DJI Fly App… do I really need it with the RC 2 controller?

Buying Advice Forum
1

Hey everyone, hope you’re all doing good. I just got a DJI Flip with the RC 2 controller. My question is—do I really have to download the DJI Fly app from their site? My Google Pixel warned me it might be unsafe, and I’ve got work stuff on this phone that I can’t risk. Can the drone work with just the RC 2, or is the app needed to set everything up? Any advice would be appreciated!

2

As long as you get the app directly from DJI’s site, it’s fine.

Google throws up alerts for anything not downloaded from their own store. Doesn’t always mean it’s dangerous.

If there were real issues, people would be talking about it. Honestly, keeping sensitive work files on a personal phone might be the bigger risk here.

3

Yeah, it gets flagged because the app was built for an older Android version, which seems odd but isn’t a big deal. It’s safe to install it manually.

4

You actually don’t need the Fly app if you’re using the RC2. Just connect the RC2 to WiFi or your phone’s hotspot and you’re good to go.

5

Mars said:
You actually don’t need the Fly app if you’re using the RC2. Just connect the RC2 to WiFi or your phone’s hotspot and you’re good to go.

Exactly. The DJI Fly app is meant for controllers that rely on a phone or tablet screen. RC2 has its own built-in screen and already comes with the Fly app installed.

6

@Remington
Thank you so much for the thoughtful response!

7

Mars said:
You actually don’t need the Fly app if you’re using the RC2. Just connect the RC2 to WiFi or your phone’s hotspot and you’re good to go.

Thank you so much for the thoughtful response!

8

I’ve got a Pixel too, and I just installed it the other day. It’s the official DJI app—no problems. I don’t get why they don’t just offer it through the Play Store though.

9

Marlowe said:
I’ve got a Pixel too, and I just installed it the other day. It’s the official DJI app—no problems. I don’t get why they don’t just offer it through the Play Store though.

Thank you so much for the thoughtful response!

10

Pretty sure you can update everything through the controller as long as it’s on WiFi. Try turning everything on and see how far you can go without the app. It should work fine.

11

I usually use the app when I want to quickly download videos or photos from the drone. Even if it’s on the SD card, it’s just easier sometimes when you’re out somewhere.

12

I updated my Air 3’s firmware using the RC2—no app needed.