Calibrating the Mavic Mini compass, IMU and gimbal is an easy procedure to fix many issues such as flying erratically, disconnects, flyaways or gimbal camera problems.
Below are the instructions and steps to calibrate the Mavic Mini along with a terrific video.
After the calibration instructions, we have notes regarding the Mavic Mini compass calibration. We also look at what DJI recommends for calibrating the compass, IMU and gimbal on the Mavic Mini.
Also, if you are having any difficulties (disconnects, flyaway, return to home) with your Mavic Mini, we have put together a very comprehensive article with easy to follow tips on troubleshooting and fixing Mavic Mini issues here.
How To Calibrate The Mavic Mini Compass And IMU Instructions
Mavic Mini Compass Calibration Steps
Here are the steps required to calibrate the Mavic Mini compass;
- Choose an open area outside away from telecoms masts, structures, cars etc.
- Turn on your Mavic Mini drone and also the DJI Fly app in the Remote Controller.
- Tap on the 3 dots in the top right corner of the Fly App.
- Tap on “Safety”.
- Scroll down to the “Sensors” section.
- Select “Calibrate” to the right of the Compass.
- Click on “Start.
- The Mavic Mini status indicators lights will blink yellow indicating that the calibration is about to start.
- Put down the Remote Controller and follow the onscreen instructions.
- Hold the aircraft horizontally and rotate it 360 degrees in the clockwise direction.
- When the Mavic Mini indicator light changes from yellow to solid green then move on to the vertical calibration.
- Hold the Mavic Mini vertically with its nose pointing upwards and rotate it 360 degrees around its vertical axis.
- The Mavic Mini indicator will turn from yellow to solid green when successful.
- When both horizontal and vertical compass calibration is completed successfully, the indicator light will be flashing green.
Notes of Mavic Mini Compass Calibration
Here are some notes regarding the Mavic Mini calibration procedure and also why the calibration may fail.
If the Mavic Mini indicator lights blink red and yellow alternatively after calibration, this means that it has failed. There could be a high level of magnetic interference. Change location and try the calibration again.
If you wait more than 3 minutes after successful calibration, then you may need to repeat the calibration process.
When Not To Calibrate The Mavic Mini Compass
DJI recommends that the compass calibration procedure should not be done as follows;
- Where their is strong magnetic interference, such as close to large metallic structures (parking structures, steel reinforced structures, bridges, cars, scaffolding, telecoms masts).
- Remove any mobile phones or other ferromagnetic devices away from the Mavic Mini during calibration.
- Not to carry out the Mavic Mini calibration indoors.
How To Calibrate The Mavic Mini IMU Instructions
Mavic Mini IMU Calibration Steps
Here are the steps required to calibrate the Mavic Mini IMU;
- Place the Mavic Mini on a dry flat surface.
- Turn the Mavic Mini on with its arms closed in.
- Tap on the 3 dots in the top right corner of the DJI Fly App.
- Tap on “Safety”.
- Scroll down to the Sensors section.
- Select Calibrate to the right of the IMU.
- Click on “Start and follow the onscreen instructions to orient the drone for IMU calibration.
- Start with the Mavic Mini on its belly and the calibration will go to 100%. The LED will flash green when complete.
- Next, move the Mavic Mini onto its right side and the IMU will calibrate to 100%. The LED will flash green when complete.
- Change the Mavic Mini over to the left side and let it calibrate to 100%. The LED will flash green when complete.
- Stand the Mavic Mini on its back end and let it continue to calibrate the IMU to 100%. The LED will flash green when complete.
- Turn the Mavic Mini upside down so that it’s camera is pointing upwards and let it continue to calibrate.
When the full Mavic Mini IMU calibration is complete, the drone will restart.
How To Calibrate Mavic Mini IMU And Compass Video
Here is an excellent video on how to calibrate both the Mavic Mini compass and IMU.
How To Calibrate Mavic Mini Gimbal
Here are the instructions to calibrate the Mavic Mini gimbal camera;
- Place the Mavic Mini on a flat surface.
- Turn on the Mavic Mini and remote controller with your smartphone in it.
- Tap on the 3 dots in the top right corner of the DJI Fly App.
- Tap on “Control”.
- Scroll down and tap on “Gimbal Calibration”.
- Tap on “Auto”.
- The Mavic Mini calibration to recenter and align the gimbal will proceed.
Reasons To Calibrate the Mavic Mini
It is good practice to calibrate the Mavic Mini compass, IMU and gimbal under the following circumstances;
- When you first turn on your drone, calibrate the compass and IMU.
- When flying in a new location, which is 31 miles (50 km) from where the drone was last flown.
- When the compass interference warning appears in the DJI Fly app.
- Mavic Mini indicator blinks red and yellow alternatively.
- Calibrate the gimbal if issues regarding the camera such as shake, horizon off and shutter.
- Calibrate the IMU and compass after a crash.
If your Mavic Mini is still having issues after calibration, then read this article on fixing Mavic Mini issues. You can also look at updating the Mavic Mini firmware.
Don’t forget, that you Mavic Mini may still be in warranty so you can discuss your issues with the company you bought it from or contact the DJI Support. You can also post your questions on the DJI Mini Support forum.
If your Mavic Mini has a crash and after a physical examination, your Mavic Mini looks OK, then you need to do a Mavic Mini calibration. Also after a crash, you should only take off and hover, then move slowly to make sure your drone is flying perfectly. If it is flying erratically, then land the drone and bring it your DJI service provider to fix.
Note: If you need anything for your Mavic Mini, you can find a terrific variety of Mavic Mini parts, upgrades and accessories here.
To finish, here is another terrific video on how to calibrate the Mavic Mini IMU and compass. It also covers extra information on what the IMU is and what it does.