How to Set Up a DJI Mavic Air Drone

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

DJI Mavic Air.


The DJI Mavic Air is an ultraportable and foldable drone featuring high-end flight performance and functionality for limitless exploration and adventure. This guide will assist you with the basic setup of the drone and will cover the following:

  • Charging the batteries for your drone and remote control
  • Installing the companion app onto your mobile device
  • Unfolding the drone and connecting the remote control to your mobile device
  • Activating the drone and updating the firmware to the latest version

2. Safety First

As with all Drone flying, please keep the following in mind:

  • Make sure you are properly registered with the Federal Aviation Administration, or qualify to fly without registration.
  • Make sure you have permission to fly from the person or group that owns the land you'll be over.
  • Make sure you are in-touch with the control tower before flying near an airport.
  • Make sure there's no obstructions, such as power lines or trees, above your flight area that could cause problems.
  • Make sure there's no one below your flight area that could be hurt.
  • Make sure you are not near government infrastructure or other sensitive properties.
  • Make sure the weather is safe to fly in.
  • Make sure you keep your drone in your sight at all times, and get help from an observer if necessary.

For more detailed information, please visit:
http://knowbeforeyoufly.org/

3. Charge Batteries

  1. Plug one end of the charging cable into the battery.
Charging cable connected to battery.
  1. If you have more than one battery, plug them all into the charging hub.
Drone batteries plugged into charging hub.
  1. Attach the Micro USB adapter to the provided USB cable.
Micro USB adapter being attached to USB cable.
  1. Plug the small connector of the USB cable into the left side of the remote control.
USB cable being plugged into remote control.
  1. Connect everything to the charging adapter and plug the adapter into a power outlet.
Remote control and charging hub connected to power adapter.
  1. You will see the lights on the batteries and remote control scrolling until they will turn off meaning they are fully charged.
Battery and remote control lights showing charging progress.

4. OS Choice

To continue, we need to know what Operating System your smartphone or tablet has.

There are 2 main Operating Systems for smartphones currently available, Android and iOS.

Android SmartphoneiOS SmartphoneAndroid smartphones are produced by multiple companies, such as Samsung, LG, Motorola, HTC, and OnePlus.Apple is the only company that makes iOS smartphones.

Example Android home screen.
Example iOS home screen.

5. Check Wi-Fi

Depending on what device (Smartphone or Tablet) and which generation you have, the menu theme and options might look slightly different on your screen. However, the steps should be similar across all Android devices and generations.

To check if your Android mobile device is connected to Wi-Fi:

  1. Open Settings on your phone or tablet.
Android Settings.
  1. Select Wi-Fi.
Settings with Wi-Fi highlighted.
  1. Make sure Wi-Fi is turned On, then select the Wi-Fi network that says Connected under it.
Wi-Fi settings with Wi-Fi On switch and connected network highlighted.
  1. Here, you'll see the basics of your Wi-Fi connection, with the Wi-Fi network name at the top, and other information such as Signal Strength, Link Speed and the Frequency you're connected at and the Security type of the network.
Wi-Fi Properties.

More Details

  1. To see more information about your connection, select Cancel.
  2. Select the Settings gear in the top right corner.
Wi-Fi Settings with settings gear highlighted.
  1. Here, you'll see a variety of information related to your connection at the bottom, such as the MAC (Media Access Control) address and IP addresses your Android device has been given.
Configure Wi-Fi with MAC and IP address info highlighted.

6. Install Android App

  1. Launch the Play Store app on your Android device.
Play Store.
  1. Tap in the search box at the top of the screen.
Search bar highlighted in Google Play store.
  1. Search for "DJI GO 4" and tap on the found app.
DJI GO 4 App found in Google Play store.
  1. Tap Install and then Open to use it.

7. First Launch

  1. Launch the DJ GO 4 app on your mobile device.
DJI GO 4.
  1. Read through the Terms of Use and Privacy Agreement then tap I Agree when you're ready to continue.
I Agree button highlighted on agreement acceptance screen.
  1. Choose whether you want to Join or Not Consider the DJI Product Improvement Plan.
Choices highlighted for Product Improvement Plan.
  1. Choose how you want to login to the app:
  2. If you want to use a new DJI account or don't have one, choose Sign Up and fill in your new account information.
  3. If you want to use an existing DJI account, choose Sign In and fill in your login information.
Sign Up and Sign In buttons highlighted in mobile app.

