Buying a used drone

1. 1C class and categoryDecides how close to people you can fly. See the table below.
2. 2BatteriesCheck the charge cycles and health in the app. Batteries that are swollen, cracked or drain quickly should be replaced.
3. 3Damage and wearLook for cracks in the arms and shell, bent propellers and a crooked gimbal. Ask to see the drone fly and the camera record without error messages.
4. 4DJI accountThe seller must remove the drone from their account before you pay. See the section below.
5. 5Receipt and boxA receipt shows the drone is not stolen and makes warranty claims or reselling easier.

From 1 January 2024, drones without a C class marking moved into stricter categories. A cheap, older drone over 250 g can therefore only be flown far from people.

Under 250 g without a C class (older model)

A1. Can fly over uninvolved people, but not over crowds.

C0 / C1

A1. C1 has built-in Remote ID and must not fly over uninvolved people.

C2

A2 with an A2 certificate: down to 30 m from people (5 m in low-speed mode). Otherwise A3.

250 g – 25 kg without a C class

A3 only: far from people and 150 m from built-up areas.

C1, C2 and C3 have built-in Remote ID. Drones without a C class do not need it in the open category, but some geographical zones may require it. Read more about drones under 250 grams.

DJI drones are linked to the owner’s account. Only the seller can remove the link, in DJI Fly under Profile → Device Management → Unbind. Do it together, before you pay.

If the drone is still linked to the seller’s account, you get warnings and a limited number of flights, and you cannot get a flyaway report from DJI. If the seller does not respond, DJI can only contact the original owner. They will not remove the link without the owner’s consent.

Batteries are often the first thing to go. Check charge cycles and cell health in the app, and expect to buy new ones if the drone is several years old. Never use a swollen battery.

Remember that you must register as an operator and mark the drone with your own operator number, whether it is new or used. How to register.