This article explains everything you need to know about buying a drone SD card and helps you choose the best SD card for DJI Mini 2 and Mavic Mini. If you are in a hurry, here is a quick overview:
Best SD Card for DJI Mini 2:
32G: Samsung Evo Plus, SanDisk Extreme V30 A1, Lexar 633x
64G: Samsung Evo Plus, SanDisk Extreme V30 A1, Lexar 633x
128G: Lexar 633x, SanDisk Extreme Plus V30 A1, Samsung Evo Plus
256G: SanDisk Extreme V30 A1
You may have already known that both the DJI Mini 2 and Mavic Mini have no internal storage and don’t come with a micro SD memory card.
Though DJI Mini 2 and Mavic Mini support flying without an SD card, all your footage and photos will be stored on your mobile device in a lower 720p resolution. If you want to take high-quality aerial videos and photos, you will need to use a compatible microSD card.
The easiest way to solve this is to check whether any of your existing SD cards used for DSLR, action camera or other devices are in the DJI Recommended List. If so, you can insert the SD card and get your drone up in the air to start shooting, if not, you’d better get a new one or you may have compatibility issues.
Why you should trust me?
As the founder of Cutofdrone, I have nearly 5 years of experience working with DJI. During my time there, I was in charge of the DJI Online Store operation and participated in every major new product launch. I also initiated the introduction of the microSD cards that are now selling on the DJI Store.
I am an experienced drone pilot, and I own a Phantom 3 Advanced, a Mavic Pro, a Mavic 2 Pro, and a Mavic Mini. I have more than 10 micro SD cards for my drones.
DJI Mini 2 and Mavic Mini SD Card Buying Guide
SD memory cards are really easy to get, and there are so many you can choose from, as we are talking about specific ones for DJI Mini 2 and Mavic Mini, there are three things I would like to specify here:
1. Only use an SD card that meets the standard UHS-I Speed Class 3 or above is required. This means the SD card you use should at least has a Write Speed of 30MB/s.
2. DJI Mini 2 is capable of 4K videos, a 64 GB micro SD card can hold around 1 hour and 20 minutes 4K videos. Mavic Mini supports shooting 2.7k videos at 30fps, a 64G card can hold around 3h videos, a 32G sd card can hold nearly 1.5h.
3. For most new pilots, there is no need to choose a large one like 128G or 256G. The 32G or 64G ones will do the trick. If you worry that the storage may not be enough, you can buy two 64G cards instead of one 128G. Also, the 16G version is not recommended because is too small.
3. You should prepare at least 2 SD cards for your drone. SD cards may just not work properly so it’s always a good idea to have a backup for any sudden circumstances.
4. It’s better to not use any micro sd cards that are outside the recommended list. They may work at the beginning, but there might be issues after. According to my experience working with DJI, the R&D team has tested every single one for quite many hours before they put it into the list.
The Best SD Card for DJI Mini 2
If you take a look at the DJI Recommended SD memory cards List, you will find that there are 27 SD cards that are compatible with your DJI Mini 2 and Mavic Mini.
Below are the best ones in different sizes. You can choose whichever you like according to your brand preference.
32G:
64G:
128G:
SanDisk Extreme Plus V30 A1 128G
256G:
SanDisk Extreme V30 A2 (DJI Mini 2 ONLY)
DJI Mini 2 SD Card List (DJI Recommended)
16 GB:
Lexar 633x (Mavic Mini ONLY)
32 GB:
SanDisk Industrial
SanDisk Extreme V30 A2 (DJI Mini 2 ONLY)
SanDisk Extreme Pro V30 A2 (DJI Mini 2 ONLY)
Lexar 667x
64 GB:
SanDisk Extreme V30 A2 (DJI Mini 2 ONLY)
Lexar High Endurance (DJI Mini 2 ONLY)
128 GB:
Samsung Pro Plus
SanDisk Extreme V30 A2 (DJI Mini 2 ONLY)
SanDisk Extreme Plus V30 A2 (DJI Mini 2 ONLY)
Lexar High Endurance (DJI Mini 2 ONLY)
256 GB:
SanDisk Extreme V30 A2 (DJI Mini 2 ONLY)
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Max SD card size of DJI Mini 2 and Mavic Mini?
The Max SD card size is 256G.
