Symptoms
- Live view on phone or controller stutters or freezes
- Feed shows a delay compared to actual drone position
- Video quality drops noticeably at certain distances
- Recorded footage looks fine even though live feed lagged
Likely causes
- CommonDistance or obstructions weakening the video transmission signalVideo feed quality often degrades before full signal loss occurs.
- CommonWireless interference from other networks or devicesCrowded radio frequency areas disrupt video transmission.
- PossiblePhone or tablet running the app is low on resourcesBackground apps or an older device can cause playback stutter.
- PossibleVideo quality setting too high for current conditionsLower resolution live feed settings are more stable at range.
- Less commonFirmware needing an update for transmission stabilitySome transmission bugs are fixed in firmware updates.
What to do
- Fly closer to the controller and within recommended range to see if the feed improves.
- Close other apps running on the phone or tablet to free up resources.
- Lower the live view video quality setting in the app if available.
- Move away from crowded Wi-Fi areas or large groups of other wireless devices.
- Update the drone, controller, and app firmware to their latest versions.
- Check if recorded footage on the drone's memory card looks smooth even if the live feed didn't, confirming it's a transmission issue, not a camera issue.
- If lag persists at close range with an updated, unobstructed setup, have the transmission system checked professionally.
When to call a pro
If live feed lag persists at close range even after updates and reduced interference, a drone repair specialist can test the transmission module.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.