01 In the Box

Open the package, and take out DJI Air 3S and its accessories in order, as shown below. Before discarding the packaging box, please make sure to check for any missing items.

DJI Air 3S

(DJI RC-N3)

DJI Air 3S Fly More Combo

(DJI RC-N3)

DJI Air 3S Fly More Combo

(DJI RC 2)

 

 

02 Preparing before Flight

2.1 Charging Methods

Intelligent Flight Battery

Checking the battery level: Press the power button once to check the battery level.

Charging: A Type-C to Type-C PD fast charging cable is included in the package. Additionally, a USB charger is required for charging your aircraft. It takes approximately 80 minutes to fully charge one battery at least.

 

It is recommended to use the charging devices provided by DJI, or other USB-C chargers that support PD fast charging protocols.

 

DJI RC-N3 Remote Controller and DJI RC 2 Remote Controller

Connect the charger to the USB-C port on the remote controller via USB-C cable.

DJI RC-N3 Remote Controller: It is recommended to use a 5V/2A USB charger. It takes approximately two hours to fully charge the remote controller.

DJI RC 2 Remote Controller: It is recommended to use a 9V/3A USB charger. It takes approximately 1.5 hours to fully charge the remote controller.

 

Battery Charging Hub

Insert the batteries into the battery ports of the charging hub until they click into place. Then connect the charging hub to a charger via USB-C port for charging batteries. The battery charging hub can fully charge one intelligent flight battery in approximately 60 minutes at least.

 

2.2 Installing Components

Installing and Removing the Battery

The battery is already installed in the aircraft upon shipment. In other circumstances, follow the steps to installing and removing the battery.

Installing: Insert the battery into the device until you hear a “click”.

Removing: Press the battery latch and push it to the rear of the aircraft to remove it.

 

Installing and Removing Propellers

Unfold frame arms before installing the propellers. Note that unfold the front arms first and then the rear arms.

 

The propellers come in type A and type B. Not to install them reversely.

Installing:

Removing:

 

Mounting and Removing Control Sticks

The control sticks are stored in the storage slots in the bottom. Take DJI RC-N3 as an example.

Installing

Removing

 

2.3 Connection and Linking

If you purchase a DJI Air 3S together with a remote controller, the remote controller is already linked to the aircraft upon shipment. You can use them directly after activation upon powering on. In other circumstances, check here to learn Aircraft Linking Guide

 

2.4 Powering On/Off

Remove the gimbal protector from DJI Air 3S before powering on. Press, then press and hold the power button for two seconds to power on or off the aircraft or the remote controller. 

 

2.5 Activating the Remote Controller and the Aircraft

DJI RC 2 Remote Controller

The remote controller requires activation before first use. For detailed operations, please check the video below.

 

DJI Air 3S

DJI Air 3S needs to be activated via DJI Fly when it is used for the first time. Click here to download the DJI Fly app.

Open DJI Fly and follow the corresponding instructions. Please ensure that your mobile device remains connected to the internet during the activation process. 

You can go to the Device Info Inquiry page to check the activation information, warranty period, and DJI Care service plan benefits.

 

2.6 Firmware Update

A prompt will appear in DJI Fly when a firmware update is available. Update the firmware following the corresponding instructions to ensure optimal flight experience.

- During the update process, it is normal if the aircraft restarts.

- After the update is completed, the aircraft will be automatically powered off. Restart it manually.

 

2.7 Checking Your Device

1. Make sure the battery, the propellers, and the control sticks are installed properly and securely, and the front and rear arms are fully unfolded.

2. Please check if your devices* and your mobile device have sufficient battery levels.

3. After powering on the device, pay attention to self-diagnostic results in the app. Use your DJI Air 3S if no prompt is displayed.

* Includes the aircraft and the remote controller.

 

03 For Beginners

 

3.1 Settings Before Flight

Make sure if the flight mode on the remote controller is set to “N mode*”, and the auto RTH altitude and the obstacle avoidance action are set. For specific instructions, please refer to the video below.

* N mode is suitable for most flying scenarios, in which obstacle avoidance can be enabled. In S mode, obstacle avoidance will be disabled automatically.

 

3.2 Flight Policies

Stay informed about the latest information on flight zones, flight restrictions, and requirements before flight. Strictly adhere to them while operating your aircraft.

For GEO Zone information near you, please tap “Before You Fly” in DJI Fly.

For flight safety regulations in different countries and regions, please explore our Compilation of Global Flight Safety Regulations.

 

3.3 Flight Environment Requirements

Although the aircraft supports obstacle avoidance, it is recommended to fly in open areas that have good lighting without obstacles. Keep your aircraft within line of sight and stay away from obstacles, crowds, and water surface (at least 3 m above water), etc.

 

For more flight safety information, please refer to Flight Safety Essentials, which covers key points for responding to flight environments, prevention and management of flight incidents, as well as global flight safety regulations.

 

3.4 Flight Assistance  

Flight Assistance View

It helps to better observe obstacles in the direction of flight, and the vision sensor view will be automatically switched according to the changes in the speed and direction of the aircraft. For more information on usage, please refer to the video below.

 

Enhanced Transmission

It allows the aircraft to fly more steadily and safely in environments with complex signals. Before enabling Enhanced Transmission, a DJI Cellular Dongle 2 should be installed into the aircraft with an inserted nano-SIM card. For more information on usage, please refer to the video below.

Important Notes:

1. Enhanced Transmission is available in certain countries or regions. Click here to learn if it is supported in your location.

