DJI: New changes could render (freshly) purchased drones and cameras unusable if buyers are not careful

DJI is changing - in a very simplified and not entirely legally correct way - the ownership and usage rights of its drones. This does not change the possibility of selling a DJI product on the second-hand market or buying one there, but consumers who want to buy a drone on the second-hand market should be aware of a change in the pairing process. From June 19, 2025, only the user whose account is linked with the drone in question will be able to unbind it again. This may sound obvious, but in practice it can have very significant consequences, as other people will no longer be able to transfer the drone to their own name. This can be particularly relevant when purchasing a used drone: If the previous user has failed or neglected to "unbind" or unpair the drone, then users have simply acquired an expensive paperweight.

It's not entirely unrealistic that problems could arise in regular retail as well. Namely, if customers decide to return the drone without unpairing it first. This change is most likely not intended to restrict or impede private resale by DJI, but rather as a form of theft protection. In addition to virtually the entire range of drones, the DJI Inspire 3, Osmo Action, Osmo Pocket and Osmo Mobile devices are also affected.