8. Unfold Drone

  1. Hold the drone top side up and start with the rear arms.
  2. Push the rear arms downwards and they will twist outwards ending with the propellers on top.
Arrow showing rear arm unfolding direction.
  1. Pull the front arms outwards.
Arrow showing front arm unfolding direction.
  1. Pull the landing gears (antennas) downwards.
Arrow showing landing gear unfolding direction.
  1. Squeeze the locking tabs of the gimbal cover and pull the cover outwards then towards the front of the drone.
Arrows showing how to unlock gimbal cover.

9. Connect Mobile Device to RC

Depending on the size of your mobile device and where the connection port is located on it, there are two ways to connect it to the remote control:

Using the Clamp Connector

  1. Unfold the mobile device clamps.
RC being unfolded.
  1. Align the side connector on the left clamp with the port on the mobile device.
Side connector on RC highlighted and slide direction pointed out.
  1. If your mobile device has a home button in the middle, make sure it's positioned between the bigger teeth of the clamp.
Clamp teeth pointed out, to properly position mobile device.
  1. Insert the mobile device into the left clamp first, then into the right clamp to secure it.
Arrows pointing how to fold the clamps.

Using the Extension Cable

  1. Unfold the mobile device clamps.
RC being unfolded.
  1. Push the side connector into the outward position on the left clamp.
Side connector positions on left clamp of RC.
  1. Disconnect side cable from the remote controller.
Side cable disconnected from the remote controller.
  1. Connect the provided USB cable into the bottom port of the remote controller.
USB cable plugged into bottom of remote controller.
  1. Insert the mobile device into one of the clamps first, then into the other one to secure it.
Mobile device being inserted into remote controller clamps.
  1. Connect the Micro USB end of the cable into the side port of the mobile device.
Micro USB connector being plugged into side mobile device.

10. Turn On RC & Drone

To complete the following steps, you will need both your remote control and drone handy.

On the Remote Control

  1. Press and release the power button, then press it again quickly and hold it until you hear it make the initialization sound.
Power button highlighted on remote control.

On the Drone

  1. Make sure the drone is unfolded and gimbal cover is removed so the propellers and gimbal can move freely during the warm-up process.
Gimbal cover being removed from drone.
  1. Press and release the power button, then press it again quickly and hold it until you hear it make the initialization sound.
Power button highlighted on bottom of drone.

11. Activate Mavic Air

Depending on which DJI drone you have, the connected device may show a different name and image. However, the following procedure is the same for all DJI drones.

  1. The DJI GO 4 app will prompt you to activate your drone. Tap Next to proceed.
Next button highlighted activation prompt.
  1. Type in a Name (1) for your drone, then tap Continue (2).
Name entry field and Continue option highlighted in activation step.
  1. Choose a control mode for the remote. Tap each Mode (1) to see it's layout below, then tap Continue (2) when you're set.
Control modes and Continue option highlighted in activation step.
  1. Choose your preferred Measurement System (1) then tap Continue (2).
Measurement system choices and Continue option highlighted in activation step.
  1. If this is your first time flying a drone, it's recommended you leave Beginner Mode (1) turned on, otherwise you can turn it off. Tap Continue (2) to proceed.
Beginner Mode toggle switch and Continue option highlighted in activation step.
  1. The email address (1) used for your account will be filled in automatically. Confirm it and tap Activate (2).
Email entry field and Activate button highlighted in activation step.
  1. You'll be shown a confirmation screen once your drone is activated.
Drone activation confirmation screen.

12. Update Drone

Depending on which DJI drone you have, the connected device may show a different name and image. However, the following procedure is the same for all DJI drones.

  1. The DJI GO 4 app will notify you if there is a new firmware update available for your drone. Tap the notification in red.
New firmware update available notification highlighted in mobile app.
  1. Tap Download Now to initiate the update.
Download Now highlighted in mobile app.
  1. Wait for the process to complete.Do not turn off the drone and remote control or exit the mobile app during the update.
Firmware update in progress.
  1. Once the update is completed you will be asked to restart the drone. We will do that next. Tap OK for now.
OK highlighted on update complete prompt.
  1. The app will notify you the update was completed.
Update completed notification in mobile app.

13. Restart RC & Drone

To complete the following steps, you will need both your remote control and drone handy.

On the Remote Control

  1. To turn off the remote control, press and release the power button then press it again quickly and hold it until the lights turn off.
Power button highlighted on remote control.
  1. To turn it back on, press and release the power button then press it again quickly and hold it until you hear it make the initialization sound.

On the Drone

  1. To turn off the drone, press and release the power button then press it again quickly and hold it until the lights turn off.
Power button highlighted on bottom of drone.
  1. To turn it back on, press and release the power button then press it again quickly and hold it until you hear it make the initialization sound.

14. Update RC

Depending on which DJI drone you have, the connected device may show a different name and images. However, the following procedure is the same for all DJI drones.

