Model: Mini 3 with Intelligent PLUS battery and RC controller; purchased new earlier this week
Firmware: Both the controller and drone are updated with the latest firmware as of 3/25/2025
Issue
My Mini 3 is not transmitting WiFi beacon frames for Remote ID, even though it shows “Remote ID functionality normal” prior to takeoff and has full GNSS lock, etc. I tested this while in flight.
Testing
I performed troubleshooting using a Linux-based WiFi packet sniffer, which detected all 2.4 and 5 GHz beacons in the area, as well as ASTM-standard-compliant Remote ID packets. I also confirmed that the drone has a WiFi network configuration with its own SSID set up via the RC, but that SSID is not detectable by any devices searching for networks (computer, phone, etc.). I tested with transmission settings for 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and dual band. To ensure the device wasn’t utilizing Bluetooth, I also tested that with DroneScanner.
Other Notes
The device is not FAA registered (I require Remote ID transmission for a prototype project I’m working on, not for flight). I am located in the US, and all location services are enabled on the devices.
Requests
DJI representatives, please confirm the current operational state of the Mini 3 with the current firmware.
Users, has anyone else confirmed via packet scanning or detection devices that your Mini 3 is transmitting Remote ID?
Everyone, if you think I’m missing something or need to provide more information, please feel free to advise.
Remote ID only works with the Plus battery. With the standard battery, it weighs under 250 grams, and RID is not activated.
EDIT: I have been in touch with the OP, and he confirms that the drone is using Plus batteries, so RID should be active. For some reason, he can’t edit his own post. So folks, let’s brainstorm what could have gone wrong.
@Gracen
Exactly as u/Silbylaw mentioned, Remote ID only activates with the Plus battery. DJI forums indicate that the only solution with the standard battery is to purchase an external Remote ID transmitter and attach it.
DJI made this decision because most users who buy sub-250g drones prefer not to transmit since they don’t need to.
Is it the Mini 3 or Mini 3 Pro? My understanding is that the Pro transmits RID regardless of the battery used, whereas the standard Mini 3 requires the Plus battery. Still, I’m not sure why it would pass the RID check without being active.
Lane said: @Bright
This is the standard Mini 3 with the Plus battery.
Are you checking while in the air? The technical requirement is for RID to be active from takeoff until the drone powers down. Also, are you using DroneScanner on Android or iOS? The iOS version doesn’t capture everything.
@Bright
I believe I mentioned I checked while in the air (around 15 ft in my backyard), and I let it hover for 3-4 minutes to ensure there wasn’t a delay in the signal generating. For DroneScanner, I used iOS, which seems limited to BLE, and I cannot confirm/deny whether this is a protocol the Mini 3 uses for sure, though I believe it does not.