Overview
These instructions will help you install an old version of the firmware on your Spark aircraft and/or Spark remote controller. See this video from DJI Support for a video showing the process described below.
Why Downgrade the Spark Firmware
Downgrading the Spark firmware is a troubleshooting step to try if you experience new issues after upgrading the firmware. Since new firmware often comes with new features, downgrading the firmware is also a way to revert the aircraft back to the time period when those features did not exist.
Note: By running old firmware, you won’t be able to take advantage of the latest available features and fixes. The Spark Release Notes only contain an overview of the latest major changes. It’s not uncommon for DJI to include small improvements that are not mentioned in those release notes.
Downgrade the Spark Aircraft Firmware
The DJI Assistant 2 application can be used to easily downgrade the Spark aircraft firmware. Follow these steps to downgrade the firmware:
1) Charge the Spark battery until it’s at least 50% charged.
2) Install the current version of the DJI Assistant 2 application. The current DJI Assistant 2 installer can be downloaded from the Spark downloads page.
3) Connect a micro USB cable between the micro USB port on the rear of the Spark (flip open the door) and a USB port on your computer.
4) Power on the Spark.
5) Start the DJI Assistant 2 application and wait for it to detect your Spark. Your Spark will appear in the connected devices list once it’s discovered.
6) Click the Spark icon in the connected list. That action will display a list that shows your currently installed firmware and the other firmware versions you’re able to install.
Note: If you want to install a firmware version that’s older than those that appear in the list, then you’ll need to use a tool like DUMLdore. While DUMLdore is not an application supported by DJI, many people have successfully used it to install old firmware versions. See this video for detailed instructions on how to use DUMLdore.
6) Tap the Downgrade/Upgrade button beside the firmware version you’d like to install.
Note: The DJI Assistant 2 application can also be used to reinstall the current firmware version. This would be a good step to try if you’d prefer to use the current firmware version. When the available firmware versions are displayed in the DJI Assistant 2 application, click the “REFRESH” button to reinstall the firmware.
Downgrade the Spark Remote Controller Firmware with DJI GO
The DJI GO application can be used to easily downgrade the Spark remote controller firmware. Follow these steps to downgrade the firmware:
1) Charge the remote controller until it’s at least 50% charged.
2) Connect an OTG cable between the micro USB port on the bottom of the remote controller and the port on your mobile device (or connect the two via Wi-Fi).
Note: Your Spark should be powered off (so it doesn’t connect to the remote controller).
3) Start DJI GO. If DJI GO displays the camera view, click the “DJI” logo at the top, left of the screen to return to the DJI GO welcome screen.
4) Tap and hold the menu button at the top, right of DJI GO welcome screen for at least 5 seconds. When you release your finger, you should see the dark gray “Select firmware version” screen appear.
5) Select the firmware version you’d like to install from the list and tap “Firmware Refresh” to install the firmware.
Note: If you want to install a firmware version that’s older than those that appear in the list, then you’ll need to use a tool like DUMLdore. While DUMLdore is not an application supported by DJI, many people have successfully used it to install old firmware versions. See this video for detailed instructions on how to use DUMLdore.
Note: There are no known compatibility issues with running an old aircraft firmware version with a newer version of the remote controller firmware. So, you most likely will not need to downgrade the remote controller firmware if you decide to downgrade the aircraft firmware.
DJI Warranty
There is currently no language on the DJI website, in the DJI warranty, or in any other official DJI documentation that states the warranty will not be honored if an old firmware version is used.
While DJI GO prompts you do install new firmware updates, the upgrades are optional. You can safely ignore those prompts if you’ve decided running old firmware is best for you.