When flying the DJI Air 2S, one thing that is easy to overlook is keeping everything updated. Many pilots focus on charging batteries, checking propellers, formatting memory cards, and planning a safe flight location, but firmware and app updates are just as important.
The DJI Air 2S depends on several pieces of software working together. The aircraft has its own firmware, the remote controller has firmware, each Intelligent Flight Battery can have battery firmware, and the DJI Fly app also needs to stay current. If one part is outdated, the flying experience may not be as smooth or reliable as it should be.
Firmware updates are released to fix bugs, improve flight stability, strengthen the connection between the drone and controller, improve camera behavior, update safety features, and sometimes add new functions. In some cases, updates may also improve GPS performance, reduce connection problems, or make the drone more compatible with newer versions of the DJI Fly app.
This is why it is a good habit to check for updates before an important flight, especially if the drone has been sitting unused for a while. A quick update check can help prevent problems in the field and make sure your Air 2S, remote controller, app, and batteries are all working with the latest available software.
Why Firmware Updates Are Important
Firmware is the built-in software that controls how the drone, controller, and battery operate. On the Air 2S, firmware helps manage flight controls, sensors, obstacle detection, camera functions, transmission performance, battery communication, and many other internal systems.
Updates are important because they often address problems reported by pilots, reviewers, and flight testers. For example, a firmware update might correct a minor connection issue, improve how quickly the aircraft links with the remote controller, or make the drone respond more reliably in certain flight modes.
Firmware updates may also improve compatibility. Since DJI Fly is updated from time to time, the aircraft and remote controller firmware may also need to be updated so everything communicates properly. Keeping all parts of the system on compatible versions helps reduce errors, warnings, and unexpected update prompts.
A good example of why updates matter can be seen with other DJI drones, such as the Mavic 3. Firmware updates helped improve the time it took for the drone to lock on to satellites, which was an issue that frustrated many users. Similar types of improvements can happen across DJI products, including the Air 2S.
Before You Start Updating
Before updating the DJI Air 2S, it is best to prepare everything first. Firmware updates are usually simple, but they should not be interrupted once started. A little preparation helps avoid failed updates, connection errors, or having to restart the process.
Before beginning, make sure the Air 2S battery has a good charge. It is also recommended that the remote controller or mobile device be sufficiently charged. If the phone, tablet, controller, or drone powers off during the update, the update may fail and you may need to restart it.
You should also make sure your mobile device has a stable internet connection, because the DJI Fly app may need to download the latest firmware package. Wi-Fi is usually preferred because firmware files can be large.
It is also a good idea to remove the propellers or keep the drone in a safe, open area while updating. The motors should not start during a normal firmware update, but keeping the aircraft in a safe position is always a smart precaution.
DJI Fly App
The DJI Fly app is the main control center for the Air 2S. Through the app, you can view the camera feed, adjust camera settings, change flight settings, check aircraft status, view firmware prompts, and access update notifications.
Because the DJI Fly app plays such an important role, it should be kept updated. App updates may include bug fixes, new device support, compatibility improvements, interface changes, and better communication with the aircraft and remote controller.
If you are using an iOS device, you can check for updates through the Apple App Store. Open the App Store, go to your account or available updates section, and look for DJI Fly. If an update is available, tap Update.
If you are using an Android device, the process may be slightly different depending on where your DJI Fly app was installed from. In many cases, when you open DJI Fly, the app will notify you if a newer version is available. Follow the on-screen instructions to download and install the latest version.
After updating DJI Fly, open the app again and confirm that it launches correctly. It is also a good idea to connect your Air 2S and remote controller afterward to check whether a firmware update is also available.
How to Update the Air 2S and Remote Controller Firmware
Updating the Air 2S aircraft and remote controller is usually done directly through the DJI Fly app. Once the drone, controller, and mobile device are connected, DJI Fly will check whether the firmware is current.
To begin, power on the remote controller, then power on the Air 2S. Connect your mobile device to the controller and open the DJI Fly app. Wait for the app to recognize the aircraft and display the main flight screen or aircraft status information.
If a new firmware version is available, DJI Fly will usually show a prompt on the screen. This prompt may say that a new firmware version is available or that an update is required. Tap the prompt to enter the update screen.
Once you are on the update screen, review the update information if it is shown. Then tap Start Update to begin the process.
During the update, do not turn off the Air 2S, do not turn off the remote controller, do not close the DJI Fly app, and do not disconnect the mobile device. The update may take several minutes, and the aircraft or controller may restart during the process.
It is normal for the drone to beep, for the LED lights to flash, and for the Air 2S or remote controller to reboot. These actions are part of the firmware installation process and do not usually mean something is wrong.
When the update is complete, DJI Fly should show a message confirming that the firmware update was successful. After that, restart the drone and remote controller if the app asks you to do so.
Important Notes During the Update
While updating, patience is important. Do not assume the update has failed just because the drone restarts, the screen pauses, or the progress percentage seems to stay in one place for a while. Firmware updates can sometimes appear slow, especially when the aircraft is installing the downloaded file.
Make sure your mobile device remains connected and do not switch to other apps while the update is running. Exiting DJI Fly during the process can interrupt the update.
If the update fails, check your internet connection, restart the aircraft and controller, reopen DJI Fly, and try again. In many cases, a failed update can be completed successfully on the second attempt.
How to Update Air 2S Battery Firmware
The DJI Air 2S uses Intelligent Flight Batteries, and these batteries can also receive firmware updates. Battery firmware helps manage charging, power output, battery communication, safety behavior, and battery status reporting.
When a firmware update includes a battery update, the battery installed in the drone during the update will normally be updated automatically. This means that when you update the Air 2S with one battery inserted, that specific battery should receive the battery firmware update as part of the process.
However, if you own multiple batteries, each battery may need to be updated separately. This is because the firmware update is applied to the battery that is currently installed in the aircraft.
To update additional batteries, power off the drone, remove the updated battery, and insert the next battery. Then power the Air 2S back on, connect it to the remote controller and DJI Fly app, and wait for the app to check the firmware status.
If that battery needs the update, DJI Fly should show another update prompt. Tap the prompt and run the update again. Repeat this process for every battery you use with your Air 2S.
This step is easy to forget, but it is important. If one battery is updated and another is not, DJI Fly may continue to show firmware mismatch warnings when you insert the older battery.
Updating Multiple Batteries
If you have two, three, or more Air 2S batteries, set aside enough time to update each one. The process is simple: insert a battery, power on the drone, connect to DJI Fly, check for the update prompt, and complete the update.
Once that battery is updated, power everything off and move to the next battery. Continue until every battery has been checked and updated.
A helpful tip is to separate updated batteries from batteries that still need to be checked. This prevents accidentally updating the same battery twice while missing another one.
What to Do After Updating
After the firmware update is complete, restart the Air 2S, remote controller, and DJI Fly app. Reconnect everything and check the aircraft status page inside DJI Fly to make sure there are no update warnings or firmware mismatch messages.
You should also check your important settings. Sometimes after firmware or app updates, certain settings may reset or change. Review your return-to-home altitude, obstacle avoidance settings, control mode, camera settings, transmission settings, and safety settings before flying.
Before doing a serious flight or paid job, perform a short test flight in a safe open area. Confirm that the drone connects properly, responds normally to stick input, records photos and video correctly, and returns stable telemetry in the DJI Fly app.
Troubleshooting Firmware Update Problems
If your update does not start, make sure your mobile device has internet access and that the DJI Fly app is updated. Also confirm that the aircraft, controller, and mobile device are all connected properly.
If the update stops partway through, do not panic. Restart the drone and controller, reopen DJI Fly, and try the update again. In many cases, the app will detect the incomplete update and allow you to restart it.
If DJI Fly shows a firmware mismatch message, it may mean the aircraft, controller, or battery are not on matching firmware versions. Follow the prompt in the app to update the item that needs attention.
If one battery keeps triggering an update prompt, that specific battery may not have completed its firmware update. Insert that battery into the drone, connect to DJI Fly, and let the update run again.
Final Thoughts
Keeping the DJI Fly app, Air 2S aircraft, remote controller, and batteries updated is an important part of drone ownership. Updates help improve reliability, fix known issues, support new features, and keep the aircraft working smoothly with the latest version of DJI Fly.
The process is not difficult, but it does require patience and care. Make sure everything is charged, stay connected during the update, do not close the app, and remember to update every battery you use with the aircraft.
By making firmware checks part of your normal pre-flight routine, you can reduce the chance of update-related problems and enjoy a more reliable flying experience with your DJI Air 2S.