Released September 2023, the Mini 4 Pro is currently DJI’s newest release drone. But that has not stopped it from rising up the charts in terms of units sold and ownership.
Like the Mini 3 Pro before it, the Mini 4 Pro is a favorite Mini drone amongst seasoned drone operators, content creators, and everyone in between.
This article and the included YouTube video will discuss why a Mini 4 Pro owner may want to connect the Mini 4 Pro to a computer and will also serve as a step-by-step guide walking through connecting the DJI Mini 4 Pro to either a Windows-based computer or a Mac.
To help, we’ve identified and reviewed the best drone courses for beginners and professionals.
Why Connect the Mini 4 Pro to a Computer?
Although many DJI Mini 4 Pro owners may never have an immediate need to connect their Mini 4 Pro to a computer, there are two main reasons why someone would want to do so. These are:
- To directly transfer videos and/or photos to a computer
- To access the DJI Assistant 2 (Consumer Drones Series) software
» MORE: Can You Fly a Drone from a Computer? (Explained)
DJI Assistant 2 Software (Consumer Drone Series)
As mentioned, although not an immediate need just yet, as the DJI Mini 4 Pro just released, there will be Mini 4 Pro owners who will need to connect the Mini 4 Pro 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:
- Access Mini 4 Pro flight data
- Update the Mini 4 Pro firmware.
- Roll-back firmware versions (only when or if this option is available)
Once the Mini 4 Pro is connected to your Windows PC or Mac, you can use the DJI Assistant 2 (Consumer Drone Series) software to perform the aforementioned functions.
- Mini 4 Pro DJI Download Page
- Mini 4 Pro DJI Assistant 2 Windows Download
- Mini 4 Pro DJI Assistant 2 Mac Download
Note: If you currently have the DJI Assistant 2 software for an Air 2S, that version is not compatible with the Mini 4 Pro. You will need to download and install the DJI Assistant 2 software from the Mini 4 Pro downloads page.
Shortly, we will be walking through connecting the Mini 4 Pro to a computer.
» MORE: DJI Assistant 2: A Complete Guide (Step-by-Step)
Transfer Photos and Videos
With the same 1/1.3-inch 24 mm camera as the DJI Air 3, the Mini 4 Pro is capable of taking excellent photos (12 MP and 48 MP).
Likewise, in the video department, the Mini 4 Pro shoots excellent video, up to 4k 100fps. In addition, footage can also be shot in the D-Log M, a 10-bit color profile, and a 10-bit HDR profile (HLG).
The question on many new Mini 4 Pro owners’ minds is, “How do I access all of this content”?
» MORE: How to Transfer Videos from DJI Fly App to Computer (Step-by-Step Guide)
SD Card Readers
A useful method for accessing the content (pictures and videos) on a Mini 4 Pro’s 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 4 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.
» MORE: How to Format SD Cards in DJI Drones (Quick Steps with Photos)
For those who do a lot of photo and video editing, this way of accessing the information on the SD card is convenient.
You will not have to find a spot in your work area to house the Mini 4 Pro and then plug it into the computer via USB-C cable.
USB 3.0 Memory Card Reader Adapter – Supports SD/Micro SD/MMC/SDXC/SDHC/Micro SDHC Compatible with MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, Galaxy S21, S22
Directly Connecting to a Computer (PC or Mac)
Although there are alternative ways to access photos and videos from the Mini 4 Pro as mentioned, it still might be necessary to directly connect the Mini 4 Pro to a computer, such as when pictures and videos have been stored directly in the tiny internal 2 GB storage found onboard the Mini 4 Pro.
To connect your Mini 4 Pro to a PC or Mac:
You’ll need the USB to USB-C cable that is included with the Mini 4 Pro. Thankfully, DJI has USB-C cables included in all of the Mini 4 Pro combos, including the Mini 4 Pro and RC-N2 only combo.
- Step 1: Connect the Mini 4 Pro 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 4 Pro is off, plug the USB-C end into the Mini 4 Pro.
» MORE: How to Connect the DJI Air 3 to a Computer (Video)
If connecting the Mini 4 Pro to a computer to access pictures and video:
- Step 3: In a trend copied down from the Air 3, there is no need to power on the Mini 4 Pro. When it connects to a computer via USB-C, the internals are immediately accessible.
Your computer, whether Windows PC or Mac, should recognize the Mini 4 Pro storage.
If using a Mac, the Mini 4 Pro’s 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 4 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 4 Pro’s SD card or the Mini 4 Pro’s internal storage and SD card through either Windows or File Explorer, depending on which version of Windows you are running.
» MORE: How Do I Connect My DJI Mini 2 SE to My Computer (Explained)
If connecting the Mini 4 Pro to a computer to work with the DJI Assistant 2 (Consumer Drone Series) software:
After following the above Steps 1 & 2
- Step 3: Launch the DJI Assistant 2 software
- Step 4: Log in to the DJI Software using your DJI account credentials.
- Step 5: Unfold the Mini 4 Pro’s arms and legs. Remove the gimbal cover and then turn on the Mini 4 Pro by pressing the power button once, and then holding the power button.
- Your computer, whether Windows PC or Mac, should recognize the Mini 4 Pro storage as well.
- Step 6: The DJI Assistant 2 software will then transition to a screen that shows your Mini 4 Pro. Simply choose it, and then you will be able to update firmware, as well as other options and utilities.
Connecting the DJI RC2 (or RC-N2) Remote Controller to a computer
Like with the Mini 4 Pro, it may become necessary to connect the DJI RC2 or RC-N2 remote controller to your PC or Mac to work with the firmware in the DJI Assistant 2 software.
- Step 1: Connect the Mini 4 Pro’s USB to USB-C cable to your PC or Mac by plugging the USB side into an empty USB slot on your computer or USB hub.
- Step 2: While the remote controller is off, plug the USB-C end into the RC.
- Step 3: Open the DJI Assistant 2 software.
- Step 4: Log in to the DJI Software using your DJI account credentials.
- Step 5: Turn on the RC by single pressing the power button once, then press and hold the power again until the RC beeps and turns on.
- The DJI Assitant software will then see the remote controller and switch over to the connected devices screen.
- Step 6: Choose the remote controller model that you are using, and you will be brought to the Firmware Update screen.