What Happens When The DJI Mavic Mini Isn't Connected To WiFi? Cellular? GPS? [EXTENSIVE TESTING]

[@cldavis33]

I work in IT, have for over 25 yrs. I really like the way you troubleshoot and test with multiple variables. Very smart and thorough.

[@arnoldlayne9469]

You have one of the most detailed and organized Descriptions I’ve ever seen.

[@carsonmtech]

Thank you Arnold :) You’re the only person to ever compliment me on that and I really do appreciate it as I do put attention on that but it’s usually unnoticed!

[@kimjongtrump3493]

Who reads descriptions😂

[@evanlebaron9465]

@@kimjongtrump3493 what's a description, I never read those

[@c4pt1n54no]

There's like a sentence of description. The rest is all self promotion totally unrelated to the video

[@ReadyUpGo]

Well done. After watching numerous videos for this information and being disappointed time and again, you hit a home run. Thank you. Bravo!

[@pdtech4524]

No doesn't use internet connection to fly just uses a wifi connection to the controller and your smart device is connected to the controller via cable. I fly in flight mode on my smartphone! The GPS is built into the Mavic Mini. Hope that helps?

[@poydrel18]

I do the same.. I read somewhere that flying in flight mode actually helps improve the range since the phone's wifi and 4g/5g connectivity may actually be interfering with the signal between the aircraft and the RC

[@pdtech4524]

@@poydrel18 Spot on! I've watched videos comparing the the flight range of the Mavic Mini with cell and data off and with then turned back on, there is definitely a significant improvement turning them off on your device ie putting it in 'flight mode'. 😎👍 Also it stops anyone calling you or getting any notifications or updates which might disturb your concentration while flying. 😎👍 My flying buddy left his cell reception on during a long bebop flight, the battery was getting critically low on the drone and it was about to do an auto RTH, just as the FPV signal went off, his daughter rang him the Free Flight Pro app actually shuts off! You can imagine how the call went when he answered it, then desperately tried to start the app, remember his password and reconnect to the bebop, only to find it was still some distance away with 6% battery left, it lands at 4%, he just managed to get it back, it was crossing quite a large lake😁⚠️

[@laurensholthof]

And also, his location isn't preciser when he is connected to his home wifi, in fact, and ip adress is not accurate at all, but glonass/galileio is. I don't get his logic. The only thing that is affected when you aren't connected to wifi/4g is the map, it won't load in.

[@rborman1]

Wow

[@a.p.0.v]

PD Tech so it doesn’t use Wi-Fi connection I’ve got a question that won’t leave my mind, let’s say all networks went down and there’s no service at all. Would you still be able to fly the drone ?? Like does it use Bluetooth or something? Or would you not be able to fly it at all since all the connection and networks are gone. Say for instance no satellites no nothing. Would you still be able to fly it ?

[@1rk1n]

I appreciate a mavic mini reviewer who answered soo many technical questions in such a small amount of time. Truly the most useful video i've seen so far. Thank you!

[@fletcherbrown728]

At 3:21. Why do you think that your "location accuracy might be affected by your wi-fi connection to your house"? wi-fi connects you to the internet via your wf-fi and then your wf-fi connection to the internet via, cable, fiber optic, DSL modem etc. Your cell connects you the internet via a cell connection to a cell tower and the tower connection to the internet. Same exact internet just different means of reaching it. GPS in direct connection to satellites via your phone's GPS or your drone GPS - nothing to do with the internet.

[@craigwflys]

I actually tried this stuff a few weeks ago and when flying without a phone I believe my range was automatically limited (kind of like in payload mode). Seemed like around 100 ft away it hit an invisible wall. Looking forward to your wind video.

[@RavindraJoisa_Official]

Thank you for sharing this information. I have seen too many unboxing videos but this is more helpful. I remember a few of them who lost their drone because of the 4th scenario that you had mentioned. Now, I can happily take this Mini drone for a weeklong Himalayan trek without worrying much and all that I have to worry about is taking some extra battery or power bank. Thanks again.

