How to Fly a DJI Drone: First Flight, Modes, Night and Rules
To fly a DJI drone, activate it once in the DJI Fly app, update firmware, wait for a GPS lock and a recorded home point, then press auto take-off (or push both sticks down and inward to start the motors) and fly in Normal mode. With default Mode 2, the left stick controls height and turning, the right stick moves forward, back and sideways. Release the sticks and the drone hovers. This guide covers the first flight, the flight modes, Return to Home, flying without internet or a phone, and night flying rules.
By Kyle HilsonUpdated: October 20265 min read
Before the first flight
- Activate and update: connect to the DJI Fly app with internet once, activate the drone and install firmware updates for drone, remote and batteries.
- Register if required: in the US, drones of 250 g or more (and any drone flown under Part 107) need FAA registration; recreational flyers also pass the free TRUST test. In the EU, operators of drones of 250 g or more, or with a camera (except toys), register with their national authority.
- Check where you can fly: use B4UFLY (US) or your national map; DJI’s GEO zones show restricted areas in the app.
- Charge everything: flight batteries, the remote and your phone.
- Set Return to Home altitude above the tallest trees and buildings around you.
First flight step by step
- Pick an open area away from people, trees and power lines. Place the drone on flat ground, camera facing away from you.
- Switch on the remote, then the drone. Open DJI Fly and wait for “Ready to go (GPS)” and the message that the home point is updated.
- Take off with the auto take-off button, or push both sticks down and inward to start the motors and then push the left stick up gently.
- Hover at 2–3 m for a minute and check that it holds position.
- Practise slowly: forward/back and left/right with the right stick, height and turning with the left stick (Mode 2).
- Fly in front of you with the drone’s nose pointing away, so left is left.
- Land by pulling the left stick down over the landing spot, or use the auto-land button; hold the stick down until the motors stop.
Cine, Normal and Sport mode
| Mode | Behaviour | Use it for |
|---|---|---|
| Cine (C) | Slowest, smoothest stick response | Filming smooth video |
| Normal (N) | Balanced speed; full obstacle sensing where fitted | Most flying, learning |
| Sport (S) | Fastest; obstacle avoidance usually off; longer braking distance | Wind, quick repositioning, experienced pilots |
Exact speeds and which sensors are active depend on the model (Mini, Air, Mavic, Avata); the manual of your drone lists them.
Return to Home and safety features
- Return to Home (RTH): the drone climbs to the set RTH altitude and flies back to the home point when you press RTH, when the battery is low, or when the signal is lost (default setting).
- Low battery warnings: land when the app warns; batteries lose capacity fast in cold weather.
- Obstacle sensing: not all models have it on all sides; never rely on it when flying sideways or backwards.
- Wind warnings: small drones like the Mini series drift in strong wind; return early and fly upwind on the way out.
Can I fly without a phone or internet?
With the standard RC-N series remotes, the phone is the screen: you can fly by sticks without it, but you lose video, telemetry and warnings, so it isn’t recommended. DJI RC and RC 2 remotes have a built-in screen and need no phone. Internet is only needed for activation, updates, map downloads and unlocking GEO zones; flying itself works over the drone’s own radio link. Details: flying a DJI drone without cell service.
Can DJI drones fly at night?
Technically yes; the rules decide whether you may.
- US recreational: night flying is allowed if the drone has lighting that lets you see its position and orientation (FAA).
- US Part 107: night operations require the updated knowledge test and anti-collision lighting visible for 3 statute miles.
- EU: night flying is allowed in the open category; since 2024 drones flown at night must have an active green flashing light (EU class-marked drones).
- Visual line of sight still applies, and obstacle sensors work poorly in the dark.
FAQ
Is it hard to fly a DJI drone?
No. GPS position hold, auto take-off and landing and Return to Home make DJI drones among the easiest to fly. Practise in Normal mode in an open area.
Can the DJI Mini 5 Pro fly without internet?
Yes, once activated. You need internet for activation, updates, maps and GEO unlocking, not for flying.
Can I fly my DJI drone with my phone in flight mode?
Yes; the app talks to the remote by cable. Without mobile data, maps may not load unless cached.
Can I fly a DJI FPV drone without goggles?
DJI FPV and Avata drones are designed to be flown with goggles; check your model’s manual for supported viewing options. Rules require a visual observer when using goggles in the US.
More on this topic: the complete RC Drones guide covers the basics behind this article.
About 20 years in RC. Mostly boats in the NAVIGA Mini Eco Expert class, with many self-made parts; also a King Motor Baja 5B, a home-built electric plane, home-built nitro planes he has flown, and an RC helicopter. More about SwellRC
