The ever-popular Mini 3 Series (Standard and Pro), continues to be the go-to drone for many new and seasoned drone owners, outdoor enthusiasts, and travel vloggers.
With its small size and weight the Mini 3 Series is arguably one of the best drones to bring almost anywhere one is allowed to fly.
This article and the included YouTube video will discuss why a Mini 3 owner may want to connect the Mini 3 to a computer and serve as a step-by-step guide walking through connecting the DJI Mini 3 to a Windows-based computer or a Mac.
Why Connect the Mini 3 / Mini 3 Pro to a Computer?
Although many Mini 3 owners may never have an immediate need to connect their Mini 3 to a computer, there are two main reasons why someone would want to do so, these are:
- To access the DJI Assistant 2 (Consumer Drones Series) software
- To transfer videos and/or photos to a computer
DJI Assistant 2 Software (Consumer Drone Series)
As mentioned, there are quite a few Mini 3 / Mini 3 Pro owners that will need to connect the Mini 3 to their computers to access features and utilities found within the DJI Assistant 2 (Consumer Drone Series) software.
The DJI Assistant 2 (Consumer Drone Series) software is used to:
- Calibrate the Mini 3s vision sensors
- Access Mini 3 / Mini 3 Pro flight data
- Update the Mini 3 / Mini 3 Pro firmware
- Roll-back firmware versions (when this option is available)
Once the Mini 3 / Mini 3 Pro is connected to either your Windows PC or Mac, you will be able to use the DJI Assistant 2 (Consumer Drone Series) software to perform the aforementioned functions.
» MORE: How to Use DJI Assistant 2 with DJI Mini 3 / Mini 3 Pro (Step-by-Step Guide)
» Mini 3 DJI Assistant 2 Download Page
» Mini 3 Pro DJI Assistant 2 Download Page
Shortly, we will be walking through connecting the Mini 3 / Mini 3 Pro to a computer.
Transfer Photos and Videos
The Mini 3 and Mini 3 Pro are known to take very good pictures and videos. Both versions of the Mini 3 are able to shoot in 4k. The Mini 3 shoots up to 30 fps (frames per second) in 4k while the Mini 3 Pro can shoot up to 60 fps in 4k.
The question on many new Mini 3 owners’ minds is “How do I access all of this content”?
SD CARD READERS
The fastest method to access the content (pictures and videos) on a Mini 3s external SD card is through the use of an SD card reader.
An SD card reader allows you to remove the SD card from the Mini 3 / Mini 3 Pro, insert the card into the reader, plug the reader into a computer, and then view and edit the information directly from within a directory on your computer.
This is the fastest, most convenient way to access the data as there is no step of having to turn on the Mini 3 / Mini 3 Pro or possibly having it overheat while accessing the data due to forgetting to turn it off after retrieving said data.
Directly Connecting to a Computer (PC or Mac)
Although there are alternative ways to access photos and videos from the Mini 3 line as mentioned, it still might be necessary to directly connect the Mini 3 Pro to a computer, such as when saving media directly to the internal 1.2 GB storage found on board the Mini 3 Pro.
Note: While the Mini 3 Pro has 1.2 GB of internal storage, the Mini 3 has no internal storage.
To connect your Mini 3 / Mini 3 Pro to a PC or Mac:
You’ll need a USB to USB-C cable. They are readily available on Amazon, although we suggest a DJI-branded one, also on Amazon. If you have purchased any of the Mini 3/Pro flymore combos, this USB to USB-C cable is included.
STEP 1: Connect the Mini 3 USB to USB-C cable to your PC or Mac. You’ll want to plug the USB side into an empty USB slot on your computer.
STEP 2: While the Mini 3 / Mini 3 Pro is off, plug the USB-C end into the Mini 3.
If connecting the Mini 3 / Mini 3 Pro to a computer to access pictures and video:
STEP 3: Unfold the Mini 3s arms and legs. Remove the gimbal cover and then turn on the Mini 3 / Mini 3 Pro by pressing the power button once, then holding the power button. Your computer, whether Windows PC or Mac, should recognize the Mini 3 storage.
Note: Although not a requirement, as a safety precaution, it is suggested that the propellers be removed from the Mini 3 / Mini 3 Pro prior to connecting it to a PC or Mac and turning it on.
If using a Mac, the Mini 3 Pros internal drive will create a shortcut on the desktop, which you will be able to double-click and access through Mac Finder. If you have an SD card in the Mini 3 / Mini 3 Pro, this will also be created as a shortcut on the desktop.
If using a Windows PC, you will have to access the data on the Mini 3s SD card or the Mini 3 Pros internal storage and SD card through either Windows or File Explorer, depending on which version of Windows you are running.
If connecting the Mini 3 / Mini 3 Pro to a computer to work with the DJI Assistant 2 (Consumer Drone Series) software:
STEP 3: Launch the DJI Assistant 2 software
STEP 4: Unfold the Mini 3s arms and legs. Remove the gimbal cover and then turn on the Mini 3 / Mini 3 Pro by pressing the power button once, then holding the power button. Your computer, whether Windows PC or Mac, should recognize the Mini 3 storage as well.
STEP 5: The DJI Assistant 2 software will then transition to a screen that shows your particular Mini 3 Model. Simply choose your model and the software will guide you from there.