[@josec4790]

by far, the best explanation on connectivity out there. Great job

[@jean-guycharette2181]

I realize you made this video a year however you answered my request clearly. Thank you.

[@dronezoneessex5551]

Great analysis and I also appreciate how quickly and clearly you articulate. So many vloggers drag it out! Only exra I would like to have seen included was the phone in airplane mode but from your tests I dn't think it would have made any difference.

[@ydoucare55]

5:55 - There are 2 different models of the Mavic Mini. The US/FCC version only supports 5.8 Ghz between the drone and controller. The other model supports both 2.4 Ghz and 5.8 Ghz

[@MrPlaneTalk]

Great video. I’m glad you mentioned about requirement to be “connected to internet” to unlock Geo Zone. I think it would have been good to also mention about “map-caching.” Some viewers may think they can just whip out theirvphone out in the “wilderness” somewhere and get the maps, and then be surprised when there ain’t no map. Edit your video at the end to mention about caching maps on your phone for the area you want to fly, before you lose internet. (Remember to zoom in to let map populate details). Thanks.

[@edwinhsingmaster9135]

That's exactly what I tried the first time out without success. Hope I can find details on map catching.

[@jonoliver6167]

After watching your videos. I've now ordered mine for delivery on Tuesday. I feel I now have the knowledge to get me a head start. Thank you

[@mab0313]

I ordered one after watched his video as well :p

[@saurabhvartak1992]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnnHeq13oLqBqbs

[@AlanPhotosVideos]

Well done! Answering simple questions clearly and precisely! Most of us probably had no idea that an internet connection wasn’t required.

[@mccoy5410]

Even Bebop 2 did not need a Wi-Fi connection. you could turn the Wi-Fi off the Bluetooth off and airplane mode off and the Bebop 2 would still connect fly and give you a video. In my opinion the Bebop 2 and the Bebop 1 is good for 2020 is amazing and the videos too. On a Bebop 2 and a Bebop 1 and another thing I see you 4K is 2.7 K videos but 90% of American Flyers don't have a 4K so anything over 1080p is just the waist. And I don't need China telling where to fly and how the fly this is my country it don't belong to China.

[@trini_boi2414]

Well I already know it don't need internet cause I used a tablet to fly one of my other drone

[@BlendedVinyl]

Great stuff bro, thinking of purchasing a Mavic Mini!

[@carsonmtech]

I'd recommend checking out my review of it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4TKYWqNe5hgpsk especially if you need more info about it/if you're on the fence about it!

[@BlendedVinyl]

Carson Miller I’ve watched many videos about this mavic mini and I was just wondering how well it handles wind in a realistic situation?

[@darkcrystal438]

@@BlendedVinyl common sense says it all mate.. if the wind is max its capability on the ground then it will be double that in the air. Mine CNN handle plenty of wind. All the vids I have seen re mavic mini wind they are flying in far too windy conditions.

[@ivanjdrakov1957]

Get it bro, I really really love my Mavic Mini! I fly it from my balcony everyday - very nice drone, the king of the skies... 😁

[@jali898]

@@BlendedVinyl it doesnt do well ..the range is also poor ..i had the drone for 3 weeks ,its a good camera and very easy to fly . i sold it due to its problems flying in wind ...my ten cents ..get a second hand mavic pro ..i know its old tech but it will fly in a wind and will out range almost any other drone ..good camera and 25 minutes flight time per battery

[@PaddyNinja]

I have always wondered about this, now finally someone has answered the question. That was so cool. Thank you.

[@HandsONreviews4u]

You are the only one on KZbin who has cleared up this burning question before I buy the thing. I am not a smart phone user but i do us an ipad mini....terrific i have to get that drone.....I mean the Mavic Air

[@phorner1983]

Great video as normal. There really are some fantastic KZbinrs when it comes to drone tutorials. Thank you

[@TolKOZAK]

Excellent video. Very informative. One of the best drone videos I've watched to get ready to fly without a phone.