2. Do DJI Mini 2 and Mavic Mini come with an SD Card?
No, Mavic Mini doesn’t come with any Micro SD Card and has no internal storage.
3. What is the DJI Mini 2 and Mavic Mini SD card compatibility like?
The Mavic Mini requires SD cards that are UHS-I Speed Class 3 or above. The writing speed of a UHS Speed Class 3 SD card is at least 30MB/s, that is to say, you will need to make sure the write speed of the Micro SD card you use must meet this standard.
4. What to do if your DJI Mini 2 or Mavic Mini SD Card is unavailable?
When you get an error of ‘sd card unavailable‘ after installing it on your Mavic Mini, you can try the following methods to fix it:
1) Make sure the sd cards you use are compatible. The write speed of a compatible sd card should at least be 30 MB/s. It’s recommended to only choose from DJI’s list.
2) If your sd card is in the list and still doesn’t work, you can try to format it using the DJI Fly app. If you do the formatting on your computer, make sure you choose the FAT32 format type.
Most of the pilots who have this error solved the problem by using sd cards in the recommended list.
5. How to install the sd card on DJI Mini 2 or Mavic Mini?
To install an sd card on Mavic Mini, you need to find the sd card slot first. It is at the bottom of the aircraft. Get your sd card ready, then insert it in the sd card slot until you hear a click sound. Make sure the side with the logo is upward.
6. What is the SD card format type for DJI Mini 2 and Mavic Mini?
The formate type for a Mavic Mini compatible sd card is FAT32. If you need to format your sd card on your PC or Mac, make sure you choose the right format.
7. How to format the DJI Mini 2 and Mavic Mini SD card?
There are 2 ways you can format your SD card, one is format within the DJI Fly App, the other is to use your computer. I guess everyone knows how to format an SD card using a computer, so I will clarify a little bit on how to do it in the App.
Step 1. After you connect your drone with the remote controller, you will enter the main flight page, click the drone status check icon (as you can see below).
Step 2. When you see the following screen, scroll down to the bottom, and find the SD Card section, you will see the Format button on the right side, tap on it to start formating.
please note that you will lose all the photos and videos stored on your SD card, make sure you have a backup.
What else you may need?
Faster SD Card Reader
Videos shot by drones are very large, a faster SD Card Reader will help you to quickly transfer your photos and videos to your computer or mobile device.
Memory SD Card Carrying Case Holder
A carrying case will not only help you to organize your micro SD cards efficiently but also keep all your sd cards safe.
You may also be interested in:
Hi Jim, it works with the Mini 2.
Hi Steve, my Mini 2 will be delivered shortly, but I haven’t purchased any SD card yet.
Will SanDisk Extreme Pro V30 A2 work? 64/128/256 GB? Did not find these exact items in the list (but it is there in the photos above).
Hi Fahad, V30 A2 cards would work, just go ahead. No need to use 256 GB cards.
Hi I bought a mini 2 for Xmas and also bought 1 sandisk extreme pro 64gb v90. Would this work with my drone 4k ?
Hallo Steve,
wat is de beste MicroSD kaart voor de nieuwe DJI mini 2?
Ik denk aan SanDisk Extreme V30 A2 170mb/s of is er nog een snellere/betere?
Bedankt voor alle informatie die je deelt, erg nuttig voor een leek op drone gebied!
Hi Diana, this one works for DJI Mini 2, just go ahead.
Hello, why Lexar 633 is only recommend as 128Gb and not in list for 256Gb ?
Anybody tried 512GB or more? Very important question
Hi mtb, DJI said that mini only supports up to 256GB microSD cards, not sure if a 512G card works.
So, will a sandisk 64gb, A1, V10 work?
Hi Greg, it doesn’t work. The write speed is too slow.
why are there no sound with the mavic mini
The mavic mini doesn’t have built-in microhpone
I just want to confirm something. The DJI website says, “UHS-I Speed Class 3 or above is required.” However, in their recommended list, as well as yours, the 32 GB Samsung Evo Plus is listed. Based on my research that is a UHS-I Speed Class 1 card; only the 64 GB and above are Class 3. So was this card tested and works fine even though it’s a Class 1 not 3?
Hi Daniel, no worries, the 32G sd card works perfect, I also got one for my mini. It’s a UHS-1 Grade 1 Class 10 card.
