FAQ

DJI Air 3S has comprehensive improvements in the camera system, vision sensing system, intelligent features, and video transmission system. The main improvements include:
1. DJI Air 3S is equipped with an upgraded 1-inch CMOS primary camera, utilizing a new image-processing platform with a video dynamic range of up to 14 stops*. It supports up to 4K/120fps video recording**. Additionally, its wide-angle and medium tele cameras support the new Free panorama feature, which allows flexible shooting-range selections.
2. DJI Air 3S features new forward-facing LiDAR, supporting nightscape omnidirectional obstacle sensing*** and next-gen Smart RTH. It can actively identify and avoid obstacles, such as buildings along the flight and return paths, ensuring safer urban nightscape photography. It can also memorize flight paths in well-lit conditions, enabling quick takeoffs and safe returns even without satellite signals****.
3. DJI Air 3S adopts the O4 video transmission system, offering more stable signals, stronger anti-interference capabilities, and better image quality.

^{* 14 stops of dynamic range are achievable for video on Auto mode but not for vertical or slow-motion video.
** 4K/120fps video recording is only supported in Slow Motion mode. *** This feature is only effective on surfaces with discernible textures and in lighting conditions exceeding 1 lux. Refer to the official DJI website or the product's user manual for details.
**** This feature is only effective on surfaces with discernible textures and in lighting conditions exceeding 10 lux. Refer to the official DJI website or the product's user manual for details.}

DJI Air 3S is C1 certified by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

With DJI RC-N3:
Connect your mobile device (connected to the internet) with the remote controller, and then connect to DJI Air 3S via the DJI Fly app. Follow the instructions in the app to activate DJI Air 3S.

With DJI RC 2:
When using DJI RC 2 for the first time, connect to the internet via Wi-Fi or a smartphone hotspot, and then follow the instructions in the DJI Fly app to activate the device. After activating DJI RC 2, connect it with DJI Air 3S via the DJI Fly app, and then follow the instructions in the app to activate the aircraft.

No. Avoid contact with water during use, as it may damage the device.
If it rains during the flight, return and land as soon as possible, and wait until the aircraft is fully dry inside and out before using it again.

DJI Air 3S can only be used with the DJI Fly app. You can download the latest version of DJI Fly from the DJI Air 3S Downloads page on the official DJI website.

^{If you use DJI RC 2 as the remote controller, it comes with the pre-installed DJI Fly app.}

1. Dirt and debris can lead to false obstacle detection. Keep the forward-facing LiDAR clean to ensure accurate obstacle sensing.
2. The LiDAR works automatically in moderately lit environments, but it will not function properly in bright light. Pay attention to ambient light conditions to maintain safe flight operations.

1. Enhanced Nighttime Obstacle Sensing: Even in extremely dark conditions where the ambient light is less than 1 lux and the vision sensing system becomes ineffective, the forward-facing LiDAR can still provide forward obstacle sensing for the drone. This ensures that the drone can detect obstacles and perform timely stops at night.
2. Safer Nighttime RTH: During nighttime return-to-home operations, if the vision sensing system is ineffective, the drone can use the forward-facing LiDAR to sense forward obstacles and navigate upwards to avoid them*, making the return flight safer.

^{* If the drone reaches its altitude limit while ascending around obstacles, it will hover at that height.}

Both the wide-angle camera and medium tele camera support vertical shooting (9:16), and a max video resolution is 2.7K/60fps.

Compared with the camera module of DJI Air 3, DJI Air 3S has the following major improvements:
1. DJI Air 3S features an upgraded 1-inch CMOS primary camera, a new image-processing platform to enhance overall image quality, and provides a video dynamic range of up to 14 stops*.
2. DJI Air 3S supports slow-motion video recording at 1080p/240fps and 4K/120fps**.
3. DJI Air 3S introduces a new Subject Focusing feature, which can quickly and intelligently recognize the subject and maintain continuous and accurate focus.
4. The wide-angle and medium tele cameras of DJI Air 3S support the new Free panorama feature, which allows flexible shooting-range selections.
5. DJI Air 3S employs next-gen intelligent algorithms to significantly improve photo quality.
6. DJI Air 3S increases the video ISO limits: the maximum ISO in normal color mode is raised from 6,400 to 12,800***, and in D-Log M and HLG color modes, the maximum ISO is increased from 1,600 to 3,200.

^{* 14 stops of dynamic range are achievable for video on Auto mode but not for vertical or slow-motion video.
** Only supported in Slow Motion mode.
*** The maximum ISO for slow-motion video remains at 6,400.}

Keep the antennas facing the aircraft during flight for optimal transmission.

DJI Air 3S currently supports three remote controllers: DJI RC-N3, DJI RC-N2, and DJI RC 2.

