Hands Off: DJI Relinquishes Control Over Drone Flying Zones
DJI Removes Geofencing Restrictions on Drones [2025 Update for FlySafe]
Starting January 13, 2025, DJI will release control over its drones' restricted flying areas. Instead, pilots will find themselves in Enhanced Warning Zones - formerly known as Restricted Zones - where DJI's geofencing previously prevented flying.
Operators will now have the choice whether to fly in these zones or not, thereby taking responsibility for adhering to airspace regulations.
Here's a lowdown on the DJI geofencing system 2.0:
Key Updates to DJI's Geofencing System:
- Revamped Zones: Areas considered No-Fly Zones will now display as Enhanced Warning Zones on DJI apps.
- User's Call: DJI shifts control to pilots, who must decide if they wish to fly in these zones.
- Regulatory Alignment: This change aligns with principles advocating that drone pilots take responsibility for complying with airspace rules.
- FAA Data Implementation: DJI replaces its geofencing datasets with official Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) data for consistency with FAA designated zones.
- Global Standardization: Similar updates have already been implemented in the European Union, demonstrating DJI's efforts to unify geofencing practices worldwide.
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Learn More about DJI's Geofencing Changes
Got questions about DJI's geofencing update? Discover all the details here.
Outdated Guide for DJI FlySafe and Geofencing Unlocking
Please note that this guide on turning off geofencing for DJI drones, which includes information about handling geofencing locks, is outdated. Our team will be revising this content soon.
Old DJI FlySafe and Geofencing Guide
Want to disable the geofencing on your DJI drone? Follow this guide, where we'll help you determine whether you need to unlock geofencing for your location, explain DJI FlySafe and its useful features, describe DJI Geo Zones, and show you how to use DJI FlySafe to see if you need to disable geofencing on your drone.
How to Unlock Geofencing on Your DJI Drone
- Check for updates
- Ensure both DJI app and drone's firmware are up-to-date.
- Create/sign into DJI account
- Log in or create a new DJI account.
- Verify account
- Complete the necessary steps to verify your account for additional permissions, often involving SMS verification and/or email confirmation.
- Determine whether you need Self Unlock or Custom Unlock
- Self Unlock can be done in blue zones in DJI Geo Zones.
- Custom Unlock is required in red zones in DJI Geo Zones.
- Unlock Your DJI Drone
- Follow the relevant instructions to perform either Self Unlock or Custom Unlock.
Self Unlock vs Custom Unlock
Here's a comparison of Self Unlock and Custom Unlock:
Self Unlock:
- Blue zones
- Easier unlocking process with a series of steps.
Custom Unlock:
- Red zones
- Requires proof of authorization (LAANC or other documentation, like a COA) to unlock.
DJI FlySafe and Important FAQs
DJI FlySafe is a comprehensive system dedicated to promoting safe drone flight practices and regulatory compliance.
- Is DJI FlySafe an app? No, it's an integrated system within DJI's apps (DJI Go/DJI Fly) and accessible via the DJI website.
- How to access DJI FlySafe? By using DJI Go/DJI Fly apps or logging into your DJI account on the DJI website.
DJI Geo Zones Explained
DJI Geo Zones are critical areas with specific flight restrictions designed to improve safety and privacy. Color coding of zones helps you better understand each zone's purpose:
- Red zones: Restricted areas that require a Custom Unlock.
- Blue zones: Allows flying, but with caution advised. Self Unlock zones.
- Gray zones: Features altitude restrictions usually found near airport runways. Cannot be turned off due to safety concerns.
- Yellow zones: Highly discouraged areas but do not require unlocking. Where caution is advised.
Armed with this knowledge, you're ready to dive into the world of DJI geofencing and responsible drone flying! Remember, the priority should always be safety, adhering to airspace regulations, and respecting privacy concerns. Happy flying, drone enthusiasts!
Starting January 13, 2025, drone pilots will have the choice to fly in Enhanced Warning Zones, as DJI hands over control from its geofencing system. This change aligns with the FAA's Part 107 regulations, encouraging drone pilots to take responsibility for complying with airspace rules. To prepare for this, consider taking the FAA's Part 107 test with our training platform. It has helped over 70,000 drone pilots pass their exams with flying colors.
