To ensure flight safety, DJI maintains a Geospatial Environment Online (GEO) system that restricts drone flights in sensitive areas. While DroneDeploy manages your flight path and data collection, the hardware-level restrictions are controlled by DJI. This guide explains how to unlock these zones so you can successfully complete your DroneDeploy missions. DJI Unlock guide here.
Availability
Hardware: All DJI drones supported by DroneDeploy.
Software: DroneDeploy mobile app (iOS and Android) and the DJI Fly or DJI Go 4 app.
Key considerations
Before attempting to fly in a restricted area, keep these points in mind:
Compliance with local laws: Always abide by local laws and regulations when flying drones. A software unlock does not grant legal permission to fly.
Safety first: Prioritize safety and obtain necessary permits or approvals before flying in restricted airspace.
Zone types: Understand the type of zone you are entering (e.g., Authorization, Restricted, Altitude or Regulatory) and verify if it can be unlocked through the self-service portal or requires a custom request.
Understanding DJI unlock types
Before starting the unlock process, identify which type of unlock you require based on the map color:
Self-unlocking: Use this for Blue Zones (authorized zones). You can unlock these areas directly through the DJI Fly Safe portal or the DJI mobile app.
Custom unlocking: Use this for Red Zones (restricted zones) or other sensitive areas. This requires you to submit documentation, such as a Certificate of Authorization (COA) or Part 107 waiver, to DJI for manual review and approval.
Applying for an unlocking license
You must secure an unlocking license from DJI before you can start your mission in DroneDeploy.
Navigate to the DJI Fly Safe portal in a new tab.
Log in with your DJI credentials and complete the Authentication Application if prompted.
Select New Unlock Request and choose either Self-Unlocking or Custom Unlocking.
Enter your flight controller serial number, pilot information and the specific coordinates for your project site.
Upload any required authorization documents for restricted zones.
Submit the request and wait for the Accepted status in your DJI account.
Activating the license for DroneDeploy flights
After DJI approves your request, you must load the license onto the drone hardware using the DJI app before switching to DroneDeploy:
Turn on your drone and remote controller and open the DJI app (Fly or Go 4).
Go to Settings and select Unlock GEO Zone or Unlocking License.
Locate your approved license and tap Import to Aircraft.
Toggle the license to the On position.
Confirm the restricted zone is clear in the DJI camera view.
Close the DJI app completely and open the DroneDeploy app to begin your mission.
Unlocking NFZs after a battery swap
If you see an error message in the DroneDeploy app after a battery swap that prevents takeoff, follow these steps to proceed:
Close the DroneDeploy app immediately after the battery swap. This ensures you can resume the mission at the point it left off.
Open the DJI app and re-unlock the NFZ by toggling the license back to the On position in the settings.
Close the DJI app.
Open the DroneDeploy app, navigate to your flight plan and tap the Continue button.
Limitations
Approval delays: Custom unlocks for restricted zones require manual review by DJI and can take up to 72 hours.
Firmware requirements: Ensure your drone firmware and Fly Safe database are up to date, or the imported license may fail to activate.
Model variations: Procedures vary slightly based on the drone model and software version. Refer to the official DJI website or user manuals for model-specific troubleshooting.
FAQs
Q: Do I need to unlock the zone in both apps?
A: No. You only unlock the zone in the DJI app. Once the license is active on the drone hardware, the DroneDeploy app will be able to perform the flight.
Q: Why did my license disappear after I changed the battery?
A: Some DJI drone models reset the active unlocking license when the power is cycled. Follow the battery swap steps above to re-enable it.
Q: Can DroneDeploy support help me with a rejected DJI unlock?
A: No. DJI manages all airspace restrictions. If your request is rejected, you must contact DJI Fly Safe support directly to resolve the issue.
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