How to Use the Remote Control for a DJI Spark Drone

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

Remote control being used to fly the Spark drone.


The DJI Spark is a mini drone that features all of DJI's signature technologies, allowing you to seize the moment whenever you feel inspired. The remote control can be purchased together with the drone in a combo package or separately, if you wish to increase your transmission range and have more control over your drone.

This guide will show you the basics of how to use the remote control for the DJI Spark drone.

2. RC Layout

Components annotated on Spark remote control.
  1. Return-to-Home (RTH) button
  2. Status LED
  3. Battery level LEDs
  4. Power button
  5. Flight Pause button
  6. Flight Mode switch
  7. Function button
  8. Micro USB charging port
  9. Control sticks
  10. Mobile device clamps
  11. Antennas
Side buttons annotated on Spark remote control.
  1. Shutter button
  2. Record button
  3. Customizable button
  4. Gimbal dial

3. How to Proceed?

Please select an option to proceed.

4. Charge RC

  1. Plug one end of the provided USB cable into the charger then plug the charger into a power outlet.
USB charger plugged in
  1. Plug the other end of the same cable into the Micro USB port of the remote control.
Micro USB port highlighted on Spark remote control.
  1. The battery indicator lights will start scrolling until they turn off meaning the remote control is charged.
Battery indicator lights highlighted on Spark remote control.

5. Turn On RC & Drone

To complete the following steps, you will need both your remote control and drone handy.

On the Remote Control

  1. Press and release the power button, then press it again quickly and hold it until you hear it make the initialization sound.
Power button highlighted on Spark remote control.

On the Drone

  1. Make sure the gimbal cover is removed so the gimbal can move freely during the warm-up process.
Gimbal cover being removed from drone.

  1. Press and release the power button, then press it again quickly and hold it until you hear it make the initialization sound.
Power button highlighted on rear of drone.

6. Link RC

To complete the following steps, you will need both your drone and remote control handy.

Ensure the drone and remote control are within 8 inches of each other.

On the Drone

  1. Press and hold the power button for about three seconds and release it when you hear a single beep.
Power button highlighted on rear of drone.

On the Remote Control

  1. Press and hold the Flight Pause button, Function button and Customizable button simultaneously until the remote control starts beeping.
Linking buttons highlighted on remote control.
  1. The drone and remote control will be linked when the status indicator light turns solid green.
Status LED pointed out on remote control.

7. Ready RC & Drone for Wi-Fi

To complete the following steps, you will need both your remote control and drone handy.

On the Remote Control

  1. Locate the sticker with the QR code and Wi-Fi credentials on the back of the remote control.
Wi-Fi credentials highlighted on back of the remote control.
  1. Press and release the power button, then press it again quickly and hold it until you hear it make the initialization sound.
Power button highlighted on Spark remote control.

On the Drone

  1. Make sure the gimbal cover is removed so the gimbal can move freely during the warm-up process.
Gimbal cover being removed from drone.

  1. Press and release the power button, then press it again quickly and hold it until you hear it make the initialization sound.
Power button highlighted on rear of drone.

8. Connect with QR Code

  1. Launch the DJ GO 4 app on your mobile device.
DJI GO 4.
  1. Make sure Spark is selected in the app. If it isn't, tap the device's name in the top left corner.
Drone name highlighted in mobile app.
  1. And select Spark from the list.
Spark drone highlighted on selection screen.
  1. Then tap the menu icon in the top right corner.
Menu icon highlighted in mobile app.
  1. And select Scan QR Code.
Scan QR Code option highlighted in app menu.
  1. Tap QR Connection.
QR Connection highlighted in QR code scanner.
  1. Point the mobile device's camera to the QR code and make sure it's placed within the square box in the middle of the screen.
Focus box highlighted in QR scanner.
  1. Hold steady for the QR code to be scanned to establish the connection.

9. Attach Mobile Device to RC

  1. Unfold the mobile device clamps.
RC being unfolded.
  1. If your mobile device has a home button in the middle, make sure it's positioned between the bigger teeth of the clamp.
Clamp teeth pointed out, to properly position mobile device.
  1. Insert the mobile device into one clamp first, then into the other clamp to secure it.
Arrows pointing how to fold the clamps.

10. Connect to RC Wi-Fi

Depending on what device (Smartphone or Tablet) and which generation you have, the menu theme and options might look slightly different on your screen. However, the steps should be similar across all Android devices and generations.

  1. Open Settings on your mobile device.
Android Settings.
  1. Go to Wi-Fi.
Settings menu with Wi-Fi highlighted.
  1. Select the Wi-Fi network that matches the one on the back of the remote control.
Android Wi-Fi list with Spark RC highlighted.
  1. Enter the Wi-Fi password "12341234", then tap Connect.
Wi-Fi connection screen with 12341234 and connect highlighted.

11. Connect to RC Wi-Fi

Depending on what device (iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch) and which generation you have, the menu theme and options might look slightly different on your screen. However, the steps should be the same across all iOS devices and generations.

  1. Open Settings on your mobile device.
iOS Settings.
  1. Go to Wi-Fi.
Settings menu with Wi-Fi listed.
  1. Select the Wi-Fi network that matches the one on the back of the remote control.
iOS Wi-Fi list. Spark-RC highlighted.
  1. Enter the Wi-Fi password "12341234", then tap Join to connect.
Wi-Fi password entry with Join highlighted.

12. Safety First

As with all Drone flying, please keep the following in mind:

  • Make sure you are properly registered with the Federal Aviation Administration, or qualify to fly without registration.
  • Make sure you have permission to fly from the person or group that owns the land you'll be over.
  • Make sure you are in-touch with the control tower before flying near an airport.
  • Make sure there's no obstructions, such as power lines or trees, above your flight area that could cause problems.
  • Make sure there's no one below your flight area that could be hurt.
  • Make sure you are not near government infrastructure or other sensitive properties.
  • Make sure the weather is safe to fly in.
  • Make sure you keep your drone in your sight at all times, and get help from an observer if necessary.

For more detailed information, please visit:
http://knowbeforeyoufly.org/

13. Flight Controls

To Fly Your Drone Using the Remote Control:

  • Turn the motors on or off using both sticks. Pull them downwards and towards each other, or downwards and away from each other.
Turning the engine on and off with the remote control.
  • Use the left stick to change altitude going up or down as if on a vertical axis or rotate left or right as if around a vertical axis.
Drone movement using left stick of remote control.
  • When taking off or landing, slowly push the left stick up or pull it down, respectively.
  • Use the right stick to fly forward, backward, left or right as if in a horizontal plane.
Drone movement using right stick of remote control.