Lois Larson
DJI drones are equipped with geofencing technology that prevents users from flying in certain airspaces, such as airports, stadiums, and prisons, without prior authorisation. This safety feature, developed in 2013, is designed to foster operator accountability and ensure compliance with airspace regulations. While it may be frustrating for aerial photographers and remote pilots, unlocking a DJI drone to fly in restricted zones is possible through a Custom Unlock or a Self Unlock. The former is more complex and requires proof of authorisation, while the latter can be done easily for blue zones. This guide will explore the steps to unlocking your DJI drone near airports and other restricted areas.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Zones | Altitude Zones (Gray), Authorization Zones (Blue), Warning Zones (Yellow), Enhanced Warning Zones (Orange), Restricted Zones (Red) |
| Warning notifications | Users receive warnings in the DJI Go App |
| Restricted Zones | Users will be prompted in the DJI Go App with a warning and flight is prevented |
| Custom Unlock | Requires proof of authorization (via LAANC or other documentation, such as a COA) |
| Self Unlock | Can be performed in blue zones in DJI Geo Zones |
| Custom Unlocking | Requires basic information, device and DJI account selection, and zone information |
| Self-Unlocking | Requires DJI account login, drone model selection, address of flight location, and flight controller serial number |
| Geofencing | Uses GPS and other navigational satellite signals to restrict drones from flying around sensitive locations |
| Unlocking license | Requires a good internet connection, linking of the remote controller with the drone, and launching the DJI app |
| Unlocking license troubleshooting | Update the DJI app, fly safe database version, and the firmware of the drone and remote controller to the latest version |
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What You'll Learn
Self-unlocking a DJI drone
Firstly, determine whether your flight takes place in a geofenced zone. You can do this by heading to DJI's Fly Safe Geo Zone Map. Check off the Warning Zones and Enhanced Warning Zones boxes to get a comprehensive view of all geofencing information in your chosen area.
Next, you will need to establish which type of unlocking you require. There are two types of unlocking you can perform on your DJI drone: Self Unlock and Custom Unlock. Self Unlock can be performed in blue zones in DJI Geo Zones and can be unlocked fairly easily by clicking through a series of steps. Custom Unlock can be performed in red zones in DJI Geo Zones and is more difficult to do, requiring proof of authorization (via LAANC or other documentation, such as a COA).
If you are performing a Self Unlock, go to the DJI's self-unlock page and log into your DJI account. Select your drone model from the drop-down menu, and enter the address where you intend on flying into the Geo Map. Click the blue pin that covers the zone that you’d like to unlock, and enter your flight controller serial number. You can find this by connecting to the DJI Go 4 App with the controller and your drone, clicking the General Settings button, scrolling to "About", and viewing your serial number.
For a Custom Unlock, you will need to select the device and DJI account that you want to unlock. You can select multiple drones of the same type and multiple pilots. Ensure that the information is correct, or unlocking may fail. There are three ways to add unlocking areas: directly draw a circle or a polygon for the area on the map, import the area information by giving the zone a name and adding specific longitude and latitude, or download a spreadsheet template for batch upload.
For both types of unlocking, you will need to submit some basic information, including the flight controller serial number of the drone, the coordinates of the central point of the area where you want to fly, the radius and height of the area where you want to fly, and the unlocking duration. You will also need official documentation from the local aviation department or the airport showing your authorization to fly in the restricted zone.
Once you have submitted your unlocking request, you will need to verify your identity using your phone number or credit card number. After receiving a "Verification Complete" message, click "Proceed". Finally, select "Unlocking List" in the DJI Go or DJI Go 4 app to confirm that your flight license has been downloaded.
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Custom unlocking a DJI drone
To unlock a GEO Zone on your DJI drone, you will need to submit a Custom Unlocking request. This is a more complex process than a self-unlock and requires proof of authorization, such as LAANC or other documentation (e.g., a COA).
Custom Unlocking is useful if you only need to fly in a portion of a GEO Zone. For example, if you have approval to fly in a specific area within an airport, you can draw a circle or polygon around the approved area on a map.
To start the Custom Unlocking process, go to the DJI Fly Safe website and register an account using a valid email address and password. You will then need to go through an authentication application, confirming whether the account is personal or for an organization or government entity. Once your account is authenticated, you can proceed with your unlock request.