[@dronmoarigato8488]

Thank you Carson... You have answered all the questions that I need to knowv about this topic.

[@carsonmtech]

Glad to hear it!

[@IbaloiBeLike]

Just got thiS mavic mini drone of mine and with your help, Im really gonna enjoy this thing. All the information i needed to know is just being said. Godbless and more power you you sir.

[@elbatobeach]

Thanks and you have answered all my curiosities,great videos and great tutorials 👍

[@russellowen8795]

Perfect video - Thank you so much for answering these basic, but fairly important questions. Much appreciated!

[@JP1970]

I've been enjoying your videos on the mini and the mini 2. Today my brother bought a mini, and I bought the mini 2. Thanks very much! Subbed!

[@dunordable]

The Mavic Mini and your phone both have a gps chip. If you disable the gps chip on your phone by turning off location services (or if you're using a wifi-only iPad Mini which doesn't have a gps chip), you'll notice that the telemetry indicator (the symbol with the circle and arrow at the bottom center of the app) doesn't work because the app doesn't know the coordinates of where your phone is. You also won't be able to update your return to home point while in flight.

[@laughingatoms]

Final tip was surprisingly useful. I do all my main filming on my iPhone 11 so I never get shots of the drone taking off or landing. This seems like a good workaround!

[@carsonmtech]

Yes, that sounds like a great use for this!

[@dreamrestore213]

Answered questions I didn't even know I had.... Great vid 👍

[@nnsense]

I think DJI gave a LOT of importance to safety and reliability adding a lot of features such as RTH, find my drone, etc. and I think the chance to flight without a phone is to safe your, and your drone, life in case the phone run out of battery and it turns off. You can still flight your way home, this is awesome.

[@handle1196]

Excellent video thanks, very informative, no long intro of rubbish talk. Just got my first drone, the mini so going to go have some fun now.

[@Indo_chef]

Great video! So helpful. I've been so worried about these situations.

[@SirGambs]

Thank you so much for this. I always love extensive testing with tech you've helped with my buying decision

[@chilepleasestop9118]

0:27 -- how did you get the snow out of the video? Looks very windy too.

[@rishimantri]

Superb job. Great to know it can fly without mobile device Just a quick question though - while flying without a mobile device attached , how do we know low battery status ?

[@carsonmtech]

Thank you! If you’re flying without the controller, it will still beep at the predetermined”low battery RTH” percentage. So that will give you a gauge of how little time remaining you have.

[@rishimantri]

Carson Miller Thanks. Now only one issue remains for me. Got the drone and was to beach fly on the weekend that the lockdown was announced. COVID infected my MAVIC flying dreams too.

[@ootbinc]

Great video, just what I was looking for!

[@SteamdeckKOTA]

What is your basketball court made out of that looks dope and better then cement

[@carsonmtech]

It was installed by the company known as “Sportcourt.” Look them up, they’re pretty well known throughout the US. The ground is made of plastic interlocking panels which are put together to form the ground you see, which is available in a magnitude of colors for both indoor flooring as well as outdoor!

[@dk99745]

Carson, great video. I have a question you may know the answer to. When my iPhone XR is hooked up to the remote, remote is turned on and connected to the drone, Mavic Mini, then open up the compass on the phone the compass is way off. I know where North is and the compass shows North about 80 degrees in the opposite direction. I unplug the remote from the phone and the compass on the phone goes back to normal. So weird. I tried 4 times and same results. Thoughts? All firmware, iOS, app are all the newest available. Nice to see you back!

[@johningram2153]

I was surprised that you even wondered if it could return to home without phone internet. The drone has to have GPS built in, to be able to do RTH at all, and that’s all it needs, to be accurate within about 5 meters. Apparently the phone allows the drone to fine-tune this accuracy, but I never doubted for a moment that the drone’s core GPS capability would be impacted by a phone that is not connected.

