Litchi is a third-party app for DJI drones with smart waypoint planning, photography modes, drone tracking, and an FPV mode.
Naturally, it’s a great alternative to the DJI App if you own the DJI Mini or Mini 2, but Litchi does not yet work with the DJI Mini 3 drone.
However, when I wrote this article, it was unavailable on DJI Mini 3 due to DJI not releasing the Software Development Kit (MSDK 5.3.0) until May 2023.
As of August 26, 2023, Litchi is currently working on a beta pilot version for DJI Mini 3, Mini Pro, and Mavic 3 Enterprise. The new Litchi Pilot BETA is available for pilots who already own the previous Litchi app (On Android or IOS).
Click here to find out more information about the Litchi Pilot Beta program
What is Litchi?
Litchi is a mobile application designed to control and enhance drone capabilities, particularly DJI drones. DJI is a well-known manufacturer of consumer and professional drones. Litchi provides an alternative app for controlling DJI drones, offering more advanced features and flight modes than the standard DJI Go app.
Litchi allows users to plan and execute automated flight paths, waypoints, and cinematic shots. It often includes features such as:
- Waypoint Missions: Users can create a predefined flight path by setting waypoints on a map. The drone will then fly along this path automatically, capturing photos or videos at each waypoint.
- Orbit Mode: The drone can circle around a specific point of interest, capturing a smooth, circular video.
- Follow Me: The drone can track a moving subject, maintaining a constant distance and capturing dynamic footage.
- Virtual Reality (VR) Mode: Litchi might have a VR mode that allows users to view the drone’s live feed in a virtual reality headset for an immersive flying experience.
- Panoramic Shots: The app might provide the ability to capture panoramic images by automatically stitching together multiple photos.
- Cinematic Flight Modes: Litchi often includes various flight modes designed to capture cinematic shots, like Fly-in/Fly-out and Dronie.
- Advanced Camera Settings: Users can often access more advanced camera settings for better control over their photography and videography.
As of August 26th, 2023, Litchi costs about USD 24.99, but it’s worth it in the opinion of many pilots. Note that you will need to purchase separate licensing for both IOS and Android devices. It’s compatible with many DJI drones and several DJI monitors, such as the Phantom 4 screens, CrystalSky, and the Smart Controller.
Downloading and Running Litchi
While we wait for Litchi to support the Mini 3 Pro, why not download the app and get it set up? You’ll need it sooner or later.
Download the Litchi app using the link below:
For Android Devices:
- Open the Google Play Store on your Android device.
- In the search bar, type “Litchi for DJI Drones” and search for the app.
- Locate the Litchi app in the search results and tap on it.
- Tap the “Install” button to start downloading and installing the app.
- Once the installation is complete, you can find the Litchi app in your app drawer or on your home screen. Tap on it to open the app.
For iOS Devices (iPhone, iPad):
- Open the App Store on your iOS device.
- In the search bar, type “Litchi for DJI Drones” and search for the app.
- Locate the Litchi app in the search results and tap on it.
- Tap the “Download” or “Get” button to start downloading the app.
- Once the download is complete, you can find the Litchi app on your home screen. Tap on it to open the app.
Once you’ve got the app downloaded, it’s time to connect.
Connecting Litchi to an iOS device
- Close any DJI apps, including DJI Go or DJI Fly. Check that you don’t have these apps open in the background.
- Launch the Litchi app by tapping its icon on your device.
- If it’s your first time using the app, you might need to sign in or create an account.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to connect your compatible DJI drone to the app. This typically involves connecting to your drone’s Wi-Fi network.
- Turn on your remote controller and drone, allowing both to initialize.
- Plug one cable end into your iOS device and the other into the drone’s remote.
- Link up to the Wi-Fi network if you’re using the Spark, Phantom 3 Standard, or Phantom 4K.
- Open Litchi on your iOS device and log in.
Connecting Litchi to an Android device
- Turn off any DJI apps running on your Android device. Double-check you don’t have them open in the background.
- Launch the Litchi app by tapping its icon on your device.
- If it’s your first time using the app, you might need to sign in or create an account.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to connect your compatible DJI drone to the app. This typically involves connecting to your drone’s Wi-Fi network.
- Change your App settings so your DJI app doesn’t open by default when you link your remote. In your Android device settings, select Settings, then Apps. Find DJI Go or DJI Fly and clear the defaults.
- Power on the remote controller and drone, initializing them.
- Plug in the Android device and drone remote of your Inspire, Phantom 4, Phantom 3 Pro or Advanced, Mavic, or Mini drone. Keep one port open, as Litchi can’t connect if you use both ports simultaneously.
- Wait for a pop-up to appear asking you about which app to run and choose Litchi.
Using Litchi with Compatible DJI Drones and future DJI Mini 3
Let’s go over the Mini-compatible additional features you can enjoy when using Litchi.
Gimbal adjustments
The included Gimbal Pitch Indicator within Litchi tells you how much you’ve titled the gimbal. Tap the indicator to adjust the top and bottom gimbals individually.
The bottom will be -90 degrees over the horizon by default and the top gimbal 30 degrees.
Camera zoom
The Mini 3 Pro can zoom between 2x and 4x, but why stop there? Litchi allows you to customize the magnification rate within the app using Zoom Out and Zoom In mechanics.
Exposure metering
You can’t change the Mini 3 Pro’s aperture settings, but can adjust its exposure. Litchi sets default exposure levels when using Average mode.
To change it, open the video preview and select Spot metering mode. You can switch back to Average metering mode by tapping the Spot metering mode icon.
When you no longer see that icon, you’ve successfully switched.
Camera settings
Litchi allows you to set camera settings such as exposure, shutter speed, ISO, and shooting modes (interval, AEB, burst, HDR, and single shots).
However, to reiterate, you won’t be able to change the aperture of the Mini 3 Pro, even though Litchi has a setting too.
Record photos/videos
Litchi has a convenient Take Photo/Record button that works when the Mini 3 is in photo mode. Tap the button again once you’ve begun recording a video to stop it.
Home points
Throughout your flight, the home points will appear on Litchi’s maps. You can adjust the home point by dragging the marker elsewhere on the map while your drone flies.
Aircraft location
The Aircraft function lets you track the Mini 3 Pro as it flies using Litchi’s map. By tapping, you can also use this feature to establish Points of Interest or Waypoints.
Track mode
Litchi’s Track mode enables the drone to use functions like Follow or Orbit. Thanks to Litchi, you can also set a target and watch as your drone seamlessly tracks it while keeping the target centered.
Litchi will generate flight logs when you use these and other modes.
What DJI drones can you use with Litchi?
Litchi for DJI Drones is compatible with the following DJI drones
- Mini 2
- Mini SE
- Air 2S
- Mavic Mini 1
- Mavic Air 2
- Mavic 2 (Zoom/Pro)
- Mavic (Air/Pro)
- Phantom 4 (Standard/Advanced/Pro/ProV2)
- Phantom 3 (Standard/4K/Advanced/Professional)
- Inspire 1 (X3/Z3/Pro/RAW)
- Inspire 2 and Spark.
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