DJI Dock 4 is DJI's latest drone dock and the first one that swaps the aircraft's battery by itself. It launched on 14 October 2026, works with the DJI Matrice 5TD and is run remotely through DJI FlightHub 2.
What's new compared with Dock 3?
Battery swapping is the big one. Dock 3 recharges the battery inside the aircraft, which takes around 27 minutes, while Dock 4 swaps it in under 25 seconds. DJI has also extended the operating range down to -40°C and moved the video link and RTK into a separate O4 Ground Station. The batteries stored in the dock now double as its backup power, and Wi-Fi QuickTransfer pulls media off the aircraft at up to 80 MB/s once it lands. Dock 4 and Matrice 5TD vs Dock 3 and Matrice 4TD has a full side-by-side comparison.
Which aircraft does it work with?
Only the Matrice 5TD. The Matrice 4D, 4TD and earlier dock aircraft aren't compatible. The DJI Matrice 5TD FAQ covers the aircraft in detail.
Do I need the O4 Ground Station?
Yes. Dock 4 can't run without it. The ground station handles the video link, acts as the RTK base station and provides the network connection. It's powered from the dock over a single Ethernet cable.
How fast is the battery swap?
Under 25 seconds once the lid has closed, and under 45 seconds from landing to taking off again. These are DJI's lab figures. DJI Dock 4 batteries: how many you need, swapping and power cuts explains how the swap and charging work.
How many batteries does it hold?
The dock has four compartments and holds up to three batteries, with the fourth slot kept free for the battery coming out of the aircraft. With one in the aircraft, a full set is four.
What weather can it work in?
The dock is rated IP56 and the aircraft IP55, and both work from -40°C to 50°C. DJI rates the system for wind up to 12 m/s and rainfall up to 2 mm/h. The dock has its own wind, rainfall, temperature and humidity sensors, so you can see conditions on site before you fly.
Can it keep working in a power cut?
Yes, as long as at least two batteries are in the dock. It runs on them for roughly 4.5 hours each, but it can't charge the aircraft while it's on backup power.
What's the range?
In the UK, the Matrice 5TD's transmission range is up to 12 km under CE rules, with clear line of sight and no interference. The 40 km figure in DJI's launch material applies in Canada. DJI gives a maximum operating radius of 10 km.
Can it be mounted on a vehicle?
Not yet. Vehicle deployment for Dock 4 is on DJI's roadmap. If you need a vehicle-mounted dock now, Dock 3 supports it.
Does it need an internet connection?
Yes. It needs a stable connection to reach DJI FlightHub 2. Ethernet is the main link, and 4G is available through a DJI Cellular Dongle 2 fitted to the O4 Ground Station. Planning a DJI Dock 4 installation lists the network, power and site requirements.
How loud is it?
Under 60 dB in Silent mode and 65 dB in Normal mode.
Does it support edge computing?
Yes, through the O4 Ground Station connected to an external switch. DJI has the details on its developer site.
Do I need permission from the CAA?
In most cases, yes. Most dock operations in the UK fall in the Specific category and need an operational authorisation from the CAA. Talk to us early and we'll help you work out what your operation needs.
Who do I contact if something goes wrong?
Our technical team, on [email protected] or 0330 111 7177. We'll troubleshoot it with you first and take it from there, including any claim under your DJI cover.
How do I buy one?
Call our enterprise team on 0330 111 7177 or see the Dock 4 page on our website. We'll quote the dock, aircraft, batteries and support together, as these vary from site to site. Ask about current lead times when you do.