2. DJI Cellular Dongle 2 and a nano-SIM card need to be purchased separately. It is strongly recommended to purchase a nano-SIM card that supports 4G network from an official telecommunication provider.

 

04 Getting Ready for the First Flight

 

4.1 Takeoff and Landing

via DJI Fly

Takeoff: Tap the take-off icon on the left, and press and hold the prompt icon to enable Auto Takeoff. The aircraft will take off automatically and hover at a certain height.

Landing: Tap the landing icon on the left, and press and hold the prompt icon to land automatically. The aircraft will land automatically and stop the motor.

 

via Remote Controller

Takeoff: Start the motor with the left and right control sticks by pushing the them toward or away from each other. After the motors are spinning, release your hand and gently push the left stick upward to take off the aircraft.

Landing: Push the left stick downward to land the aircraft. After landing, hold the left stick downward to stop the motors. 

 

Controlling the Aircraft

The control sticks can be operated in Mode 1, Mode 2, Mode 3 and a customized mode. Mode 2 is recommended. For more information on usage, please refer to the video below.

- Left Stick: Moving the left stick up or down changes the altitude of the aircraft and moving it to the left or right changes the orientation of the aircraft.

- Right Stick: Moving the right stick up, down, to the left or to the right controls the forward, backward, left, or right movements of the aircraft.

 

4.2 Taking Photos and Recording Videos

DJI RC-N3 Remote Controller

Photo/Video Toggle is on the upper right corner of the remote controller. Press once to switch between photo and video mode. 

Shutter/Record Button is on the upper right side of the remote controller. Press once to take photos in photo mode. Press once to start or stop recording in video mode. For more information on usage, please refer to the video below.

 

DJI RC 2 Remote Controller

Focus/Shutter Button is on the upper right side of the remote controller. Press halfway down on the button to auto focus and press all the way down to take a photo. Record Button is on the left side. Press once to start or stop recording. For more information on usage, please refer to the video below.

 

4.3 Intelligent Flight Features

FocusTrack

FocusTrack includes three types of camera movements: Spotlight, Point of Interest (POI), and ActiveTrack.

- Spotlight: Enables the camera to face the subject at all times*.

- POI: Allows the aircraft to fly around the subject*.

- ActiveTrack: Allows the aircraft to follow the subject**.

For more information on usage, please refer to the video below.

* In Spotlight and POI, the supported dynamic subjects are people, vehicles, and boats.

** In the Auto mode of ActiveTrack, the supported dynamic subjects are people and vehicles.

 

Panorama

Panorama shooting modes include: Free Panorama, Sphere, 180°, Wide Angle and Vertical. For more information on usage, please refer to the video below.

 

Other Features

DJI Air 3S supports MasterShots, QuickShots, Hyperlapse, and other intelligent flight modes. For more information on usage, please check the tutorial video here.

 

4.4 Smart Return to Home (RTH)

The aircraft supports RTH, which can be triggered in three ways: the user proactively triggers, the aircraft battery level is low, or the remote controller signal is lost. If the positioning system is functioning normally, when RTH is triggered, the aircraft will automatically fly back and land at the Home Point. Advanced RTH* or Straight Line RTH can be modified before flight. 

* When Advanced RTH is enabled, the planed route will be displayed in the map in DJI Fly and will be adjusted according to the environment.

 

05 Accessory Usage

 

5.1 Installing ND Filters or Wide-Angle Lens

ND (Neutral Density) filters are used to reduce the amount of light entering a lens. The wide-angle lens is used to provide a broader field of view, expanding the perspective of the wide-angle camera. Check the video below to learn how to install ND filters or the wide-angle lens properly.

 

5.2 Mounting the Propeller Guard

The propeller guard can fully wrap the propellers to avoid injury or damage by obstacles. Check the video below to learn how to mount the propeller guard properly.

 

06 After Flight

 

6.1 Exporting Photos and Videos

The aircraft comes with a built-in storage of 42 GB and also supports storage expansion via microSD card.

 

via QuickTransfer

Watch this video to learn how to download photos or videos from the aircraft to the mobile device via QuickTransfer in DJI Fly.

 

via USB-C cable or card reader

Connect the aircraft to a computer using a USB-C cable, export photos or videos in the built-in storage of the aircraft or in the microSD card mounted on the aircraft. The aircraft does not need to be powered on during the exporting process. Alternatively, it is able to remove the microSD card from the aircraft and insert it into a card reader, and export photos or videos in the microSD card through the card reader. Check Drone Photo or Video Files Export Guide here.

 

6.2 Storing Your Devices

Watch the video to learn how to store your aircraft. Incorrect placement of the aircraft will compress the propellers, resulting in their deformation and a decline in propulsion performance.

 

07 DJI Care Service Plan

DJI Care Refresh is a comprehensive and reliable protection plan that provides DJI products with coverage for a range of accidental damages such as collision, water damage, flyaway, and natural wear.

Replacement Service: For device damage or flyaway due to normal use or accidental incidents.

Official Warranty: If any performance failure not attributable to user errors has occurred to the covered components of the aircraft, you can click here to submit an online repair request and enjoy free repair services. Click here to check specific covered components.

 

There are two DJI Care Refresh plans available for you, 1-Year Plan and 2-Year Plan. Check the Services page on DJI Store for details of supported models and pricing for the two versions.

Notes: The DJI Care plans for DJI Air 3S are renewable.

 

08 FAQs

Which remote controllers are DJI Air 3S compatible with?

A: DJI Air 3S is compatible with DJI RC 2, DJI RC-N2 and DJI RC-N3.

 

For more information about the product, please refer to DJI Air 3S User Manual.