Hi Steve, I bought the 32G Samsung Evo Plus based on your recommendation, during flying it says the SD card is too slow and to change it. You owe me £10 Steve
Hi Mark, sorry to hear that. Could you share the product link with me? I am sure that the Samsung EVO Plus 32G is compatible because it’s in DJI’s Recommendation List.
Hi Steve, nice article here. very helpful. Btw planning to get a “SanDisk Extreme PRO Series 64GB Micro SDXC A2 UHS-I Class 10 U3 V30 up to 170MB/s”. However, I don’t see any A2 from the list above. Any idea if this works fine?
Hi Gerard, thanks. I think the one you mention is no problem, it’s 4K supportive and Mavic Mini only supports 2.7K.
Does The Samsung EVO 64GB microSDXC UHS-I Memory Card work? I tested it once with the mavic mini, but one file of the four i recorded was larger than 2GBs and the file wouldn’t play either on Windows 10 or on an older version of MacOS. The card uses the format exFat (does that make a differense?). sry for bad english 🙁
Hi Alvin, is there s number 1 in U on the card? If so, it’s not compatible.
Thank you very much. One more thing. This “SanDisk Ultra Micro SDXC A1 Series UHS-I Class 10 up to 100MB/s 128GB” are currently on Sale. Though Ultra is not part of the list above, any idea if this too is fine to use in Mavic Mini?
No, the write speed is too slow for recording 2.7K videos.
Can I use a San Disk Ultra Plus 128GB micro SD XC l
Hi Doug, I don’t think so. It’s a C10 card which means its write speed is not fast enough for recording 2.7K or 4K videos.
Can i use samsung evo plus 256?
Hi Steve,
Do I need a SD card to utilize the dronie features? Because I can’t find the options to use those features? I have a new Mavic Mini using the DJI Fly app.
Hi Justin, you don’t need an sd card to do that, just check this video tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xm3FUtWJIPg
Does anyone know why my pan shots are jerky? i’ve set my video to the highest frame rate and still no better results than the 24fps. i’ve seen other Mavic Mini and they are smooth. I wonder if it has to do with my micro SD card.
Im using the SanDisk Extreme PLUS 64GB V30, XC 1, U3, A2 model
Hi Lando, I think the SD card is no problem.
Thank you! Wonderful. This information was just what I was looking for as a drone newbie!
I didn’t do enough research I guess..I got the sandisk ultra plus 64gb 130mb/S v 10 . will it not do me any good?
Hi Victoria, looks like it’s not a microSD card, I don’t think it’s compatible.
Will the SanDisk 32gb high endurance micro sd work?
I am not sure which you are talking about. Is there a C10 on the card? If so, then it’s not compatible.
Hi Steve. It says on my sd card i bought is, Sandisk Ultra microSDXC UHS-1
64G A1 and 10inside the circle. Is this ok with mavic mini? Thanks
Hi Archie, a c10 card is a little bit too slow because Mini is capable of shooting 2.7k videos. I mean the write speed of the sd card.
Hi Steve
I’m using a SanDisc Extreme 128gb V30 A2 and sometimes on downloading on my PC get the error message, “Cannot render the file.” This is so frustrating. I haven’t tried any other card. Could this be the Mini?
Cheers, Phil
Hi Philip, I think this card should be no problem with the mini. Can you download the files to your phone and then format it via the aircraft to see if it can solve the problem.
What about the SanDisk Extreme PLUS UHS-1 64GB for the Mavic Mini?
HI Gaddiel, it’s 4K supportive and works for the Mavic Mini.
Hi Steve, why do you recommend two of the same SD Cards if worrying about storage problems as opposed to buying a single big one, wouldn’t that be more expensive?
Hi Jason, sometimes, it’s better to have a backup. According to my experience, you won’t be able to shoot any videos if you forget to insert the sd card back into the drone after copying files to your computer. Also, when flying we don’t know when a crash will happen. If you use a big one, we may lose not only the drone but also the files.
Both my Mavic Mini and my P3S have jittery video only when panning. I can raise, lower, travers left or right and the video is smooth, but when I pan, even slowly, the video tends to get jittery. I thought that it was associated with my old iMac, but I took the videos to the Apple store and tried them on a new Mac and they did the same thing. Is it associated with my craft or my SD card…or is it natural. My SD card is a Sandisk Ultra, 64GB Micro SC XC I with a 10 inside a circle. If it is the SD card what card will eliminate the jumpiness?
