Firmware updates are an important part of keeping your drone reliable and secure — but they are also one of the most common causes of unexpected issues when done incorrectly.
This guide explains how to update DJI firmware safely, what to check beforehand, and when it may be better to delay an update.
What is firmware?
Firmware is the internal software that runs on:
The aircraft (drone)
The remote controller
Batteries
Payloads (cameras, sensors, speakers, etc.)
Charging hubs and accessories
Updates can introduce:
Bug fixes
Safety improvements
New features
Compatibility updates
But updates can also occasionally introduce new bugs or change how systems behave — which is why updating carefully matters.
Why firmware updates sometimes cause problems
Most update issues are caused by process, not the update itself. Common causes include:
Interrupting an update partway through
Poor internet connection during download
Low battery during installation
Updating only part of the system (e.g. aircraft but not controller)
Updating on the morning of a critical job
Good update habits significantly reduce risk.
How to update DJI firmware safely
1. Do not update right before a job
Avoid updating firmware:
The night before a paid job
On-site just before flying
During time-critical operations
If an issue appears, you need time to troubleshoot. Best practice is to update at least a few days before operational use.
2. Fully charge everything first
Before updating, ensure:
Aircraft batteries are above 50% (ideally 100%)
Controller battery is well charged
External controller batteries (e.g. RC Plus) are charged
Loss of power mid-update can corrupt the firmware and cause serious issues.
3. Use a stable internet connection
Always update using:
Strong Wi-Fi
A reliable network
Avoid:
Public Wi-Fi
Weak mobile hotspots
Poor signal areas
A failed download can lead to incomplete or corrupted updates.
4. Update the entire ecosystem
Many DJI systems require multiple components to be on compatible firmware versions, including:
Aircraft
Controller
Batteries
Payloads
Apps (DJI Fly / DJI Pilot 2)
If prompted to update multiple items, allow all updates to complete fully.
5. Do not interrupt the update
Once an update has started:
Do not power off the drone
Do not close the app
Do not disconnect cables
Do not walk out of range
Even if the progress bar appears slow, allow it to complete.
6. Restart everything after updating
After updates complete:
Power cycle the aircraft
Power cycle the controller
Check that no further update prompts appear
This helps ensure the system has correctly applied all changes.
When you might not want to update immediately
It is not always best practice to install every update the moment it becomes available.
You may wish to delay updating if:
You have upcoming critical operations
Your system is currently stable and performing well
The update notes do not address any issues you are experiencing
Other users are reporting widespread problems with a new release
Many professional operators adopt a simple rule:
Never update mission-critical equipment without time to test it first.
Best practice for professional teams
Organisations operating fleets often follow structured update processes, such as:
Testing updates on one aircraft first
Verifying performance before updating the full fleet
Keeping records of firmware versions
Scheduling updates during low operational periods
This reduces operational risk and unexpected downtime.
Common signs of a firmware issue
After updating, watch for:
New error messages
Sensors not behaving as expected
Features missing or disabled
Controller connectivity issues
Abnormal battery behavior
If something does not feel right, stop flying and investigate before continuing operations.
Need help with firmware issues?
If your drone is behaving strangely after an update, or you're unsure whether to install an update, our team can help with:
Diagnosing firmware-related faults
Advising whether an update is necessary
Safe update processes for fleets
Troubleshooting failed updates
Updating should improve reliability - not reduce it.