My sister gave me her Mavic Air 2 to try for a while. I tried downloading the DJI Fly app from androis app store but had to put in a credit card which was promptly hacked and charged. Luckily no financial cost to me as the credit card blocked all charges. Then I tried to download directly from DJI and was warned the file was harmful so won’t download it. Had given up and was about to give the drone back then heard some folks in a restaurant yesterday talking about drones and I found Litchi. From what they were talking about, seems it was the app they mentioned and they were impressed by it. Before I pay for the app, just wanted to make sure of a few things.
Will I only need the Litchi app - will not need any of the DJI software?
My understanding is not having the DJI Fly app will prevent me from doing firmware updates. But with an older drone, is this going to be a problem?
Will I be able to fly the drone manually without creating a mission? I am often without internet and never know where I will be. So it’s often up to pre scout a road or get aerial views of my campsite.
Can I download the app on both my android tablet and android phone with only one license purchase? Realize if I do I can only use one device at a time. This isn’t a critical issue, but would be nice to have the tablet for the larger screen at times.
Anything else I should know before I purchase the app? TIA
The DJI Fly application is only available directly from DJI. So, whatever app you tried to download from the Android app store was bogus. The DJI Fly app downloaded directly from DJI may generate warnings when you try to install it but it is ok.
Mostly true, but some functions are only available in DJI Fly.
That is correct. Your Air 2 may already be at the last version of the firmware and one would not expect any further updates.
Yes, you can fly manually using Litchi. An internet connection is not require to fly even a waypoint mission.
Yes, one license will allow you to run Litchi on either an Android phone or Android tablet.
You don’t need the DJI Fly installed as Wes stated but you will lose some of the drones functions and features as well as some of the settings. It’s also must easier to check all the settings really quick in the DJI Fly app to ensure everything is set correctly before using any third party app. I always open the DJI Fly app with any of my drones to check all the settings every time. It only takes me about 30 seconds or so to click on each tab and quickly look over the settings to make sure everything is set correctly. You will need to wait for the drone to lock on to enough satellites which could take a minute or two anyway. I’d suggest downloading the Fly app from DJI website as mentioned and disregard the warning as Wes stated. One of my drones I have is the MA2 and I’ve flown a ton of missions over the last 5 years. It is a very capable drone.
Also If you don’t install the Fly app you can still download or update the drone and controllers firmware by using the DJI Assistant 2 PC software. This is the way I’ve always updated my firmware. Enjoy.