Fact Check: Is DJI Fly safe?

Is DJI Fly Safe?

The claim regarding the safety of the DJI Fly app has garnered attention, particularly among drone users and potential buyers. The DJI Fly app is essential for operating various DJI drones, and concerns have been raised about its safety, especially in light of its removal from the Google Play Store and the implications this has for user security and data privacy. This article will explore the available evidence regarding the safety of the DJI Fly app, critically evaluating the sources and claims surrounding it.

What We Know

1. Functionality and Compatibility: The DJI Fly app is designed to facilitate the operation of several DJI drones, including the Mini 2 and Mavic Mini. It requires specific operating systems: Android 6.0 or later and iOS 11.0 or later for optimal functionality 35.

2. Safety Features: DJI has integrated a suite of safety features known as "DJI Fly Safe," which uses geofencing technology to prevent drones from entering restricted airspaces. This feature aims to enhance flight safety by providing real-time data updates and user-friendly tools 4.

3. User Reviews: User reviews of the DJI Fly app vary widely. A review aggregation site gives it a safety score of 61.5 out of 100, indicating mixed user experiences 1. Some users praise the app's functionality and ease of use, while others express concerns about limited features and bugs 10.

4. Availability Issues: The DJI Fly app was removed from the Google Play Store in 2021, leading to speculation about its safety. Some users have reported that they have successfully side-loaded the app from DJI's official website without issues, suggesting that it can be safe if downloaded from a trusted source 57.

5. Video Reviews: Various video reviews have tested the latest updates of the DJI Fly app, indicating that while some updates have improved functionality, concerns about safety and user experience persist 26.

Analysis

Source Evaluation

• User Review Aggregators: Sources like JustUseApp and AppsHunter compile user reviews but may not provide comprehensive insights into the app's safety. They reflect user experiences, which can be subjective and influenced by individual expectations and technical proficiency 110.

• Drone-Specific Blogs and Reviews: Websites like Droneblog and Drone Surveys World provide detailed analyses of the DJI Fly app's features and safety measures. However, they may have a bias towards promoting DJI products, as they often focus on the positive aspects of the technology without adequately addressing potential risks 34.

• Video Reviews: YouTube reviews can be informative but vary significantly in quality and depth. The credibility of the reviewers and their potential biases should be considered when interpreting their findings 26.

Conflicts of Interest

Several sources may have a vested interest in promoting DJI products, as they are often affiliated with drone enthusiasts or businesses that benefit from positive reviews of DJI technology. This potential bias raises questions about the objectivity of the information presented.

Methodology and Evidence

The evidence surrounding the safety of the DJI Fly app is largely anecdotal, relying on user experiences and reviews rather than rigorous scientific studies or comprehensive safety audits. While DJI's Fly Safe features are designed to enhance safety, the lack of independent verification of these claims leaves room for skepticism.

What Additional Information Would Be Helpful?

To better assess the safety of the DJI Fly app, additional information would be beneficial, including:

• Independent security audits of the app conducted by cybersecurity firms.
• Detailed reports on user data privacy and how DJI handles user information.
• Comprehensive studies comparing the safety of the DJI Fly app to other drone operating apps.

Conclusion

Verdict: Partially True

The claim regarding the safety of the DJI Fly app is deemed "Partially True" based on the available evidence. While the app includes safety features like geofencing and has received mixed user reviews, its removal from the Google Play Store raises valid concerns about its security and data privacy. Users have reported varying experiences, with some praising its functionality while others highlight bugs and limitations.

It is important to note that the evidence primarily consists of anecdotal user experiences and lacks independent verification. This limitation means that while there are safety measures in place, the overall safety of the app cannot be definitively confirmed without further independent assessments.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate the information presented and consider the potential biases of the sources when forming their own conclusions about the DJI Fly app's safety.

Sources

1. JustUseApp. "Read 32 DJI Fly Reviews (2025) | store.dji.com reviews." JustUseApp
2. YouTube. "Putting The Dji Fly App To The Test: Latest Update Review." YouTube
3. Droneblog. "DJI Fly App (Everything You Need to Know)." Droneblog
4. Drone Surveys World. "DJI Fly Safe: Ensuring Safe Drone Operations in Restricted Airspaces." Drone Surveys World
5. Drone Flying Pro. "Is the DJI Fly App Safe? [Why it isn't on the play store]." Drone Flying Pro
6. YouTube. "DJI FLY APP 1.13.4 Review & Flight Test - Should You Install?" YouTube
7. Mavic Pilots. "Anybody nervous about installing DJI Fly on their device?" Mavic Pilots
8. DJI. "10 Features All Public Safety Drone Users Should Know, and ..." DJI
9. Pixpro. "DJI Fly App Guide - All Features and Settings of DJI Drones." Pixpro
10. AppsHunter. "52 Honest User Reviews of DJI Fly." AppsHunter