  1. The DJI GO 4 app will notify you if there is a new firmware update available for your remote control. Tap the notification in red.
New firmware update available notification highlighted in mobile app.
  1. Tap Download Now to initiate the update.
Download Now highlighted in mobile app.
  1. Wait for the process to complete.Do not turn off the drone and remote control or exit the mobile app during the update.
Firmware update in progress.
  1. Once the update is completed you will be asked to restart the drone. We will do that next. Tap OK for now.
OK highlighted on update complete prompt.
  1. The app will notify you the update was completed.
Update completed notification in mobile app.

15. Restart RC & Drone

To complete the following steps, you will need both your remote control and drone handy.

On the Remote Control

  1. To turn off the remote control, press and release the power button then press it again quickly and hold it until the lights turn off.
Power button highlighted on remote control.
  1. To turn it back on, press and release the power button then press it again quickly and hold it until you hear it make the initialization sound.

On the Drone

  1. To turn off the drone, press and release the power button then press it again quickly and hold it until the lights turn off.
Power button highlighted on bottom of drone.
  1. To turn it back on, press and release the power button then press it again quickly and hold it until you hear it make the initialization sound.

16. Update Battery

The drone is powered by an intelligent battery which updates together with the drone. If you have any extra batteries, you will need to insert them one by one into the drone and check if they need to be updated to be compatible with the drone.

Depending on which DJI drone you have, the connected device may show a different name and image. However, the following procedure is the same for all DJI drones.

  1. Replace the drone's battery.
  2. The DJI GO 4 app will be notify you if the battery's firmware is incompatible with the drone's firmware and needs to be updated. Slide the switch to the right side to initiate the update.
Slider highlighted and sliding direction pointed out.
  1. The app will notify you the update is in progress.Do not turn off the drone and remote control or exit the mobile app during the update.
Update in progress.
  1. Then it will notify you the update was completed.
Update completed.

17. Restart RC & Drone

To complete the following steps, you will need both your remote control and drone handy.

On the Remote Control

  1. To turn off the remote control, press and release the power button then press it again quickly and hold it until the lights turn off.
Power button highlighted on remote control.
  1. To turn it back on, press and release the power button then press it again quickly and hold it until you hear it make the initialization sound.

On the Drone

  1. To turn off the drone, press and release the power button then press it again quickly and hold it until the lights turn off.
Power button highlighted on bottom of drone.
  1. To turn it back on, press and release the power button then press it again quickly and hold it until you hear it make the initialization sound.

18. Connect Wi-Fi

Depending on what device (Smartphone or Tablet) and which generation you have, the menu theme and options might look slightly different on your screen. However, the steps should be similar across all Android devices and generations.

  1. From the main screen of your Android device, tap on the Apps button.
Home screen with Apps button highlighted.
  1. Then look for and tap on Settings.
Apps page with Settings icon highlighted.
  1. Go to Wi-Fi.
Settings page with Wi-Fi highlighted.
  1. Make sure the Wi-Fi feature is enabled by flipping the On / Off switch to the On position then wait for the network list to populate and tap on the Wi-Fi network that you want to connect to.
Wi-Fi settings with toggle highlighted with arrow pointing to toggle and list of available networks.
  1. Your Android device will automatically connect to the network if there is no security enabled, or you have connected to it in the past. The Wi-Fi network name will show Connected underneath and the Wi-Fi symbol will fill up in the top right corner of the screen.
Wi-Fi settings page with arrows pointing to connected Wi-Fi network and Wi-Fi symbol in the status bar.
  1. If the Wi-Fi network requires a password, then you will see a small padlock next to the Wi-Fi symbol, which also means the connection is secure. Tapping on a secured Wi-Fi networks name will prompt you to enter the password. Passwords are always case sensitive. Type it in using the on screen keyboard then tap Connect.
Secure and unsecure Wi-Fi symbols shown.

Wi-Fi settings page with arrow pointing to field to type in your security key and another arrow pointing to Connect.
  1. If the Wi-Fi network you are trying to connect to is hidden, then tap the More option which looks like three dots positioned vertically, on the top right corner of the screen, then tap Add network.
Wi-Fi settings page with arrow pointing to the Menu icon.

Wi-Fi settings page with Menu open and Add Network is highlighted.
  1. Enter the Wi-Fi networks name using the on screen keyboard and tap Save if no password is required to connect. If a password is needed to connect to the Wi-Fi network then tap on Security and select the security type. Type in the password, then tap Save.
Wi-Fi settings page with arrow pointing to a manually typed network name and another arrow pointing to the security type dialog box.

