Drone loses GPS signal or flies erratically

Symptoms

• Drone drifts even when the sticks are centered
• App warns of weak or lost GPS signal
• Drone suddenly switches to a manual or attitude flight mode

Likely causes

• CommonCompass interference from metal or magnets nearbyFlying near cars, metal structures, or with metal on your person can throw off the compass.
• CommonUncalibrated compassCompass drift accumulates over time and travel, requiring periodic recalibration.
• PossibleFlying in an area with poor satellite visibilityTall buildings, canyons, or dense tree cover can block GPS signals.
• Less commonWeather or atmospheric interferenceSolar activity or severe weather can occasionally disrupt GPS reception.

What to do

1. Land the drone safely as soon as you notice erratic movement.
2. Move to a launch area away from cars, large metal objects, and power lines.
3. Run the compass calibration procedure from the drone's app.
4. Check for and install any pending firmware updates.
5. Avoid carrying metal objects like keys or phones close to the drone during calibration.
6. Fly a short test flight in an open area to confirm stable GPS lock before longer flights.
7. Keep a log of where issues happen to spot a pattern tied to a specific location.

When to call a pro

If GPS issues persist across multiple clear locations after recalibration, have a drone repair service check the GPS module.

Safety