DJI Mini 3/Mini 3 Pro SD Cards: How to Insert, Eject, and Format

This is a step-by-step tutorial showing how to insert and eject the micro-SD card, as well as format SD cards for both the Mini 3 Pro drone and the DJ RC.
*Note* In the video it was mentioned to insert the SD card into the DJI RC with the pins facing up. this was based on the orientation of the RC being turned upside down (face down). If the screen is right-side up, then the SD card would be inserted with the pins facing down.
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[@Droneblog]

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[@8MilesHigh54]

For me as a beginner I like the way you tell me how things work,in a "good and clear voice".Thanks so much.👍

[@Droneblog]

We are glad you are enjoying the series and will continue to focus on content that is clear and concise. Thank you!

[@angelfoxworthy]

Your vocal delivery is spot on, very easy to listen to and you clearly explain things . Thank you.

[@barniedo9069]

Useful information, but there's a mistake: in the RC, the sd card must be inserted with the pins pointing DOWN.

[@Droneblog]

Thanks Bar Niedo. Because I "normally" flip the RC over (with the screen pointed down) the pins are right-side up for me, normally. I see in this vid I put them in the correct way everyone does, while still saying to put them in pin-up. I'll drop a disclaimer in the description. Thanks for the catch.

[@junoypi]

I almost screwed up as I was following your instructions. Good thing I read the top comment as it won’t slide with your video description. Thanks Barnie!!

[@Dan_dont_know]

I’ve had my M3P for about a year now and and only after watching this have I worked out how to properly use DJI rc. Thanks mate 👍🇦🇺

[@supergeodotca]

I use a pair of tweezers to remove the partially ejected card from the drone. Also you should use the "eject" command on the RC controller's Quick Settings" screen before pulling the card from the controller.

[@tanvir.m85]

glad to know I'm not the only one who was confused which way up the SD card should be facing!

[@jchevy]

Love it! Got my first drone and couldn’t figure out how to insert the card. Perfect video for beginners! And you added a touch of humor!

[@Droneblog]

Thank you for watching and we wish you the best with your early flights.

[@leewinter28]

What is the best kind of SD card to get for this drone? How "fast" should it read/write and what size storage is ideal? Great video!

[@Droneblog]

SanDisk Extreme v30 cards that write up to 190mbs are great for most DJI Drones. The size all depends on individual budgets. The Mini 3 Pro can take cards up to 512g, and the Mini 3 256g, per DJIs information.

[@leewinter28]

I have a mini 3 pro and budget isn’t an issue. So just get the 512GB for the drone and what card for the controller?

[@Droneblog]

512gb cards will also work in the RC as well.

[@usbyangkulot]

Do i need to put sd card on RC?

[@CoastfishTV]

You explain your videos so well and so clear. Well done

[@withdrone.]

I will subscribe to your channel from Japan. I look forward to seeing more great videos.

[@Droneblog]

Thank you very much, we appreciate that.

[@ldawn1540]

I am a complete newbie DJI Mini 3 Pro owner and really appreciate you providing the basics. Question for you... does the drone and the controller format the Micro SD cards differently? Or are they interchangeable, meaning I could store an extra Micro SD in the controller and move it into the drone? TY!

[@Droneblog]

Truthfully, we make it a practice to format the card in/for the device they'll be used in (Mini/RC), as they might use different directories. Will it cause huge problems? I don't think so, as I have swapped out SD cards even between different manufacturers (Autel and DJI) and they recorded just fine. Hope that helps.

[@junoypi]

Thank you for the video. What is the purpose of formatting? I’m a newbie with the term. Sorry.

[@Droneblog]

You're quite welcome. When you format an SD card it pretty much erases it and gets it ready for the next round of data. It isn't necessary to do it much, unless you do a LOT of filming.

[@virginiatrailcameravideos]

I just took ownership tonight of my new Mini 3 Pro. I did not realize an SD card was needed for the controller. Totally missed that. I may try to use it for a while without one. Not sure there's much function as you noted but maybe I'll find I want to use those features. Thanks for the helpful video.

[@Droneblog]

Thankfully the card is not necessary for the function of the Mini 3/Pro at all. It's just used for screen shots and screen recording currently. Some use it to house a spare card in case they forget their Minis card.

[@jamesrea329]

I think that the screen recording feature is incredibly valuable, especially as a beginner. I screen record every flight, then review the flight afterwards. I usually wind up seeing something I missed during the actual flight. Also, if you ever had a flyaway, the screen recording could help identify where the drone actually was. Finally, you can connect a microphone to the RC and the audio will be recorded on the screen recording. You can record narration or ambient sound. SD cards are inexpensive, I think well worth the small investment.