Yes. The USB-C port supports up to 9V/3A power input (with a 9V/3A charger). It takes 1.5 hours at the fastest speed to fully charge the battery.

You can customize the C1/C2 button of DJI RC 2 in the DJI Fly app for more convenient control.

No.

DJI RC 2 does not directly support the DJI Cellular Dongle 2. However, DJI RC 2 can access a cellular network after connecting to a smartphone Wi-Fi hotspot. Then, in conjunction with the DJI Cellular Dongle 2 installed on the aircraft, this setup can achieve Enhanced Transmission.

In different environments, the wireless interference level is different, and the max transmission distance will vary.

Unobstructed:
Strong Interference: Urban landscape, approx. 1.5-4 km
Medium Interference: Suburban landscape, approx. 4-10 km
Low Interference: Suburb/Seaside, approx. 10-20 km

Obstructed:
Low Interference and Obstructed by Buildings: Approx. 0-0.5 km
Low Interference and Obstructed by Trees: Approx. 0.5-3 km

^{Measured under FCC standard in obstructed or unobstructed environments with typical interference. Used for reference purposes only and provides no guarantee for actual transmission distance.}

Please ensure that the network speed is at least 5 Mbps.

When there is no signal from the original video transmission, it's not possible to switch between the original video transmission and Enhanced Transmission.
However, when both the original video transmission and 4G link signals are available, you can manually enable or disable Enhanced Transmission.

When operating under good DJI O4 video transmission signal conditions, DJI Air 3S will not activate the 4G video transmission link.
If the transmission completely switches over to a 4G link, a 30-minute flight will consume about 1 GB of data. This value is for reference only. Please refer to the actual data usage.

Enhanced Transmission using 4G technology connects both the aircraft and the remote controller to a server, which then relays the video feed and control commands. This method depends on the 4G signal strength at both the aircraft and remote controller ends, so it is crucial to operate the aircraft in areas where the 4G signal on your remote controller or smartphone is at or nearly at full strength.

Additionally, when flying, the aircraft can face weaker 4G signals due to several factors:
1. Base stations primarily aim 4G signals towards the ground, so signal quality is naturally poorer in the air and worsens with altitude. In urban areas filled with tall buildings, though the aerial signal may be stronger, it is more likely to encounter network congestion.
2. During flight, the aircraft may encounter increased clutter and interference in the air. This inconsistent signal coverage in the air can cause latency in the aircraft's 4G connection.
3. The 4G reach of each base station is fairly restricted, ranging from a few dozen to hundreds of meters in urban settings. Hence, the aircraft has to continuously switch from one base station to another during flight, and each switch can affect the smoothness of data transmission.

When the O4 video transmission is disconnected, remote takeoff or remote control from a different location is prohibited.

It is not recommended to use a SIM card from a mobile virtual network operator.

1. The DJI Cellular Dongle 2 is compatible with nano-SIM cards and eSIM. (Currently, eSIM is not supported outside of the Chinese mainland.) Please purchase and use the SIM card in accordance with local laws and regulations.
2. It is strongly recommended to purchase a SIM card that supports 4G network from an official mobile network operator.
3. Do not use an IoT card; otherwise, video transmission quality will be severely affected.
4. Do not use a SIM card provided by a mobile virtual network operator; otherwise, it may result in network connection issues.
5. Do not cut a SIM card by yourself; otherwise, the SIM card may be damaged, or the rough edges and corners may cause the SIM card to be unable to be inserted or removed properly.
6. If the SIM card is set with a password (PIN code), make sure to insert the SIM card into the smartphone and cancel the PIN code; otherwise, network connection issues may arise.
7. Do not insert or remove the SIM card after powering on the DJI Cellular Dongle 2.

No.

Thailand, the United States, Iran, North Korea, Syria, Cuba, Russia, Ukraine, Israel, Palestine, etc.

Due to privacy regulations and policies, you must purchase the correct version of the Enhanced Transmission service that corresponds to your location. There are two versions available—one for the Chinese mainland and one for countries and regions outside of the Chinese mainland.

When using DJI RC-N3, ensure your smartphone has a normal network connection. When using DJI RC 2, you need to connect to a Wi-Fi network.

