If the DJI Fly App is pre-installed on my RC2 controller for my Mini 4 Pro, why do I need a wireless connection to an Android phone?

svalchemy · 2025-10-21T10:30:55-0400

If the DJI Fly App is pre-installed on my RC2 controller for my Mini 4 Pro, why do I need a wireless connection to an Android phone? I bought the drone in June but went sailing and only now took it out for a spin yesterday in Nova Scotia. It flies well but I will need a lot of practice. It could not connect to my phone, a Moto G Play from late 2023, which cannot install the DJI Fly App, and the controller cannot "see" this phone's hotspot. The RC2 unit works...to a point. There is a height and "distance from" limitation. Comments would be welcome. I am registered and fairly computer and comms-savvy. Thanks.

MS Coast · 2025-10-21T10:53:41-0400

The Fly app is installed on the RC2 as sold. There's no need to connect to a phone. But you do need Internet service so that you can connect to the web to log into your DJI account. That will remove the altitude and range constraints. It will also allow you to download satellite imagery for the maps screen and download updates to the app, the FlySafe database, and firmware.

An internet connection isn't required for every flight, but if you're going to fly in a location where you have no service, be sure that you're logged into your DJI account prior to leaving home.

svalchemy · 2025-10-21T11:05:50-0400

OK, thanks. So I don't need a second phone on which to download the app. However, this means I still have the problem of my controller not connecting to my phone's hotspot...any tips on how to get past this? Should I try to take it down to 2.4 Mhz? I live in a rural area, but I am just 1 km from a couple of cell phone tower and can stream video, so it can't be a bandwidth issue.

MS Coast · 2025-10-21T11:16:34-0400

svalchemy said:
OK, thanks. So I don't need a second phone on which to download the app. However, this means I still have the problem of my controller not connecting to my phone's hotspot...any tips on how to get past this? Should I try to take it down to 2.4 Mhz? I live in a rural area, but I am just 1 km from a couple of cell phone tower and can stream video, so it can't be a bandwidth issue.

Second phone? The RC2 controller needs no phone at all. Are you using an RC-N2 controller, without the built-in screen?

In any case, you'll have to connect to the internet to log into your DJI account on the Fly app to remove the range and altitude constraints. You can do that on wifi or on a mobile phone's hotspot.

Have you enabled wifi on the controller?

svalchemy · 2025-10-21T11:57:59-0400

MS Coast said:
Second phone? The RC2 controller needs no phone at all. Are you using an RC-N2 controller, without the built-in screen?

In any case, you'll have to connect to the internet to log into your DJI account on the Fly app to remove the range and altitude constraints. You can do that on wifi or on a mobile phone's hotspot.

Have you enabled wifi on the controller?

Ah, I figured out how to get to the controller WiFi settings. Logged in and all is updated. Setting for 100 metres altitude to start, depending on the wind at that height. Thank you very much for the tips.