On the next page, you will need to submit some basic information, including:
- The flight controller serial number of the drone
- Coordinates of the central point of the area where you want to fly
- Radius and height of the area where you want to fly
- Unlocking duration
- Official documentation showing your authorization to fly in the restricted zone
After entering the required information, you can apply to unlock your drone. You will need to select the device and DJI account you want to unlock and ensure that the information is correct. There are three ways to add unlocking areas:
- Draw a circle or polygon for the area on the map
- Import the area information by giving the zone a name and adding specific longitude and latitude
- Download a spreadsheet template for batch upload
Once you have finished these steps, you will need to verify your identity using your phone number or credit card number associated with your DJI account. After receiving a "Verification Complete" message, you can click "Proceed." Finally, open the DJI Go or DJI Go 4 app to confirm that your flight license has been downloaded.
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DJI Fly Safe website registration
To unlock your DJI drone to fly in controlled airspace, you must first determine whether your flight takes place in a geofenced zone. You can do this by checking DJI's Fly Safe Geo Zone Map.
Once you've confirmed that your flight location is geofenced, you can begin the registration process on the DJI Fly Safe website.
- Log in to your DJI account or, if you don't have one, create a DJI account. You will need to provide your email address, choose a password, and agree to the Terms of Use.
- Complete the background certification by uploading an authorization form on company letterhead. This step will take about an hour, but it only needs to be done once.
- Add your drone by entering the flight controller serial number, selecting the aircraft model from the drop-down menu, and naming the device.
- Submit a Custom Unlocking request by providing the following information:
- The coordinates of the central point of the area where you want to fly.
- The radius and height of the area where you want to fly.
- The unlocking duration (up to one year for individual and unauthenticated users, and up to three years for authenticated institutional and privileged users).
- Official documentation authorizing you to fly in the restricted zone.
- Verify your identity using your phone number or credit card number associated with your DJI account.
- Confirm your unlock by selecting "Unlocking List" in the DJI Go or DJI Go 4 app to ensure your flight license has been downloaded.
Please note that there are different types of DJI geofencing zones, each with its own set of restrictions and unlocking procedures. These include Restricted Zones (Red), Authorization Zones (Blue), Warning Zones (Yellow), and Enhanced Warning Zones (Orange). Additionally, Altitude Zones (Gray) are typically found near airport runways, and their restrictions cannot be turned off.
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Verifying your DJI account
To verify your account, you will need to complete the necessary steps, which often involve SMS verification and/or email confirmation. You can use the phone number or credit/debit card number associated with your DJI account to verify your identity. If you use your phone number, you will need to enter an authentication number received via text. Once verification is successful, a popup will indicate 'Verification Complete', and you can then click 'Proceed'.
If you have a credit card on file, verification can be made either with it or via SMS to your phone. If you do not have a credit card on file, you will only see the SMS option.
It is important to note that a verified account is only required if you are attempting to fly in an Authorization Zone. These zones can be self-unlocked by an authorized user using a DJI-verified account.
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DJI Go App and drone firmware updates
To update your DJI Go App, you will need to go to the app store on your mobile device and search for the latest version of the app. You can then download and install the latest version on your device.
To update your drone firmware, you can do so through the DJI app or DJI Assistant 2. When new firmware is available, the app will usually prompt you to update it. It is important to keep your firmware up to date to ensure optimal performance and safety during flight.
- Power on your drone and remote controller.
- Connect your drone to the app.
- When the app displays a prompt indicating that there is new firmware available, tap 'Update'.
- Keep your mobile device connected to the internet during the download.
- Once the firmware is downloaded, tap 'Update' again to start the updating process.
- Do not power off your drone or exit the app during the update.
- Once the progress bar is complete, your firmware is updated, and your drone will restart automatically.
You can also update your firmware by connecting your drone to a computer. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Power on your drone and insert a USB cable into the side of your drone, connecting it to your computer.
- Launch DJI Assistant 2 and log in with your DJI account.
- Click on the device shown under 'CONNECTED DEVICES'.
- Wait for the software interface to load the drone firmware list, and click 'UPGRADE'.
It is important to note that different updating methods are applicable to different products, and you should refer to the specific instructions for your drone model.
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