Why does DJI keep asking for my location?

Product Support Forum
1

I get that location might be needed sometimes, but it’s really annoying! Every time I open the Mimo app, it asks for my location. I usually keep it turned off unless it’s actually needed, so this is getting on my nerves.

Just venting here, but why is this happening every time I open the app?

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2

It’s likely because of the restrictions related to DJI in the US. They need to check if you’re in the US so they can disable certain functions that are restricted there.

3

Paz said:
It’s likely because of the restrictions related to DJI in the US. They need to check if you’re in the US so they can disable certain functions that are restricted there.

Which functions get disabled, exactly?

4

@Zaren
Things like flight logs, camera usage, and flight time tracking all get turned off if you’re in the US.

5

Paz said:
@Zaren
Things like flight logs, camera usage, and flight time tracking all get turned off if you’re in the US.

So, does that mean US users can’t even keep flight logs anymore?

6

@Jovi
Exactly. You can still download past data, but no syncing to the cloud for flight logs after that.

7

@Jovi
From what I’ve heard, the servers DJI uses in the US don’t connect to the ones in China. But who knows if there’s some backdoor for remote access? That’s just what I’ve been told.

8

I don’t use Mimo, but if it works like the Insta360 app, the camera uses Bluetooth to advertise itself, and location permissions are now required to read those Bluetooth signals.

9

It could also be related to geofencing and geo restrictions that DJI puts on certain features based on your location.

10

Android phones require location permissions for Bluetooth. It’s annoying, but that’s just the way it works now.

11

Sam said:
Android phones require location permissions for Bluetooth. It’s annoying, but that’s just the way it works now.

Bluetooth beacons can track location. For example, in a mall, a beacon can tell which store you’re in as you walk past it, if apps with Bluetooth access are running.

12

Sam said:
Android phones require location permissions for Bluetooth. It’s annoying, but that’s just the way it works now.

Ah, I didn’t know that! I think it never asked for my location on my iPad. I’ll check tomorrow, thanks for the info!

13

@Mal
Apple devices usually keep things like Bluetooth and GPS turned on automatically. If you turn them off, they’ll often turn back on by themselves after a while.

So it could be that location was already enabled on your iPad.

14

It’s because of geographic restrictions. Certain features and options are blocked or enabled depending on where you are.

For example, if you fly a drone, it’ll check for no-fly zones or safe zones near your location.