Navigating DJI’s New Drone Rebinding Policy

A sweeping policy shift from DJI is changing the landscape of drone ownership and account management. Effective 19th June 2025, the company now mandates that only the original bound account holder can initiate rebinding, unbinding or binding requests. This move, announced via DJI's official support forum, signals a reinforced commitment to device security amid a growing second-hand market and increased corporate drone use.

Drone pilots, from hobbyists to professionals, must now adapt to a more structured process when transferring drones. These changes affect everyone from casual flyers passing on their old Mini to enterprise teams reallocating fleet assets across departments.

Why the Policy Matters Now

With drone usage expanding globally, the risk of unauthorised access and fraudulent transfers has risen. DJI’s updated rebinding rules directly address these concerns by ensuring tighter control over who can access and manage a drone. It ends support for third-party requests, allowing only the currently bound user to approve account changes.

This approach echoes trends in broader tech ecosystems (such as smartphones and smart home devices) where user authentication and binding play a central role in data and device security. DJI’s policy now brings similar rigour to the skies.

How to Rebind: A New Protocol for Transfers

To align with the new rules, drone ownership changes must follow a specific set of steps:

• The current owner unbinds the drone via the DJI Fly App.
• The new owner binds the drone to their own DJI account.
• The new owner then binds the remote controller.

Each action must be completed in sequence to prevent access issues. DJI’s detailed guide, titled ‘Pre-Owned Drone? Rebind Before Takeoff!’, is available online and offers comprehensive support for this process.

Popular models such as the DJI Mini 4 Pro are expected to feature heavily in second-hand transactions. Ensuring proper unbinding before resale will now be essential for functionality.

Impacts Beyond the App

While the technical change relies on existing features within the DJI Fly App, the implications go far beyond software. For the second-hand market, this could mean a slowdown in transaction speeds, as buyers wait for sellers to complete the unbinding step. Any lapse could prevent the new user from accessing or flying the drone.

Enterprise users in particular must now implement new protocols to manage internal transfers. Drones from the Mavic, Mini, Air, Avata and Matrice series must be correctly unbound and reassigned by authorised personnel. The same diligence applies to handheld products such as the Osmo Action.

A Strategic Move with Broader Implications

DJI’s decision is not just about user-level changes. It reflects a wider industry trend towards controlled, secure drone ecosystems. With global regulators increasingly focusing on airspace management and UAV accountability, manufacturers are under pressure to adopt robust access controls.

By emphasising bound account holder authority, DJI also addresses rising concerns around identity fraud and unauthorised resale. The policy provides a barrier against malicious usage and helps maintain trust in both consumer and professional drone operations.

Adapting to the New Standard

Drone users now face a new normal: ownership changes require deliberate planning. Sellers should ensure all devices are unbound before a sale or gift. Buyers must verify a device’s account status before committing. Businesses should audit their fleets to ensure compliance and avoid disruption.

It is advisable to include confirmation of unbinding in any transaction documentation, especially in corporate or high-value exchanges. DJI’s support team and published resources can provide additional guidance where needed.

Conclusion

DJI’s updated rebinding policy adds a crucial layer of accountability and security to drone ownership. While it introduces new responsibilities for all users, it also creates a safer, more controlled environment for drone operations across both personal and professional domains.

Now is the time to act: assess your current devices, review account bindings, and ensure any planned transfers comply with the new standards. For those who fly, film, survey or map with DJI, staying ahead of policy updates is key to maintaining uninterrupted flight access and operational confidence.