[@virginiatrailcameravideos]

@@jamesrea329 Appreciate the response. I ended up having some spare SD cards around so I popped one in there. I flew around today and totally forgot to even try to play around with the screen recording. How common are fly aways? I have a Phantom 4 Pro and I've never had one albeit with moderate use only. I'm definitely going to play around with the microphone as well. Thanks for the tips.

[@jamesrea329]

@@virginiatrailcameravideos Hopefully flyaways are very very rare! I've never had one, but I've only been at it for 3 months and I'm a pretty cautious flyer. But I've seen other KZbin videos that mention the helpfulness in a flyaway or crash situation (what exact tree did it crash into?) For me, I have made starting the screen recording an automatic habit when I power on the controller. The screen recordings are pretty small so it seems like I could get a years worth of flights on one $15 card. So far I haven't even bothered to delete old flights. I really find it illuminating to review the flight afterwards with all the "cockpit" data visible. Perhaps as I get more experienced I won't bother any more, but for now it's easy and I enjoy it.

[@royaltykidstv]

@@jamesrea329 can you help me understand something, how will I get the best resolution, by the SD card being in the drone or in the RC? I purchased a 32gb and inserted it in the Drone and on my RC screen says something about Slow, do I need much bigger GB?

[@visionseeker68]

Thank you, this was precisely the information I needed for storing my first mini 3 pro images.

[@Droneblog]

You're quite welcome. Thank you for viewing.

[@mo.1798]

Thanks so much for the video. Please I'd like to know the type and size of the sd card you use for your RC controller. Wouldn't it be an overkill putting a sandisk extreme pro in there?

[@Droneblog]

We use sandisk 128 and 256 in our controller. The main reason being we do a lot of screen recording. Aside form that, when the port is not in use we occasionally use the card in our drones when backups are needed when shooting for clients.

[@lefturn99]

I've had better luck taking the battery out of the drone before inserting or removing the card. Seems to give me more room to work.

[@stuartstein2247]

Do the drone and the RC require an SD card to take pictures/video?

[@Droneblog]

The Mini 3 Pro drone itself has 1.2GB of internal storage. In a pinch, you can use that space to save a small number of pictures and videos. If the RC detects that there is no SD Card in the Mini 3 Pro, it will prompt you to allow it to change file location to the internal storage. Once you put a card in, it will prompt you to change to the SD card.

[@AVC-Works]

I’m new to this. I ordered a 129gb card to store video clips.. now in which device should I store it? The controller or the drone itself? Or do I need two SD cards?

[@thelittlegeniussofly8341]

Hi, if you don't want to screen record the controller or take screenshots, you only need a micro sd-card for the drone itself. That's where the photos/videos that your drone makes are stored. :)

[@AVC-Works]

@@thelittlegeniussofly8341 Thank you!

[@maarcis69]

Hello! The only way I could install SD card into the RC was with the gold pin set pointed down (not up as you told). Formatting was ok, so I presume it was correct way. Can you please explain?

[@willb7602]

Excellent video, very clear and straightforward instructions!

[@Droneblog]

Thank you, glad it was helpful!

[@ahsansheikh4386]

1. By default does DJI mini 3 pro comes with any internal storage? 2. What is the purpose of inserting SD card in drone if a SD card is already in RC? 3. For recreation purposes, how much storage is reasonable in terms of size capacity? As a beginner to drone flying, I'm seeking clarifications on few concepts Thank you.

[@calyn8359]

It's only like 1gb, which isn't much room these days. Like one 2 min video at 4k. Having a 128 say would get you at least 20 hrs of high quality footage. Always grab more room, specially if traveling.

[@Droneblog]

1. The Mini 3 Pro only has about 1.2GB of storage. That is only enough for a very short video or 20 photos taken with the 48 MP option. 2. Having an SD card in the RC is only for taking screenshots and screen recordings of the DJI RC. Those who do tutorials and videos benefit from this. To take photos and videos you'll want an SD card in the Mini 3 Pro and not in the RC. 3. For recreation, either 128 or 256 GB will be great.

[@marclabro]

super tuto ! I purchased a sd card and was wondering how to use it :-) which card reader are you using ? i only have one for sony camera SD card V90/CF express A. is it standard on laptops ?

[@Droneblog]

We are using the standard readers that connect via USB and have slots for standard sized and micro SD cards.

[@ShawnSlapsDaBass]

My card does not go in with the gold pins up. It slides in with them down, but it doesn't recognize the card. So weird.

[@Terri-LynnJovanovic]

i love your videos, im having a headache with my mini 3. I have used it 4 times, and 3 times it wont "format" in fact at your 3:20 mark in the video, mine doesn't even have the option of "internal storage". And once again it says my SD is un available.. What should I do? I am just looking to do still photos

[@jetsetjoey]

Is it possible to make any DJI drone REMOTELY activate/energize a switch/relay/solenoid/etc.???

