How to update DJI drone firmware
Keeping DJI drone firmware current improves flight stability, camera performance, geofencing data, and compatibility with the DJI Fly app.
This guide shows the safest ways to update a DJI drone in 2026, plus what to do if an update fails halfway through.
Why DJI firmware updates matter
DJI firmware is the operating software that controls core drone functions such as flight control, battery communication, obstacle sensing, camera behavior, and return-to-home logic.
DJI regularly releases updates to improve reliability, patch bugs, refine gimbal and camera performance, and add support for new aircraft accessories.
For many pilots, updates also keep the drone aligned with the latest app requirements and regional airspace databases.
If your DJI Mini, Air 3, Mavic, Avata, or enterprise aircraft starts showing app prompts, skipping firmware can eventually affect launch readiness.
What you need before updating
- A fully charged drone battery and remote controller battery
- A stable internet connection on your phone or computer
- The latest DJI Fly app or DJI Assistant 2 software
- Enough storage space on your mobile device or computer
- Time to keep the drone powered on until the update completes
Before starting, remove propeller guards or accessories only if your model’s update instructions require it.
If you use multiple batteries, check whether each battery has its own firmware version, since DJI battery packs sometimes need to be updated individually.
How to update DJI drone firmware in the DJI Fly app
For many consumer drones, the easiest method is through the DJI Fly app.
This is usually the first place DJI recommends when a new firmware package becomes available.
Steps to update in DJI Fly
- Power on the aircraft and remote controller.
- Connect your mobile device and open the DJI Fly app.
- Wait for the app to detect the drone and display a firmware notice.
- Tap the update prompt or go to the firmware section in device settings.
- Review the release notes, then start the download.
- Keep the drone, controller, and phone connected until installation finishes.
- Restart the aircraft and controller when prompted.
During the process, do not power off the drone or close the app.
A short interruption can lead to a failed installation or force the system into a recovery mode.
If your phone screen times out, reopen the app and confirm the update is still progressing.
How to update DJI drone firmware with DJI Assistant 2
DJI Assistant 2 is the desktop method many pilots use when an app update is slow, unavailable, or stuck.
DJI offers different Assistant 2 versions for different product lines, so make sure you install the correct one for your aircraft.
Steps to update with DJI Assistant 2
- Download the correct DJI Assistant 2 version from DJI’s official support page.
- Install it on a Windows PC or Mac computer.
- Power off the drone, then connect it to the computer with a compatible USB cable.
- Launch DJI Assistant 2 and sign in if required.
- Select your aircraft from the device list.
- Open the firmware tab and choose the latest version.
- Start the update and wait for the progress bar to finish.
This method is especially useful when the aircraft is not syncing correctly with the mobile app or when you need a more stable connection than a phone can provide.
If your remote controller also supports firmware through Assistant 2, update it separately after the aircraft is finished.
Can you update the remote controller and batteries too?
Yes.
In many DJI systems, the aircraft, remote controller, intelligent flight batteries, and sometimes the charging hub may each receive firmware updates.
DJI often packages these components together, but some versions are applied one at a time depending on the model.
After updating the aircraft, check the firmware status of these components:
- Remote controller
- Intelligent flight batteries
- Charging hub or battery station
- Goggles or motion controller for FPV systems
If one battery is on a different version, insert it into the aircraft or charging hub and follow the prompt.
This matters because mismatched firmware can trigger compatibility warnings or limit takeoff in certain models.
How to check whether the update worked
Once the system restarts, open the DJI Fly app or DJI Assistant 2 and verify the version number listed for each component.
You can also check the aircraft status page to confirm there are no pending notifications.
If the drone still prompts for the same update, repeat the process once before assuming something is broken.
In some cases, the firmware installs successfully but the app needs a refresh or relaunch before it recognizes the new version.
Why firmware updates fail
Most failed DJI firmware updates are caused by a small set of predictable issues.
Identifying the cause quickly can save time and prevent unnecessary resets.
- Low battery on the aircraft or controller
- Unstable Wi-Fi or weak internet during download
- Incorrect version of DJI Assistant 2
- Faulty USB cable or loose connection
- App interference from background processes on the phone
- Insufficient storage on the mobile device or computer
How to fix a stuck DJI firmware update
If the update freezes, first wait several minutes.
Some DJI packages appear stuck while the system is still writing files.
If nothing changes, use these recovery steps.
Basic troubleshooting steps
- Keep the drone powered on and restart the DJI Fly app.
- Reconnect the controller and check whether the update resumes.
- Replace the USB cable if using DJI Assistant 2.
- Reboot the computer and try the official Assistant 2 version again.
- Charge the battery fully and retry the installation.
- Clear cached app data if the mobile app is repeatedly failing.
If the drone enters a repeated update loop, DJI support documentation may direct you to reinstall the firmware package or use a desktop recovery method.
Avoid using third-party firmware tools, since they can void support options and create safety risks.
Best practices before and after updating
For the smoothest result, update when the drone is indoors, on a stable surface, and away from propeller hazards.
Make sure the controller and aircraft remain paired, and avoid starting the update right before a flight session.
After the update, run a short preflight check:
- Confirm GPS and compass status
- Check camera live view and gimbal movement
- Verify return-to-home altitude and fail-safe settings
- Inspect battery recognition and charge levels
- Test takeoff only in a safe open area
It is also smart to review the release notes in case DJI changed flight behavior, obstacle avoidance, or camera settings.
Some firmware packages reset custom preferences, so check exposure settings, control sensitivity, and geofence prompts before your next mission.
Which DJI models follow the same update process?
Many DJI consumer drones follow a similar pattern, but the exact screens and software tools vary by product family.
Common models that often use DJI Fly or DJI Assistant 2 include the DJI Mini series, DJI Air series, DJI Mavic series, DJI Avata, and selected enterprise platforms.
Because DJI frequently releases model-specific firmware, always match the instructions to your exact aircraft and remote controller combination.
If you are unsure which Assistant 2 version to use, check the support page for your model number before downloading anything.