Wi-Fi settings page with an arrow pointing to the security key typed in and another arrow pointing to save.

At this point your Android device should be connected to Wi-Fi.

As an alternate way you can also try the following method:

  1. Swipe downwards from the top side of the screen.
Home scree with arrow indicating to swipe your finger down from top of the screen.
  1. Look for the Wi-Fi symbol in the drop down menu and tap on the word below it. If you're not connected to any network, it will say Wi-Fi. If you're already connected to a network, it will show its name.
Quick Menu options with Wi-Fi highlighted.
  1. Make sure the Wi-Fi feature is enabled by flipping the On / Off switch to the On position then wait for the network list to populate and tap on the Wi-Fi network that you want to connect to.
Wi-Fi quick settings with arrow pointing to highlighted toggle and another arrow pointing to the list of available wifi networks.

19. Check Wi-Fi

Depending on what device (iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch) and which generation you have, the menu theme and options might look slightly different on your screen. However, the steps should be the same across all iOS devices and generations.

To check if your iOS mobile device is connected to Wi-Fi:

  1. From the main screen of your device, look for and open Settings.
iOS Settings icon.
  1. With Settings open, look for the Wi-Fi field. This field will display the current Wi-Fi status on the right hand side:
  • Off - the Wi-Fi antenna is currently disabled.
  • Not Connected - Wi-Fi is turned on, but your device is not currently connected to a network.
  • Wi-Fi network name - Wi-Fi is turned on, and the network name displayed is the network your device is currently connected to.
iOS Settings menu with Wi-Fi highlighted.
  • You can also tap on the Wi-Fi field and make sure the Wi-Fi switch is in the On position. The switch should be green in color and will display the network that you are currently connected to directly beneath it with a check mark to the left.
  • iOS Wi-Fi menu highlighting the Wi-Fi switch and the currently connected network.

  • 20. Install iOS App

    1. Launch the App Store.
    Apple App Store.
    1. Tap Search in the bottom right corner.
    App Store Search Button.
    1. Type "DJI GO 4" in the search bar at the top. The app will show up below.
    Keyword and Get option highlighted for searched app.
    1. Tap Get and Install, then Open to use it.

    21. Connect your iOS device to the Network

    Depending on what device (iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch) and which generation you have, the menu theme and options might look slightly different on your screen. However, the steps should be the same across all iOS devices and generations.

    1. From the main screen of your device, look for and open Settings.
    Home screen with setting icon highlighted.
    1. After that, go to Wi-Fi. You will see that this option also shows one of three statuses to the right:
    2. Off - the Wi-Fi feature is disabled
    3. Not Connected - there is no Wi-Fi connection establishe
    4. the Wi-Fi connections name - there is a Wi-Fi connection already established.
    Settings page with Wi-Fi menu item highlighted.
    1. Make sure that the Wi-Fi feature is enabled by flipping the On/Off switch to the green position. Locate and tap the Wi-Fi networks name that you wish to connect to from the list.
    Wi-Fi settings page with Wi-Fi toggle highlighted and the list of available networks highlighted.
    1. Your iOS device will automatically connect to the network if there is no security enabled, or you have connected to it in the past. The checkmark and Wi-Fi symbol indicate you are connected.
    Wi-Fi Settings page with an arrow pointing to a checkmark to the left of the connected network and another arrow pointing to the Wi-Fi symbol in the status bar.
    1. If the Wi-Fi network requires a password, then you will see a small padlock to the right of its name, which also means the connection is secure.
    Wi-Fi settings page with an arrow pointing to the padlock representing a secured network.
    1. Tapping on a secured Wi-Fi networks name will prompt you to enter the password. Passwords are always case sensitive. Type it in using the on screen keyboard then tap Join on the bottom right corner. If tapping it does nothing, then it means the password you typed in is too short.
    Wi-Fi settings page with arrow pointing to password field and another arrow pointing to the Join button.
    1. If the Wi-Fi network you are trying to connect to is hidden, then tap the Other... option.
    Wi-Fi settings page with Other highlighted.
    1. Enter the Wi-Fi networks name using the on screen keyboard and tap Join at the bottom right if no password is required to connect. If a password is needed to connect to the Wi-Fi network then tap on Security.
    Wi-Fi Other Network page with name highlighted and security highlighted.
    1. Choose the type of security the Wi-Fi network has by tapping on it.
    Wi-Fi security page with a list of security protocols.
    1. Finally, type in the required Wi-Fi password and tap Join at the bottom right corner to connect.
    Wi-Fi Other Network page with arrow pointing to the password field and another arrow pointing to the Join button.

    At this point your iOS device should be connected to Wi-Fi.