How can I view live footage from my drone on my phone?

Technology Forum Drones
1

Hi everyone, I’m new to drones and wanted to try building a simple one. Nothing fancy, no FPV or automations. I already have some parts like a transmitter, receiver, and batteries from other projects. My main goal is to build a budget drone that lets me see live footage on my phone. I’ve been searching YouTube for guides, but all I find are FPV setups. Can anyone recommend an app for live footage and give me advice on what I might need before buying supplies?

2

You could just attach a Ring camera to your drone and use its app to view the footage, but you’d need to stay close to the WiFi. Otherwise, a DJI drone with the DJI Fly app would work perfectly for this.

3

@Westin
Yeah, I know, but DJI drones are expensive, and I already have some drone parts.

4

Are you asking if the live video can be saved directly to your phone? If so, iOS devices can screen capture, which might work for this.

5

mae said:
Are you asking if the live video can be saved directly to your phone? If so, iOS devices can screen capture, which might work for this.

Screen capture? I don’t have an iPhone. I was hoping there might be something similar to DJI’s setup but cheaper.

6

@Shiloh
Sorry, I don’t use DJI gear myself.

7

@Shiloh
With DJI drones, you can record the live feed, but it usually needs to be transferred to your phone after landing.

8

I’ve done this before using an analog system. I connected a separate receiver to a USB video capture device and streamed it to my phone. I think I only live-streamed to Facebook back then, but there should be software for other platforms too.

9

@Ezra
Thanks! Just to clarify, I don’t want to live stream. I want to see live footage on my phone while flying. Can you explain more about your setup? What app did you use to view the footage?

10

Shiloh said:
@Ezra
Thanks! Just to clarify, I don’t want to live stream. I want to see live footage on my phone while flying. Can you explain more about your setup? What app did you use to view the footage?

There’s an app called Camera Fi, I think. I’ll need to double-check. Just a heads-up, though—it’ll have a slight delay. It’s okay for viewing but might be too slow for controlling the drone.

11

You could attach one of those small FPV GoPro-style cameras to your drone.

12

Honestly, I’d save yourself the hassle and just get one of the DJI Mini drones.

13

Toryn said:
Honestly, I’d save yourself the hassle and just get one of the DJI Mini drones.

Yeah, that seems like the easiest option, but I’m trying to find something cheaper than spending $500 on a drone.

14

@Shiloh
Maybe you could find a used one for a lower price?

15

Toryn said:
@Shiloh
Maybe you could find a used one for a lower price?

Even used ones are still kind of pricey.

16

I don’t think there’s an app for what you’re asking, except maybe DigiView. But I don’t have personal experience with it, so I can’t say for sure.

17

Gale said:
I don’t think there’s an app for what you’re asking, except maybe DigiView. But I don’t have personal experience with it, so I can’t say for sure.

I can view live video on my phone with my Mini 2. It’s simple.

18

@Fraser
Yeah, but that’s with a remote and only works with the DJI Fly app. He’s not using a Mini 2.

19

@Fraser
Can you explain how it works?

20

Shiloh said:
@Fraser
Can you explain how it works?

Sure. The DJI Mini 2 comes with a remote that connects to your phone via a data cable. You can see live video and more using the DJI Fly app.