[@DhruvikBanker]

DO we need to install 2 sd card to record something

[@MorningDeepShorts]

What if you only use the as card in the rc and not the drone ?

[@vickytsivel8869]

Hello! Thank you for your video! My DJI Mini 3 Pro does not have the option to chose between Internal Storage and SD card and this was a problem because before I understood about formating, I lost files because my storage was full. The thing is the files seem to have been saved in the internal storage instead of the SD card and I do not know how to change that since I can't see this option that you described in your video. Any ideas, please?

[@samw636]

I did format the SD card in my drone but the RC controller does not recognize my SD card it says no SD card, it is a brand new 64 Gb sandsk extreme pro, why?.

[@jimmybolf2001]

So does the SD Card need to be installed in the RC and the Drone?

[@Droneblog]

Only if you plan to do screen recordings and screenshots. If not, you'll only need a card in the drone.

[@Hefty_Hoth]

I dont know if i just got a faulty controller but my sd card doesnt click into place

[@esotericcommonsense6366]

For some reason mine doesn't show up in the controller but doe sin the drone idk

[@ForYourConsideration]

Thank you. I needed to learn that I need to turn the SD card upside down. Problem solved.

[@tomratotv5196]

How much memory does the controller and the drone have

[@sarrafimusic2869]

If we use internal memory does it reduce the video quality ?

[@Droneblog]

It won't reduce quality, however, it will reduce quantity. The internal memory won't let you film much in 4k at all. It's pretty much a "just in case" solution for when your standard SD card is forgotten at home.

[@harrychufitness]

@0:56 insert sd card with gold pins set pointed UP to the top of the drone @1:06 do not push the card all the way in just yet! as it'll most likely fly out across the room @1:13 using your FINGERNAIL, push the SD CARD IN until it makes an AUDIBLE CLICK! ~you're welcome!

[@Droneblog]

Thanks Harry :)

[@AndrewEsson-ng2iq]

Fantastic video was just about to return drone to shop formatted SD and all works again👍

[@isaacvesa9764]

I got a 1 tb micro ssd does it support it?

[@relaxingtravel-LosAngeles]

very nice explanation!

[@kenpfeiffer1422]

Great job! I really appreciate the clear explanation as the native DJI prompts and instructions are very confusing.

[@Droneblog]

We are glad to hear this series was helpful to you. Thank you.

[@amvivlogs6949]

Hello sir. How much capacity I can use the SD card inside the Drone..?? How much GB..?

[@Droneblog]

Mini 3 - 256Gb, Mini 3 Pro - 512Gb

[@dkiss51]

I HAD trouble getting the card to click in. I used the tiny screwdriver. Worked like a charm

[@Kraken54321]

Question, do I need to insert an sd card into the drone and into the rc?

[@Droneblog]

If planning on just storing drone footage and images, you'll only need an SD card in the Mini 3. IF you are looking to screen record, then you'll need an SD card in the DJI RC as well.

[@AndrewL31413]

So do I put the SD card into the controller or the drone?

[@Droneblog]

If you'd like to do screen recording, then you'll need an SD card in the DJI RC. If not, you'll only need a card in the Mini 3 Pro itself for photos and videos.

[@adilla7423]

I’m confused the sd for for recording should be inserted into the controller or the drone?

[@Droneblog]

The SD card in the Mini 3 is for the videos and pictures you capture while in flight, whereas the SD card in the RC is strictly for saving screenshots and screen recordings taken with the DJI RC.

[@Philly2tall]

Does anyone know how big these files can get recording 4k 60 for about 30-35 minutes? I don't want to buy a card too big in capacity. I would rather have multiple medium size cards

[@Droneblog]

4k file recorded at 150mbps will get you Approx. 1 hour 50 minutes on a 126gb SD card.

[@BlairAir]

RC (RM330) can also store 1080p video.

[@no_limeats]

Very very useful! Thanks for the explanations!

[@Droneblog]

Glad it was helpful! You are quite welcome.

[@barneybiggles]

I formatted as per instructions for DJI mini 3 pro, video and photos playback on controller but not showing on my iMac or windows computer screens.

[@Droneblog]

Is the SD card reader you are using in the Mac or Windows able to read data off any non-drone related card?

[@CAMTechChris]

Good one, thanks Droneblog

[@5050TM]

Thank you so very much, sir! Simple and easy

[@jackspring7709]

Great video! Thank you very much - and thanks for warning us that the SD Cards can fly, too! :D

[@Droneblog]

Thank you, we appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment. Flying SD cards are the worse, especially when outside.

[@pandkgossett9759]

Thank you! I didn't know what I was doing wrong, LOL

[@Droneblog]

Glad we could help!

