Are you having trouble finding the best-matched app that can assist you in flying your DJI drone? If so, I would suggest you continue reading this post.
In a short span of just eight years, DJI has created numerous series of drone models. But the manufacturers didn’t just stop there. To further help the users get the best out of their DJI drone flying experience, they have devoted their time into launching companion apps as well.
These apps, such as DJI Fly, DJI GO, and DJI GO 4 sync the drone to a particular device and help broaden the control of a pilot during flying and filming.
What mainly makes DJI Fly, DJI GO, and DJI GO 4 different is that each app is compatible with particular drone models only. Also, they have a varying set of features that specifically complements the compatible drone. This makes each app best suited for different drones and uses.
Honestly, it can get a bit frustrating to figure out which app corresponds the best with a particular drone series. In this post, I will explain just that – along with clearing some most common queries you will most likely come up with.
Here’s a basic idea before we dive into a bit more detail.
As long as an app is compatible with a particular DJI drone, you will be able to use it without any trouble. For instance, DJI GO works flawlessly with the Inspire 1 and Osmo series. Similarly, DJI Fly recently got updated to support the Mavic Air 2 model; along with many others from Mavic series.
Let me give you a brief overview of the DJI drone series and their models.
DJI launched Phantom 1 as its first drone, thus the starting point of the Phantom series. The series heavily expanded with the introduction of several more drones. The Phantom 2, Phantom 3, and Phantom 4 are subseries consisting of various other drone models.
Similarly, the most recent launches include the Mavic series, which are considered to be far more innovative than the Phantom. These include the very popular Mavic Air, Mavic Air 2, Mavic Mini, Mini 2, and so on. Other series include the Matrice, Spreading Wings, and Inspire, which are more inclined towards more professional fields.
DJI has also launched some individual drone models as well which do not belong to any specific sequence. These include the Spark and FPV hybrid drones.
Now that you have an idea about the DJI drone series, it will be much easier for you to understand the following table. You’ll find a narrowed down list of the drones that are compatible with DJI Fly, DJI GO, and DJI GO 4 apps.
| App | Compatible Drones |
| DJI Fly | Mavic Series (Mavic Mini, Mavic Air 2, DJI Mini 2, DJI FPV, DJI Air 2S, DJI Mini SE, DJI Mavic 3) and DJI FPV |
| DJI GO | Inspire 1 series, Phantom 3 series, Phantom 4 series, and Osmo series |
| DJI GO 4 | Inspire 2 series, Phantom 4 series, Mavic Series, Spark, DJI FPV, and other newer models |
Both DJI GO and DJI GO 4 are quite popular drone apps. But what is it that makes them different?
A prominent difference between DJI GO and DJI GO 4 is that the latter is compatible with relatively recent drone models. Upgrading the interface is another refreshing change. It also features better camera control, thanks to its excellent Intelligent modes and advanced real-time image transmission.
Don’t get me wrong though. This doesn’t mean that the DJI GO app isn’t great as well. In fact, most of the features are almost similar in both apps.
But let’s face it: the GO 4 app is an upgraded version of the GO app, featuring comparatively advanced forms of technology.
Allow me to talk about some of the features that are present in the GO 4 app but are lacking in the DJI GO.
My personal favorite, the intelligent modes, are a game-changer. No matter how skillful of a pilot you are, you do need automated features in one way or another.
By sending your drone on automated flight paths, these special flying modes play an important role in improving the quality of your shots along with keeping flight controls steady.
These modes include Normal, Hyperlapse, QuickShot, Active Track, Point of Interest, TapFly, Cinematic Mode, and Tripod Mode.
For instance, with the ActiveTrack mode, the drone will automatically follow the focused objects without needing your manual controls.
Similarly, with the Cinematic Mode, you can get those breathtaking cinematic footage with the bare minimum effort. The drone itself increases the braking distance and decreases the yaw speed — thus getting a smooth shot with natural stops.
And the fun part is that you can always change these modes over voice-gesture control settings. The only thing that you have to do is command!
Of course, you can’t enjoy these features in the DJI GO app. And that’s what can make all the difference.
One drawback of the DJI GO app is that it lacks the option of transmitting real-time images between the drone and the smartphone. On the other hand, the GO 4 app features this aspect as well.
Basically, your drone will provide you with the best quality shots by allowing you to switch to different frequencies until you find one with the minimal interference. With that, you can have access to your live feed.
Here you get to make two choices: choose between HD or Normal Mode on one hand and Auto or Manual Mode on the other. I would recommend you to go for HD and Auto Modes. This automated feature will provide you high-quality live feed without having to put in much effort. Let the automations do all the work for you!
