Newbie. In a controlled zone, I got authorization to fly using Aoft on my iphone, when I tried to fly the smart controller wanted authorization but I didn't have a network connect on the smart controller. What do I do to make this work in a controlled zone?

Try using your phone as a hot spot.

use your smartphone to share the connection, if your provider alows it.
Or buy a MiFi portable router to provide internet access to the SC.

Hi there. Thank you for reaching out. You may try to use the hotspot on your mobile device to unlock this restricted area when you are using the DJI Smart Controller. For more information about the restricted areas, you may send an email to our team at flysafe@dji.com. Thank you for your valued support.