This is a companion topic for our recent blog post on blog.unmanned.tech
So, it seems we’ve got a bit of a kerfuffle with the DJI Mini 4 and Mini 5 drones in the UK. In a move that could only be described as ‘surreptitious’, DJI has decided to enforce a rather inconvenient altitude cap of 120 metres on these models, effective from 1 January 2026. Gone are the days of lofty 500m flights—because who doesn’t love a good surprise change to their gadgetry?
Why the sudden drop in altitude? Well, it appears that compliance with the EU’s C0 regulations was the order of the day, and DJI has simply rolled this out without consulting the loyal subjects—I mean, users—first. Sure, there’s a shiny new button in the app to request a higher limit, but spoiler alert: it does absolutely nothing. Some crafty users may be able to bypass this pesky cap using third-party tools like Drone Tweaks, but if you’re rocking the DJI RC or RC2 remotes, you’re somewhat out of luck.
In the illustrious tradition of consumer electronics, if you’re less than thrilled about this development and bought your drone within the last month, now’s your chance for a return—though good luck explaining that to the sales assistant. Just bear in mind, newer models sold post-cap are not eligible for refunds, so keep your eyes peeled before making any hasty decisions.
This little debacle serves as a reminder of just how much power manufacturers hold through their apps. DJI’s ability to enforce changes remotely is both astonishing and, dare I say it, a tad alarming for those of us who prefer to think we own our devices outright.
For a deeper dive or to bask in the full glory of Mads Tech’s analysis, do give the video a watch:
Read the full post over at: