Updates:
- 2024-10-15 – Added link to replacement cable that will fit.
Finding accessories that do not work with a phone in a protective case is not new. Ever since I bought the first iPhone in 2007 I have encountered this issue. It seems accessory makers expect everyone to use their phones unprotected.
It gets worse when you want actual protection (not just a scratch guard case) and use something like a rugged Otterbox Defender case. Almost no accessories seem to work with it, though today’s Defender case is a bit better.
But not with the DJI RC-N3 remote controller.
The unit comes with a USB-C to USB-C cable preinstalled, but includes a USB-C to Lightning cable in the box. Unfortunately, they run the cable out of the side of the plug just a tiny bit too low for it to plug in to the Otterbox Defender opening.
As you will see in this photo, it “almost” works. Had the cable coming out of the side (going down in this photo) been a tiny bit closer to the right end (in this photo), it looks like it would work without issue.
In chatting with DJI Support, I learned that this cable connection is required (at least when pairing to a DJI Neo drone). I thought it might just be used for charging the phone while it is being used with the screen on.
“The Neo can be connected to the Fly APP wireless, but if you want to use the RC-N3 to control it, it’s necessary to connect it with a cable.”
They recommended me take the phone out of the case when using the drone./
“Actually, we suggest you remove the protective cover when connect RC-N3 with your phone.
Because the phone case may cause the disconnection or not recognized.”
Imagine if you had a fancy $1500 phone and needed to remove it from its protective case to use a $199 drone. This is not an optimal solution. And, not any type of solution for a Defender case, which requires disassembly. It would be fine for those rubber slip over covers, but those are more scratch protectors (though I expect they do help from minor dumps and drops).
They did suggest I could try a charging cable, and somewhere I should have the USB-C charging cable that came with my iPhone. I’ll give it a go and see if it works.
Until then, if you plan to use this remote with a phone in a Defender case, you may need to look for an alternative cable to hook it up with.
Good luck! Let me know in the comments if you run in to this problem, and what your solution is (if you have one).
Update
I found an $8 cable on Amazon that will fit in the Otterbox Defender case just fine:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09MB2YW88
It has the cable moved out. This is all DJI needs to do.
However, this cable will not “store” inside the remote. The USB-C end is also taller, and the phone holder part that slides out will not slide fully back when this cable is plugged in.
I will keep looking and see if I can find a “more better” cable that will fit the Otterbox Defender and also fit inside the remote when stored.
To be continue…