[@KhalidAlhajri78]

Thank you 🙏🏻 it’s informative and easy to understand

[@Droneblog]

Thank you. And thanks for taking the time to watch.

[@diggiediggz]

One problem; I formatted the SD card and now I can only READ the files, but not delete them. I have to format the card again in order to start fresh. any tips?

[@Droneblog]

Did you format the cards in the Mini 3 Pro itself through the fly app, or in your PC/Mac? If in the Fly App, you can try and reformat the card again. Alternatively, you could also format the card(s) in windows or MacOS.

[@diggiediggz]

@@Droneblog you won’t believe what the problem was. I was using the SD card reader and the “lock” was switched on. Total newb move on my part.

[@Droneblog]

Glad to hear you found and fixed the issue!

[@grahamdale9992]

Thank you very useful 👍

[@Droneblog]

Thank you for taking the time out to view the video.

[@diego_villena]

Some of you may be like me and not experiencing that “click” into the drone. That’s because my nails aren’t long enough! I used the blunt edge of a knife to push the SD card far enough in, and it worked fine. Pins up!

[@rnajafi]

At time point 2:30 min you mention to put the SD CARD with gold tab facing up and insert. This is wrong! You should correct it

[@Droneblog]

It depends on how you hold the controller when inserting the card. We will add a corrective blurb. Thank you for catching that.

[@Dr.RaminNajafi-DroneVide-ni3ri]

@@Droneblog but look at the way you are holding the RC in your hands. this may cause problem for your viewer as they will try to push it the wrong way and destroy their RC SC Card slot.

[@Droneblog]

You are indeed correct. A blurb has been added in the description alerting viewers to this. Thank you!

[@USA_365]

Thank you so much!

[@Droneblog]

You're welcome!

[@jeffdrake]

excellent educator!

[@Droneblog]

Thank you very much.

[@RAW-50]

Thanks for the post

[@TEMAKARAVAN]

Thanks for the video,good job🤝

[@Droneblog]

You're welcome and thank you very much.

[@jammieprincipe]

Does the drone comes with an SD card?

[@Droneblog]

The Mini 3 Pro comes with 1.2GB of internal storage. Sadly, an SD card is not included.

[@ValiCiobanu]

Check this article on what SD card to get: www.droneblog.com/best-mini-3-sd-cards/

[@5050TM]

Thank you!

[@jonathansakura]

Why do we need to format the sd card?

[@Droneblog]

Many photographers and videographers format their cards after major jobs, to start from a clean slate. While you certainly don't have to format the card, doing so after a lot of shooting ensures you have enough space for the next go-round.

[@jonathansakura]

@@Droneblog thanks for the info Greetings from korea 🇰🇷

[@Droneblog]

You are quite welcome. As a side note, we recently used the Mini 3 Pro on a client job and many of the pics and videos were really bad quality. The fix ended up being reformatting the card, True story. :)

[@R0dan]

Very helpful👍👍

[@Droneblog]

Thank you.

[@RENEGADEPINOY671Texas4ever]

I sweat I hate these SD Cards! Mine won’t go in wtf

[@andreamcrae8838]

Thank you

[@MikeM.nomiles]

Gold fingers were down on controller

[@reypascual1415]

Can the rc controller play the files from the drone's sd card when inserted in the RC slot?

[@Droneblog]

Not at this time. Maybe DJI will have an update to that...

[@bobmulder4064]

I find it easy as i use a pair of plastic tweezer when taking it out as i have big fingers

[@mugennzs8440]

gracia me sirvió mucho😀

[@VandersondaCunha]

Muito bom seu vídeo.

[@Droneblog]

Obrigado!

[@VandersondaCunha]

Muito obrigado pela ajuda.

[@Droneblog]

De nada, obrigado por assistir...

[@stanleystuart2008]

And no one shows you how to format the card on a mobile phone so really most of these videos are not fit for purpose for me but I guess you do what's making you money and popular

[@SuperNaturaali]

If u dont have NAILS like me ! Use ur money card or somekind of ID card to act like one.

[@Droneblog]

Great suggestion!

[@konradgiesiger5247]

50 % bad! Cannnot see, which side of sd-card you move in in control-unit. Where are pin-side? Your finger hiddens that!

[@Droneblog]

If the port cover is lifting upwards (controller is right side up), the insert the card with the gold pins facing down.

[@malanalan1]

Format SD card?! What for? No need for it!

[@Droneblog]

We know many professionals that have built into their schedules regularly formatting their SD cards after large jobs when the data has been dumped. We do as well, to get everything tidy and ready for the next client job or production.

[@jensboesen7734]

6 minutes to explain how to insert a SD card??

[@stanleystuart2008]

Plz just get to the point