[@Vamo_Alla]

Great info 🙌. Now I would like to know if someone calls/texts while you’re flying the drone will that interfere with the fly? Thanks 🙌

[@pktravelvlogs]

Your mic?

[@sohailaahmed3154]

I wanted to get it but I wanted to see how to work with it and I saw this vid it was so helpful

[@ang8282]

awsome video you answered all my questions thank you

[@biggc313]

Great video Thanks bro! Definitely questions I wanted answered. I got my Mavic Mini a couple weeks ago. I was about to buy a mini iPad just so I would have a bigger screen. My 11 max pro is cool but I like bigger. And I was about to buy one with cellular. So would you fly on a iPad with no cellular connection? I know you did a short distance on the video. But would you trust it long distance?

[@carsonmtech]

Totally cool to fly without a cell connection! If you’re ever using the Mavic Mini + iPad & you need to unlock a fly zone, you can always just turn on your phone’s hotspot and connect to that for a bit to do the unlocking. Hope this helps you out!

[@biggc313]

Carson Miller Thanks and keep the great videos coming

[@gabem7]

I think there is a distance limit of 60 yards when your not using your phone I believe.

[@pktravelvlogs]

Return to home function is not working in my mavic mini.. Is there any settings? When I click return to home, it starts landing at current location of drone.. My cellular network, internet, gps all on..plz rply

[@ianbrown704]

Excellent Just what I needed to know, Mini on its way! cheers and stay safe

[@MichaelSmith-jj9jf]

Thank for this .... very relevant to flying in Outback Northern Territory, Australia. No cellar contact is available outside of 25kms of any city/town. I'm using it with no phone sim card.

[@abobbybaby4]

Just sub’d and liked. You seem to be ‘smarter than the average bear’ as far as KZbin drone piloting. Keep up the good work and great education. 💪🏻👍🏻

[@ivanidread]

According to the User Manual a wireless data connection IS required. I'm guessing that's needed for map data, no-fly area info and so on.

[@carsonmtech]

Nah, not required. It may say it is, but I’ve never had issues turning off data other than not having that map info

[@INTELMAXELL]

You also need internert for google maps if you don`t cache your maps before you fly.

[@WildWonderfulWeekends]

Great video, I like that you thought to power off the controller and drone before testing with no cellular. Thanks for sharing!

[@pixelproshop9681]

Well done, good demo and presented really well. The best detailed and well presented information.

[@drone2477]

Great vid bro rlly informative keep it up.

[@carsonmtech]

Thank you very much! I appreciate the compliment!

[@htunlinnmyint1951]

Hi bro, my mini always fly up around 6m and said adjust controller antennas to regain the connection. I just keep the antennas in 45’ position. Plz advise! 😬

[@catherinerobson1924]

Very good video. So thorough. Thanks 😊

[@4WingView]

Excellent presentation of some very interesting questions Thumbs up 👍👍

[@carsonmtech]

Thank you! I'm glad you found it to be so.

[@4WingView]

@@carsonmtech I don't own the mini. But it definitely assured me this would be a good buy. It also answers question about other drones. Basically using your example I could run same testing on diffrent manufacters. So I'm deeply in your dept for pioneering this testing.

[@Gtbie_]

That answer all of my questions that was very good to know

[@abhilashjain863]

loved your video😍

[@FullMoon7]

Thank you, I’ve learn new thing today

[@NOMAD-LEISURE]

exactly wat i wanted to know .i always thought it needed wifi and 4g or 1 of both

[@audiebots]

Does it work with dji spark?. Thanks in advance bro. 👌🏽🤟🏼

[@benjamingetter7712]

You have theee best tutorials

[@yashdelcarmen7344]

Very useful and informative vid, kudos to you sir

[@dcsmith5839]

Thanks for posting.Brand new owner,have fpv quads,wasn't sure of this.

[@eadjh98]

Nice one! Used to worry what to do if connection is lost! 👍

[@markzanetti6228]

Cell service, much less wifi is rare here in Vermont (aside from large towns) so this was helpful.

