How to Install Google Play Store

on the DJI Smart Controller

After several failed attempts of trying to install APKs on the DJI Smart Controller I've successfully installed Google Play Store on the DJI Smart Controller. Using these steps you can download third party apps from the Play Store on the Smart Controller without rooting. For a list of apps that are currently working with the SC scroll to the bottom of this page.

The secret is to use the same method people with devices that are blocked from using Google services do, for example, the Chinese phone by Xiaomi. After installing the Google Installer 2.0 APK, the most important thing to do is identify your Google Service Framework Device-ID and register it. As you can see this is still a work in progress - if you have any suggestions or changes please let me know.

Warning: These are the steps I used to get Google Play Store working on my DJI Smart Controller. If you attempt this you do it at your own risk. I am not guaranteeing that it will work for you and you are the only one liable for any damages this may causes to your own equipment. I am not associated with DJI nor has this been tested.

Check out the new step-by-step video!

Step 1 - Update Your Smart Controller

Apps>Settings>System>System Update

Make sure you're running Android 7.1.2

Note: Make sure you're signed into the DJI Go App on the Smart Controller.

Navigate to: Apps>Settings>Personal>Factory Reset

This step will ensure that you don't have any APKs already installed that might cause issues.

Note: You will lose all your settings, connected aircrafts and any images/video on the internal hard drive so you may want to backup your data from your Smart Controller before doing this step.

After the Smart Controller has been Factory Reset you must reconnect to your WIFI signal.

Note: This step is important for obvious reason. If you're lost already, you might not want to continue. Or, you may want to ask a young person for help.

Step 4 - Download "Google Installer 2.0"

Go to the Lightning Browser on the device, navigate to www.google.com then search for "google installer apk". I downloaded it here. You may need to attempt to download it to the Smart Controller 2-3 times before it actually downloads to the device.

Note: Google Installer 2.0 is for Chinese phones that are not allowed to use any Google services. DJI Is a Chinese company right!?

Step 5 - Install "Google Installer 2.0"

Navigate to: Apps>File Manager>Downloads

Click on the Google Installer APK file to install it.

Note: If there's not file there you need to go try to download Google Installer 2.0 again.

Please send me a screenshot of this step!

Step 6 - Run "Google Installer 2.0"

Navigate to: Apps>Google Installer

This is very important, you'll be prompted to confirm each package Google Installer 2.0 installs on your device. When this happens click "Install" then click "Done" then go back to the Google Installer 2.0 app and continue to the next package. You do not want to "Open" any package before they all all done installing. If you do, you may have to start over!

Note: Make sure you keep clicking the circle at the bottom until everything is completed and do not "open" anything you install until all the packages are done!

Please send me a screenshot of this step!

Step 7 - Skip Signing into Your Google Account

Once Google Installer 2.0 is completed, click the Play Store button. It will install then ask you to sign in, do not sign in and just skip to Step 9.

Note: You can disregard errors such as "Device is not certified by Google" and "Play Store not protected".

Please send me a screenshot of this step!

Step 8 - Fix Google Certification Errors

If you signed in and you're getting errors now, don't worry! Basically, Google doesn't want manufacturers putting Google Play Store on uncertified devices but they don't care if a single user wants to use the Play Store on their own device. So you have to register your devices Google Service Framework (GSF) Device-ID to get rid of the errors. The following steps are pulled directly from another blog post written by Mishaal Rahman. Mishaal should get all the credit for figuring out how to correct these errors for uncertified Android devices.

Note: This isn't really a step but I just wanted to take the time to explain the next steps and to give credit where credit is due. Mishaal, we thank you!

Step 9 - Find Your Device's GSF Device-ID

Find your device's Google Service Framework Device-ID by downloading and installing this APK. After the app is installed open it and copy the code in the second line called "Google Service Framework (GSF)."

Note: The GSF Device-ID should look something like this: 54HB3T96G7175579

Please send me a screenshot of this step!

Note: You should take note of your "Registered ID" just in case you need it down the road.

Please send me a screenshot of this step!

Step 11 - Restart DJI Smart Controller

After restarting your Google Play should be working correctly and there should be no errors! Now you can finish signing into the Google Play Store and download any third party apps. Please contact me if you run into any issues along the way!

Note: Not all apps will be available because the DJI Smart Controller is running an older version of Android. See the list below for functioning apps.

Functional Third Party Apps

  • Gmail
  • Google Drive
  • Google Earth
  • Google Docs
  • Instagram
  • Chrome
  • Gboard
  • Verifly
  • Voice Search

Unsupported Third Party Apps

  • Google Calendar
  • AirMap
  • Litchi (Downloading this from the Google App Store will brick your Smart Controller)