Is it safe to leave the gimbal cover on while downloading? I won't be flying (in fact I usually don't unfold the propellors so couldn't fly), just downloading using the remote in fast download mode.

When turned on, it is leveled.
The cover may somehow interfere with this.
The cover closes the hot air ventilation.

Depends if you have the original gimbal cover or the revised version that doesnt restrict the movement as much,  also you are far better off taking the SD card out and putting it in an SD reader.

SD card connector has a limited amount of mating cycles. They are not designed for repetitive use. Better leave it in and possibly use a smal blower to cool the drone. Downloading usually takes me a few minutes, I had no overheating issues so far.

Hi, DJIDronePete. Thank you for reaching out. Just to verify, is it the firmware update you're downloading?

DJI Gamora Posted at 2-28 01:58
Hi, DJIDronePete. Thank you for reaching out. Just to verify, is it the firmware update you're downloading?

No it's downloading the recorded images and videos from the drone to the phone.

DJIDronePete Posted at 2-28 09:35
No it's downloading the recorded images and videos from the drone to the phone.

Thank you for clarification, DJIDronePete. We suggest removing the gimbal protector as when you turn on the drone, it will move by itself for its self-diagnosis. If you don't remove it, long-term use could damage the gimbal motors. Hope this helps.