[@iLaeyes]

hey nice video, for the wind test you can borrow some Fan´s to simulate wind.

[@fastdronedude]

My dude you do not miss a detail that is pertinent for the moment. Unlimited potential. But did you really ask what the two holes on each end of the bottom of the (not lite) smart controller?

[@andygregory1579]

Excellent video. Going to buy this drone for my first drone do you recommend getting the fly more combo or the normal package?

[@eadjh98]

Hiya again Carson!, I had a few weeks ago where I lost the picture on my iPad 4 mini, as I thought I’d lost the signal, the screen was grey with no picture at all! This made me a little bit panicky but I realised I still had control and landed soon afterwards ! And it was still recording ! I discovered when I uploaded on to my MacBook! 👍👍 Keep up the good that you do and I’m looking forward to your next video!

[@RWTupper]

You're correct BUT left out one very important detail: Not having Internet and/or a smart phone connected will limit the distance at which you can fly.

[@raahimsyed]

Hi Carson, I have a doubt which I need to ask, like I have noticed that application was sending message of high wind warning so does mavic flows away? if yes how do I gain control? I have a Tello which gets totally get out of control and the app does not help at all to brig it back. Please help.

[@jasonjahnkeinla]

Cool video thx Can't wait to see the wind video.

[@frederickmaniquis757]

Hi Carlson! Nice caption of this topic. I was wondering if not using the cellphone can also be done with other drones such as Mavic Air, Mavic Air 2, or even the Mavic Zoom? I hope to hear from you soon! Thanks!

[@Crosshairplayz]

Thank you so much. This helped me a lot❤

[@dariusphotography865]

Hi Carson Miller. What happens if the phone turns off or the battery runs out during flight ?

[@BudgetProductions]

so if you have no cellular data and no wifi connections enabled, is there a larger input delay into the live feed?

[@xDudeHimSelfx]

I have one and it's amazing! Very cheap for its quality. Very good indeed

[@trevorhall4688]

The map function doesn’t work if you don’t have a connection to either mobile data or Wi-fi. My iPad will only show the map if I put my phone’s sim into it and turn on data.

[@beachhobbies]

Trevor Hall view map of where you will be flying before going flying. Map pages will be cached for use.

[@len9483]

@@beachhobbies What do you mean' view the map'? Do you mean download the map? How large of a map do I need? What if I change my mind mid-flight and go another direction?

[@beachhobbies]

@@len9483 I fly with Ipad Mini4, no cellular, wifi only. While at home with wifi I view where I will be flying in maps. I dont fly too far so I just view the area I fly in. Then exit out of maps. When at flying site, when you open maps the page will still be there and be usable.

[@TheSWADE247]

I haven gotten my mini mav yet it come today but i want say u covers everything when it come this drone i feel i be efficient with knowledge when i get mine lol

[@carsonmtech]

Roy, I really appreciate that! I’m glad to hear I’ve helped you so much in learning to fly! I hope my newer videos will continue to expand your knowledge as well if you choose to stick around! Thanks again man!

[@rayofsunshine107h]

Best explanation yet

[@KG4JYS]

Is it possible to connect a GPS receiver to the mavic mini controller? This sort of thing is pretty important when running a drone from a moving vehicle such as a boat.

[@KyleWallacekev]

Can you steam your drone flight live by wifi to youtube or FB ?

[@willianfitzuni2209]

Thank you for making this kinds of videos amazing detail information

[@areaone3813]

Hey bud , what are you using for a mic? I’m waiting for a wireless rode. Excited 😜 on the drone I don’t think I have ever used return to home on my air

[@carsonmtech]

Hey! I'm using the Comica CVM-WM100 Plus dual lav kit in this video. I made a review over the kit a little while back here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJ6phHeHbM90r7c. The mics are decent, not amazing by any means, but they do their job as wireless mics :). I am really eyeing the Rode Wireless Go a ton of recent and may need to drop some cash on it as the audio quality is astounding! Also, as far as RTH goes, really? That's crazy but good! I've used RTH in real life flying (aside from when I'm making videos) probably close to 3-4 dozen times now. It'll get you out of a pinch when you need it to!

