How to Check Drone Controller Firmware Version
Knowing how to check drone controller firmware version helps you confirm compatibility, avoid update problems, and troubleshoot connection issues faster.
The exact steps vary by brand, but the process is usually quick once you know where to look.
Drone controllers, sometimes called remote controllers or transmitters, run firmware that governs pairing, communication, button mapping, and safety features.
Checking the version before updating a DJI, Autel Robotics, Skydio, Parrot, or other controller can prevent mismatched software and failed updates.
What firmware version means on a drone controller
Firmware is the embedded software that controls how the drone controller works with the aircraft and companion app.
It is not the same as the mobile app version, battery firmware, or aircraft firmware, although all of these can affect performance together.
A controller firmware version usually appears as a number such as 01.00.0500, v2.1.8, or a similar build string.
Manufacturers use these versions to track feature changes, bug fixes, security patches, and compatibility updates.
Why checking the version matters
Before updating or troubleshooting, checking the current firmware version gives you a baseline.
It helps you decide whether the controller is already up to date or whether a known issue may be tied to outdated firmware.
- Confirm compatibility with the drone aircraft and app
- Avoid skipping required intermediate updates
- Diagnose pairing, calibration, or signal problems
- Verify whether a support article applies to your version
- Document the device state before servicing or resale
How to check drone controller firmware version on the device
Many controllers let you view firmware information directly from an on-screen menu or physical button sequence.
This is often the fastest method because it does not require opening a desktop utility or connecting to the aircraft.
Check the controller display or settings menu
If your controller has a built-in screen, open the system or settings menu and look for an About, Device Info, Firmware, or Version section.
Some controllers list the firmware number alongside the serial number, battery level, and calibration status.
On smart controllers used with DJI drones, the version is commonly found in the settings app under device information or system settings.
The exact path can differ by model, but the terminology is usually similar.
Use the controller companion app
If your controller relies on a mobile device or app, open the manufacturer’s app and connect the controller by USB-C, Lightning, or wireless pairing.
The app often displays the remote controller version on the home screen, device page, or firmware update page.
For example, DJI Fly, DJI Assistant 2, Autel Sky, and Parrot applications may show separate versions for the aircraft, controller, and battery.
Check the section labeled remote controller, RC, transmitter, or controller to make sure you are reading the right device.
How to check drone controller firmware version on a computer
Manufacturer desktop tools are especially useful when the controller does not include a screen or when the app cannot connect reliably.
These tools are commonly used for firmware updates, but they also display the installed version.
Connect with the manufacturer utility
Install the official software from the drone maker’s website, then connect the controller to the computer with a data-capable cable.
Open the utility and navigate to the firmware, device management, or update tab to find the current version.
DJI Assistant 2, for example, often shows the firmware currently installed on the remote controller before offering available updates.
Similar tools from other brands may list the version in a device summary panel.
Check the release notes before updating
Once you know the current version, compare it with the latest release notes on the manufacturer support page.
Release notes may mention bug fixes, compatibility improvements, and whether the update must be installed in sequence.
This step matters because some controller updates require matching aircraft firmware or a specific app version.
Skipping this review can lead to repeated update prompts or loss of connection with the drone.
How to check drone controller firmware version without the drone
You do not always need the aircraft to check controller firmware.
In many cases, the controller can power on independently and report its version through its own menu, app, or desktop utility.
This is useful when the drone is unavailable, being repaired, or powered down for storage.
It is also helpful if you are verifying a controller before purchasing a used DJI RC, RC 2, Autel controller, or another model from a marketplace listing.
- Power on the controller alone if it supports standalone access
- Open the settings or information screen
- Use the official app if it can connect directly to the controller
- Use desktop software if the controller requires a wired connection
Brand-specific examples to guide your search
Different manufacturers use different wording, but the underlying location is usually similar.
If you cannot find the version immediately, look for terms like device info, about this device, firmware update, transmitter version, or remote controller version.
DJI
DJI controllers often show firmware in the settings menu, DJI Fly app, or DJI Assistant 2.
Depending on the model, the controller may be labeled as DJI RC, RC 2, RC-N1, RC Pro, or Smart Controller, and each can expose version data differently.
Autel Robotics
Autel controllers commonly display firmware within the controller interface or the Autel Sky app.
Look for the device information area, especially if the controller is linked to an EVO series aircraft.
Parrot
Parrot remote controllers may present firmware details in the app or device settings.
If the interface uses version strings for multiple components, confirm that you are reading the controller entry rather than the aircraft.
Skydio and other smart controllers
Smart controllers from Skydio and similar platforms frequently keep firmware information inside a system settings panel.
If the controller runs an Android-based interface, the version may appear under About tablet, About device, or a manufacturer-specific settings page.
What to do if the firmware version is not visible
If the version does not appear where you expect, the controller may need a reboot, app relaunch, or USB reconnection.
In some cases, the menu path changes after a firmware update or the device is not fully paired.
- Restart the controller and reopen the settings page
- Update or reinstall the official companion app
- Use a certified data cable instead of a charging-only cable
- Connect to the computer utility and check the device summary
- Consult the user manual for your exact model number
If the controller still does not report a version, look for the serial number and model name first.
Those details make it easier to search the manufacturer support site for the correct instructions.
Best practices before updating controller firmware
Before starting an update, charge the controller and aircraft batteries, close other apps, and avoid disconnecting the cable or powering off the device.
Firmware updates can take several minutes and may require the controller to restart.
It is also smart to confirm that the app version, controller firmware, and aircraft firmware are aligned.
Mismatched versions can produce warnings, limit flight features, or block linking entirely.
- Back up any flight logs or settings if your platform supports it
- Read the update notes for compatibility changes
- Keep the controller near the drone or computer during the process
- Do not interrupt the update once it starts
Quick checklist for verifying controller firmware
Use this simple workflow when you need the version fast.
It works for most consumer drones and many enterprise controllers.
- Identify the controller model and manufacturer
- Open the device info, about, or firmware menu
- Check the controller entry, not the aircraft entry
- Compare the version against the official release notes
- Confirm app, controller, and aircraft compatibility
When you know how to check drone controller firmware version, you can troubleshoot faster, update more safely, and keep the entire flight system in sync.