Applicable Models: All Series
A stable GPS connection is the backbone of a safe flight, allowing your drone to hover precisely and return home safely. If you see a “Weak GPS Signal” warning or are unable to unlock the motors, compass interference is often the culprit. Follow this 3-step guide to recalibrate and get back in the air.
Why is Calibration Needed?
Drones use a compass (magnetometer) to determine which direction they are facing. Over time, or when exposed to strong magnetic fields (like parking lots, metal decks, or underground garages), the compass data can drift. Calibrating resets this data to match the Earth’s magnetic field at your current location.
Step 1: Find a “Clean” Location
Before touching the drone, you must move to a safe environment.
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Avoid Metal: Move away from cars, steel fences, reinforced concrete structures, and large speakers.
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Clear the Area: Ensure no magnets or electronic devices (like your phone or keys) are near the drone during calibration.
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Distance: Try to stand at least 1 meter (3 feet) away from any large metal object.
Step 2: Perform the Horizontal Rotation
Once you are in a clear area, follow these motions carefully:
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Open the App and tap the “Calibrate” button in the prompt (or find “Compass Calibration” in the settings menu).
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Hold the drone horizontally (level with the ground) at chest height.
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Slowly rotate your body (or the drone) 360 degrees along the vertical axis until the progress bar on the App turns green.
Step 3: Perform the Vertical Rotation
Now, change the orientation of the aircraft:
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Tilt the drone so it is standing on its nose or tail (pointing straight up towards the sky).
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Slowly rotate the drone 360 degrees along the horizontal axis.
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Wait for the App to confirm that the calibration is complete and the compass status shows “Normal”.
Important Safety Tips
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Keep Your Distance: During rotation, keep the drone at least 1.5 meters away from your body to avoid magnetic interference from belt buckles or watches.
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Don’t Force It: If the App shows red warnings repeatedly after 2-3 attempts, move to a completely new location. Persistent errors may indicate a hardware issue requiring service.
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Recheck GPS: After calibration, wait a few seconds for the GPS icon to turn green and show at least 10 satellites before attempting to take off.
Still experiencing issues? If the compass error persists even after moving locations, please check our guide: “Troubleshooting IMU Errors and Aircraft Vibration.”
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