[@areaone3813]

Carson Miller I just bought one today on eBay. The prices have increased. I paid 200$. They were about 155-170$ pre-cv. But i have been waiting months so didn’t care lol. I’m glad to hear it’s good for you.

[@areaone3813]

Hey bud, do you have or use headphones? Wondering if you recommend a particular brand for basic studio use. I am shopping for some.

[@jdogstudios546]

So can you fly Where there’s no Wi-Fi if the phone you’re using does not have a SIM card or Cellular data

[@vlad-tf9sf]

I guess so, still not sure hope he answers ur question so I can get the answers too

[@Kayshots]

Yes it does work fine without any connection.

[@armanon9225]

@@Kayshots So you dont need any wifi or SIM card internet ?

[@Kayshots]

Armanon Anrak nope!

[@tonyowen116]

Good info Carson. I gather much of what you said regarding the Mini, also applies to the Platinum and 2 Pro. Do fly with a iPad mini 4. Where I regularly fly, does require unlocking. If I were out in the desert area, probably wouldn't need to unlock any airspace as long as I check the floors of the MOA's. Thanks for the info. Cheers... P.S. OH... before signing off, do you know if DJI has a flight sim program for their Platinum, or 2Pro. If so, where do I find it on their site? (I did email them, asking about this, but haven't heard back thus far).

[@carsonmtech]

Tony, yep, it applies there as well! As far as the sim program, hmm I honestly have actually heard of that before. This link may help, or it may not, I’m sorry! www.dji.com/mobile/simulator

[@normsimpson2342]

Can you plug Googles in for the Mav Mini? Or the Mav for that matter? Can any of the smaller DJI's use googles?

[@Carolina-222]

How do you unlock airspaces?? Where do ask for permission? Theres a small airport/ not commercial about 4 miles from my house and my screen shows restricted

[@cornflake6249]

How do i control the camera position when not using my phone .. Just using the remote .

[@carsonmtech]

Check out my most recent video! “How To Move The Camera of a DJI Drone Like A PRO (DJI Mini, Air, Pro, etc) || Drone Quick Tips Ep. 2” kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJvIiGiJbZeinbM

[@noelhogan7289]

Great job 👌 learning all the time. Cheers Carson.

[@marifnx1406]

Can this thing fly in jamaica Caribbean without any problem?

[@carsonmtech]

Not sure. I would check the specific area with either “AirMap” or “Kittyhawk” which are apps available for iOS/Android and they help you see what type of airspace is in the area you’re looking to fly! If it says green-good to fly, then yep! Otherwise, if there is airspace in the area, it’s a no fly zone, etc., then you could not

[@kangalwhisperermike7126]

Hi I was very happy to find your video and thank you for all the great info. For some reason if my phone cel wifi and 4g is not on, the direction indicator stays red and says check compass or gps on your mobile device. Can you tell me if I'm doing something wrong?Ty

[@mrpeter81]

The GPS pos is saved in the drone. If it where saved in your phone or radio and you are out of range it would not know where to go home, or if your radio or phones battery dies the same thing. As soon there is enough satellites after start up it saves the pos inside drone.

[@ismafaridiismail1994]

Great video...full with info

[@livinglife4921]

Watched your video help me out a lot with my mavic mini thanks very much for the schooling

[@mr.timjohnston546]

well done my man

[@unrealaiimages]

Thank dude that was helpful! Subbed 👍🏼

[@TotallyRadChaz]

how do you get your camera to point down while flying?

[@QSpeedRacer]

Don't need internet or GPS connection in mavic or phone. Use position mode. Will drift some but fine.

[@andysweeny63]

Carson have you worked out the problem with the aircraft orientation bottom centre off the app mine doesn't seem to be correct the drone will be in front of me & will show its to the left of me !