DJI Phantom 3 Latest Firmware Update Process and Benefits

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Posted Oct 19, 2024

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Close-up of DJI Drone on Sandy Terrain at Sunrise
Credit: pexels.com, Close-up of DJI Drone on Sandy Terrain at Sunrise

The DJI Phantom 3 latest firmware update process is designed to be straightforward and user-friendly. You can check for updates on the DJI Go app, which will notify you when a new version is available.

To update your Phantom 3, simply connect it to your smartphone or tablet via the DJI Go app, and follow the on-screen instructions. The update process typically takes a few minutes.

One of the key benefits of the latest firmware update is improved flight stability, which is a result of enhanced GPS and compass calibration. This means you can expect smoother and more precise flight control.

Additionally, the update also includes bug fixes and performance enhancements, making your overall flying experience more enjoyable and efficient.

Preparation

To prepare for the DJI Phantom 3 latest firmware update, you'll need to make a few preparations. First, verify that your tablet or phone has at least 30 MB of free memory.

Credit: youtube.com, DJI - Phantom 3 Tutorials-Updating The Firmware

You'll also need to prepare your memory card by opening the firmware ZIP file and extracting the BIN file. Then, copy the BIN file to the root level of your memory card.

Insert the memory card into the memory card slot on your camera to ensure it's ready for the update.

Software and App Installation

To update the firmware on your DJI Phantom 3, you'll need to ensure your Phantom battery is at least 50% charged, with at least two lights illuminated when pressing the power button.

Make sure both your Phantom and remote controller are turned off before proceeding with the update. This is crucial to avoid any potential issues during the installation process.

To monitor the installation process, watch the camera status light, which should flash green while your Phantom is starting up, alternate between red and green while the firmware update is being installed, and turn solid green when the update successfully completes.

Credit: youtube.com, How to Update the Firmware on ANY DJI Drone

When the camera status light turns solid green, power down your Phantom by pressing and releasing the power button quickly, and then immediately pressing and holding it in for 2 seconds.

To verify the firmware installed successfully, open the TXT file created on your memory card and check that the last line includes the word "success".

You can also update the firmware on your remote controller using the DJI GO app. First, ensure your remote controller has at least 50% battery level, with at least two white lights lit up at the bottom.

Next, click the rectangle status message at the top center of the DJI GO app to check if an "Upgrade Required" message appears. If it does, click the message to proceed with the update.

The remote controller status light will blink blue while the firmware is being installed, and then blink green when the update has successfully completed.

To power down your remote controller, press and release the power button quickly, and then immediately press and hold it in for 2 seconds.

After updating the firmware, you can verify its success by checking the General Settings --> About section of DJI GO to see the new firmware version.

For more insights, see: Dji Action 2 Power Combo

Credit: youtube.com, DJI Phantom 3 Firmware Update Complete Tutorial

Here's a summary of the steps to update your Phantom 3 firmware:

  • Ensure Phantom battery is at least 50% charged
  • Turn off both Phantom and remote controller
  • Monitor camera status light during installation
  • Power down Phantom after successful installation
  • Verify firmware installed successfully by checking TXT file
  • Update firmware on remote controller using DJI GO app
  • Verify firmware installed successfully by checking General Settings --> About section of DJI GO

Updating the

Updating the Phantom 3 firmware is a relatively straightforward process that requires some basic preparation and attention to detail.

First, download the latest firmware update package from the official DJI website onto your computer or laptop, making sure to get the correct firmware for your Phantom 3.

Before starting the update process, ensure that both the aircraft and remote controller are powered off, and that the SD card is clean and empty.

Insert the SD card into the Phantom 3 camera, and then power on the aircraft. The firmware upgrade will begin automatically after your quadcopter is powered on.

The update process takes roughly 25 minutes to complete, during which time the camera status light will blink green and red to indicate the upgrade is happening.

Once the update is complete, check the upgrade status by removing the SD card from the Phantom 3 and inserting it back into your computer. Open the ".txt" file that is automatically generated after the update, which should show "result: success" if the update was successful.

Credit: youtube.com, DJI Phantom 3 firmware update Full Process

Here's a step-by-step guide to updating the Phantom 3 firmware:

  • Download the latest firmware update package from the official DJI website
  • Insert the SD card into the Phantom 3 camera
  • Power on the aircraft
  • Wait for the firmware upgrade to complete (approximately 25 minutes)
  • Check the upgrade status by opening the ".txt" file on the SD card

Note: If the update fails, the camera indicator will show solid red, and the ".txt" file will show "result: failed". Try upgrading the firmware again.

Troubleshooting and Settings

If you're experiencing issues with your DJI Phantom 3, start by checking the DJI GO app settings. Open the DJI GO app and verify that all of your previous settings are still set.

This is important since many of the settings are saved on the Phantom itself. I've found that a simple settings check can resolve many common issues.

To do this, open the DJI GO app and connect your remote controller to the application via your mobile device. Your Phantom should be turned on with the props off.

Bin File Decision

When deciding what to do with the firmware BIN file, it's essential to consider the manufacturer's recommendation. DJI suggests keeping the BIN file on your memory card in case you need to install it on new batteries in the future.

You can delete the BIN file from your memory card if you're running low on space.

Restore All Settings

Close Up Photo of Flying Dji Phantom
Credit: pexels.com, Close Up Photo of Flying Dji Phantom

Restoring all settings is a crucial step in troubleshooting your DJI Phantom. Open the DJI GO app while your Phantom is turned on with the props off and your remote controller is connected.

Verify that all your previous settings are still set in the DJI GO app. This is important since many settings are saved on the Phantom itself.

Make sure your remote controller is connected to the DJI GO application via your mobile device. This ensures that all settings are synced correctly.

Check each setting carefully to ensure it's still set to your preference.

Fail to Signs

If the Phantom 3 firmware update fails, you'll notice some telltale signs. A long beeping sound is a clear indication that the update has failed.

You can also check the camera indicator light, which will be solid red after the update if it fails. This is a pretty straightforward sign to look out for.

The SD Card will contain a *.txt file with the result of the update, and if it fails, the file will simply say "fail". This is a good way to verify that the update didn't go through.

Additional reading: Update Dji Phantom 3 Standard

Hands manipulating DJI drone controller with smartphone, showcasing navigation technology.
Credit: pexels.com, Hands manipulating DJI drone controller with smartphone, showcasing navigation technology.

Here are the signs that the firmware update has failed:

Major Benefits

Updating your drone's firmware can bring a world of new possibilities. A major firmware update can add exciting features to your drone, like the one DJI released on September 7th, 2015, for their Phantom 3 and Inspire 1 drones.

This update added some fantastic features, including waypoints, point of interest, follow me, home lock, and course lock. Waypoints allow you to record a flight path and have your drone follow it repeatedly.

With point of interest, you can tell your drone to automatically revolve around a designated object, person, or place in a perfect circle. This is particularly useful for getting those perfect shots.

Follow me, available on the Phantom 3 series, lets your drone follow you wherever you go, keeping you in the camera's view at all times. Home lock customizes your flight controls to be relative to your position at all times.

Course lock is another useful feature that allows you to fly along a set path by setting all flight controls to directions relative to your drone's current heading.

For another approach, see: Dji Phantom 3 4k Latest Firmware

Jeanette Venturi

Senior Writer

Jeanette Venturi is a seasoned writer with several years of experience in the blogosphere. Her writing style is reflective, insightful and engaging; which has helped establish her as a trusted voice on various topics. She is passionate about empowering people with knowledge that can help them make informed decisions about their lives.

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