DJI Phantom 4 Advanced Troubleshooting

Drone has issues positioning itself in 3D space properly.

Depending on the type of terrain, the visual positioning system (VPS) may or may not work. Refer to page 29 of the User Manual to find proper terrain conditions at DJI's website. When flying over water, be sure to toggle the VPS off in the control app.

If you are flying over proper terrain conditions and the drone is still unable to position itself in 3D space, the VPS itself may be malfunctioning. You will need to replace the ultrasonic sensor by following this guide: DJI Phantom 4 Advanced Ultrasonic Sensor Replacement.

The user is having trouble connecting the DJI Phantom 4 Advanced to the transmitter.

Check that the transmitter is turned on and the drone is powered on, indicated by a green light on the battery.

Ensure that the battery is secured in the drone. If the drone does not power on, it may have no power. Plug the battery into the charger. If you have an extra battery, you also may use that as a replacement while the other battery charges.

If issues persist, you may have an issue with the flight controller board. If you have damaged the board or have tried every other solution, consider following this replacement guide: DJI Phantom 4 Advanced Flight Controller Replacement.

If you have tried all the solutions above, you may have a firmware issue. Confirm the latest update is installed. To do this, connect your drone to a PC and open the program “DJI Assistant 2”. Select your device, followed by the update button. When the update is complete, reboot your drone and recalibrate your IMU.

Drone drifts without user input while in-flight.

Use the “DJI GO” app to perform calibration. Calibration can be found under Aircraft Status > Calibrate. Follow on-screen directions to calibrate the compass.

Use the “DJI GO” app to perform calibration. Calibration can be found under General Settings > Advanced Settings > Sensor > IMU Calibration. Follow on-screen instructions to calibrate IMU.

The gimbal connected to the camera of the drone may be loose, disabling the drone from holding position. If you notice a loose gimbal screw, tighten it to secure the gimbal and prevent vibrations.

Maintain a direct line of sight with the drone’s receiver and satellites by avoiding buildings, vehicles, or trees. Avoid flying the drone in harsh weather, as this can weaken the signal and cause potential damage to the drone.

If you have tried the above solutions but the problem persists, you may have a firmware issue. Confirm the latest update is installed. To do this, connect your drone to a PC and open the program “DJI Assistant 2”. Select your device, followed by the update button. When the update is complete, reboot your drone and recalibrate your IMU.

Phantom 4 has problems hovering or displays uncontrolled behavior in flight.

Phantom 4 may display in-flight instabilities such as wobbling if propellers are damaged. Check propellers for damage such as chipping and cracking. Replace any damaged propellers and ensure new propellers are installed tightly by following this guide: DJI Phantom 4 Advanced Propeller Replacement.

If the Phantom 4 behaves erratically during flight or hovering, an IMU sensor calibration may be needed. Use the “DJI GO” app to perform calibration. Calibration can be found under General Settings > Advanced Settings > Sensor > IMU Calibration. Follow on-screen instructions to calibrate IMU.

If the Phantom 4 switches from “Position” mode to “Attitude” mode or experiences heading drift, also known as yaw drift, a compass calibration may be needed. Use the “DJI GO” app to perform calibration. Calibration can be found under Aircraft Status > Calibrate. Follow on-screen directions to calibrate the compass.

Phantom 4 powers on but displays electronic speed control (ESC) error.

Look for burnt or damaged motor windings. Motor windings are the copper wires inside motor casing. Replace motor if damaged by following this guide: DJI Phantom 4 Advanced Motor Replacement.

Check motor wires leading to ESC for damage and short. Wires should be covered in protective insulation. Make sure these are intact. If not, make sure exposed wires are not touching each other. Check the connections are still soldered securely to ESC. Resolder if necessary.

If motors are not damaged, ESC may have failed. Take apart drone and inspect ESC boards. Look for burnt components on ESC boards. Replace if damaged, following this guide: DJI Phantom 4 Advanced Electronic Speed Controller Replacement.