Hi John, I think it might be the SD card problem if it’s a class 10 card which might be a little bit slow for recording 2.7K videos.
Hi there,
Im reading all these SD card articles now im confused lol.
I have this new in the package SanDisk card , ImageMate, microSDXC UHS-1 Card with Adapter. Its full HD there’s a 1 inside of a U , A1. 64GB. Speed up to 100 MB/s** Read .
Can i use that in the mavic mini ?.
I didn’t see this card on any of the listings that you showed.
Anyway thank you.
Hi Les, the key is the writing speed. The Mavic Mini requires SD cards that are UHS-I Speed Class 3 or above. if it meets the requirements (at least 30MB/S), then it should be no problem. As I can’t see the picture so I am not sure if it works. I guess you just need to have a try.
Is the Mavic Mini able to capture the coordinates of where it is for referencing later or can you enter coordinates and have the drone fly there?
Hi. When I format the SD card in the DJI App, it records fine, but when I take out the card and try to import the files to a PC using an adapter, it says it must format the card. How do you resolve the apparent imcompatibility? Thanks
Hi Will, to be honest, I don’t have this kind of incompatibility issues. Maybe you can try another adapter, or download your files to your phones first and then format your SD card with your PC. Hope this will help you out.
What does A2 means and can I use a faster card than Class 10 for faster speeds?
Is there a list of of minimum and maximums regarding cards for the Mini?
Hi Kaesten, A2 (The Application Performance Class 2) is defined by SD Physical 6.0 specification. It makes SD memory cards much higher performance than A1 performance by using functions of Command Queuing and Cache. Actually, there is no need for using a faster card. Its kind of like the max speed of your car is 400km/h, but you are only allowed to go 270km/h.
There is no such list but any sd card must meet the requirement: UHS-I Speed Class 3 or above.
So The SanDisk Extreme V30 A2 (DJI Mini 2 ONLY) (Extreme microSDXC UHS-I C10, U3, V30, 4K, A2) is or is not compatible with the mini? your list says mini2 only, are you certain it is not compatible with the older mini?
also, right now i am using sandisk ultra 32 gb cards. I haven’t noticed any issue with video, even long 15-20 minute videos. Is there something i am missing? i never see anything about it being too slow and i have filled both cards in the past few months and emptied them and started over and still no issue.
Hi Chris, Mini 2 here means that DJI only recommends this for the Mini 2. The V30 A2 can sure work with Mavic Mini cz it’s 4K capable and the write speed is fast enough. According to my work experience there, I think DJI’s R&D team didn’t test this one for Mavic mini or there might be small problems after testing. There are also sd cards that can work with DJI’s drones that are not on the list. But I still recommend following the list to avoid any possible issues.
Ok thanks, that makes sense. How times change though. It wasn’t long ago that 720p was considered hi-res.
I got my new Mavic Mini and went out to fly as soon as the battery charged. I didn’t have an SD card so I just ignored the pre-flight warning and went ahead anyway. I started recording and when I finished had the video saved on my phone. If you can record direct to the phone why do you need an SD card?
Hi Gary, if you fly without an SD card, you are caching 720p low-resolution videos.
Hi there, I have a spare 256gb samsung evo plus, wondering if it compatible with the mavic mini ? Thanks
Hi Huy, looks like it supports 4K, I think it should be no problem.
Hi there, thank you for your blog.
One link took me to a card that is no longer sold and recommended I buy the newer version. https://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-Extreme-MicroSDXC-UHS-I-Adapter/dp/B07G3GMRYF/ref=dp_ob_title_ce
Is this good too?
Tracey
Hi Tracey, this card works for your Mavic Mini, it’s better than the recommended ones cz it’s 4K supportive. No worries.
Thank you for your great expertise.
For the DJI Mavic Mini, will a Scandisk Ultra 128 microSDXC UHS-1 card, class 3
Hi Tiger, Do you mean Class 10? But I still recommend you to go with the DJI tested ones.
What about SanDisk Extreme Pro V30 A2?
Hi Craig, no problem, just go ahead.
Can I use the SanDisk Extreme V30 A2?
Hi Taylor, SanDisk Extreme V30 A2 works for Mavic Mini, just go ahead.