Cameras & drones

Drone app keeps crashing or freezing

A drone app that crashes or freezes is usually a phone resource or software compatibility issue rather than a drone hardware problem.

Difficulty
Easy
Time
10–20 minutes
DIY cost
$0

Symptoms

  • App closes unexpectedly during use
  • Screen freezes and stops responding to taps
  • App is very slow to load the live camera feed
  • Crashes happen more often during longer flights

Likely causes

  • CommonPhone or tablet low on available memory or storageRunning many apps or having little free storage can cause instability.
  • CommonApp needs an update to fix known bugsApp updates frequently address crash and performance issues.
  • PossiblePhone operating system outdated or incompatible with the app versionOlder OS versions can lose compatibility with newer app releases.
  • PossibleBackground apps competing for resources during flightOther apps running can slow down or destabilize the drone app.
  • Less commonOverheating phone throttling performance during extended usePhones can slow down or become unstable when they get too hot.

What to do

  1. Close all other apps running in the background before starting the drone app.
  2. Update the drone app to the latest version from the app store.
  3. Free up storage space on the phone if it's nearly full.
  4. Update the phone's operating system if an update is available.
  5. Restart the phone completely before a flight session.
  6. Avoid leaving the phone in direct sunlight, which can cause it to overheat and throttle performance.
  7. If crashes persist across different phones with updated software, contact the drone manufacturer's support for further troubleshooting.

When to call a pro

This is a software and device issue; contact the drone manufacturer's app support if it persists across multiple updated phones.

Safety

Generally low risk

Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.

Related guides

Operator provides AI-generated troubleshooting information. It can be wrong. For safety-critical, electrical, gas, structural, medical, automotive safety, or other high-risk problems, consult a qualified professional.