully. Launch the DJI Fly app, and then complete the activation according to the on-screen instructions (An Internet connection is required for activation).

For an overview of how to activate your device, watch the video below.

Checking Activation Information

You can go to the Activation Info page for the specific information.

Charging Instructions

Press the power button on the aircraft and remote controller for one second respectively, and the status LEDs will light up. When only one LED is on, please charge the device in time.

Choose an Adapter

As DJI Mini 3 does not come with an adapter, please refer to the following content to select an appropriate adapter.

· DJI Mini 3 supports PD fast charging protocol. You can charge your drone using a PD fast charger with the included PD charging cable (Type-C to Type-C).

If you would like to purchase a charger, we recommend you add DJI 30W USB-C Charger to your cart.

· Other common PD fast charging chargers are supported, such as Apple USB‑C power adapters and Android GaN chargers.

· If a PD fast charger is currently not available, you can also use a charger with a Type-C port for charging, but the charging speed may be relatively slower.

Charging Method

· Connecting the aircraft with the battery mounted for charging  

· Using the Battery Charging Hub

· Charging the DJI RC Remote Controller

· Charging the DJI RC-N1 Remote Controller

Charging Duration

· Charging the aircraft

Charging a Battery With DJI 30W USB-C Charger Only

It takes approximately 1 hour and 4 minutes to charge an Intelligent Flight Battery with the DJI 30W Charger (and approximately 1 hour and 41 minutes to fully charge an Intelligent Flight Battery Plus).

Charging a Battery Using DJI 30W USB-C Charger and the Battery Charging Hub

It takes approximately 56 minutes to charge an Intelligent Flight Battery with DJI 30W USB-C Charger and the Battery Charging Hub (and approximately 1 hour and 18 minutes to fully charge an Intelligent Flight Battery Plus).

· Charging a Remote Controller

DJI RC

It takes about one and a half hours to charge a DJI RC using a 15 W charger.

DJI RC-N1

It takes about three and a half hours to charge a DJI RC-N1 using a 10 W charger.

Battery Maintenance

1. Discharge the battery to 40%-65% (the third battery level LED lights up or blinks) if it will not be used for 10 days or more.

2. Charge and discharge the battery about every three months to maintain good battery health. If the battery is stored after completely drained, it may over-discharge and be damaged.

3. Always store Intelligent Flight Batteries in a well-ventilated place.

4. The battery will enter hibernation mode if depleted and stored for an extended period of time. Recharge the battery to bring it out of hibernation.

Using for the First Time

Follow the steps below to prepare to use the aircraft and remote controller.

Preparing the Aircraft

Step 1: Remove the gimbal protector.

Step 2: Check the battery level of the flight battery, power on the drone, and place it on a flat ground. Note that the rear of the drone should face towards you. 

Preparing the Remote Controller

· DJI RC

Step 1: Remove the control sticks from the storage slots on the remote controller and screw them into place.

Step 2: Check the battery level of the remote controller and power on the remote controller.

· DJI RC-N1

Step 1: Remove the control sticks from the storage slots on the remote controller and screw them into place.

Step 2: Put out the mobile device holder and choose an appropriate remote controller cable based on the type of mobile device. Then connect the mobile device.

Step 3: Check the battery level of the remote controller and power on the remote controller. Then launch DJI Fly.

Getting Ready For First Flight

Watch this video to guide you through your first flight with DJI Mini 3:

Updating the Firmware

 Using DJI Fly or DJI Assistant 2 (Consumer Drones Series) to update DJI Mini 3 firmware.

1. Update the whole firmware package including the drone and remote controller firmware using DJI Fly (Recommended)

2. Update the aircraft and remote controller firmware separately using DJI Assistant 2 (Consumer Drones Series).

 

· Using DJI Fly

Power on the aircraft and remot controller, and make sure that the remote
controller is linked to the aircraft. Follow the on-screen instructions to update the firmware and note that Internet is required.

· Using DJI Assistant 2 (Consumer Drones Series)

Follow the instructions below to update the aircraft and remote controller firmware separately:

1. Power on the device and connect to a computer via the USB-C port using a Micro USB cable.

2. Launch DJI Assistant 2 (Consumer Drones Series), and log in with your DJI account.

3. Select the device icon and click “Firmware Updates” on the left panel. 

4. Select the firmware version that you wish to update to.

5. Wait for the firmware to download, and the firmware update will start automatically.

6. The device will automatically restart after the firmware update is complete.

Intermediate Operations

QuickShots

DJI Mini 3 supports shooting in Dronie, Rocket, Circle, Helix, and Boomerang modes.

Portrait Mode

The DJI Mini 3 camera can be rotated 90° for lossless shooting in Portrait mode, allowing for more freedom in composition. Tap the vertical shooting icon on the app interface to enter Portrait mode.

Zooming

DJI Mini 3 supports up to 4x digital zoom to create the perfect composition.

Live Streaming

When using DJI RC-N1 remote controller with your mobile device, you can live stream with your DJI Mini 3 via DJI Fly. Live streaming is not available when using DJI RC.  
Go to 「··· > Transmission > Enable Livestreaming」to broadcast the camera view in real time. DJI Mini 3 supports livestream platforms and multiple resolutions for you to choose from and connect with your world face-to-face at any time.

Note to input the RTMP address as below: RTMP address/stream key.

Please do add the “/” (forward slash) between the RTMP address and the stream key. Only in this way, can the live streaming screen be displayed.

Smart RTH  

Smart RTH is initiated either by tapping the RTH icon at the left side of the app screen or by pressing and holding the RTH button on the remote controller.

Watch the tutorial below learn how to use Smart RTH:

Exporting Footage

DJI Mini 3 does not have internal storage. It is recommended that you install a memory card to save the raw materials taken by the camera.

Storage

· The combo does not come with a microSD card. DJI Mini 3 supports up to 512 GB cards, and it is recommended that you use the following ones.

SanDisk Extreme 32GB V30 A1 microSDXC

SanDisk Extreme 64GB V30 A1 microSDXC

SanDisk Extreme 128GB V30 A2 microSDXC

SanDisk Extreme 256GB V30 A2 microSDXC

SanDisk Extreme Pro 32GB V30 A1 microSDXC

Kingston Canvas Go!Plus 64GB V30 A2 microSDXC

Kingston Canvas Go!Plus 256GB V30 A2 microSDXC

Kingston Canvas React Plus 64GB V30 A1 microSDXC

Kingston Canvas React Plus 128GB V30 A1 microSDXC

Samsung Pro Plus 256GB V30 A2 microSDXC

· DJI RC does not come with internal storage, but supports installing a microSD card. After a memory card is inserted,you are allowed to cache files while shooting or recording, and to download your raw materials to the remote controller.

* DJI Mini 3 supports QuickTransfer, which allows quick drone footage downloads directly to your smartphone. If you do not have demands for caching materials, it is unnecessary to insert a microSD card.

Installing and Removing a Memory Card

If you have purchased a memory card, you can insert it into the black memory card adapter, which can be attached to the TF slot on PC for further file transfer. Please note that the memory card is inserted into the drone without the card adapter.

Please see below for how to install and remove a memory card from the drone or DJI RC:

· Installing a Memory Card

· Removing a Memory Card

Exporting the Photos/Videos

The raw footage captured by DJI Mini 3 is stored in the internal storage or microSD card.

View the tutorial for a step-by-step guide to downloading materials with the QuickTransfer function.

Tips for Flight Safety

Before a takeoff, have a glance at the nearby restricted and GEO zones.

Please fly your drone in a safe environment, and strictly abide by local laws and regulations.

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