You got your Mini 2 SE unboxed, charged up, and ready to go.
You’re so excited to take flight, but the remote controller isn’t connected, and you can’t figure out why. You also can’t fly until you get to the bottom of it.
Don’t sweat it! I’ll guide you on how to pair the Mini 2 SE’s remote control with the drone. You’ll be airborne in no time!
To help, we’ve identified and reviewed the best drone courses for beginners and professionals.
Which RC works with DJI Mini 2 SE?
The DJI Mini 2 SE drone uses the DJI RC-N1, a controller compatible with several DJI drones (more on that later). Bear in mind that no other controller currently works with the Mini 2 SE, so it’s the RC-N1 or nothing.
» MORE: DJI Mini 2 SE Controller (All You Need to Know)
The RC-N1 is a rectangular, no-frills kind of controller. It feels really sturdy in your hands and is scant on buttons so you don’t accidentally press the wrong one. It has two joysticks and uses a holster for your smartphone.
The RC-N1 has no screen, which is why you must connect your phone. It also lacks rabbit ear antennas, instead utilizing a dual-purpose antenna that retracts as needed.
The front of the controller has four LED status lights that illuminate in different ways depending on the battery level.
It also features a camera button, a customizable Function or FN button, a Power button, and a switch for adjusting between Sport, Normal, and Cine modes.
Up top, you’ll find a scroll wheel for setting the camera gimbal pitch, a video and camera trigger button on the shoulder, indented pads for a phone mount, and the slide-out antenna.
Underneath, the RC-N1 includes a USB-C charging port.
» MORE: DJI RC-N1 Review (Everything You Need to Know)
How to pair the controller with DJI Mini 2 SE (Step by step)
Are you ready to pair the RC-N1 with the Mini 2 SE? It’s easy, so let’s go over how it’s done.
- Step 1: Turn on the Mini 2 SE and the RC-N1. The Mini 2 SE has a power button underneath it. It’s a large gray button beside the four LED indicator lights. Press the button, then press and hold. The LED lights should flash to indicate the drone is on.
- Turn on the RC-N1 by pressing, then pressing and holding the power button on the front. Likewise, the lights will turn on.
- Step 2: Open the DJI Fly app, the DJI app compatible with the Mini 2 SE. You can download the app for free from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store by searching “DJI Fly.” You need a DJI account to log into the app.
- Step 3: In DJI Fly, select camera view. Next, tap the three dots, then Control. Next, tap Pair to Aircraft (Link).
- Step 4: The RC-N1 will begin beeping.
- Step 5: Next, press the Mini 2 SE’s power button, holding the button for over four seconds. You will hear the drone beep, which indicates you can link it to the controller.
- Step 6: The Mini 2 SE should next beep two times, and its LED lights should all illuminate at once. If this happens, you’ve paired the drone and the RC-N1.
And that’s all there is to it! Once you connect the RC-N1 and Mini 2 SE, you shouldn’t have to do it again unless you buy a new controller.
» MORE: DJI RC vs DJI RC-N1 (All You Need to Know)
My controller is not pairing with the DJI Mini 2 SE. What should I do?
Hmm. You followed all the steps correctly, or so you thought. However, the Mini 2 SE and RC-N1 do not want to pair. You reset both devices and tried a few times, but it’s still not helping. So, what can you do?
Well, that depends on what’s causing your issue, so let’s start there.
The Mini 2 SE battery isn’t charged
Although it only takes several minutes to pair the drone and controller, if the Mini 2 SE doesn’t have enough battery to get through pairing, it will fail.
Charge the drone, then try connecting it to the RC-N1 again to see if that solves your issue.
» MORE: DJI Mini 2 SE Battery Won’t Charge (Here’s How to Fix It)
The RC-N1 battery isn’t charged
Did you know you also have to charge the drone controller battery before use? You do!
If you haven’t done that yet, please do so, then try pairing them again. It should hopefully work.
You linked another remote instead
If you somehow have two remote controllers for the Mini 2 SE, only one can be paired to it at a time.
Connecting Controller 1 if you had Controller 2 linked will automatically undo that link, linking Controller 1 instead.
You’re too far out of range
The RC-N1 and Mini 2 SE should be no further than 0.5 meters from one another when linking. If they’re further apart than that, connecting them will be unsuccessful.
Move them closer together, then try connecting again.
The firmware is out of date
DJI frequently updates its firmware. If the Mini 2 SE isn’t running the latest version of the firmware, you might not be able to pair it with the remote controller.
Open the DJI Fly app and check for a firmware notification. Then, click Update to automatically update the firmware.
You must have an internet connection and sufficient battery for the firmware to download and install successfully.
» MORE: DJI Mini 2 SE: How to Update Firmware (Step-by-Step Guide)
The DJI Fly app is corrupted
Sometimes, the issue can come down to issues within the DJI Fly app. It doesn’t hurt to delete the app and then reinstall it fresh.
You will have to log in when you download the app, and once you get the Mini 2 SE and RC-N1 paired, you’ll have to adjust all your settings again.
» MORE: DJI App Not Working? (Ultimate Troubleshooting Guide)
Faulty cables
The Mini 2 SE includes a USB-C data cable, standard micro-USB RC-N1 RC cable, a Lightning Connector RC cable, and a USB-C connector RC cable.
While the cables will come new and should be in usable condition for a long time, things happen.
If the cables have a faulty connection, you won’t be able to pair the RC-N1 with the Mini 2 SE. Try another cable and see if it works.
The cables should also be inserted in the connection port, which is beside the storage port. The connection port is nearest the photo/video button and looks a lot like the storage port, so get to know which is which.
Is it time to contact DJI support?
If you’ve tried everything above and your Mini 2 SE still won’t connect to its remote controller, I recommend contacting DJI support, especially if your drone is new.
There shouldn’t be any issue with it, and pairing should be seamless.
DJI has live chat, or you can reach them by phone or email to discuss your issue.
Here is the support link, where you can request a replacement service within 15 days of your purchase, schedule an assessment and repair of the drone, and track your repair progress.
» MORE: Drone Crash: How to Contact DJI Customer Support
Can I pair and use my DJI Mini 2 SE controller with other DJI drones?
While the Mini 2 SE can only use the RC-N1, this classic DJI controller is compatible with many other drones. They include the Mini 3, Mini 3 Pro, Mavic 3, Mavic 3 Pro, Air 2S, Mini 2, and Air 2.
Just be aware that if you pair the RC-N1 with another drone besides the Mini 2 SE and later try to use the remote with the Mini 2 SE, you will need to pair it again per the instructions above.
» MORE: How to Pair the DJI Mini 4 Pro (With Pictures & Video)