Decided to get my old drone out of storage and fire it up. However, there seems to be an issue. The iPhone 17 nor the iPad mini 4 will connect to the controller. The controller just blinks the red light and beeps loudly. The DJI Go app just shows the “How to Connect” button and never shows a button to connect to camera.
iPhone 17 iOS 26.4.2
iPad Mini 4 iPadOS 15.8.7
DJI Go app v3.1.81 (3060)
DJI Controller version - No Idea
DJI Phantom version - No Idea
The iPhone 17 (USB-C) is Compatible, but requires a high-quality USB-C to USB-A cable connected to the USB-A port underneath the controller. The iPad mini 4 (Lightning) often fails to connect to the Phantom 4 controller, according to various user reports.
Connection Method: Use the USB-A port on the underside of the controller rather than the side micro-USB port for the most reliable connection.
Yeah, I tried with the iPhone 17, but no luck. My iPad mini 4 worked fine several years ago, but I think something has changed in the iOS app.
But did you try it with a new high-quality USB-C to USB-A cable with it connected to the USB-A port underneath the controller?
As for your iPad Mini 4, you say it is running an OS 15+ and the DJI Go 4 only requires OS 10 and up… So, try cleaning up your devices, even Resetting them back to basics, and then reload DJI Go 4…
On my DJI drone with the device (my phone and my tablet) I had to go trough a couple of USB-C cables before I found a Data/Charge cable that had good connectors that made good contact into the socket…
A New, Good Quality Cable is a small price to pay to get your drone airborne again…
There is only one USB A port on the controller. Also, I have tried with high quality Anker cables and others and nothing.
FYI - you mention DJI Go 4 app, which isn’t applicable to the Phantom 3, correct? I’m using the original DJI Go app.
So, after more and more testing with cables and turning the controller on and off with the drone, I am now able to connect to the drone with a green light on the controller, and green/red lights on the drone. When I press the left stick on the controller the camera moves slightly. However, I still have no video from the controller to the IPad Mini. I reset the iPad and reloaded the software and created a new DJI account. Nothing. Then I loaded up the DJI App 4, and has an “Enter Device” button that allows me to see the drone software, but just says device is “Disconnected”. Obviously the DJI App 4 doesn’t work with the Phantom 3, but it proves the IPad and data cable are working. I suspect there is an issue with the DJI App v3.1.81.
I am sorry, you are right all Pahantom 3 series (Standard, Advanced, Professional, and the SE) all use the DJI Go App.
May I suggest that you log onto:…
This web site and it’s sister Forums have long time users of the various drones and they might be better prepared to help you…
Good Luck, I am sorry I could not be of help.