The video tutorial will walk you through the difference between these apps.
Regardless, there's a bright side as well.
While it's true that the GO 4 app does make advances over DJI GO, these two apps do share a lot of similarities as well. For example, both of the apps feature excellent flying and landing controls.
They also offer automated flight loss and come with numerous video tutorials and user manuals. Plus, you can always edit and share your shots instantly — at any place and any time!
By now, I am sure you have a basic idea of what the DJI GO 4 app has to offer. Let us now see if it is similar to DJI Fly.
DJI GO 4 is not the same as the DJI Fly app in many regards. For starters, the Fly app is only compatible with the Mavic series and FPV drone. Also, it is a perfect beginner-friendly app (even more so than the GO 4 itself!) and has a super-simplified menu that offers the most basic piloting modes.
The DJI Fly app allows better options for smartphone-app compatibility as compared to the DJI GO 4, or any other DJI app for that matter. I will talk more about these compatibility issues in the upcoming sections of this post or you may check this post to know more about the app and how it works.
Something that makes the DJI Fly app really stand out from other apps is its compatibility with the DJI Mini 2.
This particular drone is pretty popular, especially amongst the beginners and recreational hobbyists. That’s because it is quite literally the lightest drone available on the market! DJI Fly is the only DJI app that supports this drone.
Besides that, it offers full-time reports of flights including details such as the aircraft status, RTH altitude, Max Altitude, and Max Distance. It also features SkyPixel, which is a social browsing app where people from all over the globe post their drone shots and interact.
This app is a go-to for every Mavic and FPV drone owner!
Like all other apps and software, DJI GO 4 also has some requirements..
Allow me to walk you through what devices work with it in particular.
Both Android and IOS devices can work with the DJI GO 4 app. Smartphones, like the Samsung S series and Huawei P series, that run on Android 5.0 or higher support this app. On the other hand, Apple devices with iOS 9.0 are also compatible. These include some of the iPad models.
As long as your smart device is working properly and has these required versions, you will hardly come across any trouble using the DJI GO 4 app.
Next, I am going to talk about smart devices that are compatible with the DJI GO app.
As for the Android devices, the DJI GO app works with Android 4.1.2 or higher. Examples of such devices include various models from Samsung, Huawei, Oppo, LG, and Vivo. iPhone 5s to 7 Plus and iPads with IOS v. 3.1.68 (8.0 or later) also support the app.
As you may have already noticed, this app is supported by rather older devices.
While that can be good news for many, the same can’t be said about everyone. You can always opt for the GO 4 app if you’re looking for a more modern companion app.
Lastly, let's have a look at the devices that work with the DJI Fly app.
DJI Fly app is supported by devices having Android v1.5.10 (6.0 or higher). These include models from Samsung Galaxy Note Series and the Huawei Mate series. IOS devices starting from iPhone 8 up to iPhone 13 Pro Max which feature IOS v1.5.10 (11.0 or later) also work with the Fly app.
Unfortunately, the DJI Fly app is not suitable for iPads. That's because only devices that are 6.5-8.5mm thick and more than 160cm long fit in the clamps of the remote controller.
Many users have been complaining that DJI Fly’s latest version isn’t available on the Android app store. This issue has been reported since November 2021, and it’s yet to be resolved.
Here’s what I can tell you regarding this.
While you can still avail the older version (1.2.1) of DJI Fly from the Google PlayStore, the latest version (1.2.4) isn’t available. Some say it's for security reasons while others claim it's just a technical bug. However, no official reason has been issued by both the Google and DJI manufacturers.
But don’t worry, this really isn’t as big of an issue as you might think.
You can still download the latest version of the app directly from the website. On the other hand, if you are looking for apps alternative to the DJI Fly, I am sure this post will help you find exactly what you need.
Meanwhile, we can hope that all involved parties resolve this issue and make the recent DJI Fly version available on the Google PlayStore as well.
By now, I have discussed various highlights regarding the DJI Fly, DJI GO, and DJI GO 4 apps. While we have seen that each of these apps comes with both its pros and cons, they are still one of the best options available on the market.
Plus, they are absolutely free of cost.
However, if you still want to know which DJI app is the best, here's my take on the matter.
DJI GO 4 is the best DJI app in regards to its unique features. It offers various options that are not found in other DJI apps. From a variety of automated modes to its super user-friendly interface, DJI GO 4 surely takes the victory.
While its compatibility options are not too great right now, it’s pretty obvious that I’m biased towards its striking features.
Not to mention, DJI has promised exciting updates coming to the GO 4 app!
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