How to Fix the GPS Signal Lost Error on Your Drone

When your drone shows a “GPS Signal Lost” warning, it means it’s failed to lock onto enough satellites and may hover in place or revert to ATTI mode, compromising stability and safety. Here's a Complete Troubleshooting Guide for you to resolve lost signal on your drone. Common culprits include environmental obstructions (buildings, trees), electromagnetic interference (power lines, metal structures), outdated firmware, or a miscalibrated compass/IMU. The most effective remedies are to fly in an open area, reboot and warm up your aircraft, install the latest software updates, properly calibrate the compass and IMU, inspect the GPS module for damage, and minimise nearby interference.

Understanding the “GPS Signal Lost” Error

What Happens When GPS Is Lost

When the GPS icon in your controller app shows fewer than three bars, or the drone indicates it’s searching for satellites, you’re encountering a “GPS Signal Lost” state. In many DJI models, losing GPS will cause the aircraft to hover and, if combined with RC signal loss, trigger a land-in-place failsafe instead of Return-to-Home.

Why It Matters

A stable GPS fix is crucial for position hold, waypoint flights, and reliable Return-to-Home. Without it, manual control is riskier, and features like automated missions can fail.

Common Causes of GPS Signal Loss

1. Environmental Obstructions: Buildings, trees, cliffs, or dense foliage can block the drone’s line of sight to GPS satellites.

2. Electromagnetic Interference: High-voltage towers, metal structures, or nearby RF devices can disrupt satellite signals.

3. Outdated Firmware/Software: Bugs in older firmware can impair GPS modules; manufacturers regularly release updates to improve GPS performance.

4. Improper Compass/IMU Calibration: Incorrect calibration leads to compass-GPS discrepancies, causing your drone to doubt its satellite fix.

5. Hardware Issues: A loose or damaged GPS module can fail to receive signals reliably.

6. Insufficient Warm-Up Time: Traveling long distances from the last fix forces the GPS almanac to reload; rushing take-off can leave the system under-prepared.

Step-by-Step Solutions

1. Choose an Optimal Flight Location: Always launch in an open area with a clear view of the sky; no buildings, trees, or metal overhead.
2. Restart and Warm Up Your Drone: Power off, then restart your aircraft and remote. Wait 1–3 minutes for the GPS module to acquire satellites before take-off.
3. Update Firmware and Software: Connect to your manufacturer’s app (e.g., DJI GO or DJI Fly), check for pending updates, and install them. Updated firmware often contains GPS-related fixes.
4. Calibrate the Compass and IMU: Open the app and go to Calibration > Compass.
   a. Rotate your drone as instructed (usually figure-8 patterns).
   b. On a level surface, run the IMU calibration per app prompts.
   c. Proper calibration realigns the compass and inertial sensors, restoring GPS stability.

    

5. Inspect and Maintain Your GPS Module:With the drone powered off, remove the top cover and check the GPS module’s connections for looseness or damage. Replace if needed.
6. Minimise Electromagnetic Interference: Avoid flying near power lines, metal scaffolding, or large antennas. Even small sources of magnetic disturbance can degrade GPS accuracy.
7. Wait for Sufficient Satellite Lock: Ensure you see at least 12 satellites and three GPS bars before taking off. Below these thresholds, position hold may be unreliable.

Preventive Tips for Reliable GPS Reception

1. Regularly Update Firmware: Stay current to benefit from GPS performance improvements.
2. Calibrate Only When Needed: Over-calibration can introduce errors; calibrate after major location changes or if warnings appear.
3. Avoid Rapid Location Changes: Give the GPS almanac time to refresh when moving long distances; allow extra warm-up time.
4. Inspect Hardware Before Flight: Periodically check the GPS module and antennas for wear or damage.

Conclusion

By understanding the root causes of the “GPS Signal Lost” error and following these targeted steps; selecting an open launch site, keeping firmware and calibrations up to date, and minimising interference, you’ll dramatically reduce GPS dropouts and fly with confidence.