Is 90 days the new minimum DJI log-in frequency?

[lomposlapos]

DJI required a log-in via Internet in the last 30 days, otherwise you weren't able to fly.

Is it true that this has been pushed to 90 days and now you can fly the drone without any sort of internet connection for 90 days following the last log-in?

M3, M3P

 

[msinger]

Is it true that this has been pushed to 90 days

Please reference your source so we can see what you're referring to.

 

[lomposlapos]

This is a common obstacle for those who fly in remote areas on long trips.
For example:

Why am I forced to log in? And if I don't I can't fly!

Hello. Many times I have gone somewhere remote and when I try to use the drone it says I must log into my account and if I don't the drone is useless. Why is this happening? Why do I have to log into my account just to use the drone? I have been a long way from any wifi or mobile signal...

forum.dji.com

 

[msinger]

There is some conflicting information in that thread from DJI. If you read the entire thread, it looks like they agree that it's 30 days.

 

[lomposlapos]

Here 90 days:

DJI Mini Pro 4 Account not logged in

So alas, I get 2-3 months of good use. relatively happy and recommending the DJI mini Pro 4 to others. Then get onto a remote boat trip for a week. And get this: "Account not logged in". Restricted to 50m flight radius. Can only 'log in' after back to civilisation, AFTER holiday complete...

forum.dji.com

 

[msinger]

The same thing was mentioned here by a DJI employee. Assuming that's accurate, then it must be true.

I've seen no written documentation of that change anywhere. But, that's not surprising since DJI doesn't document a lot of their changes.

 

[RangerEd]

Logging in is a huge pain Makes me wonder if they really are gathering data and storing it away somewhere where the CCP can get their hands on it.

 

[msinger]

Makes me wonder if they really are gathering data and storing it away somewhere where the CCP can get their hands on it

Extensive research by security experts has shown these concerns to be unfounded, so it’s highly unlikely that anything nefarious is happening.

 

[MS Coast]

Logging in is a huge PIA. Makes me wonder if they really are gathering data and storing it away somewhere where the CCP can get their hands on it.

I cannot imagine why the Chinese Communist Party would want to have access to my drone flight information. That's lower on my list of concerns than having my birddog barbecued by the new neighbors.

 

[GFields]

I cannot imagine why the Chinese Communist Party would want to have access to my drone flight information. That's lower on my list of concerns than having my birddog barbecued by the new neighbors.

That's what I've always said. Over 90% of my business is commercial real estate, so unless they want to know how to build a Winn-Dixie, I can't see any reason they'd want my info lol.

 

[moldorf]

has DJI ever explained why this feature is built into the Fly app? And no, I don't think it has anything to do with CCP spying

it's like you pay full price for the drone, but DJI still owns a significant part of it and can shut it down. It makes it pretty suspicious that DJI insists on this feature in the fly apps but is delaying or refusing to issue SDK's. Is there even an SDK for any of the Mavic 3's?

 

[WanderLost]

has DJI ever explained why this feature is built into the Fly app? And no, I don't think it has anything to do with CCP spying

it's like you pay full price for the drone, but DJI still owns a significant part of it and can shut it down. It makes it pretty suspicious that DJI insists on this feature in the fly apps but is delaying or refusing to issue SDK's. Is there even an SDK for any of the Mavic 3's?

On the DJI forum, this question has been asked many times. An "official" response from DJI there was that they want you to login from time to time so updates can be offered for download, particularly the Flysafe database.

 

[msinger]

An "official" response from DJI there was that they want you to login from time to time so updates can be offered for download, particularly the Flysafe database

So, they force you to log in to see an optional update? And then if you don't log in, they restrict the drone's capabilities until you log in and potentially bypass the optional update?

This could be one of the benefits of logging in, but I doubt it's the primary reason for forcing people to log in.

 

[WanderLost]

So, they force you to log in to see an optional update? And then if you don't log in, they restrict the drone's capabilities until you log in and potentially bypass the optional update?

This could be one of the benefits of logging in, but I doubt it's the primary reason for forcing people to log in.

It's DJI attempts at CYA by making regular updates to the Flysafe database. That has a couple of benefits - they correct errors in their geofencing, delete ones no longer in use (like a grass strip near us) and add areas that may be new.
For flyers who hate the whole "nanny state" idea of geofencing, I guess there's hacks to avoid the whole issue and just never update anything.

 

[lomposlapos]

making regular updates

It is not clear if the 30 or 90 days limit (DJI customer serv by phone typically says it is 30 days only!) can be reset by a simple log-in or it also mandates update if available (although, once you're forced to connect, at that point it matters little).

 

[WanderLost]

It is not clear if the 30 or 90 days limit (DJI customer serv by phone typically says it is 30 days only!) can be reset by a simple log-in or it also mandates update if available (although, once you're forced to connect, at that point it matters little).

I've never been "forced" to update and often ignore the message when out in the field and the message pops up. Some folks never update if their birds are flying well - we still need to login in from time to time. I don't get the login message since I fly several times a month and that seems to "reset" the logout/login cycle.

 

[PointG]

Extensive research by security experts has shown these concerns to be unfounded,

I have hear this many times but have not seen an article confirming that or any of the supporting information.
Do you have any links to documents confirming this statement?
Thanks!
G

 

[msinger]

I have hear this many times but have not seen an article confirming that or any of the supporting information.
Do you have any links to documents confirming this statement?

Start with these:

• Drone Security White Paper
• Security Audits & Certifications
• New Independent Audit Confirms Robust Privacy Controls Available To DJI Drone Operators