1. When using Enhanced Transmission for landing, if the aircraft is connected exclusively via a 4G network, it will only be able to take off again within three minutes of landing. Once three minutes have passed, the aircraft will not be able to take off again unless it is within the connection range of the O4 video transmission system. Please take extra note of this when flying beyond O4 range. Always fly with caution.
2. Always operate in areas where the 4G signal on your remote controller or smartphone is at or nearly at full strength for a better Enhanced Transmission experience.
3. Enhanced Transmission relies on a 4G network, which may introduce some lag and stutter after the O4 signal is disconnected. Always fly with caution.
4. When the O4 video transmission signal is poor or disconnected, make sure to maintain an appropriate altitude during the flight. In open areas, try to keep the flight altitude below 120 meters for a better 4G signal.
5. For flight in urban areas with tall buildings, make sure to set an appropriate RTH altitude (higher than the tallest building).
6. For flight in GEO zones with tall buildings, enable APAS. Always fly with caution.
7. It is not recommended to fly the aircraft beyond the visual line of sight (BVLOS), especially at night.
8. Always fly with extra care when the DJI Fly app prompts "Weak 4G signal. Fly with caution."

Please set your smartphone hotspot to operate on the 2.4GHz frequency band or with Maximize Compatibility enabled.

It is not recommended to answer phone calls while flying the drone.
For users with DJI RC-N3, Enhanced Transmission utilizes the 4G network of the smartphone paired with the remote controller. Due to certain restrictions in Android/iOS systems, if you receive a call or exit the DJI Fly app to use other functions on your smartphone, the DJI Fly app may be restricted from using the 4G network in the background, which can lead to the unavailability of Enhanced Transmission.
For users with DJI RC 2, Enhanced Transmission works by connecting to a smartphone Wi-Fi hotspot. During a phone call, the smartphone network may revert to 2G/3G, which can lead to unavailability of Enhanced Transmission.
If Enhanced Transmission is unavailable and the original DJI O4 video transmission also disconnects, this can lead to an interruption in the control signal reaching the aircraft and subsequently trigger Failsafe RTH due to loss of control.

To operate a drone fitted with a DJI 4G Dongle in the UK you must:
1. Apply for an Ofcom UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) Licence.
2. Seek written permission for airborne use of mobile network user equipment and use a network SIM card specifically authorised for 4G UAS operations, if directed by the network.
Further details are referenced in Ofcom licensing guidance.
Depending on the weight of your drone, you may need to register as an operator and obtain an operator ID from the CAA. To apply for an operator ID, visit the CAA website: Registering a drone or model aircraft | UK Civil Aviation Authority.

For the Ofcom UAS Licence, visit the Ofcom website: https://www.ofcom.org.uk/spectrum/radio-equipment/licensing-process-applications
Ensure you meet all requirements and guidelines provided by these authorities.

No, a standard network SIM is not compliant with the legal requirements for operating the 4G Dongle in the UK. You must obtain a dedicated SIM authorised for UAS operations through your network provider.

When the aircraft is connected to the remote controller and a new firmware version is available, the DJI Fly app will send you a firmware update prompt. You can follow the instructions to update the firmware for the aircraft, remote controller, battery, and other devices.
You can also update via the DJI Assistant 2 (Consumer Drones Series) software on a computer. The latest version of the software can be downloaded from the DJI Air 3S Downloads page on the official DJI website.

1. The battery level of the aircraft or remote controller is below 20%.
2. The aircraft or the remote controller is powered off during an update. If this happens, restart the aircraft and remote controller and try again.
3. The network is disconnected during a firmware download.
4. Your smartphone interface is switched to other apps during a firmware download.
^{The aircraft will restart multiple times during an update and automatically power off after completing the update.}

The Battery Charging Hub supports the new power accumulation and external discharge functions.
Power Accumulation: When you insert two or more batteries, you can long-press the function button to initiate the process where lower-charged batteries transfer their power to the higher-charged one. This helps concentrate the remaining power, providing you with longer effective flight time.
External Discharge: The battery's power can be output through the USB-C port to devices such as smartphones and tablets at up to 82 watts.

^{* Do not connect the charger, connect external devices, or insert/remove any batteries during power accumulation.}

Yes. However, to ensure charging efficiency, we recommended using the DJI 65W Portable Charger, DJI 100W USB-C Power Adapter, or other chargers with a power output of 60 watts or above that support the PD protocol.

Start by grasping the tail end of the cellular dongle compartment cover and lifting it up to remove it. Once the cover is off, you can scan the QR code inside the compartment to watch a detailed tutorial video on disassembly and usage. Follow the video instructions to properly install the DJI Cellular Dongle 2. Next, reattach the cellular dongle compartment cover, power on the aircraft, and connect to the remote controller. Once connected, confirm that the 4G function works properly on the DJI Fly app's camera view before use.

DJI Air 3S is compatible with the DJI Air 3 Low-Noise Propellers, DJI Air 3 Battery Charging Hub, and DJI Air 3 Intelligent Flight Battery*.
For details, refer to the product compatibility list for the corresponding accessories at the official online DJI Store.

^{* Note: When using the DJI Air 3 Intelligent Flight Battery, DJI Air 3S does not support the Off-State QuickTransfer feature.}